ABANDONED 997 TURBO RACE CAR BUILD - Stripping it Down

[@Pointyman77]

As a Porsche certified body technician . The 997 is completely steel . No aluminum body. You’d be better off finding someone who can pull out the damage and square everything out . And then replace all the damaged components. The shell isn’t too far gone honestly .

[@MSLAGLE663]

^ what he said

[@nev997TT]

I’ll just add that on the 997TT, only exterior bits made out of aluminum are the doors and front hood.

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

Agreed. Have a body shop give an estimate, rack it, install gauges and start pulling.

[@thesearch9048]

My thought would be to check with a reputable frame shop to get their opinion on cost & feasibility for frame straightening. $34K is a heck of a deal, so you have room to spend and not end up under water. Really enjoying the channel and looking forward to more 997 content!

[@Cubanb407]

This all day

[@matt13ross]

Thanks guys!

[@adamballweg]

My thoughts too. I’ve heard some frame guys can do miracles!

[@Willymacdonald]

Hey Matt, You'll need to take all the glass out and take it to a reputable specialist that stretches & straightens frames. It can be done and returned to factory OE Spec. It'll be expensive but it can be straightened out. Hope you work it all out, love your content keep it up bro

[@Onlooker71]

Totally agree. Doesn’t have to be a Porsche specialist frame shop.

[@esteban8681]

Matt, this is the reply you're looking for. Willy is right. Go this route.

[@shr00m7]

Agreed with this one, a good frame guy will have a frame table and access to the factory geometry to dial it in. I am no expert, but from the looks of it I think a good frame guy can have it fixed and SAFE so you can focus on the rest of the restoration.

[@seandonaldson5084]

Totally agree, that that’s looks like a simple job for a skilled frame shop.

[@SteveBassen]

Yeah any decent frame shop should be able to pull that true and remove those prior sketchy frame repairs.

[@Peugeot306]

Take it to Vtuned and have him straighten the chassis.

[@JokkeKmannen]

Great idea :)

[@silverbullet0875]

If anyone can fix it vtuned will totally fix it he’s in Tennessee also Matt if you want to try it yourself there is a small frame machine made in China might do the trick

[@silverbullet0875]

Hi Matt look a some of vtuned channels stuff he has fixed, especially goonzquad 911 roll over repair and also would be a great collaboration

[@matt13ross]

If I can get ahold of him, yes

[@peterrule8107]

Its also great KZbin Cross promotion and you will pick up a stack more subscribers, worth the journey@@matt13ross

[@Mark_Bloom]

Take it to VTUNED and he will straighten that frame easily. I’ve seen him do some amazing pulls and I think he can fix almost anything 😮

[@pieterverboven4853]

He has no frame rack currently tho. So he would need to use his dad's where his older brother Yuri (from 23rd garage KZbin channel) is also at. He could do the repair as well, also a great frame guy. Body work I wouldn't have them done, not their forte imho.

[@abhijeetmankar772]

Exactly my thoughts, take it Vtuned, he is a magician and one of the best out there. Will make for some very interesting content.

[@jamesfalcon1017]

THIS ^^^^^^^^^^

[@AndreasMüller-l5s]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Islander416]

I was about to suggest VTuned. He can fix anything!

[@mr.spokomaro]

Keep the current chassis and get it fixed. Do a collab video with vTuned garage. Super friendly fella and skilled when it comes to frames.

[@bandwagon240]

While it's still warm up there, put the seat with the wrinkled bolsters in a black plastic bag out in the sun. It should help it come back. It's an old trick I'd use on RR/Bentley seats, should work well here. Just slop a lot of the conditioner on it beforehand.

[@SteveBassen]

being gentle and patient with a heat gun on the low setting will work, as well

[@matt13ross]

I may try that, thanks!

[@VelvetHammer1]

I think it will be far cheaper to properly fix the shell you have. Plus it will be worth a lot more if properly fixed. Any future buyer will balk at a Frankenstein car with non matching numbers. As long as it is fixed right I think you should be fine. Fix the frame, get it painted the same color and put it all back together. I would not deviate from the factory colors though. You get the most money for clean, original OEM pure cars on resale.

[@boastyy]

How about a collaboration with V tuned and have the frame straightened out. If he's too far away I would look locally for a frame shop that your happy with.

[@matt13ross]

I’d have to get in touch. Not easy!

[@jamesfalcon1017]

You need to send it to VTuned's garage to get the frame straightened & repaired. He'll get those body panels on perfect.

[@IOERROR622]

Take it to a shop that has a frame machine and have them pull it back into shape.

[@blazinhot6873]

That engine drop was pretty impressive man. I'm glad you survived it.

[@david_s1]

kept thinking it was going to fall on him

[@matt13ross]

Wasn’t the smartest idea. But it worked.

[@david_s1]

@@matt13rossAs long as you are ok!

[@maxv1455]

Hi Matt! I do not know how they do it in the USA, in Russia we usually take such a car to the slipway to the bodywork master. The slipway is a special machine for pulling the geometry of the body according to the control points that are published by the body manufacturer himself, in your case, Porsche! The work is simple, but the geometry is certainly not measured with a tape measure and not in inches!)) Because in the metric system, any measurements will be more accurate. You have a very good body, so I don't think it's worth buying a new one, just put this one in order! I also wanted to say about the seats, dents and creases on the skin are easily corrected by the steamer! Good luck to you!)

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@New777Wine]

Need to get it on a jig and measured up to see how bent up and out of whack the whole chassis is and go from there. Hopefully it can be pulled back into shape. :) Brave man, not a task for the faint hearted!

[@simonh3807]

That’s a $25k engine 😮. You’ll never lose money on this.

[@matt13ross]

Exactly, PLUS the transmission.

[@allensketchclub8579]

Serious content, matt!! I concur with going to a unibody specialist that can address the rails. That will be the largest obstacle in this build, but once completed will allow you to move forward on such a fantastic car!!

[@snolvr100]

1) Is that Atlas gray? 2) if so stick with original shell after straightening and repaint oem color, so underrated and rare, esp with that polarizing Terracotta:) 3) Replace coolant res, starter, plastic elbows, coolant feed lines to turbos, pin coolant lines and cams. 4)Keep up the solid work, Matt!

[@matt13ross]

Yup, Atlas grey!

[@Tk44375]

Get it to a body shop with a frame machine to get straightened out and build it back up!

[@mikedansky4797]

Hey Matt, give vtune garage a call and good luck with the build.

[@rayvandervoort5164]

I normally don’t prefer my leather seats shiny….you do? You are picking up the slack. Keep it up! Love both the Poorsches

[@matt13ross]

Thanks!

[@GoPotato69]

def take it to a frame shop

[@plus790]

@7:15 should have made a Super Dave style cut to the engine on the ground with some newspaper stuffed pants legs and shoes sticking out from under it.

[@matt13ross]

Hhaha

[@joncamilleri2172]

Stick it out and invite V-tuned to have a look at it.

[@daineseboy78]

I’d get in touch with v tuned. If he can fix some of samcracs disasters I’m sure he could fix that Porsche

[@dezigns80]

If that color is Atlas Grey Metallic (which I believe it is), my $.02 would be to repaint it the same, as it was a somewhat rare color, and only offered for a year or so. My first Porsche was this color and I've only seen 1 or 2 others in the last 13-15 years. Beautiful combo with the Terracotta - great spec!

[@matt13ross]

Yup it is Atlas grey.

[@ceelos4979]

you need to invest in a Harbor Freights Hydraulic Table Cart. i used that to removed multiple Porsche engines.

[@matt13ross]

Yes

[@paulritchie8873]

I don't own a Porsche, don't know the first thing about them - i stumbled on your channel a few months back while restoring my Foxbody. Anyway - Im hooked on the content, and hoping your can get that 997 fixed. IMO, last thing you want to do is start swapping between 997's.. You'll end up with a MUTT 997 that at the end of the day might hurt resale - even though i fully expect it to turn out as nice or nicer than the 996. If it were me, id try to keep it as original as possible.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for the support!

[@robertoshaughnessy-bo9hm]

a good frame shop will be able to sort that out for you no real need to do a body swop

[@kallefleck8717]

Get the bodywork aligned. Always better to have the same parts engine and body left. Anyway get a price to align the body 🎉

[@danb2145]

Frame shop and straighten it out, most likely possible 👍🏻

[@atallah24]

I would stick it out and fix this one. Yes the porsche queens out there will hate on it and say you shouldnt have done that but those same people would be complaining that it was done by an amateur rather then a porsche indy shop. I think the gaps will line up. I am also not sure what a shell goes for, but I'd stick with what you have.

[@rx7what]

Any frame shop should be able to pull that out easy. 3/8 out of square where you measured is almost within spec for most cars. Pay 2-3k to get it straightened at a frame shop and weld the new quarter on. That car will be a very easy fix.

[@justinkerr3033]

Get it on a frame machine and pull it straight. Much cheaper than finding a good straight body. Vtuned can definitely fix that. Good luck, chin up - she’ll be a beauty.

[@jermaineleon9370]

You should strip the rest of the interior out and take it to a frame shop That interior will be destroyed if you leave it in and try to have the frame work / Body work done

[@IanClos3]

I think the Price was a solid number Matt. Especially with all the spare parts that came which you could even potentially resell if not used. So as of right now this car is on track to still be in the green at the end! :)

[@redfbody1]

if you could get something going with Vtuned, he did wonders with the Goonzsquad 991, I was really surprised with how it turned out.

[@JT-162]

Victory! Excellent job pulling that engine and trany out in real DIY conditions...like being sick...get a second opinion. A good Porsche shop will give you a professional assessment. Could be a job for @VTuned (check his channel out)

[@violinmiata]

Let a pro frame shop fix the chassis and the best body shop do the rest. Save the car. There are magicians out there that do this work every day. The paint and interior color make the car very desirable. Keep the numbers matching and the value will be held!

[@TheGearheadLounge]

I agree with all who are suggesting to take it to a frame shop. You gotta get the foundation good first. Have you reached out to @Rennch? He's in the Long Beach area. He's not a frame guy, but I'm sure he knows a good one that's good to Porsches.

[@sebdries]

34k$ is a steal. Do the frame right, no swap pls. Matching Numbers and clean title will be worth a lot. As Mentioned before: get the dampers overhauled by Bilstein, get a replacement pipe to keep the exhaust as is (to keep costs down as well) and from there it will be great content going forward

[@sergeliseleveillee9849]

check with a frame shop it may not be that expensive to fix at least you ll know !

[@anthonybrand6137]

Matt, thanks for another great video! This 997 project, & the 'completed' 996 rebuild are so relateable to us amateur home mechanics......not enough space in the garage, tools here & there, not having exactly the right kit or equipment, having to 'wing it' but overcoming the challenges nonetheless. Congrats on getting rhe engine out, so now you can get a body shop/expert ipinion on the damaged rail & decide the best option for your situation Keep up the great work! 👍

[@briang.3442]

Good price. I guess the question is, can you replace the rear clip of the car. I think trying to fit anything prior to having this on a frame machine is a mistake

[@SupermotoCentral]

What a deal! Parts are worth more than that, I think a frame shop should be able to fix that

[@matt13ross]

Yup!!

[@plus790]

Ordered the Leather Honey kit which Amazon will deliver tonight. I'll get my 987.2 CS seats and extended leather door cards spruced up. MATTROSS20 FTW!

[@matt13ross]

Thanks! They will appreciate that a lot!

[@flats1935]

Matt - I rarely comment and don’t expect you to appreciate that I am commenting now…but want you to know that I love your content. I’m a 997.2 owner and I was hooked on your 996 build. Equally as hooked on your 997 stuff. Comes down to you being able to do so much more than the rest of us and your humble approach with your audience/somehow I have to figure this out. Thanks for including us. I appreciate you and what you share with us. By the way, I have no fukn room in my garage either. Keep including us. Thanks.

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for the kind words! So you're in the same no room garage club as me? lol sucks!

[@nev997TT]

Great job, Matt! That’s awesome the previous owner had already drained the coolant and dropped the motor…it saved you from taking a coolant bath 😂! These engines like to puke coolant everywhere when you drop them. Looking forward to watching this 997TT build!👍🏻

[@matt13ross]

Hate coolant baths lol

[@robertbonesio5498]

Bite the bullet. Take it to a frame machine specialist. Have them take the back half off and add a hole new frame rails.

[@johnlump3950]

Excited about the new videos! I just finished my 996 rebuild! Can you find me a 997 also? Lol

[@johnlump3950]

Harper freight has a cheap floor table jack. Worked great for me. 250.00

[@matt13ross]

I’ll look into that, thanks!

[@eurotrashdtm]

Find a shop with a Celette fixture. If all of the damage is localized to the passenger side rear quarter, I think for $60k all in you could have a pretty sweet 997tt. My $0.02

[@denyprag2566]

Ask vTuned garage. He can surely help with the decision

[@matt13ross]

If he gets back to me

[@sphiwe.maphosa]

shout out to leather honey for sponsoring today’s video, your seats look awesome after applying their products fasho 🎉🎉🎉

[@ebeing2955]

Id like to see them a week later TBH. wet is no demonstration.

[@leatherhoney3094]

@@ebeing2955 I agree! I know our product will keep them looking great for a long time but I would love to see updates!

[@matt13ross]

Great stuff! They are still looking great about a week later!

[@rtbh10]

100% find a good frame shop and get them to check it out and pulled straight, then you can start chopping the panels and get them swapped over

[@frankleonard6291]

Fix that frame rail, take it to a good body shop and let them do the measurements and let them pull it back to factory specs

[@nateparsons3483]

You should dry ice blast this thing also! Shameless plug for a sponsor there! 🤣

[@matt13ross]

Lol please!

[@Royalflushness]

Lmfao that was the sketchiest engine pull your wild but you get it done

[@matt13ross]

Yea looking back it wasn’t the absolute safest way to do it lol.

[@vincentcarrano6329]

Hey Matt, your onto a cracka build here. Reach out get the best advise and rip into like you always do. Price is supa you will have an incredible ride when you finish this one

[@thousandstar]

Ahhhh snappp you know it's about to get real when we see all the tools out with the montage music . Let's goooooooo

[@matt13ross]

Hahaha yes

[@christopherstratman6778]

Content collab with VTuned or someone else that can correctly straighten it out. Grow both of your audiences, get the cr straight.

[@Noah_wie]

If youre going with this chassis you probably have to get it pulled by a professional other than that i dont see how you could make that chassis fit. Finding a chassis to swap everything into probably is going to be hard but i dont know anything about the us market but for 34k thats still a steal imo

[@manqkasgarage6215]

20:18 Bring it to a frame machine ,the people there know what to do. They will pull most of the damage out.

[@ANTOINE-dr2sn]

Maybe a flooded 997 would make a good donor chassis...

[@matt13ross]

Yes!

[@averyc7492]

Man that 2 jack method would have had me sweating bullets. Nice work

[@matt13ross]

It went pretty well!

[@povlrueger3898]

If you have space, I suggest building a good size shed for the parts

[@shoeatic]

If it were me, I would take to a reputable body shop and see if they could repair the frame. Then put it back together.

[@vettesrule3170]

Nice that you list much of what you use for us. No listing of music us3eed though. Kinda diggin' on the tune at approx. 9:00 min in. Who is that? Thanks and BTW, if you do as comprehensive a job on the 997 as you did on the 996, well, then thats a no brainer. 997 please....😉😎

[@matt13ross]

I don’t list songs but you can use Shazam to find them. That’s what I do!

[@kayeman001]

get someone who has a jig, and can straighten the chassis, then reinforce where the obvious damage is, then repaint and rebuild. Engine might need a little tlc too - do it, you will still have a 997 turbo for half the price

[@TuHandy88]

Hey Matt, So my guess of $33997.10 was pretty close? That should be worth some kinda prize, lol

[@matt13ross]

I didn’t make it a competition but if I did, you surely would have won lol.

[@TuHandy88]

@@matt13ross yeah, I figured your viewers would get a kick out of a guess that close.

[@MyBallers]

I love the 996 but would take the 997 over it and that’s a great price! This build is going to be amazing!

[@matt13ross]

Thank you!

[@MyBallers]

It’s time to get an engine stand!

[@matt13ross]

I’ve got one but it’s occupied lol

[@onesecplz]

Eh 996.2 have more beautiful headlights! 😏

[@mikethetechnician310]

look for porsche and mercedes certified body shops with frame machines. if you do all the prep work it won't be anywhere near as expensive as an insurance/crash job.

[@B_Raz]

Hard mode with the jacks, my guy! Great job, but go get yourself the 1k lb hydraulic table cart from Harbor freight. It'll make any and all r/r in the future cake, my friend!

[@matt13ross]

Yes I’m looking into those

[@abninf501]

I would consult with a Porshe specialist regarding the frame if it's salvageable then go from there. Let us know!!!

[@michaelhon6168]

Take it to a porsche specialist to have that back section fixed, then you have it sprayed and then you do the assemble.

[@nedbrozak9325]

You mention that the previous owner said the car has been damaged before. Have you checked the front clip to ensure there's no residual damage or poor repairs that would also need to addressed? Other than that, I agree with everyone else here who says to get it to a good shop and have it straightened properly. I really enjoy your videos.

[@matt13ross]

I haven’t checked the front yet. But I will

[@zedeg94]

OK even knowing you bought new frame, I'd probably drop it to good shop to diagnose, how bad is it over all. It doesn't really matter, that it was damaged multiple times, if damages weren't structural or were fixed properly. This right rear quarter fix will not be too easy, because previous repair was shitty one, but it's definitely possible (with donor quarter)

[@AZMTB]

I seriously was guessing $34k. Awesome next project car! I've got a ZL1 1LE now that has been really fun but I've always wanted a Porsche 911. I think once we get our next house which has to have a shop I'm going to go this route of finding a wrecked one and rebuilding it. As for your question - I absolutely think you should fix it. I think a quick trip to the frame shop will fix your frame rail and rear window fitment issues without much trouble.

[@matt13ross]

ZL1 1LE, great choice!!!

[@leebuckles2364]

I think a good bodyshop should be able to put it on a jig and pull it back to being square and most likely weld it up nice and strong

[@tonyasmus9106]

What about a collab video with Vtuned? Seen him pull some pretty bad crashes back to life on other channels.

[@vettesrule3170]

Finished watching the Vid and here is MHO. $34k isn't bad 'cause you could part the whole thing out and make $$$. Yes, that takes time but so does doing what your doing. Next is the frame. An estimate from a Porsche repair PRO would be wise as you will also learn what it's going to take to fix. Next would be to see what the $$ is if you try to source a used frame, if that's even possible. Then sit down and consider all three factors, can you do it yourself, the cost for PRO repair, or a replacement if feasible. Parting out may then be a consideration. Also, nobody has offered(viewers) to even assist you in your area?? I would but I'm in S. FLA. Good luck and I'll keep watching.

[@snoopyslr]

You got a steal on that car. I expected $50k or more and thought that would have been a decent deal.

[@rickardobrooks5032]

Ensure that the front chassis rails are straight. Ensure there is no sill or roof damage. If not, take it to a body shop, put it on a jig and pull it back straight. One other thing, Porsche 993, 996 and 997’s are not the most asymmetrically accurate. One of the reasons the suspension has so many adjustable points. You will need to strip it completely for jig work. I’ve done it before, albeit hard work, but the results are satisfying.

[@liamegan4303]

Hi Matt from Ireland. I have too give it to you bro. That was a nice bloody job using the two jacks lol. If i tried that then the Car would have ended up on its side 😮. Well done mate. The money you paid for it doesnt seem too bad. I personally would try and fix this Chassis and suspension. Your Great at what you do. So i would definitely give it a go first and then mabey think about buying parts in. In the end it needs too make sense. Anyway great video and Chat soon.😅😅

[@matt13ross]

Thanks for the tips!

[@marcelx8369]

1. It would go to a Porsche Center and measure this chassis out. Also get the information, what needs to be fixed and if it is a reliable fix afterward. ( here in Germany with 280 km/h on the autobahn, we have different views on repaired cars) 2. If it is fixable, is it possible to do it by yourself? Then do it. 3. If a shop can do it, do you have a reliable one? How much is it? Is it much faster and cheaper? Than this option. 4. How easy is another wrecked Porsche 997 to find? What will you do with the rest of the second car? Then repair it by yourself. 5. After repair, go to a Porsche Center and measure everything. That's how I would do it.

[@matt13ross]

Solid plan!

[@OMBEWSSS]

Vtuned are the best answear for lining chassi 🔥🔥

[@leefearon6226]

I would stick with that chassis it’ll be a great learning curve.

[@kiwihame]

Awesome work! Now, what was that colourful thing I spied out front of your garage young Matthew? 😉🤫

[@matt13ross]

Guess you'll have to wait for another episode!

[@kiwihame]

​@@matt13rosshahaha. Nice Easter egg. I'll say no more.

[@maxmirren2219]

My recommendation is to put in a staple and fix this body, make the full repaint, u are going to save everything Porsche does not produce more 997s, so it's your chance to save, it's a good way to go

[@ca5kgr]

If chassis and engine numbers are still the factory ones (matching numbers) this will add value to the final fixed car. the frame rail could be fixed and replaced by a reputable shop, only problem, this is structural component under US law only Porsche service centers could do it, or you could source the part from Europe (be careful US -EU parts could be different) and install it in your preferred shop.

[@bernardthefourth]

Good price. I'd pull the interior and have a pro look at it.

[@atrain132]

1:40 man, we got to try to get you some sort of shop with a lift, or extra storage space!😂 As for the end of the video, personally I would just say go ahead and get a new chassis. Could be more expensive, or could be less expensive in the long run. By the way, it would definitely cut down on time, and the trouble.

[@matt13ross]

I need more garage and more lift! Lol

[@jdh3378]

Warning make sure you install that cross brace that you removed to pull the engine that ties the suspension together.

[@matt13ross]

I will!

[@figifister]

You could lower the car on the quick jack with the wheels off and unbolt it then raise it up. Assuming you have enough room to get in there to remove the bolts.

[@TomLichti]

That's what I did with my Boxster, I had a plywood platform with casters to lower it on to, and I had the engine held up with ratchet straps so I could lower it slowly after removing the mount bolts. I also took the transmission out first. Only sketch part was I didn't notice that one side lowered more than the other and when I tried to raise it the QJ pump wouldn't lift up there over side. They do warn about that in the manual. Luckily I had just enough room to get two jacks under the front and rear on that side to jack it up enough so that the QJ could lift it. Oh, I also forgot to unplug the MAF so that was a bit sketchy.

[@matt13ross]

Idk if I would have had enough room

[@AP-zq6hv]

U can get a auto body frame straightener machine thing for a few grand or if u know someone that has one see how much it would be to straighten that thing out and weld it if it's too wonky lol

[@matt13ross]

I don’t trust myself lol

[@stefaneulenstein]

that engine drop was inspired stuff.

[@Tuscanvince]

I would take it to a bodyshop and get them to repair/align the rear end on a jig 🤔

[@starrguitarworks]

Fit the panels and send it. I’ve rebuilt two “salvage” Porsches for my enjoyment… not for resale. If you can massage some good panel gaps, you’ll save some $$$. Otherwise, you may as well have bought a clean one when all is said and done. Best of luck!

[@mlchaelfriedman438]

You should bring to a Porche specialist that’s inexpensive and then make a proper decision

[@getdealtwithquick]

Hey Matt, gotta ask this: are the 996 and 997 really upgrades over your E36 in terms of smiles per gallon? - I'm really torn on what I should buy as a 2+2 or 4-seater weekend toy and honestly just haven't been that excited with the 991s, 992s I've driven. I'm starting to think that what really checks my box is light weight with great sound over outright speed and comfort and I have a hard time believing others who have gone from older cars to newer, faster, more comfortable haven't at some point run into the same realization.

[@matt13ross]

E36 is more fun for sure, but a much worse DD (no A/C, no rear seats, 90s car, rides rougher, etc.). It's a blast to drive, but for longer cruises I'd take the Porsches any day.

[@vintagesteelgarage]

Personnaly at the PO comment of multiple crashes and rear window doesn't fit I'd have walked away. Engine is still a big unknown. However will make a great you tube project to watch so hats off to you.

[@matt13ross]

Parts are worth more than I paid so it’s a win win for me.

[@NeeshraHermes]

This damage is nothing compared to what we have fixed before. I buy cars from auction fix them and sell them. We have done cars in much worse conditions frame wise. This is very easy Job for a frame shop. You can fix it Matt go for it 😅.