Bought my first porsche !

[siddharth]

Well, After much searching I finally found the car of my dreams ! I just bought my 2nd car, a black 1999 Porsche 911. I had been reading around here when making a decision so I thought I'd finally make an introduction and throw a few questions that I already have !! Please go easy if I'm out of line on any forum etiquettes, I mean no offense to anyone. :)

Background

========

I first got in love with porsche as a kid, with the matchbox sized toy cars but seriously considered them after driving my brother's boxster. In fact the last month I was test driving several 996's and Boxster S's. Ultimately I went 911 since the boxster didn't have the power that I felt in the 911. Of course, the boxster had amazing balance, but porsche decided to cripple it with horsepower which really pissed me off. Maybe the next 911 could be mid-engine ? I hope Porsche does it, as much as it may seem blasphemous. Anyway, the 996 has superb handling inspite of that so I decided to go for it. Its day 2 today and I'm getting better at "knowing" the car and enjoying that process. (I've driven stick shifts for 5 years, but N-1st shifts still require some thought).

Car

===

- 996 with 51K miles in very good condition.

- Black on black with leather interiors

- Manual transmission

- Texas car bought in LA (I live in San Diego). The dealer in LA was really happy selling it to a "young buyer with his own money" (I've turned 25) since he told me "most people buying it were much older than you". And I'm not very rich, really, I just looked around a lot and I love the car too much ! RICH is what I saw at the dealership the other day --- there was this guy trading in his 996 C2 for a 996 Turbo and he looked like he could have been younger than me ! These young rich brats I tell you ... I'm jealous !

QuestionS

=======

So here is the main stuff ... I've got a lot of question. I'm not expecting one person to answer all, but if you find something you know, I'd appreciate it if you could chip in :)

Question 1)

I've got just one key and the code is lost and the 1-button remote lock/unlock on the current keyhead doesn't work. I know it used to work before and the dealer said I'd need to buy a new keyhead, have it programmed and use the existing cut key shank. That comes to almost $200. If I go for an ENTIRELY new key (and use the one I have as a basic spare key) it comes to $330. I found some other post here with an ebay link for a blank + keyhead + code for $100, so I can then ask him to cut and program for another $100-150 saving 50 bucks.

A ) I currently have a (non-working) single button keyhead. If I buy a 2 button keyhead and have it programmed, can I then start remotely operating the front hood or do I need something "extra" to achieve that ?

B ) Where can I get the Carrera GT style keyhead for the 996 ?

C ) What is the radius of operation for the porsche keyheads ?

Question 2)

I have the stock basic CD player (ie. no changer) in the central console. Its <something>-220 I think. But I don't use CD's since I have all my music on my iPod. I've heard that you get a set of wires by which you can add an auxillary input to the music system.

A ) What is the part number for this aux in so it works even on the basic stock ("220"?) stereo ?

Question 3)

Can I remove the in-build 4 CD holder/trays (again, not a CD changer, purely holder trays) from the central console and put something more useful like an empty hollow compartment ? Since I'm also thinking of a navigation system, what about some inexpensive navigation system that might go there ? Actually if I club it with question 2, is there a single larger unit which I can use for navigation, stereo and ipod (or have /aux/line in) all in one ? I think not, and if yes, its going to be expensive !

Question 4)

I'm thinking of getting a GT3 style rear spoiler (in black) which I can install myself (hopefully easily!).

A ) Does this negatively affect the aerodynamic behaviour ?

B ) Any recommendations ?

Question 5)

Maybe this should be clubbed with the above in 3 itself :) ... I'm also thinking of altering the front bumper. I don't want the GT3 bumper since it hits the road everytime I go thru a dip (parking lots etc) but maybe an addon lower lip to the stock front bumper that remains practical.

A ) Does this negatively affect the aerodynamic behaviour ?

B ) Any recommendations ?

Not that the stock look is poor or something, it actually looks good. But the GT3 look is ... verrry NICE !

Question 6)

Is there any box or something that I can put on the rear seats (maybe fasten with the seat belt?) which I can use to store papers, pens, maps etc ? Basically a glove box kind of an organizer on the back seat with maybe a cup holder ? I don't have cupholders or a glovebox on my 996 !

Question 7)

I need floor mats too. I found http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PORSCHE-911...1QQcmdZViewItem

Is there another alternative ? I tried looking for a "part number" for them so I could search how much porsche "officially" charges us for them ... but I couldn't find it. Maybe I'll just order the above ... $75-80.

Question 8)

I've heard good stuff about using a short shifter. How easy is it to do this on your own and which part should I order ? If I can't do this on my own, how many hours will it be (to figure out labour costs). Is it worth it ?

Whew ! Thats a lot of questions and I'll be really thankful if you guys could help me on it.

Thanks in advance !

cheers

Siddharth

Edited January 26, 2006 by siddharth

[macsak]

congrats!

i can help you with a couple of answers, others will chime in over the next day or 2 to answer all your questions

you have a becker cdr 220 stereo

you can buy a plug for the cd changer input so you can use it as an aux-in for your iPod

start your search here

http://members4.boardhost.com/beckerboard/

and here

http://www.beckerautosound.com/

lloyd's mats are considered to be better than OEM (in fact they usedto be OEM)

an internet search should turn up lots of sources

they are porsche authorized to use porsche fonts and trademarks for embroidery

aloha

steve

[Kim]

A ) I currently have a (non-working) single button keyhead. If I buy a 2 button keyhead and have it programmed, can I then start remotely operating the front hood or do I need something "extra" to achieve that ?

B ) Where can I get the Carrera GT style keyhead for the 996 ?

C ) What is the radius of operation for the porsche keyheads ?

Question 3)

Can I remove the in-build 4 CD holder/trays (again, not a CD changer, purely holder trays) from the central console and put something more useful like an empty hollow compartment ? Since I'm also thinking of a navigation system, what about some inexpensive navigation system that might go there ? Actually if I club it with question 2, is there a single larger unit which I can use for navigation, stereo and ipod (or have /aux/line in) all in one ? I think not, and if yes, its going to be expensive !

I can help with a couple, too.

Have you tried a new battery in your keyhead? Simple to replace. Battery available at the drug store.

For your MY99 car, only the remote lock/alarm button will function from the key head. You cannot remotely open your bonnet, no matter how many buttons are on the keyhead. Don't waste your money. I bought a keyhead on Ebay. Be CERTAIN it comes with the bar code tag, or it cannot be mated to your car by the dealer. If this is your only key, I suggest getting another key cut and put a valet (non-remote) head on it for emergencies. You can order a key shaft already cut from Sunset Porsche by supplying your VIN and proof of ownership. Big discount over the local dealer .... ususally.

As a 99, your car probably would benefit from the Tech Service Bulletin on extending the range of the remote. (TSBs available here for contributing members. DIY covers it also). That should extend it from a few feet to 20 or more.

The CD storage tray will simply pull out. Open all 4 trays, grasp firmly with both hands, and pull. A storage compartment is available from Porsche for about $40. Slides right in. Sell the storage tray on Ebay for 50+.

Kim

2000 Cab

[siddharth]

Have you tried a new battery in your keyhead? Simple to replace. Battery available at the drug store.

Yeah, I tried that but forgot to mention it. It didn't work. :(

For your MY99 car, only the remote lock/alarm button will function from the key head. You cannot remotely open your bonnet, no matter how many buttons are on the keyhead. Don't waste your money. I bought a keyhead on Ebay. Be CERTAIN it comes with the bar code tag, or it cannot be mated to your car by the dealer. If this is your only key, I suggest getting another key cut and put a valet (non-remote) head on it for emergencies. You can order a key shaft already cut from Sunset Porsche by supplying your VIN and proof of ownership. Big discount over the local dealer .... ususally.

As a 99, your car probably would benefit from the Tech Service Bulletin on extending the range of the remote. (TSBs available here for contributing members. DIY covers it also). That should extend it from a few feet to 20 or more.

The CD storage tray will simply pull out. Open all 4 trays, grasp firmly with both hands, and pull. A storage compartment is available from Porsche for about $40. Slides right in. Sell the storage tray on Ebay for 50+.

And thanks Macsak !

[man_of_ice]

I'll chime in with a little too.

If you put on a wing on the back, you need to have the front changed too.

But you can put on the front + side skirts without a wing. Else your aero dynamics will be fubar at high speeds.

Thats at least the usual wisdom spread around on the Porsche forums.

Floor mats - go with Lloyds. They are absolutely fabulous, and have a simple yet effective mechanism to keep them from sliding.

SSK - there are several recent threads about those + DIY guides. E.g.: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4876

I havent heard anyone who doesnt like it. I plan to do it too as my next mod.

[siddharth]

I'll chime in with a little too.

If you put on a wing on the back, you need to have the front changed too.

But you can put on the front + side skirts without a wing. Else your aero dynamics will be fubar at high speeds.

Thats at least the usual wisdom spread around on the Porsche forums.

Floor mats - go with Lloyds. They are absolutely fabulous, and have a simple yet effective mechanism to keep them from sliding.

SSK - there are several recent threads about those + DIY guides. E.g.: http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=4876

I havent heard anyone who doesnt like it. I plan to do it too as my next mod.

Hmm ... thanks for the rear wing info. Is there a URL where they discuss types on wings/front/side skirts on a 996 and its effects on the aerodynamics ?

Floor mats, yeah, Lloyd's seems to be everyone's favourite.

And the B&M Short Shifter ... I should have searched a bit more before, a ton of people before me have asked the same. A friend of mine is really interested in doing this to his 2003 C2. LEt me see how that feels so I can decide to mod mine if required.

BTW, I've seen people saying MY02 etc .... I'm guessing Y02 = year 2002, what does the 'M' stand for ?

cheers !

Siddharth

[Kim]

BTW, I've seen people saying MY02 etc .... I'm guessing Y02 = year 2002, what does the 'M' stand for ?

Siddharth

"MY" is short for Model Year

Kim

2000 Cab

[siddharth]

BTW, I've seen people saying MY02 etc .... I'm guessing Y02 = year 2002, what does the 'M' stand for ?

Siddharth

"MY" is short for Model Year

Kim

2000 Cab

Cool, thanks !

Well, I've ordered the following thru Sunset

- remote lock/unlock keyhead

- blank key shank

- floor mats (4 piece)

- replacement shelf instead of the 4-CD tray holder (996-552-243-0101C)

And from Becker I've ordered the

- Aux-in plug (BNA-1319)

This should get me going for now. In the mean while I'll be hunting for a replacement stereo and speakers+subwoofer. I'm looking at a stereo that may also double as a sat nav. and also talk to the ipod. Any recommendations ?

Thanks

Siddharth