Top 6 Porsche 996 modifications

Commonly, this is one of the first things enthusiasts look to change on their 996, for two reasons. Firstly, there’s a good chance the two-decade-old factory system will be corroded (they usually rot badly around the seams), but also an enthralling soundtrack is arguably what makes a sports car – yet the 996.1-generation in particular is a very quiet 911 indeed. 

Thankfully, there are a host of aftermarket options here to suit every budget, and that’s whether you merely upgrade silencers or go for a full system including cats and manifolds. We at 9WERKS highly rate the engineering of Milltek’s exhaust systems. You can also enhance the look of your 996’s rear by ditching the factory pea shooters for more aesthetically pleasing exhaust tips.

As well as an improved soundtrack, aftermarket exhausts bring a healthy weight saving and minor increase in power. Sound is most important though, and you can judge which system is best for you by checking out our aftermarket 996 exhaust group test video here. 

Being able to stop is the most crucial aspect of any vehicle, including a Porsche. The factory brakes are generally good enough, though a lot of enthusiasts look to upgrade to improve pedal feel and eliminate brake fade. Again, you’re at the mercy of your own budget here, from EBC to PFC. Upgrading your brake lines to stainless will improve efficiency but will deter corrosion too, as these are a common source of rust and badly corroded brake lines can escalate maintenance jobs significantly – you could even need a new calliper! We rate these Goodridge stainless lines and think their price point represents excellent value.  

When purchasing brakes, it’s worth noting the guys at Heritage Parts Centre can supply complete packages including fitting kits and anti-vibration shims.

When it comes to wet-sumped Carrera derivatives, we tend to advise against modifying the engine with any significant performance upgrades. That M96 engine doesn’t have the best reputation for robustness, so our advice generally is to leave well alone. However, improving the 996’s breathing is an easy win in terms of performance: induction kits matched to a freer-flowing exhaust will unlock a little more power and throttle responsiveness, and you can even go down the route of air-flow management with an IPD intake plenum and cold intake airbox mod.

All of the above will improve induction noise and throttle response alongside a small hike in power, making your Porsche 996 a more focussed and visceral driving machine. 

If, like many other owners, you use your 996 daily, an updated infotainment system will be key to ensure you can get the most out of your modern classic while staying connected to the world outside. Though there are many aftermarket versions available, 9WERKS rates Porsche’s own PCCM+ unit very highly indeed. Featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this double-DIN unit brings 991.2-generation modernity to your 996 and will allow you to make handsfree calls, stream your favourite music and podcasts (including 9WERKS Radio), and avoid traffic with clever route guidance. Its 7-inch touch screen looks right at home in the 996’s dashboard, and we’d argue having Porsche PCCM+ installed makes your car a better proposition over an aftermarket unit when the time comes to move your 996 on. You can find a detailed review of PCCM+ here.

Remember, your Porsche 996 is approaching a quarter of a century old, so plenty of parts will need replacing on all but the most fastidiously looked-after examples. 996s have, in the past, had poor reputations for reliability, so there are a few things you can do to maintain or even safeguard your 996, to ensure many more miles of bargain performance motoring.
Aside from the obvious IMS upgrade, we recommend fitting a low temp thermostat, particularly on later 996s, to bring down operating temperature and help prevent scored bores. Water pumps can fail around the 80k-mile mark, and any clunking underneath will indicate worn bushes – you can upgrade to poly bushes to avoid this happening again anytime soon. The bushes on lower arms are prone to failure after time, and annoyingly you’ll need to replace the whole arm. MEYLE offer a two-year, unlimited-mile warranty on its chassis components, and they also offer a hefty saving over comparative parts from Porsche. Keep that 996 in tip-top shape and, along with our performance upgrades above, these six steps will leave you with a scintillating 911 for less than £30,000.