When the 996 Turbo was released back in 2000, it wasn't yet constrained by nannyism. Its analog steering and relatively simplistic safety systems kept the driver squarely involved in the driving experience. For those reasons, it was still an intimidating vehicle that fills its drivers with some old-fashioned fear. Not only did it have the …
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Recent Posts from: Porsche 996
Is The 996 GT3 Is Still Worth Every Penny?
Frankly, the sound and the speed seen in the first few seconds of the video answers this question in my eyes. Dare I say the $60,000 or so these cars are fetching is worth it for the sound of that motor alone! But there's more to this analog machine. [Note: I'm beginning to hate that term as it tends to be synonymous with "overpriced" these …
Continue to the full articleWhich is the Better First Porsche? 996.2 C4S Versus 997.2 C2
The unloved 996 or the refined 997? There are plenty of reasons to love both, and a few reasons to dislike them, too. In this very detailed review, we learn a little more about the characters of these two generations, and why the 996 might offer plenty of thrills if the prospective buyer can appreciate or look past the divisive looks. The …
Continue to the full articleThis Porsche 996 CSR Evo Is The GT3 That Porsche Should Have Built
This screaming eggplant could be described, somewhat unfairly, as an OEM+ version of the 996. With a little more power, several modifications to improve durability, less weight, and a sharpened chassis, its modifications might not impress the most number-hungry types. However, these well-chosen tweaks blend together beautifully and transform a base …
Continue to the full articleThis Is What It’s Like To Own A 996 Turbo For A Year
No creaks, no rattles, no sagging headliner, and no cracked leather. Even the interior lighting shines bright—don't expect that from BMWs of the era. There aren't many indications that this gaudy orange 996 Turbo has been rolling around this planet for the better part of two decades. It's a resilient car to say the least, though somehow it's still …
Continue to the full articleBarks of the 996 GT3 RSR Bounce Off Monza’s Trees
The signature bark of the 996 GT3 RSR is unmistakable to the sonically sensitive Porschephile. They recognize the dry blat-blat-blat of the 3.6-liter under deceleration and heel-toe and from years ago when they heard those same sounds bounce off the walls at places like Sebring and Daytona. The rasp, the throatiness, and the absence of gearbox …
Continue to the full articleIs Buying a 996 Turbo a Wise Decision?
The fact that Tyler Hoover picked up another 996 after a painful foray into the range speaks to the value of the car. He first grabbed a first-generation 996 with a 3.4-liter M96, which promptly grenaded. He then swapped in a Chevrolet V8—an LS2, to be specific—for $17,000. What was once the cheapest 996 with a manual transmission was turning into …
Continue to the full articleHow Much Does LS-Swapping a 911 Truly Cost?
For people tired of the M96 or want their 996 to outrun a few more cars in a straight line, the LS swap is appealing. While the swap is considered to be a cost-effective alternative for the hot rodder or the blasphemer, the custom work required to have an American V8 running smoothly in the back on a 911 can cause the conversion costs to …
Continue to the full articleWhat Does it Really Cost to Own a 996 Turbo?
Have you ever been tempted to buy a Porsche 996 Turbo? No IMS issue with that incredible Mezger engine and, if you find one with the X-50 Power Pack option, you get the same power as the current 911 GTS! These Porsches are the deal of the decade, but exactly what does it cost to purchase and maintain one of these powerful 996 Turbos? Back in …
Continue to the full articleComparing the Air Cooled Engine of a 993 to the Water Cooled Engine of a 996. What are the Differences?
I’ve been around air-cooled cars all my life. Both my parents had VW Beetles, so when it came time to replace my hand-me down first car, a ’71 Ford Capri, it isn’t surprising I went for a ’72 Super Beetle. Then years later, after I found out that Heidi had an heirloom 1958 Porsche 356A Cabriolet in the family, I made it my mission to get that car …
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