Blue Monster

I live outside of NYC and did the same thing last spring. I spent 6 mos tracking the market and researching the exact specs that I wanted. There are plenty of cars out there, but make sure you have it FULLY inspected and drive it before purchase. I daily drive mine and love it. I have tracked it a few times as well with no major modifications. Not sure what I will be doing this winter, but so far driving it every day. And if anything does go wrong..... you always have Loren! :renntech:

I live in New York and I am contemplating by first winter with a 2003 Turbo. Not sure if I'll put on a set of all weather tires and see how well the four wheel drive handles the snow or make it a garage queen for the winter. Either way, thanks for the info. I have the Porsche battery charger as well and just used it on a recent week and a half away from home.

Further update, I guess this is becoming my minor blog. I now have 3 days of DE under my belt and the car is holding up well. No issues on the track. I bought a helmet and skipped the clear coat and fire extinguisher (not needed until the Yellow run group). After cleaning the car today, I noticed that the brakes pads look worn, but no cracks in the rotors. The tire wear looks worn on the top part of the side rails on the fronts, OK on the rears. My friend mentioned my tires were squealing quite a bit. I currently have Bridgestone Potenzas S-02 A. So, looking to get new pads and maybe new tires. After reading many pages here and on other sites, looks like I will get Pagid Yellows and Sumi HTR Z III when needed. Any thoughts?

Just an update, It has been two months since I had the low temperature issue and now after warmup it runs right between the 8 and zero no matter what the temperature is outside (over 100 in NY recently), with or without A/C, and I typically drive aggressively on the quiet roads on my way to work. So, hopefully this is an issue of the past. I vaccumed the front radiators and I think the Blue Monster is smoking behind my back, I am guessing 20 cigarette butts came out. I am getting the tech inspection in a couple of weeks for my first Driver's Ed in July. Thanks again. B)

Thanks for the tips!

Thanks Chuck, it is invaluable to get real advice from experienced owners who are dealing with the same issues, it takes the fear out of DIY. I'll fix that cap and it looks like I have a fun DIY coming up. Hopefully no sparrows, I had to remove a dead chipmunk from my Pilot last year, not fun.

Thanks for the quick response. I looked at the intakes (left, center, right) and there are no major obstructions, but it looks like there are some small peebles and debris. I am not sure of the best way to remove these or if they matter (see photo). I uploaded a photo of the right front intake and it has a plastic cap (unconnected) and a small opening that it looks like the cap it fits into. I couldn't find anything in the manual on this, could this be the culprit? Thanks again.

I recently purchased my first Porsche, a 996 TT with 20,000 miles, in FL and drove it back to NY in April. Three days and two nights of pure driving enjoyment. It certainly added some miles to the car, but a great experience. This website has been so helpful, especially to a new buyer/owner. So thank you Loren and all the other contributing members. On the drive home, the left headlight went out and the temp gauge low warning light came on. I found a repair shop and the light just had a loose wire. They diagnosed the temp problem (Fault P0116) as a faulty water tank cap, coolant regulator, and heater water value. They replaced the parts, filled and bled the coolant and I have not had another warning light since. But, the temperature gauge after warm up, stays on the cool side at 180, not at 12 o'clock as the manual states. Should I be concerned? Anyone else have this problem? The car came with only one key and no front license plate holder, so I ordered from Sunset Imports. I can endorse all the positive recommendations. They are helpful, priced right, and quick. My first mod was hardwiring my radar detector. I am reasonably handy around the house, but I have no real experience tinkering with cars. I found this http://www.geocities.com/porschecarrera996...v3_document.htm link and installed it in about three hours. I went very slowly, but it is very easy to follow. I didn't make the sleeve and used a different spot for the ground. I signed up for my first Driver's Ed in July. I know I need to get a helmet, fire extinguisher, and check out. but I have been hearing/reading many other suggestions as well. Do you think I need a clear coat to protect the paint? Is painters tape OK? Headlight covers? I am all about cost/benefit. I'll spend the money, if it is worth it down the road. Any other beginner/simple mods before I head out to the track? I have been driving a 1990 500SL for the past 10 years. It is in mint condition and I still love to drive it, but was ready to finally get the car that was on my bedroom wall all during my youth in the 80s. Every time I walk up to this Blue Monster I have a big smile on my face. Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading. :renntech: