Porsche 911 Owner Stories: Porsche 996 Coupe Owner Says Why He LOVES The FRIED EGGS!

In the latest installment of my Porsche 911 owner stories series, I interview John C., who tells us why he LOVES, LOVES, LOVES his 2002 Porsche 911 996 Coupe. This is the first time I've featured a 996 on the channel so it truly was fun to hear a 996 owner tell me why he enjoys this model so much.
The Porsche 911 owner stories are always fun to do because I get to hear firsthand about the connection between the Porsche 911 owner and his or her car.
The 996 is often seen as the ugly cousin version of the Porsche 911 due to its' "fried egg" headlights and the engine's being prone to grenade thanks to the faulty IMS bearing. This topic has been beaten to death on Porsche 996 owner forums so I won't go into that here, but in this video, John tells us why this issue doesn't bother him in the least, and he also shares a plethora of reasons why he believes the 996 is the best Porsche 911 to own.
The Porsche 911 owner stories videos are always a great resource for anyone who is just looking for either entertainment or real-life ownership advice based on the experience of someone who lives with a specific year, make a model Porsche 911.
Check out this video to learn:
- How much it costs for a porsche 996 ims bearing replacement
- The difference between the first generation 996 and the second generation 996
- Whether this owner believes the Porsche 996 is going up in value
- How this owner believes the Porsche 996 911 stacks up against air cooled Porsche 911's
- The total cost of ownership for this 2002 Porsche 911 996 coupe
- Common failure points for the Porsche 996
Please comment, subscribe and give this video a thumbs up.
0:00 Start
2:05 Interesting Porsche 911 research - lowering or retaining stock height
3:32 Start of interview
4:36 Features John was looking for in his 996
5:04 Fister exhaust on the 996
6:05 What John likes most about his 996
7:07 Porsche 996 "fried egg" headlight discussion
8:58 Porsche 996 IMS Bearing replacement discussion
11:36 Porsche 996 values
14:15 Porsche 996 cost of ownership
#996Porsche #Porsche996 #996911 #porsche911 #porsche911ownerstories
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About My Channel:
Rennthusiast (formerly Bavarian Enthusiast TV) is for the most part a Porsche 911 channel centering on experiencing air cooled Porsches, but will also feature other vintage, analog vehicles I add to the collection. The channel is the result of my deep passion for air cooled Porsches, my interest in the air cooled Porsche community, my obsession with modding, improving, buying and selling cars in general and my desire to put myself out there on KZbin and share these passions with other enthusiasts.
Porsches I currently own as of the time this video was produced:
1995 Porsche 911 993 Coupe in polar silver
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera in guards red
2007 Porsche 911 Turbo in guards red
Please subscribe to my channel.

[@rogerjones3341]

Get over it with the lights ,the lights look great , the 996 especially c4s is the best looking modern classic to date and an awesome car

[@Minoltalphafan]

Especially when replaced with the clear blinker version or de-ambered. Those are the GT1 lights, I replaced my halogens with lightronics, so aero.

[@ganthrithor]

"I just wanted a janky airport car." ~*Pulls up in an immaculate and perfectly-sorted 911 that looks like it just left the factory*~ What a cool guy.

[@Rennthusiast]

Julian B my thoughts as well when I heard the story 😂

[@dauwg99]

Tres cool. Seems like he'd be a cool friend.

[@dbm755gp]

And here I was embarassed and thought that I was the only one who goes out to the garage to stare at my 911. And smile at it, smile some more and come back to the house happy as can be.

[@ebeing2955]

i see nothing wrong with this.

[@GT380man]

I do this about my 1970s Suzuki GT triples.

[@Retrobeemer]

I'm so glad I never listened to all the haters and internet experts who criticise the 996. I've wanted a 911 since I first knew what one was back in the late 80's but I've just never had the cash to buy my own. I recently had the opportunity to buy a 996.2, non sunroof in arctic silver with extended boxster red leather interior and the 320bhp 3.6 for just £11K UK. It was the only 996 in my budget and I figured it was now or never! I've just put 1000 miles on it over the past month of ownership and I absolutely love the thing. I have a plan to do preventative maintenance over the coming winter plus a lighter flywheel and coilovers to add to the aftermarket alloys I already fitted. Right now though, I just enjoy driving it and couldn't be happier with my 911/996.

[@tedwarner1041]

Too funny. I’m a pilot too and went looking. I ended up With a 996 turbo s.

[@04dram04]

I used to think these were ugly. Now they look like a beautiful classic

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

The fried egg headlights are going to be in great demand when these cars become collectible. The attention they got is going to make them become a money feature. Laugh and check back here in 10 years.

[@roelfkromhout]

Indeed. I already think it's the best looking 911 out of all the water cooled ones. Easily.

[@MTLJack]

Prices has already start going up because the 996 GT2 & GT3 became in demand now. People looking for alternative to these such as 996 TT , C4s and such also benefit from the price boost. In Canada, even Porsche boxsters 1st gen are in demand now because of the covid (people are looking for toys now because they cannot travel)

[@SF_Native]

1000% agreed. They've already gone up in price and finding great examples of 996.1s are becoming much harder to find.

[@richardclegg5853]

As a fairly new 1999 70k mile 996 owner who paid a bit above market it think ($34k) i hope your right!!! I know I love it and pretty sure I may never sell it

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

@@richardclegg5853 your Porsche is either not a 996 or a not a 1991. The first year of the 996 was 1997.

[@y0057]

Lovely car, lovely guy. Totally agree with every single pointer including the controversial headlights which in time will make those cars very desirable, he defo has the right attitude.

[@hubertkolka3107]

Where has this channel been my whole life? 991.1 base owner here, cheers!

[@AndersChanTidemann]

I drove a 2002 996 base Carrera and it was GLORIOUS! I loved driving it! Drove a Macan Turbo same day and much preferred the 996. I've driven a bunch of other 911's too as well and the 996 remains a highlight.

[@Rennthusiast]

Porsche 996 Cabriolet review coming this weekend. Yes, the redheaded stepchild of the 911's...but also surprisingly good enough to buy.

[@ronaldthomas1300]

I recommend the car to be lowered 100%. I went with Ohlins and they not only improved the look of my 997, they also improved performance..

[@davidlowrey848]

I bought my 01 996 in October and LOVE IT!!! People are catching on and price is going up. As great as it looked winning in Le Mans, I liked it rolling in to my garage :)

[@arryc3947]

Check out the 996 Carrera Owners page on Facebook - good bunch with great tech info. I've had mine 6 years in April and still loving every minute.

[@jmalenko]

Great video. Thanks for posting it. I have a 996.1 C4 6-speed and love it. Surprisingly, my wife does too. Previous owner installed a GT3 “tribute” body kit, a high-end Bluetooth stereo, and coil overs. I put a set of brand new 19” Lobster Claw wheels and people get a little confused when they see the “egg” headlights, thinking it’s a gen. or two newer, but compliment it every time I take it out for a little exercise. I would like to take the liberty to add a little of my research before I bought mine, if I may. A little known fact is that Porsche quietly consulted with Toyota when they designed the 996. They wanted a reliable car that would help clear up the “Porsches like to mark their territory” reputation and the air conditioning system blew cold air reliably. They succeeded, in that these cars are typically dry when you look underneath and there is no oil burned mist inside the engine bay, and the air conditioning works beautifully. Water cooling definitely helped to improve the AC. Try to find an old 911 that doesn’t need the AC repaired and refilled every Spring. Not too many of them around. Probably the reason you see old 911s driving around with the windows down. In conclusion, I would highly recommend a 996 over an air-cooled model. I’ve owned two 964s and even though they are the analog version to have, they are pretty slow. The 996.1 weighs in at 3,000 lbs. and puts out a factory listed 300 hp. I’m convinced it’s more like 320+. It really hauls if you wind it out past 6,000 rpm. It would leave a 964 in the weeds. I would strongly recommend the 996.1 (dual-row intermediate shaft bearing on the early 1999s) chassis to anyone tempted to buy a 911. They are highly under appreciated from getting bullied for so long by the air-cooled purists. As always, buy the best one your budget permits.

[@melvinjonesjr911]

Very well said and thank you!,👊🏾

[@davidholmes892]

good one

[@Simulera]

I have a 996.1, a 1999 Carrera4 Cabriolet, manual transmission. It is a wonderful car, a very mechanical, old school, small, sports car. It is completely original, low mileage maintained car. There is really nothing that I don’t like about the car. Bullet proof is the word and it drives so well. For me, I think it’s a beautiful car as well. The 911 series was saved by this car and that is a wonderful thing, so say thank you!

[@JBsC6]

Btw the exhaust is the perfect sound. Really sounds awesome. Leave as it is. Just perfect.

[@727skydivers]

Another great sounding exhaust is the full Cargraphic exhaust with twin 100 cell motorsport catalytic converters. I have that on my gen 1, 3.4L. Sounds great!

[@garagebeers1]

I’m an aircooled guy first and foremost however I am on the hunt for a nice 996 myself. These cars are incredibly under appreciated. I’m not crazy about the interior build quality but other than that it’s great

[@mattatgsg07]

Ceika Coil Overs are great on mine.

[@johnjames77]

That is great that he likes to drink and look at his 911 because I used to do the same thing with a wide body 1985 911. They really are "functional art" !

[@ChattAPorsche]

Great car. I had a 2003 cab and enjoyed every minute.

[@jordanross3290]

GT1 lights are from the .1 996. Either way .1 or .2... can’t lose. Love my 2000 C2

[@69FOSTER]

After seeing this video, I felt better about my 1999 Porsche 996 Carrera, which has been so maligned. I wouldn't even notice the issue about the headlights if it wasn't brought up so much, I don't know what the big deal is. My 996 is red with tan interior and I'm surprised at how it turns heads even when I bring it in for service at a Porsche repair shop. I get countless compliments from strangers and haven't heard one mention about the headlights. I bought this car with just over 28,000 miles in immaculate condition for about the price of a Honda Accord. However, don't let the battery go dead. My battery was drained and I called AAA to get a jump start, but no matter how much they tried, they could not access the battery because the trunk would not open, so I had to have it towed, which was a major pain to get hooked to the tow truck.

[@johnconnor818]

I should probably tell you about the dead battery procedure. Pull the circuit breaker panel and you should see a little booklet with a visual instruction to getting the trunk open with a dead battery. If it's missing there is a breaker for the trunk that pulls back and allows you to hook the positive lead up to it and the ground to the door latch so you can power the trunk release. 996s are known for battery draw while sitting so most of us leave them hooked up to a trickle charger. I use a Porsche branded one I got off Amazon that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

[@69FOSTER]

@@johnconnor818 Thank you. My Porsche is an early 1999 or 996, so it does not have that breaker that you are talking about. Trickle charger is a good idea, I'll look into that. How far does the cord from the charger reach? I'd have to plug the trickle charger into a utility room.

[@henrijegerings9326]

We have a 2000 996 polar silver tiptronic with 130.000 km. Stock coils seme perfect to us

[@bosed3434]

I bought one brand new in 2000. I love it. Nicest car I’ve ever driven.

[@Porsche_911_Experience]

Sounds great with the exhaust. I got a targa with sport exhaust and it sounds just as good

[@Pokertyme2009]

Really great video, lots of information. I'm chasing a '03 911 Carrera, one owner, 71K miles, Arizona car. PPI is being done early next week, deposit made & after this vid my buyers remorse is waning. Initially I plan to lower it to European ride height, chase all other mechanical gremlins, and then just drive it. Thanks !

[@Pokertyme2009]

I'd like to lower my 996.2 C2 to European height as well but am having difficulty finding European springs and shocks. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@johnmpifer]

Thanks for doing these interviews! For a prospective (eventually, hopefully!) 911 owner like me, it’s really cool hearing real-world accounts of what it’s like to own one of these, and what it takes to get one, maintain, as well as mod one!

[@patrickposey2003]

99 996 cab manual owner here, and I like this channel, just found it

[@shawnstell252]

99 C2 manual owner here, and ditto 👍

[@tserzz]

The 996 Le Mans racing lights are just awesome and was ahead of the other super car manufacturers in catching on to the racing style. The 996 designer a 'genius' and he was way ahead of time for so many of us. His Porsche design is beautiful all around and yet still looks Porsche raw. The 996 is the best urban looking porsche with a rock solid feel and a great drivers car. P.s I know guys now owning and buying 996s from having new 997s. I think the 996 has the best of the old and new in one !

[@johnconnor818]

Amen!

[@srvmotoman]

New subscriber here. First off, I love this channel. The videos are fantastic. These interviews with 911 (all generations) owners is pure gold. Cheers!

[@Rennthusiast]

Thank you. I have another interview dropping Saturday morning with the owner of a 1972 Porsche 911T widebody targa hot rod. Yes, that’s a mouthful.

[@INTERNA9]

LOVE my 2003 C2..RIDE IT LIKE I STOLE IT!

[@jobytapia6388]

I absolutely *LOVE* my early build 996.1 (02/98). Had the engine redone by a well-known outfit in N. GA and in process of changing out the suspension to GT3 quality and adjustability. Super stripper except for LSD - light, fast and knows how to dance, plus last year with the cable throttle. And the original fried eggs are the best!

[@JimZRyd]

Great video as usual! And nice to see some 996 love! They truly are the most bang for your buck 911 out there, esp the gen 2 cars. Mines a silver 03 C4S. Haven't done much to it yet but the mod list is growing. Just got to find the time. I'm also in SC, so maybe I'll see you around at one of the shows.

[@neilfisher7999]

Another great video! I used to own a 2000 996. I now have a Boxster. I thoroughly enjoyed the car and would buy another one without reservation. I personally like the original 996 headlights. Maybe I'm weird, but I don't see what the big deal is. To me the 996 is the best deal in a used 911. I also owned an 87 Targa, which was a fun car, but the 996 is a much easier car to live with and enjoy.

[@kashyappalicha797]

This was such a pleasure to watch and listen to the owner's views. At the risk of being snobbed, I have a 944 and I enjoy looking at it too :-) (it does run and drive, and I enjoy driving it too). I have the 996 on my bucket list too, hopefully i can get it soon. Thanks for your channel, always enjoy watching it.

[@drunvert]

Don't worry, I've got a 944 and I like looking at it too. If I want to go really fast I take my Cayman

[@JBsC6]

I dig the 996 in silver. I see one driving up the palisades parkway following the hudson ..wonderful and right sized . I like the car. Clean lines and id keep the stock ..putting money in negates the interesting value current equation of the 996...which is part of the charm and will keep escalating in value in stock form. Enjoy John Conner .

[@Porsche_911_Experience]

Great car and I bought mine because I like the GT1 headlights

[@kofiofosu9051]

996s are great cars. Tried to convince my buddy to buy one a couple years ago, now they’re getting out of reach for most people. Great car - smart wife.

[@jefftudas3231]

Great review! 2002 Arctic Silver C2 was my first Porsche. Changed to the Fister II’s and put in the IMS Solution. Loved the rear wheel drive and NA. Loved it so much that when I found out the guy I sold it to had traded it in I told him I would have bought it back. Ended up helping a first time Porsche owner buy it as I had all the records from my ownership.

[@markbucknell1]

Very good, honest and intuitive review! Keep the oil changes regular and the car will be perfect! 👍🇬🇧

[@wescampbell9105]

Love the content!! Looking forward to more videos on your interior upgrade.

[@mastershake9551]

Bought my 996.2 one month ago. Best choice of my life:D

[@chrisglaze658]

I bought my Seal Grey 2002 C4 Cabrio a little under a year ago for just at $20k. It had 52000 miles on it. I wanted an 86 Targa with the whale tail, but couldn't find one in a running condition for my high price point. This 02 Cab came on the market and I pulled the trigger. I've ALWAYS been a fan of Porsche since I was a kid, so this was one of those dreams. It's an 18 year old car with 18 year old car problems after having 4 owners, the last of which neglected the car, so I'm having to do all the expensive things (likely why they sold it). But I like to tinker, so it's a project. Anyone who's looking for a very fun daily driver, I'd highly encourage you to take a look at the 996, because it does truly have the heart of a Porsche. Great interview and great content for us Porsche peeps! :D

[@Rennthusiast]

Chris Glaze thanks for watching!

[@curtporter4921]

Will- I appreciate your honesty! You let viewers know the ups and downs of 911 ownership. Good luck whatever way you go

[@ChipMahoney]

I have the 996 in guards red. In a world of white suvs, tesla drivers who think they are all tight with Elon and audis as far as the eye can see, it stands out to say that Pinky was an artist and that art can be appreciated if enough time passes.

[@danielwilliams9625]

Another great owner video. Thanks for sharing!

[@hombrealagua]

Love it!. I want a 996 as well, coming from a family that owned for a big part of my life a 1970 914-6, sadly sold it, I really have the Porsche bug, passion, obsession, and a 996 is the way to go. Congrats on the channel! Cheers from Mexico City.

[@sgttombailes3380]

As I have a '99 built in October '98 this is one fine 996. It has new @ 50K miles a new LN IMS, AOS, CLUTCH ,WATER PUMP ect~~ It does have Traction control, and it is one fun car car !

[@roninsc]

Excellent content. Keep 'em coming!

[@rbarnard264]

Great video once again! Thanks Will for sharing your passion of the Porsche.

[@Rennthusiast]

Ryan Barnard 👍🏼

[@TheGconrad]

my wife drives a cayman, i need a 996. great video.

[@wilsonng911]

Pinky Lai is going be please to hear that. He was the 996 chief designer. IMS bearing would be the first mod to do when owning one.

[@N911GT2]

He wasn't Harm Lagaay was

[@RumblestripDotNet]

He's making it easy for SkyNET to find him, isn't he?

[@exoticsnyc6990]

I know this is an older video but best aftermarket suspension I’ve has were Ohlins Road and Track coilovers. Adjustability is incredible on them.

[@ronp1524]

Have a 2002 cab … lots of fun to drive , priced right for my purposes , Porsches are expensive to repair at a shop but in general the 996.2 is reliable. I like the look of the lights when looking directly at the front.

[@doctortruth4094]

Great to see the 996 love. I've started looking at them and hope to find one before they become unattainable.

[@andryxa1p845]

Just cause Magnus Walker bought a 996 and there's a video on youtube about it....now all of a sudden all the "996 enthusiasts" are coming out of the woodwork with their own videos. If you actually like the 996 and know what happened to every other 911 then why the hell would you want to hype this up? This is the only affordable 911 left....but I have a feeling it won't be for long. It really sucks that my generation never got the opportunity to be able to buy an older 911 for a reasonable price. *I'm mostly joking folks, buy and make videos on whatever you'd like*

[@shawnbramble538]

Love the channel and the 996...2001 cabriolet owner , and I love that car!

[@Rennthusiast]

Thanks! Be sure to subscribe. 👍🏼

[@van_dutch]

Great content! Foreshadowing a possible 996, Will? 🙂 All generations are great to look at. I go out to the garage often, and almost every time I think "That is a great looking car". It never gets old that's for sure.

[@ohnoayotaylo]

Just bought a 996 C4S and I’ve never been happier with a car purchase! Sounds and handles amazing, best smiles per gallon for the money (For now at least 📈)

[@davidfountain819]

I understand the affection for sport wagons. I have a 2017 330i that sits beside my 1999 996 Cab.

[@damianoneil1078]

Gorgeous car, really good guy with a clear passion for his car. I’m a Cayman 981 owner and can see in him what I feel about my car. Thanks for the video

[@johnconnor818]

Thanks for the nice comments. If I was ever going to buy a more modern Porsche it wouldn't be a 991 or 992 it would be a Cayman, and probably a 981.1 The new 911's are beautiful, but their too large a car. The Cayman is the closest thing you can get to the original spirit of the 911 - and it's gorgeous!

[@damianoneil1078]

@@johnconnor818 I completely agree with you. It came down to a really well sorted 997 or my 2016 Cayman, and for me, it was an easy choice. The Cayman in Sport Plus is a beautiful laser guided missile. I’d like to share a pic with you if you’re interested

[@johnconnor818]

@@damianoneil1078 sure. [e-mail]

[@1clkvideos]

I have never understood all of the headlight hoopla... I considered the 996 to be a beautiful machine that (as I saw it then) was a luxury refinement of one of the greatest cars of all time. I love my ‘02 C4S. I am glad that so many ‘purists’ decried the headlights which sent the value tumbling and made the 996 one of the strongest sports car bargains ever.

[@jeremybarker672]

Great review from you both. We can all look back at the time when 80's aircooled 911's and 964's were not so popular and cheap to purchase and the 996 is starting to get the recognition it deserves. You only have to look at 996 Turbo values to see how undervalued they are.

[@Rennthusiast]

Agreed. The turbos especially are a freaking steal for what you get. They’re sure to come up.

[@homefink2235]

That's quite right. When I bought my 964 C4 targa. No one wanted this car. I paid 17000. Matching numbers, all otiginal parts, but some maintenance had to be done. This 13 years ago. And look at the table, what this cars are now worth. I 5hink the 996 is the next rising 911.

[@Rennthusiast]

Home Fink I agree. Thanks for watching!

[@thehonestman26]

I know this is getting older, but I'll way in. I prefer the stock height. I honestly think it looks better, but I currently have a BMW that's low to the ground, and it's just a pain in the ass to get in and out of, and I'm not a big guy by any means. I don't want anything that would discourage me from driving the Porsche, if I had one. lol

[@marcfriedrich2876]

I also love my 996.2 C4 from 2003 and do not understand the haters!!!

[@tylerpoe8628]

“There aren’t any reliable 2-seat sports cars.....” Mazda Miata: Am I a joke to you?

[@johnconnor818]

Sorry To forget you Miata. We love you and we've owned one of you.

[@MTLJack]

I think its the same case for the Honda S2000 but its more of a roadster than a sports car.

[@Rennthusiast]

I owned an AP2 S2000 at one point. Cool looking car and cornered like no other. Top down was fun too. Ridiculously slow though. Yes I know you can supercharge but I never got into that.

[@84SebaT]

I am happy that so many people don't want the front lights. More cheap 986/996 for us. 👌

[@michaelhelme3575]

Hi from the UK, Great Video. Tell John that I have had my 2002 C2 for 12 years and still get as much satisfaction both driving it, and Yes.......they are a design masterpiece, looking at it! I'm 72 now and still do all the work on it. Over the time I have owned the car, the only actual failure has been the indicator stalk switch. Easily replaced. Let's be honest ....... Porsche build the most reliable sports cars available.

[@1drwnd.porsche]

Cool vid... nicely done!

[@DrJ3RK8]

I've had eight Porsches, three of them 911s, and I absolutely LOVE my 996. Sure, I loved my 1972 911 T - Targa, my 1983 SC, (and my non-911s), but I have to say, my 996 is absolutely the most FUN to drive. Agree with some of the interior quality sentiments here though. Mine's super clean inside, but they could have done better for sure.

[@johnconnor818]

My answer to the interior comments is: How many old 911s have you seen with a cracked dash? You won't see a 996 with one because they don't crack - or even really fade. Yes Porsche used more plastic, but it was of much higher quality than anything they ever used before.

[@DrJ3RK8]

@@johnconnor818 Agree. I liked some of the other interiors a little bit better, but it's not really bad in any way. However, my dash is slightly "rippled" from heat, but not terrible. I could probably fix it, but honestly it's not that bothersome. Everything else in the car is great. I did prefer the dash layout on some of my older 911s though. Overall though, my 996 is my favorite car that I've owned or driven, including some other high-end sports cars. (the latter driven, not owned)

[@Griphook1]

Can I point out that the 996.2 doesn't have the fried egg lights. Most of the 996.1 don't either. Only the early 1998 cars (in Europe anyway) had the amber indicators (fried eggs). From 1999 they changed to clear with amber bulbs.

[@Rennthusiast]

Pig Monkey sure, I always welcome feedback and viewer thoughts. Technically you’re right but for someone like myself who isn’t a deep 996 person I view the shape of the headlights as being “fried egg” even though the coloration did indeed change.

[@tomasztrzesniowski9525]

Funny thing is I love this car purely for how it look... the best looking 911 ever, especially from the front.

[@Aeneas137]

That's funny because every night, I open up the garage door and peek out into the garage and say good night to my 987S Cayman. I'm technically making sure the garage doors are shut but you know...

[@hjhuber7929]

German here: i had a late 99 model (so called facelift 0.5 or facelift 2000) for 10 years. These things are thoroughbred Porsches no matter how the lights look or whether you like the shape of the radio 😂 Since the 996 weighs nothing you can give almost every modern car a very tough time racing. And: these things are industructable if properly maintained.

[@haveric24]

I bought mine bit over 2 years ago 31k aus dollar already now I see them 50k upwards with more Kilometers on em, I drive mine nearly everyday and do regular Maintenance, so every 6 months I replace suspension bushes etc as needed, as what is expressed, with the bore score issue please look up motorkote additive........ Great vid and I agree with everything said.. I wont sell mine

[@ericl452]

I have an early 99 996 C2 manual coupe. March 1998 build. Black/black. Love it. When I bought mine four years ago, it was 20k less than a similar 997.1. I bought a set of Ohlins coilovers. Many consider them to be the best, but they are more expensive. Around $2800 for a set.

[@Rennthusiast]

$2800 is not bad.

[@HalWalfield]

This was great!

[@corychecketts]

I’m all about the stock ride height and meaty sidewalls on my tires. It’s the best combo for daily driving a 911.

[@henrymcardle]

I love his coco mats. Need to get me some of those.

[@smote911]

Wow!!! This 996 may be the best kept and most pristine I've seen. It looks like a professional car detailer owns it! Yeah, almost got me wanting to buy one of these now........ Enjoyed the video and owner did good picking this car up!

[@johnconnor818]

Thanks! I'll tell my wife my time in the garage hasn't been wasted,

[@mtm105]

Also no one mentions the width of these tires. That is what sold me. It looks like a race track car, not a commuter car. My car was parked between a Ferrari and a late model Porsche in lot.

[@Porschee944]

The steeliest John Connor we've ever seen ❤❤❤

[@billseiler4952]

Out of your 3 cars....the silver 993 is my favorite. Thanks for all you do...keep up the great content.

[@Rennthusiast]

Bill Seiler thanks for the kind words. My next video is going to be an update on the decisions I’ve made so far on the 993 build. Stay tuned. 👍🏼

[@er3011]

The 996 will beat the 993 straight up with cold AC and just as delicate steering.

[@SimonInSanDiego]

Great video. loved the guys enthusiasm for it and why he bought it, “airport car” must be nice 😂

[@johnconnor818]

It was supposed to be a beat up 911, then it morphed into this. I had to go by a different airport car ('05 CRV, but with a 5spd manual of course)

[@SimonInSanDiego]

@@johnconnor818 also, where are you looking that you’re finding low mileage 996 for high 20’s low 30’s as I can’t find em

[@johnconnor818]

@@SimonInSanDiego the C2s are still out there, but you're right they are getting harder to find. A lot of Porsche owners will ask way more than the car is worth, but eventually sell it for a fair market price (unless it's Speed Yellow - Porsche nuts will pay crazy prices for Speed Yellow) In my opinion the condition of the car, and most importantly the maintenance history, is far more important than mileage. (I know I didn't follow this advice when I bought mine) These cars all have 20 year old parts wether they have 85k miles or 25k, so maintenance is key.

[@SimonInSanDiego]

@@johnconnor818 low owner and well maintained is more my thing than low miles. If it’s been looked after then you know it’s good. I’m sure there’s a bunch of Porsche forums and marketplaces I don’t know about yet. Will have to do some digging.

[@darrenprior6339]

Love your videos. Interesting car the 996. It was built during a very dark period for Porsche where they nearly faced bankruptcy and having to change with the times (and regulations) and progress to water-cooled. Shared the headlights and dash with the first Boxster, again to cut costs. I think over time haters of the fried eggs lamps are softening their stance. Me being one of them. Keep up the great content mate. Cheers.

[@mtm105]

When driving, why care about looks of headlights?

[@emil_zimmermann742]

Love the 996s especially the C4S and GT2 😍😍😍

[@space_114v2]

996 is a very nice car and is all 911 ...coming from a guy with a 997 . All analogue 911's will continue to go up in desirability and value as they are the end of a very important history for the 911 and soooo fun to drive.

[@Rennthusiast]

Couldn’t agree more

[@Apexjuha]

1) I have Bilstein B16 PSS10 on my 996.1 C2. It is ok. The problem is that the B-roads here are getting worse year by year and we are already at the point where I think the standard/sport suspensions could be even better than the B16. 2) I have tried my car on five different ride heights from standard to -45 mm. My personal optimum is f-20/r-22mm from standard. What I found was that going lower than that obviously brings the roll centers underground and the car becomes a bit heavy feeling in turn in. When you drop the 10 mm the RC typically drop 27 mm thus increasing the arm that causes roll even though car is lower. When the the roll center goes underground the suspension transfers from anti-roll geometry to pro-roll geometry and this needs to be compensated by stiffer AR-bars. The problem with AR-bars is that they increase warp-stiffnes between front and rear suspension making the car at worst very darty on uneven surfaces. That is, you can go very stiff ARBs on a smooth race track but going on a bad B-road you need to have wheels that move independently, that is, the vertical loading should not be too sensitive. 3) I had also the IMSB changed. Mine was the ”strong” double row. My original was also in mint condition too. I did the swap just to sleep well but nowadays I feel it is a bit overhyped issue promoted by those who make money from it. I did the job myself as I have pro garage and it really cost me only around 1200 euros with the LN hybrid double row. You can swap the IMSB with engine in the car but I almost recommend to take the engine out as you can do some other things at the same easily: - water pump - Thermostat - the three end cable between alternator, power point and starter (they tend to loose contact) - The expansion tank (if they go yellow, they will start to leak and pain to replace engine inplace) - So much easier to check the cyls with an endoscope or boroscope when the engine is off. - Change the oil pressure sensor - Check the condition of the insulation on top of the engine bay - Check fuel, hydraulic and water lines. If you have a lift it is not such bad job to do. it will take some time the first time but the car is quite well designed in this respect. It is not like an Audi where the designer has not thought of servicing at all. All and all, my 996 is probably my best ever purchase (knock knock). I feel so tremendous happiness and gratitude when I drive a quiet B-road with it. It is so repsonsive, it feels light and going forward so effortless. I have the leather option and the smell of leather is great. I had a budget for a 964 or a 993 but being almost 2 m tall it was impossible to get a decent seating to those and that utlimately made me take a lot cheaper 996 and I invested the difference. I dont regret. IMO the best value, smiles per miles per cost sports cars are Miata, S2000 and 996. A new GT3 RS costs 15-20 times as much. Is it 10-15 time better. No, funwise it is only slightly better and helluva more uncomfortable. With the 996 the best exits are from 2nd gear corners and you have a chance not to loose your driver’s license where as with the new over 500 hp cars you are in a blink in the speeds that the cops cuff you and put you sleep behind bars. I dont do much tracks. I’d love to do more but with the E-seats and my height I dont fit with a helmet in the car. It is simply a great value for money car.

[@johnconnor818]

Thanks - I enjoyed reading all of that. I have done most things you mentioned and a number of others (fuel injectors etc). The cooling expansion tank (mine's yellow) and AOS are on the list for the next service, or I could use the money and put coilovers on it instead? If you had it to do again would you still put Bilsteins on it or maybe KWs or just leave it stock?

[@Apexjuha]

@@johnconnor818 For suspension ... you need to check first some of the links. The longitudinals tend to go a bit loose. So I hear. Mine was ok. Here the B-roads are getting worse year by year and I think if I switched the suspension now, I would put the Porsche Sports suspension (M030) which lowers the car about 10 mm and is only slightly stiffer than standard. Now, the standard is actually very very good on B-roads. For rme the coil overs were really a hobby choice. My suspension was ok for me but this car is my babe so I want to work on, make it more mine. What I have noticed that some people who get a coil over set first tell how wonderfull it is but little by little they turn to say it is uncomfortable. The big advantage of a coil over is that you can set your ride height and corner weights. A choice between coil over brands ... I think any of the well known brands is a good choice. People say good things about the KWs. I took the Bilsteins because I had experience of them and I got a good deal. It could’ve been a KW, Koni, Öhlins, JRZ what ever. One recommendation though I will give: Dont lower the car too much because the geometry doesnt like it. Like I said, I found -20 mm from standard quite a good compromise for everyday use. You need to decide yourseld your own priorities. I have a multi year plan cause I can only do a certain annual budget. Next Im installeing the X51 sump and extra oil pump. I dont think the Carrera engines are suitable for tuning but I try to make mine more reliable, lighter - and really enjoy driving. After a hard day’s work to head for the beautiful curvy country roads and just enjoy the scenery coming to you. Caressing the road, smooth, fluent lines. The car feels like a good friend. The good feeling is very very deep. The feeling of gratitude is marvellous.

[@johnconnor818]

@@Apexjuha thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed and informative response. In truth I'm perfectly happy with the stock suspension, I'd just heard such great praise for doing coilovers. Like you, I just plan to do a bit more each year as the budget and priorities will allow. The ultimate goal would be to do the LN engineering Nikies cylinders and take it to 3.8 or 4.0. Enjoy the drive!

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Great video. I had this car and sold it because I just couldn't get comfortable. My right leg hit the center console, my left leg hit the door handle, the shifter was too far forward, nowhere to rest my left arm and the seat wasn't supportive. l also found the car drove 'floaty' on the highway and not really stable. I tried a few other 911's of the same era and found they all drove that way. Sadly, my dream of owning a 911 came to an end. It wasn't a good fit for me. I then bought a Mini Cooper and bang - everything was perfect. But I am still a fan of the marque.

[@fishadthethird]

Great car and awesome owner! Indeed he is very knowledgeable about the M96 engines! I have rebuilt several of these engines and the things he points out are actually the things you should look out for. Here on KZbin there is so much misinformation about the M96 engines, especially which ones are more reliable than the others.. In fact the Porsche M96 engine was the first car engine ever produced with Alusil cylinder liners which was produced in high capacities. One thing I‘d like to add: Have a close look on the camshaft derivation values of your car, especially when it is higher milage. The chain tensioner guide rails will deteriorate and the difference in the offset of the camshaft angle from one bank to the other bank gets too high. This results in the failure of the Variocam System, which messes up the timing of the engine in the worst case. However the owner has a gen2 996 which uses a 3 chain engine design called variocam+ instead of the 5 chain engine design seen with the original variocam which is the problematic one. Enjoy this great 996, have fun and drive it!! Greetings from an german engineer :)

[@johnconnor818]

Great information on the Variocam system. I always appreciate hearing more information about the 996s, especially from a truly knowledgeable source. Luckily I've got a very knowledgeable specialist taking care of it for me. Enjoy the drive! John

[@mikek1681]

Walking away because of the headlites is like walking away because of the color. It's a Porsche 911 -- it's what's under the skin that counts. I'm the original owner of a 2001 C4 -- 60K on the clock, still tight and quiet -- original exhaust (SS), clutch, AND IMSb, and the brakes have just come due for the first pad replacement. At 50 or 150 MPH, the car is a thrill to drive, and I doubt a new one would be enough better to justify the price.

[@Rennthusiast]

Glad you love yours, and thanks for watching

[@johnconnor818]

Always cool to hear about original owner 996s!

[@DJBobbyChicago]

Good one! 996revival!

[@mikekcarey]

Love my 996.1 like John sometimes I am found in the garage just looking at her. When I bought her I test drove a 997.1 a 996.2 c4s and the 996.1c2. It was the cheapest but I loved its look sound and performance it felt more chuck able than the 4s more analog than the 997 so I bought it Only then did I find out I had bought the worst one ( according to the internet). But honestly she was the best car on the day and I have no plan to sell her she is a keeper

[@johnconnor818]

Definitely a keeper, and the prices are rising rapidly to prove it. If you buy what makes you smile - and not some expert on the internet - you can't go wrong.

[@rodanone4895]

2004 986S, 2000 996 C4, 2003 C2: LN and juggies rebuild to 3.8... BORE SCORING on 1 and 2 cyls. 😭 expensive but worth it😁, 2003 TT ztec and fvd. prefer RoW M030 ride height with 19s.

[@timothybilecki8932]

Love the M030 ROW on my 996.2. Great setup for a daily. Suncoast Porsche in FL sells it as a set. That plus spacers and you are money…

[@drunvert]

The big thing about the fried egg headlights is that when they are brand new and bright and shiny and clear they look pretty good. But when they get any bit of yellow they look horrible

[@mauida7746]

Love my 04 C4S Cab, where in S Carolina are you? Great channel, I’m located in Conway

[@reynoldliao7462]

John Connor? The leader of the resistance drives a 996? Awesome!

[@melv1n_official]

The bargain price due to the weird-looking headlights is the main reason this 996 drew attention to me and become a potential future used-car purchase. Hope I could find one in the very exact spec as the one in the video.

[@sharkbaitbob]

We have the anniversary edition of the 996. Definitely our favorite of the 6 911s we have owned in the past

[@johnconnor818]

And with the X51 power package and the limited slip differential - one of the best performance 996s as well!

[@modernworldiscrap]

The 996 GT3 mk1 is a bargain, one day it will be collectible. It's time!