ntrylvl

Karlooz, Did you ever try the Dynamat to mitigate some of the increased chatter? I have a 2002 C2 with lightweight flywheel, and the chatter is quite obvious. I second the observations that: 1) there is a constant chatter with the car at idle and the clutch disengaged, 2) the chatter only becomes obvious when the car is at operating temperature, and 3) gear noise is also noticeable when driving, particularly at lower RPM's. Like everyone else who owns these cars, I am a perfectionist and cannot stand the smallest rattle or chatter. However, I do appreciate the feel of the lighter flywheel. Is it enough of a (perceived?) performance improvement to justify the extra noise? Maybe. But I'd be an easier sell if I could make the idle chatter quieter. On a funny note, I bought this car only 1+ months ago, upgrading from my 2001 986S. When I test drove the car, the extra flywheel chatter wasn't present. It was only when I drove it home that I noticed the sound, and--not knowing what it was--it scared the **** out of me! So I took the car back to the dealer, who--of course--didn't know about the lightweight flywheel and agreed there might be a problem. Turns out they pulled everything apart and found the single mass flywheel, which apparently was/is brand new. Not only did I discover something new about my car, but I also got a new RMS out of the deal, all at no charge. I don't know if there is a moral to this story, but I have owned several Porsches, including a '72 914 (still have it), '89 944S2, '99 Boxster 2.5, '01 Boxster S, and now the 996, and what I've realized is that knowing the ins and outs of your car is invaluable, not only for self-diagnosis/saving cash, but also being able to sleep at night! Sorry for the dissertation...figured someone would enjoy my story.

I have a 2002 C2 w/6 Speed and 47K mi. My car averages 18.5 MPG in 90% stop-and-go commute and/or street driving. When I am in the open highway, this increase to 23-25 MPG...but I'm sad to say this rarely happens. My poor car spends most of its time sitting on the 10 fwy, in and around Los Angeles, and at an average speed of 25MPH. I guess I can give myself a pat on the back for enduring this, but a day off here and there--and the resulting opportunity to get away from all of the traffic--would surely make my car happier.

I just bought a 2002 C2 with about 48K miles, 6-speed manual. As this is my first 996 (previously owned an '01 Boxster S and a '99 Boxster 2.5), I am still adjusting to the car's quirks. I have noticed a momentary lack of power/responsiveness if I try to drive away immediately after a cold start. Specifically, when I first put the car in gear (forward or reverse) and give it gas, there is a brief hesitation (a couple of seconds) before the car decides to move. Once it "kicks in" everything seems fine, and I do not notice any further hesitation in responsiveness or acceleration. I have not experienced this problem when the car is warmed up and/or has only been sitting for a short time. Is this something I should be worried about, or is it just in the car's nature?

I had a similar problem on my 2001 Boxster S. Turned out to be the front strut tower mounts, which I believe are the same as 996. I actually replaced them with the new 997 version and the sound went away.

I did this mod and it works as advertised. No more wimpy "cutout" and I couldn't be happier. All of my neighbors are fellow Porsche-philes, so I don't think they mind!