997

I'm starting to think about a 997, specifically a Carrera 4 or 4S. I want to use it as a winter daily driver, with snow tires, and a ski rack. The 997 seems like it is in the sweet spot of relatively reasonable pricing, solid functionality, and a fun driver-- and manual transmissions seem to be quite common.

I know about the IMS bearing thing, which seems like not a huge deal on the 997... anything else I should know?

Can you fit a ski rack on, or does it have to be a suction cup thing? Did Porsche have a "preparation for roof rack" option back then?

 

Take a look at suncoastparts.com They have OEM. It looks like the roof rack “system” and the rails themselves are purchased separately.

With respect to the IMS bearing, that isn’t the only difference in the engines. In fact the .1 and .2 have different type numbers. The main difference, although there are many others, is the .2’s direct injection.

 

Thanks for the suggestion on suncoast! That looks like what I will need.

Any suggestions on winter tires and wheels?

 

You’re welcome!

I can’t help with wheels and tires. I’ve lived in Florida all my life!

 

Yes, you can get a real roof rack.

my 997 gt3 had the slots for a roof rack.

 

Is there a source for winter tires, other than Tire Rack? They don't seem to have much available. Maybe a European source, or something? Or is it just seasonal?

 

I'm a 997.1 super-fan. My 2007 turbo just passed 100k miles of daily-driving.
It's a great size, good greenhouse, fast enough, fun and engaging steering/suspension/braking. Storage is pretty good for most shopping needs (maybe not a costco run).
My roof has flip-open roof rack mounting points. It's secure (I used it for surfboards) but consequently takes a little time (15min?) to install/remove so I tended to leave it on once mounted. It does add some wind-noise and buffeting, as expected.
Can't speak to winter tires for obvious reasons, but I'd suggest anticipating it becoming your four-season daily. They're that fun and capable.

Nice upgrade for the 997 generation is the new PCCM with CarPlay. The OEM head unit feels ancient.

I can't comment on IMS. For the turbo, one known failure point are the coolant lines, which may be relevant to a C4/C4S? (bad adhesive; requires engine-out repair; aftermarket elbows can be welded in).
One Turbo-specific problem are spun cam shafts, less common but a bigger repair job to pin and replace.

Good luck with your search.

 

The Mezger engines (GT and Turbo cars) don't have the IMS. The coolant lines are specific to the Mezgers as well so not an issue to my understanding with the standard engine. I believe the 997.2 did away with the IMS so anything after 2009 should be ok on that one.

I assume the trunk space on the 997 is similar to that of my 996. It is amazing how much stuff you can get up front. No issue doing a full grocery shop in that car.

 

As I understand it, the IMS bearing issue was largely solved by 2006, and as you point out, eliminated altogether in the 997.2. Either way, unless I get a 2005, I'm not going to worry about it.

There don't appear to be a lot of advantages to the 997.2 from what I can see, although I'm sure newer is generally better.