Porsche Turbo Questions

Different F+R sizes on both the 348 and 996......IIRC "staggered ??" is the term tire guys use.

 

996 Turbo was available from 2001-2005 and 997 Turbo was available from 2007-2010. If you can afford a 997 Turbo, then you might also want to consider a 996 GT2.

996 has 415hp/415tq (444hp/457tq for X50), 997 has 480hp
997 has variable vane turbos that decreases turbo lag
996 has 18" wheels, 997 has 19" bling, er, wheels

In 2001, Turbo was available; some Turbos had front bumper warts; some Turbos had hollow-spoke wheels
In 2002, a passenger-side glovebox was added; X50 and PCCB was offered as options
In 2003, Porsche switched to MOST for the radio interface so it has a difference head unit, CDR-23 vs CDR-220 (makes it hard to go aftermarket audio w/ MOST)
In 2004, Porsche started using the "Spanish" crankcase, crankcases manufactured at the Spanish factory; if memory serves me right, these crankcases are webbed and stronger (not that the other crankcases aren't strong)
In 2005, the only Turbo available is the Turbo S, which has PCCB and X50 standard, but also includes wheels painted in GT Silver Metallic

Beyond that, both (except for 2010 Turbo) are based off the "tried'n'true" M64/GT1 Metzger engine block -- pretty much an aircooled engine w/ water jackets added and water-cooled heads.

Like other high-end cars, I would not shop merely by price and mileage, I would also pay attention to the options like supple leather, heated seats, colored gauge faces, carbon fiber trim, aluminum trim, etc. Under the hood, there is a sticker that has all of the option codes... if you can get the option codes, then you can decode what options a Porsche came with (and what was added later in aftermarket).

Oh yeah... 996 stock boost is around 0.7bar and around 0.9bar for X50; if you're seeing 1.0+bar on a 996 Turbo, then chances are it has ECU software. I don't know what the factory boost is for the 997, my guess is 0.9-1.0bar.

996/997 engines are reliable, but not as solid at the TT/GT2/GT3. Some 996 will develop rear main seal leaks and failing intermediate shaft. The risk of leaking RMS for 997 is lower, but still remains; HOWEVER, I have not read anything about IMS failure on the 997 so that is very good.

This changed in 2009 when Porsche released a new DFI engine w/ fewer moving parts and no IMS (so no risk of IMS failure). If I were getting a 997, then I would opt for a 2009, but there is no long-term reliability data available. The 2009 3.8 S models have 385hp, as much as a 996 GT3! I test drove a 2009 C4S w/ PDK; with launch control (there were 2 launch control settings, IIRC), it felt like God himself picked you up and just threw you.

///Michael

 

Well, there we go.

348 requires 4 differnt wheels.

Somehow the Italians can keep it straight but the Germans use the same solution as Dodge does on the Neon? Pathetic.

 

nuff said...a turbo it must be! you will not be disappointed.

 

Also, if it takes a dealer 10 years to figure it out, 99% of the buyers out there will never notice it

 

True 'dat........LOL !!

 

996TT's are known to be bulletproof.
Stock engine internals are said to be good for 700HP. Its GT1 stock block for a grand.
A great car for the money.
10 or 20k more miles for $10K less is a good trade.

I would not get a tip as they are quite a bit slower.

 

2005 had both regular Turbos and Turbo S. Lot's of guys try and pass off fake S cars but only the real ones have the ceramic brakes (Yellow calipers). I looked at 10-15 cars before buying. Be careful if you decide for a RARE car in the 2005 TURBO S

 

+ 1 except that tip is not "quite a bit slower"..the difference is .1 of a second as I recall.

 

I owned 2 of the 996 versions, both tuned and both turned into RWD, they were alot of fun, and one used to go from nothing to 1.2 boost, that one you needed to make sure you were pointed in the right direction on. Just remember one thing turbo, non turbo, something new, faster, and better will always be coming. After 39 Porsches the one that ended up being a keeper was not a turbo.

 

yes but old turbo never die...the simpy go back to the shop for even more hp!!!

lol...i think you know that as well as i!!