Nice story, looking forward to seeing the pleasuredome's carbon fibre.
My Porsche journey (AKA Search for Nirvana...)
- Thread starter ralphmusic
- Start date
Greetings,
(Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes... French...)
It has been nearly a year... Yes, one year since I entered the world of Porsche for the first time and bought my first 911 and I joined PorscheGB the morning after ??.
Today’s post is about all the changes I have made since I bought it but not necesseraly the why behind it as it would be far too long...
The car I bought:
Porsche 997 Carrera 2 Tiptronic Silver from 2006 with 93.000 miles (Sun roof, back windscreen wiper, parking sensors).
It is fair to say that, cosmetically, I had not been looked after with remarkably high standards (no garages…) over the years by its previous 5 owners except for the thing that matter the most to me, the mechanic…
In 13 years, only one MOT failure (not enough screen wash liquid...). A full mechanical assessment done by Porsche and my Indi, Porsche Brookland in Kent, confirmed that there was truly little to do beyond the normal service cycle.
On the cosmetic side, things were different… Scratched OEM 18 inch wheels with rusty bolts, Front, back bumpers with stone impact, bonnet with marks on the paint (acidic bird’s poo it seems), external plastics discoloured by UV, many scratched plastics inside and the list goes on and on…
The transformation journey:
Needless to say that the first battle to win is psychological as financially, it was making very little sense to invest large amount of money in an entry level model largely produced that doesn’t appreciate in value as much as other more prestigious models (GTS, Turbo…).
Once this battle won, I began…
Stage #1: Getting the basics right and improve the look
Stage #2: Return of experience after driving the car
Stage #3: Entering the Pleasuredome of futility (Just starting this phase now)
Stage #4: The Bucket List...
One last thing on the social side...
That car was a selfish gift to myself (very mid-life crisis I know...) but it became quickly and against all the odds the preferred family car for short but also long (week end away) journey. The fact that I have relatively young kids that fit well on the back seats is a big plus.My wife really enjoys the car too (event if the seats are not comfy enough to her taste compare to a Mercedes saloon...
Go figure…
That’s it for now so I am leaving you with this picture from a fantastic day in January 2020 @ Brands Hatch where I dare, for the firt time, driving my 911 like i stole it and OMG, that was good...
Best & stay safe.
(Sorry for any spelling/grammar mistakes... French...)
It has been nearly a year... Yes, one year since I entered the world of Porsche for the first time and bought my first 911 and I joined PorscheGB the morning after ??.
Today’s post is about all the changes I have made since I bought it but not necesseraly the why behind it as it would be far too long...
The car I bought:
Porsche 997 Carrera 2 Tiptronic Silver from 2006 with 93.000 miles (Sun roof, back windscreen wiper, parking sensors).
It is fair to say that, cosmetically, I had not been looked after with remarkably high standards (no garages…) over the years by its previous 5 owners except for the thing that matter the most to me, the mechanic…
In 13 years, only one MOT failure (not enough screen wash liquid...). A full mechanical assessment done by Porsche and my Indi, Porsche Brookland in Kent, confirmed that there was truly little to do beyond the normal service cycle.
On the cosmetic side, things were different… Scratched OEM 18 inch wheels with rusty bolts, Front, back bumpers with stone impact, bonnet with marks on the paint (acidic bird’s poo it seems), external plastics discoloured by UV, many scratched plastics inside and the list goes on and on…
The transformation journey:
Needless to say that the first battle to win is psychological as financially, it was making very little sense to invest large amount of money in an entry level model largely produced that doesn’t appreciate in value as much as other more prestigious models (GTS, Turbo…).
Once this battle won, I began…
Stage #1: Getting the basics right and improve the look
- Front/Back bumpers, bonnet paint job + Polish + Ceramic coating
- OEM 19inch wheel upgrade - 235/305 Michelin P0/P1
- Titanium wheel bolts
- Boot thermoformed luggage liner
- Calipers paint job (Black original)
- OEM Sport Steering wheel upgrade
- OEM windshield replacement
- OEM Cruise drive installation
- Numerous external and internal (scratches) plastics replacements
- Bluetooth module installation (full integration with OEM HiFi)
- Mechanical small bits & pieces everywhere + minor service
- LED upgrade - All internal lights
Stage #2: Return of experience after driving the car
- OEM Sport seats upgrade
- LED upgrade - Front headlights, front indicators, side indicators, rear indicators
Stage #3: Entering the Pleasuredome of futility (Just starting this phase now)
- GT front lower lip - [style="background-color: #ffffff;"]DONE[/style]
- [style="background-color: #ffffff;"]Set of Aluminium pedals -[/style][style="background-color: #ffffff;"] DONE[/style]
- DesignTek Exhaust mufflers - DONE
- DesignTek Exhaust Tail Pipes - DONE
- Central column repainting (Same grey colour as HiFi system and Sport seats back)
- Carbon Fibre Tiptronic Shifter
- Carbon Fibre Tiptronic Shifter Guide Track
- Carbon Fibre Roof Light Cover
- Carbon Fibre Hand Brake
- Carbon Fibre Fuse Box Cover
- Carbon Fibre Ignition Surround
- Rear spoiler replacement by a Ducktail (New addition)
Stage #4: The Bucket List...
- HiFi speakers mega upgrade
- Suspensions upgrade
- Engine full disassembly and deep clan
One last thing on the social side...
That car was a selfish gift to myself (very mid-life crisis I know...) but it became quickly and against all the odds the preferred family car for short but also long (week end away) journey. The fact that I have relatively young kids that fit well on the back seats is a big plus.My wife really enjoys the car too (event if the seats are not comfy enough to her taste compare to a Mercedes saloon...
Go figure…
That’s it for now so I am leaving you with this picture from a fantastic day in January 2020 @ Brands Hatch where I dare, for the firt time, driving my 911 like i stole it and OMG, that was good...
Best & stay safe.
Great post and thanks for sharing.
After a long search of 997 ducktails options across all Europe, I came to the conclusion that, unless you are planning to go full carbon (which I was not), all supplier's asked prices are a total rip off (nothing under £1000 (more like £1.900 for carbone) for a part that must cost £150 of raw material & labor)...
I therefore extended my search and found some interesting options in Asia and the US and decided to settle for this one from California because:
[ul][*]It is not too big (once installed, you can still see the central break light from behind)[*]It comes with a sweet price tag (just under £500 after import taxes)[/ul]As always, final adjustment will have to be done on the car directly before the paintjob.
Let's see how long the package will take to reach her majesty's shore in this pandemic environment...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/it...&item=324155778379
I therefore extended my search and found some interesting options in Asia and the US and decided to settle for this one from California because:
[ul][*]It is not too big (once installed, you can still see the central break light from behind)[*]It comes with a sweet price tag (just under £500 after import taxes)[/ul]As always, final adjustment will have to be done on the car directly before the paintjob.
Let's see how long the package will take to reach her majesty's shore in this pandemic environment...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/it...&item=324155778379
Stage #3: Entering the Pleasuredome of futility - First update
What a lovely weather today to post some new photos after the completion of the first batch of upgrades...
Aluminium pedals set:
GT front lower lip
DesignTek Exhaust mufflers & DesignTek Exhaust Tail Pipes
Overall, very happy with the new look despite the fact that there is a little bit of work remaining on the GT front lower Lip as it is applied on the top of the exisitng lip (that needs a paint job to make it perfect) instead of replacing it.
Soundwise, very happy as well as the new exhaust mufflers are relatively discrete in town and sligtly more (but not too much) vavavoum on the road...
BIG thanks to Barry for Porsche Brooklands in Kent (and his partner in crime) for, as always, the excellent work done on my 911.
Tomorrow afternoon, a little family escape in the Kent countryside with the 911 to break the confinement routine...
What a lovely weather today to post some new photos after the completion of the first batch of upgrades...
Aluminium pedals set:
GT front lower lip
DesignTek Exhaust mufflers & DesignTek Exhaust Tail Pipes
Overall, very happy with the new look despite the fact that there is a little bit of work remaining on the GT front lower Lip as it is applied on the top of the exisitng lip (that needs a paint job to make it perfect) instead of replacing it.
Soundwise, very happy as well as the new exhaust mufflers are relatively discrete in town and sligtly more (but not too much) vavavoum on the road...
BIG thanks to Barry for Porsche Brooklands in Kent (and his partner in crime) for, as always, the excellent work done on my 911.
Tomorrow afternoon, a little family escape in the Kent countryside with the 911 to break the confinement routine...
kalsi997 said:
Hello Kalsi997, It is a 2 steps process....
[ul][*]First of, if like me, you want to upgrade, you need to find the right used steering wheel or buy a new one (depending on your wallet).[/ul][ul][*]Then, you need to select your design on the eBay shop and send it to Germany (WITHOUT the aibag). Approximately 3 weeks after, you'll receive the final product. http://www.ebaystores.de/Leder-Lenkrad/_i.html?_fsub=298698619&[/ul]They have done 2 steering wheel for me and the quality has been remarkable (They can event lend you a spare steeting wheel if needed).
Best
Dougnorwich
New member
Royal steering wheels Done mine he’s very good also
Fridendly warning to all 997 (GEN 1 in particular) owners.
As you know, plastic plates cover the under to improve the overall aerodynamism characteristics of the car. The downside is that it obfuscates some mechanical parts among which are all the tubing to move the liquid coolant between the engine and the front radiators.
My local specialist was particularly good at doing a pre-emptive inspection and the scary images below are what he found.
Just got my car back today with brand new tubing where needed. He told me that most of the early 997 (2005 to 2009) are getting to that stage of their life where some work is required so thought I would share this with you.
These tubings are all under high pressure/temperature and, because of being under the car, exposed to corrosion. If one of them goes, you lose your liquid coolant, the engine overheats rapidly until… no more vavavoum (for good) …
The good news is that it not that expensive to replace.
Consider yourselves warned
As you know, plastic plates cover the under to improve the overall aerodynamism characteristics of the car. The downside is that it obfuscates some mechanical parts among which are all the tubing to move the liquid coolant between the engine and the front radiators.
My local specialist was particularly good at doing a pre-emptive inspection and the scary images below are what he found.
Just got my car back today with brand new tubing where needed. He told me that most of the early 997 (2005 to 2009) are getting to that stage of their life where some work is required so thought I would share this with you.
These tubings are all under high pressure/temperature and, because of being under the car, exposed to corrosion. If one of them goes, you lose your liquid coolant, the engine overheats rapidly until… no more vavavoum (for good) …
The good news is that it not that expensive to replace.
Consider yourselves warned
Thanks for the advice. I had mine checked just after buying the car. There are two pipes that require the engine removing to replace and the quick release coupling pins are a bugger to release. You just need to keep an eye on your coolant levels . All 997 owners of our periods will be faced with large bills at some point to replace these pipes , just part of the ownership experience I guess.
Did you fit the exhausts yourself? I'm interested to get tips on tackling the 3 rusty nuts either side, inside the support brackets. I'd like to find a way to avoid using a "gas axe". Ditto regarding the 3 cat flange "bolts".
I replaced a couple of the clamp bolts, which had corroded to the size of a very small golf tee.
I replaced a couple of the clamp bolts, which had corroded to the size of a very small golf tee.
Hello world,
It has been a while since my last post... Lots of work and then the COVID-19 mess took me away from my 997 project for too long and I am now back with an updated list of improvements that have already or will happen in the following weeks focussing, for now, on the outside & the mechanic.
1) Full detailing (inside out)
To make sure she looks as stunning as my wife [
]
I let you judges of the results (Done by WOW Factor detailing in Kent).
2) Full suspension's rebuilds
To restore the "New from factory" driving feel with new parts & bushes all around.
Thanks to eBay's magic, the total cost of the parts I managed to source was lower than anticipated (£2.600 in total):
[ul][*]4 x MEYLE Wishbone Track Control Arm rear (416 050 0008)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Rear (416 050 0004)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Lower (416 050 0007)[*]2 x MEYLE Wishbone Track Control Arm (416 050 0006)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Front (416 050 0005)[*]2 x MEYLE Lower front rear control arm (416 050 0000/S)[*]2 x MEYLE Anti-Friction Bearing Suspension Strut Support Mounting (414 641 0002)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Anti Roll Bar Link Rear (6196755RMP and 7194143RMP)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Anti Roll Bar Stabiliser Front (26533)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Front suspension top mount (48727)[*]2 x BILSTEIN B4 FRONT Shock Absorber (22-147455)[*]2 x BILSTEIN B4 REAR shock absorber (24-147477)[*]2 x H&H Sway bar - Front & rear (33239-1)[/ul]Here are the 2 technical diagrams giving you the full detail of the parts:
And while I am at it to make sure all vibration sources are addressed...
[ul][*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Engine Mount (34849)[/ul]3) Break disks/pads/sensors replacement
All around because, long term, it is cheaper to do it while doing the suspensions work. I've purchased the package below at Design911 (£570 in total).
[ul][*]BRAKE DISC FRONT L OR R 996/997C2/987C/986S "BREMBO"[*]BRAKE PADS 997C2/C4 FRONT - 997 S REAR (3.8) C2/4 BREMBO Requires Pin Kit 95535296000[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 997 C/2 L FNT "OEM BRAND"[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 997 C/2 R FNT "OEM BRAND"[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 36/40MM[*]BRAKE PAD PIN KIT 987CS FRONT / 997 / 955 REAR ALL (set for 2 calipers) *OEQ[*]BRAKE DISC REAR L or R 996/997 MKI C2/C4 3.6L/ 997 MKII C4 3.6L BREMBO[*]BRAKE PADS REAR 996/986S/986/987S/997 "BREMBO"[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 986FR/996FR&RR/997 C2/4 RR[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 30MM *OEM[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 28MM *OEM[/ul]More soon...
It has been a while since my last post... Lots of work and then the COVID-19 mess took me away from my 997 project for too long and I am now back with an updated list of improvements that have already or will happen in the following weeks focussing, for now, on the outside & the mechanic.
1) Full detailing (inside out)
To make sure she looks as stunning as my wife [
]I let you judges of the results (Done by WOW Factor detailing in Kent).
2) Full suspension's rebuilds
To restore the "New from factory" driving feel with new parts & bushes all around.
Thanks to eBay's magic, the total cost of the parts I managed to source was lower than anticipated (£2.600 in total):
[ul][*]4 x MEYLE Wishbone Track Control Arm rear (416 050 0008)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Rear (416 050 0004)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Lower (416 050 0007)[*]2 x MEYLE Wishbone Track Control Arm (416 050 0006)[*]2 x MEYLE Track Control Arm Front (416 050 0005)[*]2 x MEYLE Lower front rear control arm (416 050 0000/S)[*]2 x MEYLE Anti-Friction Bearing Suspension Strut Support Mounting (414 641 0002)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Anti Roll Bar Link Rear (6196755RMP and 7194143RMP)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Anti Roll Bar Stabiliser Front (26533)[*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Front suspension top mount (48727)[*]2 x BILSTEIN B4 FRONT Shock Absorber (22-147455)[*]2 x BILSTEIN B4 REAR shock absorber (24-147477)[*]2 x H&H Sway bar - Front & rear (33239-1)[/ul]Here are the 2 technical diagrams giving you the full detail of the parts:
And while I am at it to make sure all vibration sources are addressed...
[ul][*]2 x FEBI BILSTEIN Engine Mount (34849)[/ul]3) Break disks/pads/sensors replacement
All around because, long term, it is cheaper to do it while doing the suspensions work. I've purchased the package below at Design911 (£570 in total).
[ul][*]BRAKE DISC FRONT L OR R 996/997C2/987C/986S "BREMBO"[*]BRAKE PADS 997C2/C4 FRONT - 997 S REAR (3.8) C2/4 BREMBO Requires Pin Kit 95535296000[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 997 C/2 L FNT "OEM BRAND"[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 997 C/2 R FNT "OEM BRAND"[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 36/40MM[*]BRAKE PAD PIN KIT 987CS FRONT / 997 / 955 REAR ALL (set for 2 calipers) *OEQ[*]BRAKE DISC REAR L or R 996/997 MKI C2/C4 3.6L/ 997 MKII C4 3.6L BREMBO[*]BRAKE PADS REAR 996/986S/986/987S/997 "BREMBO"[*]BRAKE PAD SENSOR 986FR/996FR&RR/997 C2/4 RR[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 30MM *OEM[*]ANTI VIBRATION DAMPER 28MM *OEM[/ul]More soon...
To answer Hillbeley's question, all work on my 997 is done by favourit Indi.
https://www.brooklandskent.co.uk/
https://www.brooklandskent.co.uk/
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