Returning a Pair of 1998 Porsche 996s to Their Former Glory - FGP Prep Book EP22

There's a lot of waffling on without slow-mo, music-accompanying cut-ins in this one, so apologies for that... Unless it's an improvement... Let us know!
In this episode of Friends Green Porsche Prep Book we demonstrate the fiddling and fettling most 996.1s are in need of after their 20+ years of life on the British roads.

[@noelliam4011]

Congratulations you are my number 1 channel to watch now , I hope you stay there good luck

[@The_910]

New subscriber and new to me 996 owner. I love these videos where you breakdown all the things you've done to put these cars right. If I lived in the UK I wouldn't hesitate to buy a car from you. Cheers from the U.S.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Joe, I'm glad you like the videos! Enjoy 996 ownerships - they're great cars.

[@Br1anuk]

Loved the silver car with the yellow indicators.

[@richardclegg5853]

Must admit, I had same issue with my sunroof switch, not proud, but "repair" I made was a couple dabs of plastic epoxy instead or replacing entire housing. Aesthetically unnoticeable and held up fine for over a year. Not my proudest moment but was able to save $120+. Will have to address at some time, but for now, is what it is. Another great video, keep em coming

[@pauljames970]

I'm finding the videos fascinating as I'm in the market for a 911 and am actively looking to buy one. I'm 70 and have wanted one long enough. It would be great if you guys would show what you have for sale, I just might be coming to see you. I've been on the website showroom and everything after page 2 is marked as sold !

[@chrisH248]

This particular video really highlighted your attention to detail within your inspections. I also like your explanation in reminding people that a 20+ year old car will start to require replacement of parts simply to keep it looking at its best. Your money-saving tips are also much appreciated.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

You're very welcome Chris. Thanks for watching

[@sambone8213]

The early 996 is such a gem. Keep up the great videos.

[@stephenwright5181]

IMS bearing job be nice to see. Brilliant video as usual

[@daverolls8565]

Great video: love all the detail fixes to get everything back full working condition

[@contactJT1]

So awesome that you make these videos and share your experience. Huge thanks and appreciation!

[@kazikram7071]

What a great channel. not come across anything like this so far

[@alangordon8940]

Great video as always! Don’t own a 911 but every time I watch your video makes we want a 997 so anymore content on that model especially mileage related advice would be excellent.

[@MrBatwa]

Brilliant video again guys

[@benjaminrodrigues6257]

Great attention to detail on preparing the cars. Gives buyers confidence that all the main problem areas are sorted prior to purchase.

[@nolanohana]

I’ve got a tip to share for your 996 detailing prep that I use one mine, Try Gummi Pflege on the black trim that is faded on top of the wipers, etc. it will not rub off and lasts. Thanks for the videos!

[@adamlane5182]

Again just great attention to detail and pride in the cars from Luke & Ollie - no wonder their cars sell so fast🎯🎯

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Thanks very much Adam

[@philbert9967]

Nice, my 1999 Arctic Silver Metallic is the same spec as this silver 98 014 sports package with 408 18” hollow spokes 👍 I’m still waiting for Friends Green Porsche merch

[@Adsral]

Agree on the merch, though personally I would drop the Chartreuse green and go for a more modern Porsche related shade like Forest or Oak.

[@Expomtl]

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative - couldn't be more authoritatively narrated. i've only just purchased my first 996 (1999) and credit your videos with helping in the decision. Unfortunately haven't yet acquired enough experience to begin suggesting topics for future videos...

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

It's really good to hear that the videos are helping people with their buying of these cars. Thanks for your feedback, it's much appreciated.

[@kennethwilliams9924]

Great video. Really interesting insight. Would love to see a video of the IMS bearing replacement process and also the detailing you do!

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

We'll look into this!

[@roncole5541]

Enjoy watching you and Ollie spiff up 911s. Are you going to get into engine rebuilds? A related video would be fun. Also don’t recall you repairing sun visor vanity mirror units. My 996 has a broken flap pin on divers and passenger side.

[@a1topdog]

Really enjoyed the longer video Luke. I notice you never get involved with replacing the manifold bolts, yet they are a common issue. I'd also like to see a vid on that and rear silencer removal, as that can also be a pig if a job. Also the replacement of the tandem pump on a 997 would be a good vid.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi a1topdog. The manifold bolt heads are always heavily corroded, but they are still nearly always performing as they should (i.e are securely fastened to the cylinder head and are along way away from developing a leak of gasses). Therefore, although it would be nice to have lovely shiny manifolds under there, it isn't something that *needs* doing. I suppose it's much like the suspension dampers that you see us cleaning up a lot in the videos. The bottom part of the bodies are always surface corroded, but 95% of the time, the damper is performing as it should, and therefore, you're not going to replace the damper just to make it look pretty from the underside. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and we'll look into making one on the silencer and tandem pump "how-tos" Best Luke

[@cuthbertprosper5912]

Great preparation work video 👍🏾

[@mianjunabeats]

Such a great video with attention to details on these early 996's. Thank you very much!

[@chrisH248]

The black car looks so much better without the window tints.

[@vincentbarnes7839]

A video on the detailing process

[@freddyhopf9624]

Great video, I recently got a Carrera 2 manual coupe in silver, thanks to your video I have now realised I have the 014 sports package, I also have the 408 hollow spoke wheels. 👍🥳

[@nicolas6572]

Wow, a true value at what you guys are asking on your website.

[@timvandenheuvel3825]

Nice video again. I would like to see a similar video with all the tiny bits and bobs that could go wrong on a 996 C4s

[@SantaFeVman]

Great video! Would love a video on things to check for cabriolet top, linkages and places to clean and such. Suggestions for rear plastic window replacement and anything else to do with the soft top.

[@markbrooke-read212]

Great video Luke, as always. Good to see the level of detail you're going into during the prep work. I think that you are going to cut a niche in the Porsche 996/997 market very soon if not already. As some other comments a few 'how to videos' would be very helpful but I know that these take a huge amount of time to do and I know that you're a busy guy. Mark

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Mark, thanks for the kind words and for watching. We will definitely look into making some "how-tos", as there seems to be the demand

[@Diamantine0411]

Would love to see a similar video on the facelifted C2's. Also, maybe a comparison between the pre and post facelift c2 coupes. Interested to hear your views on oem and non oem upgrades that are worth doing. A great channel! (do more vids! They are all interesting)

[@scaramangasextranipple]

Search his videos...

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Oliver, thanks for your comments. We have done a couples of videos featuring the 996.2. Have a look back at some of the earlier episodes. Thanks again. Luke

[@Regikh]

Hello, would like to see more convertible 996 prep and finishing. Understand geographical preferences may preclude this...but you asked. Cheers!

[@henrygammon9617]

996.2 Targa any tips on changing breke light switch was hoping you would show also price for welding up rear boxes on seams just beging to go. good video.

[@nunyabusiness4188]

Glad you love 996s - great car and underappreciated. Would you post some videos of the actual work, not just the inspection? I'd like to know how to fix the flaps on the roof where the rack is mounted.

[@the_stoned_priest]

Where has Ollie learned all his fantastic skills for such a young man? #legend (I'm guessing he's worked on his dad's Porsche's since he could walk)

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

He's been doing it from a very young age, but I must say, it just comes very naturally to him! (I hope he doesn't read this, as he may want a pay rise!)

[@simonrose8558]

Fab pair of cars now restored as they should be. I think a start to finish on a targa 996 would be very interesting.....🙂

[@soyabean911]

Nice vids guys. Would be nice if you could discuss what regular weaknesses or common failure items, which you guys regularly replace on the 996's, were improved on the 997's.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Not many spring to mind! But we'll have a think about this and see if we can make a video

[@soyabean911]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234 I was wondering if they may have thought to better protect and cover the exposed brake lines which run to the rear of the car and maybe improve the bump stops / top mounts, rear main seal, IMS, that kind of thing? 🤔

[@henryatkinson1479]

That silver car has basically an identical build to mine, though mine is left-hand drive (space gray interior is the only other difference). Its still the only other sports pack car I've seen.

[@jb7052]

Such great cars

[@1968spikey]

Surely there's a fix for the self-cancelling indicator issue rather than buying a full Porsche replacement unit. As you say if it's a common fault then there's a demand for a repair over a replace. If it's the plastic cam then it could easily be reproduced by 3D printing - which must be more economical? Just a thought.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

You're right, it probably can be fixed, but I imagine it would require the investment of a lot of time to find the fix and a way to reproduce that fix efficiently. I can think of many other things that break on these cars that could do with a like-wise after-market fixing solution!

[@1968spikey]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234 post me an old scrap one and I'll pull it apart and see if it's viable. 😎

[@wernerdanler2742]

I'm amazed at just how detailed you get on these cars before you sell them on. You mentioned that overhead surround for the roof switch at 100 and some pounds. Mercedes wanted $600 US for the overhead light fixture for my car. I should have bought a Porsche. Lol Where are you? Close to London? Any video you make will be interesting so just keep the camera rolling. All the best to you.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

We are approximately 25 miles north of London in a county called Hertfordshire. That sounds an extortionate price by Mercedes. Maybe Porsche aren't as bad with their prices as we thought! Thanks for watching the videos and cheers for the positive comments.

[@boffam00]

I’d like to know what these double row IMS bearings look like when you take them out of the car and what you replace them with.

[@UPNSMOKEAllAboutBBQ]

Love your videos and your shop. How did y’all’s TV name come about?

[@kimkimkim8]

I will be buying my Porsche from you guys. 👍🏽

[@adampressman2887]

Hi Luke, Great 996 content as usual. Could you give me the part number for the sunroof switch surround piece needed please as mine has the same issue with the sunken switch. Many thanks

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Adam, the part number will vary depending on the colour of the interior. If you send me a line via email with your VIN number I'll look up the part number on our parts system.

[@adampressman2887]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234 thanks Luke, I’ll send it over tomorrow. You are a star ⭐️

[@ItsCostanza]

Love it. If you were stateside I would send you my 996 to get it sorted. I’m surprised you’ve found a way to make this enterprise profitable

[@Adsral]

Why are you surprised?

[@majorscope]

Hi Luke, great video of proper work to a good standard. Don't forget my Cayman. if you are still interested when we can get about again we can discuss. In the meantime if a potential client walks in let me know!. David.

[@markfduenas]

I have a 996 and I wouldn't mind seeing a good video on the Rear main seal, IMS and clutch job.

[@toodyface]

Love it!

[@formula1junkie550]

Any videos on the Porsche 928 or 944?

[@paulward303]

Always enjoy videos , Ollie and Luke have a great business there and , seem true and honest, an idea how many hours to complete pre sales work and what warranty issues you may get from customers would be great , thanks

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Paul, thanks for the feedback. Your suggestions are some good ideas for some video content and we'll definitely look into it.

[@paulward303]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234 sound keep up the great work on videos and good luck with sales during covid tricky times 👍

[@davidblackbourn3199]

Very good Luke. I had a 996C4. Would like another 996, C2 that i'd like to use as a daily driver. Is it possible or are they too old now? In that regard, would like you to cover corrosion on these cars- I've heard about them corroding in the sills and the wheel arch lips and would be keen to hear your thoughts. Many thanks.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi David, you could certainly live with a 996 as a daily driver, but the English roads will take their toll on the underside of the car during the winter months. In an ideal world, if possible, I'd use the 996 as the daily from May-September, and then have a typical daily car through the winter.

[@davidblackbourn3199]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234 Thanks Luke. Would a 997 be more durable for all year use? (I already have an air cooled 911 that only sees the light of day in the summer and don't want another car like that). David

[@spaniels1]

Love your Videos would love to see you explain entry level Porsches for first or second cars with costs and avoiding damage from sleeping Policemen humps and bumps on the road

[@jasontillett8564]

I would love to see a cayman 987 been given the once over and what common faults they have and how easy or difficult they are to fix.loved the two 996

[@alihuseyin5900]

Great videos as always I have a 996 which need a few bits done do you do a collection service I'm in Bromley Kent

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Ali, I'm afraid we don't offer a collection service, but I can help arrange a collection through a third party company if you want to get the car down to us for some work. Feel free to call.

[@huwd2292]

Great vid thanks

[@cornishrider]

Would be great to see some road trip off to buy videos perhaps as some customer delivery and the back story as to why the customer bought. Also model spec differences and perhaps price point guides eg for 20k, 25k, 30k you typically get this. Also I'm sure many are keen to know how you've become such an expert on 911s!

[@Expomtl]

what shade of silver would you describe the silver car as being? thx!

[@TheDavidgalea76]

What Pioneer head unit was used in the black car?

[@mikepredmore9759]

I’d like to see top mounts actually being replaced on a 996.2 C4S.

[@chris-eccohealthcare]

Do you ever have 991.1 in stock or do you only specialise in the 996 and 997 ? Videos are very interesting.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

We haven't really delved into the 991s just yet, but we will probably do so soon. Thanks for watching

[@chris-eccohealthcare]

Yea I have a 991.1 c2s and find your full process very interesting. If I ever need a 996 I know where to come. You do a great job. 👍

[@callummclaren3201]

Can you put a urban front bumper on a narrow body 996 ,and is it possible many thanks 👍

[@jm9160]

Hello great show....very good. Good to see this level of professionalism. I have a question...if you have time, to respond-... I have a 99 c4, manual. 125k. Has a few gremlins (air con not working, indicator doesnt flick back as per this video, passenger door window regulator gone, bit of laquer peel along top of door, and passenger mirror. I need to replace front cv boot. Very minor oil leak...probably from RMS). What do you think its worth to sell? Interior is grey, colour is blue, all clean and leather in good condition. Got porsche history from earlier on in life...no record of ims...runs good. Are prices increasing year on year? would you recommend any particular 996 to buy? etc turbo?

[@burtd24]

Do these 996 come with standard power steering or is that option?

[@tloder]

use Solution Finish on the windshield cowl plastics and they will look like new

[@mwjunkbox]

I'd like to see 996 Cabs and issues with convertible tops!

[@andrebrown8792]

How about a video on a tiptronic to manual swap? Contemplating doing this swap in my C4S.

[@luffy858]

Given the decrease in value you'll get for a drivetrain swapped 911, plus the cost of parts and labour, it's almost certainly cheaper to sell your car and buy a manual one.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Andre, I'll be honest with you; unless the car has sentimental value, you'd be much better off selling your car and buying a manual version. It will simply be much more cost effective. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@christopherlastname7638]

You should have panted the scuttle panel!

[@MrJohnnyRoyale]

Always like the videos. I would be interested in your thoughts on manual transmissions and when they require rebuilds. I think I've only seen one of your videos that you took the trans to a trans shop but that was for the bearings on the drive shaft if I remember correctly. I know people say notchy gears are normal but how notchy do they have to be before you rebuild the transmission?

[@kesterhewett1234]

99 996 owner = bit stiff when cold but otherwise rifle bolt. Anything less is an issue, but not necessarily the box. Lots between the lever and the wheels.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi, thanks for your comment. The gearboxes are generally really good in the 996s. The most common wear signs are 1. A whine from the gearbox itself, caused by a worn out pinion bearing. 2. A second gear "pop out", which is caused by the gear itself wearing,. 3. A second gear "crunch", caused by the second gear synchro wearing. I hope this helps.

[@MrJohnnyRoyale]

@@kesterhewett1234 it’s defiant worse when it’s cold. The garage I bought it from did put new transmission fluid in for me, which I think has helped when it’s warm but has perhaps made it worse when it’s cold! I’m not sure I would describe it as stiff when cold though, and it isn’t across all the gears, just first and second seem hard to get in to when cold.

[@MrJohnnyRoyale]

@@friendsgreenporsche5234I appreciate the reply, thanks! Interesting that you don’t get many problems on the 996s. Mine’s actually a 997.2. From your description and the KZbin videos I’ve watched it sounds like it’s most likely the synchros. The garage I bought it from suggested I do some track days to learn to drive the thing so my thoughts at the moment and to do that and if that kills the transmission I’ll get it rebuilt!

[@huntersofpembury]

Enjoyed the film - loved the black car with red interior, especially with carbon centre console & PSE. Do you think C4S is worth the premium over the narrow body C4? I really enjoyed my C4, contemplating another, but can't decide if the extra £5,000'ish for a wide body is worth it. What's your opinion? Keep up the great work!

[@huntersofpembury]

@@msmezher Thanks for the reply, much appreciated :o)

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi, we actually made a video on exactly this topic, so have a look back at earlier episodes and it may be of some help. From my personal opinion, I love the look of the C4S, but I love the driving feel of a C2. A C4 is my least favourite configuration.

[@aboyandhisdog]

I would like to see "how to" videos on how you actually do some of the common repairs. As an example, I have the bad bump stops on the front of my 997 and am wondering just how to go about replacing them. You wouldn't have to do a step-by-step tutorial, but if you could give a quick synopsis of jobs like that that would give a guy the overall gist of the job. I'm not a mechanic but would like to do all the repairs myself. You guys make it sound so easy! Awesome channel, thanks for everything!

[@nsltrc]

Same request. Please show how bump stops are done. Assuming this does not need a realignment.

[@aboyandhisdog]

And if you could describe how difficult a job is, any special tools required, any follow up steps needed like alignment, etc., and if the job could be done without a lift like yours. I have a set of quick jacks which get the car about 2' off the ground. Also, what is the best way to clean the engine and engine bay and to keep it clean? Been using my pressure washer, but not sure if I'm on the right track! Thanks!

[@garyw1971]

Basically you have to drop the suspension and remove the shock. If you've not done it before and working off the ground it will be a massive ball ache. Its level 4/5 difficult for a novice. There is a tutorial on youtube for a 996 turbo.. black guy called Hightower.. might help but if it was me I'd pay someone else.. 👍

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Thanks for this feedback. There appears to be demand for a "how-to", so we will look into doing this soon.

[@markbrocklehurst6347]

Hi. Would be great to see all these cars on your website with costs. You've only 1 for sale at the moment.

[@huwd2292]

He mentioned this was filmed a while ago. If you scroll down the stock list these two cars are in there and marked as sold.

[@friendsgreenporsche5234]

Hi Mark, nearly all cars do go onto the Online Showroom on our website, but we have been reserving a lot of the cars for customers prior to them going live recently.

[@godspeed6315]

Hi is yellow 996 still on sale let me know mate cash waiting

[@phwhitefly]

I agree with the comment below to do a video on the IMS, clutch and RMS replacement.

[@davidwills3107]

Great informative video, thanks. I have a couple of annoying noises inside my car, a squeaky dash by the dials and in the roof at the back. Would be good to show some pointers, they are not bad but annoying!

[@garyw1971]

The front squeak could be top mounts. How are they looking?

[@davidwills3107]

@@garyw1971 it’s like the sound is coming from the leather dash where the dials are. Very odd, if you lift it a bit it goes.

[@the1beard]

The prices for parts 😬

[@pulaskicondoassociation6799]

996s??

[@Carrera-gp9od]

What’s the question ?

[@herrrechtschreibpruefung]

crusty rusty UK cars :D