Great video! I do have a question for you. I have watched videos on 996 turbos and I can not find my option on my car anywhere! My 2004 has an option called "Evolution Carrera GT640 package". It comes with an computer upgrade, Stage 4 GT Twin Turbos, Evolution Sport Equal Length Headers, Evolution Sport Air Filter, Evolution Billet Diverter Valves, Evolution Sport Exhaust. Have you heard of this package before?
I own my second 996 Turbo. First one was a 2002 and the one I have now is a 2004 Turbo in Atlas Grey Metallic. I love the car and especially the color. I believe it was the first year it was offered for the 996 Turbo. Best bang for the buck still. Very upgradeable and dependable.
I have a question for you! I just picked up a 2004 with the same color as you! Mine has an option called "Evolution Carrera GT640 package". It makes it 640hp. It comes with an computer upgrade, Stage 4 GT Twin Turbos, Evolution Sport Equal Length Headers, Evolution Sport Air Filter, Evolution Billet Diverter Valves, Evolution Sport Exhaust. Does your have this too?
I think these "Everything You Need To Know About" videos are some of the best content you guys are putting out. Nathan, you just do a fantastic job of providing very relevant details, mixed with current information about how the market values certain features/colors, etc., all balanced with a "make the car yours," philosophy, which I think is great. I watch all of these and learn something interesting every time. Really looking forward to the day you present on the 981 Boxster (and/or Cayman) model years. I know it takes a lot of time and preparation to put these together, so "Thank you!"
We couldn't agree more. Really appreciate you noticing. We love having Nathan on, he is truly an expert when it comes to Porsches. Happy to hear you are enjoying the videos.
I'm truly blessed to know Nathan and live near him. When he speaks, I try my best to just shut up and listen, and this video is a wonderful reason why as it showcases his immense level of knowledge and ability to explain things in a clear and concise way. The old saying about real intelligence is that it means explaining things that are complex in a way that anyone can understand them, and Nathan is extremely intelligent about all things Porsche. What a phenomenal video! My thanks to all involved for making the time and expending the effort to create this one as it will stand the test of time and serve 996TT buyers well now and into the future.
I'm glad you appreciate the 996 Era. It's been kind of the red headed step child until recently. All I can say is drive one...one of the best driving turbo Porsche's imo. Love mine and I got a steal, because of the stigma
@@adamwampler2135 they’re such great cars and I always say that they have so much to offer. Not to mention the design has stood the test of time in every way imho
Kudos. Finally, a detailed review worthy of this imperious Porsche 911. No longer the sleeper, after 23 years it has come of age. The styling now looks so resolved, so perfect, so special. Like nothing else. One of Stuttgart's very finest. 959 rear vents, GT1-98 headlights and rear lights, bulletproof Hans Mezger dry sump Le Mans engine and the best alloy wheel design of them all. Ultimate spec? Special order polar silver, 6-speed manual, 450bhp via X50 powerkit, aerokit & sports seats. A sublime analogue driver's car.
Ironically, this is the red headed step child that people are starting to appreciate the way some of us have the whole time. I had the great fortune to be able to drive the polar silver twin turbo a friend of mine's dad still owns today.
Thank you again Nathan and PCA. Hands down Nathan is the just the ultimate Porsche expert. His cars look like they just came off the assembly line. Thank you guys! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Great video PCA & Nathan. How amazing is it to have a very detailed presentation without unnecessary music, corney jokes. Keep up great show. Listening here in South Oxfordshire, England. ☘️
Excellent review. I have a 2005 TTS that I’ve owned 8 years. A couple other problem possibilities I’ll mention. If you disconnect the battery, you can reset the time manually but not the date, and satellite reset is no longer supported. Absence of the option sticker doesn’t necessarily mean the hood has been replaced. The presence was hit or miss in the mid 2000’s. Also need to inspect around the two screws holding each rear taillight in place. Common for the plastic pieces around the light to crack or break off. The light can actually fall out if both support points break. There is an aftermarket solution I suggest all turbos do. Light Saver provides additional support. But by far this is the best review I’ve seen of the TT and TTS.
Nathan - a big fan! Your OCD, as you put it, is your super power - don't apologize! Terrific overview - with some nice deep dives - on the 996 twin turbos.
What an amazing video! As a relatively new 996 Turbo owner I must say I learned quite a few things. Love this car so much since it was my childhood poster car.
I just discovered this channel since the title popped out on RU-vid and… since I own Turbo from 2001, I was really keen to watch the video. That having been said, I already knew (nearly)all the informations Nathan was describing about this model but the way Nathan was taking us through the years was really interesting.
As I am aspiring 911 owner. This video is everything that's relevant. Thank you for taking the time to create this vid. As long and informative as it is. I'm sure pre and post producing this video was lengthy in the making of. I'm very grateful to you and your team for this great vid sir. I hope you do another one featuring your other 911's. I'm subscribed so I'll be looking for future vids from you. ❤❤❤
The man...the myth...The Flip-Flop Phenom...MERZ! 20 yr old twin turbo sooo clean underneath you could be Sass and wear cashmere to work underneath it! Thanks for the master class on 996 turbos!
Excellent video! I've been driving my 996tt for about 9 years now and have addressed most of the issues on my X50 mentioned in the video. This was a very good overview of all the major issues and I really enjoyed comparing my experience history with the items covered in the video. From what I've experienced, everything was spot on. Thank you for posting!
LOVE Nathan’s videos! Just disappointed he’s not wearing flip-flops! 😜 At least he gave a “flip-flop shoutout”. 😳 You have to set-up Nathan to discuss a subject on stage at Werks Amelia. 👍
Yes the 996 has aged well for me. Honestly I always thought it was a great looking car especially from behind but now it just looks even better then ever before . My fav. Though is the gt2 club sport in guards red 2002 -2005
Nathan, thank you for another informative and entertaining video! You mentioned getting your exhaust to be as clean as the rest of your car. You need the TIG brush. Can't wait for the next one!
I sold my 996 turbo a couple of years ago and can't wait to get back into another!! What a machine! I actually want a tiptronic for daily duties...oh, and I'm going to use it every day
Thank you for sharing the knowledge! Learned a lot of useful things I wish I had known last summer when I bought my 2001 TT Coupe, which is a Biarritz white, no sunroof model. Luckily it was a well maintained car coming from a classic specialist but still I felt a bit green and now I know much more. So far the car has been tremendous! Amazingly the owner specced it in two tone leather, with the standard graphite grey and a special order light grey on seats, headliners and doors. Its a great place to be in and it is an absolute rocket! Cant wait until winter is over so I can get it out on the roads and add some more kilometers. For a follow up video idea: I would love to know more about where you got the numbers regarding model and (interior/exterior) colour and how many have been built as Nathan had in his maintenance booklet. Also tips on finding more about the cars history would be much appreciated! Thanks for the great insight and video!
Very nice video, thanks! The 996 turbo is a fun car, best 911 to me. I own a 2003 x50 manual with some Cargraphic upgrades, such a lovely powerful machine. I was telling my friend Philippe to buy one, you met him recently, he has a black 991.2 4S manual with red leather ;) Cheers from Prague!
I have a 2001 996TT...and I love it...its a beast of a car! I have black full leather interior - but I love that spec in the video with the Boxter Red interior!
Great video! I have too many comments to type, but I’ll tell you I always longed for a Cobalt Blue turbo with a black interior and some painted bits. I love my arctic silver turbo, though. These cars are really amazing machines! Thank you for the video!
You can pin all the coolant lines with the engine in the car except for one on the 996 turbo. It's a wise decision to have it done before you have a failure. And for the rear wing either get the rennkit eram system or do a solid mount setup
I had my hydraulic spoiler system rebuilt by a company in Germany. They replaced the interior components on both rams and pump and offer a lifetime warranty.
I agree about PPF. I’ve just agreed to purchase a collectors grade 996 40th anniversary edition, which were all in GT silver, a beautiful colour to my eyes. It has sports seat with full power, but disappointingly, not body coloured hardbacks. I’m told it’s dark grey, but it looks black to me, with perforated leather in part. My wife said that if she didn’t know that there are three versions (997, 991, 992) which are newer, the example we viewed could have been new, inside and out as well as to drive. I’d rather get a repaint if needed. I expect that colour is familiar to all specialists because it was a fairly commonly selected colour for the 996 Turbo. We saw several 911 996 & 997 on the same visit. There wasn’t a paint colour I didn’t like. Perhaps the dark blue was least attractive to me and also I’m not a fan of white cars. I saw one colour I’ve never seen on any vehicle, pale pistachio!
I think I've made peace with the animé headlights. They look great when seen from a low front angle, but not the best when seen from above. Knowing you own this series of 911 makes it fine by me. Your Boxster red interior is stunning. Reminds me of 'Lobster' from the old Turbos.
Wow 🤩 I absolutely love your seal grey 2001 turbo with the boxter red interior ❤ That’s how I would have spec’d mine if I could afford one. Only personal touches would maybe be tooths hound seating areas and sport seats. But I’m almost lost for words it is gorgeous. Thanks for this amazing 996 turbo model guide.
@@PorscheClubofAmerica 😊 Now I have to watch your 964 video guide ❤️ I love that too but I wish it had a bit wider arches like the turbo. But there was a version with turbo body without wing right 🤔🤷♂️? I see most of them in the video has cup mirrors but these were not on the first 964 models right? 😊😊
Small note, GT Silver was the only color available for the 40Jahre 996. Which shared the turbo look (updated headlights, wider panels) in 2004. Great content as usual.
100% correct! Great color as it appeared on 3 models in 2004: Carrera GT, 40Jahre 996 and Boxster S550 Spyder. It was added to the optional premium metallic list for the 996TT, 996 C4S and Cabriolet for 2005 as well as the then new 997.
The option code sticker was placed onto the inside of the bonnet by Technicians or sometimes sales personnel. They were not always installed, but every vehicle I personally PDI’d was installed and installed without bubbles or being crooked. The hand written numbering on the bottom of the sticker was the wheel lock number and sometimes radio code was written as well An indicator any car was extremely well maintained is the service manual being stamped by the same dealership who sold it, and often times the same technician would be requested to perform services throughout the warranty life of the vehicle
Such a great vid, thanks and congrats! What really stands out is the quality of your cars, they are worthy of a spot @ the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart!
The 996 turbo is so robust and beautiful. I love all the vents everywhere. I read about the half a million mile car a couple of years back, I wonder if it's still on the road?
I will be in Scottsdale but will not being hosting a live event. I will however be appearing on PCA Tech Tactics Live on Feb 1st to discuss what happened in Scottsdale and what that means for the market in 2023. Should be fun!
Tiptronic tranny ain't bad on the 996TT, because it starts out in 2nd gear (1st gear only is used in cold weather when warming up) , and with the very wide torque band, you're in 2nd gear only when doing around town performance driving, with some use of 3rd gear.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Very well presented video with great examples. I immediately went to check the options of mine. Greetings from Switzerland
Dude, your car is unbelievably clean/beautiful but how could someone who's so OCD not have the Porsche crests on the center caps pointing at the valvestems? Sort that ASAP, Lol. ;)
My friend your delivery…content(a few “foibles” (I love this word) here&there…your respect for the brand is evident. An Italian made “Sport Tech”…Not OEM offset was available so spacers…magnesium super light See cover photo…Peachstate Region Presse Winter 2023 issue….my04C4S w/ 11” SportTech…enjoy
Great video, love nerdy OCD details. :-D But I'm fairly confident that the 996 was hand painted, don't think they introduced the robots before the 991 model actually. So the zink coat and primer were done by robots but the colour and coating were human hands.
If you’re going to buy a 996, Turbo, GT2, GT3. They have a water cooled heads on a mezger engine. The only weakness is the used glue to plump the water manifold to the heads.
Mine has body coloured wheels (Black) but a silver rim close to the tyre , looks fabulous. Boxster Red interior with carbon everywhere in perfect condition...11k miles.
@@nathanmerz So mine have bare (lacquered) aluminium around the rim of the wheel , they look fantastic , was this factory? I've seen others where the whole wheel is black which I'm not keen on but this strip breaks it up so well and look very special.
@@stephenauty2402 yes when one optioned the black or body color wheels the very outer lip is still silver as well as the inner barrels of the wheels. This is one easy way to determine if they are OE or not, usually aftermarket they paint the entire wheel including the barrel vs the factory way which is much more labor intensive.
@@nathanmerz Thanks for clearing that up and yes mine have coloured crest inserts. Mine has only 11k miles , it's an 05 manual but underneath the engine is a mess , covered in burnt on Cosmoline, better than rust though
Great video. I do like the techno twists but agree a 17mm spacer is indeed “inelegant” I have some beautiful Fiske wheels that complement the car. My factory aero kit has the std dam/splitter ( now I know why )
2002 Polar Silver over Natural Leather, Dark Grey (nearly black) with perfect factory carbon fiber trim is my 996 Turbo unicorn.... I also have a second 996 Turbo, Arctic Silver over black. Perhaps the most common color combo, but timeless and stunning.
7:06 Chassis rigidity... I have a 2001 chassis. I am one of those who have studied this topic and even spoke to people at the factory a number of years ago: Porsche made changes to the metallurgy in the 996 body - mainly in the area of the rear seat pan. In addition, there were several additional pieces added at the front edge of the rear seat pan and at the edges of the roof on both sides. Above all the rear seat pan makes the difference in rigidity. The bigger question is what you mentioned at 7:33, does it actually make that big a difference? I have friends and acquaintances with gen 1 996 track cars that are significantly faster than similarly set up gen 2s and 997s... The glove box is almost more of an issue. And, as a German/American: certain cars need cup holders, certain don't. Imagine being overtaken on your way to work by a Ferrari. Are you going to let the guy go and drive carefully because of your coffee or big gulp or whatever? Real Porsche drivers drink outside of their vehicles 😛 And... great vid!
I don't know why but I just put a large plastic bag in my frunk ;-) Thanks for the video, but I must admit that I would be embarrassed to show you the underside of my car! But my radiators are cleaner LOL!!!! I drive a 2002 TT since 2008 and love it! I do my own maintenance and I agree Durametric is a must with those cars unless you got a PST2 or a clone....
Can you add some information about 996 turbo S they were made in 2005 and I’ve heard that couple thousands of them were handbuilt. A couple of Porsche forums do you say that lasted 5% of them were handbuilt does anybody have a confirmation on that? I’ve read that in 2005 production line was changed to the next model and they were left with parts, they build a couple dozen only
Great video as usual. A note. When your voice trails off it's really hard to hear what you're saying. If I turn the volume all the way up then it's too loud when you speak normally....Just a note.
Great job! My '01 came with parking sensors on the rear bumper with audible alert tone only. Is this unusual? Also, glad you pointed out that most cars will have cosmoline on the undercarriage etc.
You have option code 635: Park Assist System which was a $520 option in 2001. Not rare per se but not chosen at a high rate. Yes, when new these cars came with cosmoline, which varied in overall thickness and quantity quite a bit by car.
As a new owner of a 02 996tt, I think all the points are very good but the clutch slave is major weakness in these cars. It’s similar to the spoiler in that it’s not if it fails but when.
