'New Member'

[thebishman]

Well what a strange 5 months.
I traded the M5 last Dec. for a new M3 with the SMG II transmission. A great car that unfortunately 'blew' the engine on the 11th.
My dealer had a '02 996TT in stock that they made me a great deal on, and hence I'm now back to a Porsche! It's funny how things sometimes work out I guess, but I've always wanted a 996TT, and when the M3's engine 'detonated', it was the perfect opportunity to see what you guys have been going on about.
What an incredible machine!! I can't wait to get thru' the break-in period.
A few ?'s:
Does anyone know of a source for headlight protection from 3M. I had some on the M3 from Bavarian Auto that was 3mm thick, and I'd like to protect the lights the same way on the TT.

Any thoughts on the B+M shifter for the TT? The travel for the shifter is a little too 'long' imho; however I would not want to give up the ease' of shifting either. Is the B+M short-shift kit worth it?

Lastly, track tyres/wheels. I don't want to spend a fortune on wheels that I'll only use 3-4 weekends/year. Any thoughts/suggestions.
Thanks,
thebishman

P.S. How do I change my 'avatar' to the rear of an Artic Silver '02 996TT?

[MWM]

Good for you! I've heard nothing but good things about the B&M shifter. Most folks also order the evoms.com needle bearing kit to go along with it. Supposed to make it much less "notchy."

Not sure about the 3M film. I'd guess you want to find a good installer first, then a source for the film second. No idea on track tires or wheels. Most guys I've run into just use the stock setup (I'd probably put that $$ toward a Ruf exhaust, personally).

Can you give us a rundown on the SMG II (other than the obvious disappointment with the grenaded motor) --- assuming BMW gets the motor sorted out, is this a great car? Could it serve as a decent daily driver?

[thebishman]

MWM,
Thanks for the reply.
I will check into the B+M shifter. My stock shifter glides thru' the gate like a knife thru' butter; it is even very easy to engage first. However, the 'throws' are quite long and I'd like to shorten them up.
The M3 with the SMG II transmission was a revelation. The best 'manual' transmission I've ever owned/driven. When driven aggressively, the SMG imho allows one to concentrate completely on the task at hand, and not have to devote time/energy to the physical act of shifting. Remember though, that the choice of what gear to be in is still driver dependent. The Auto modes were only used during coffee/telephone times and hence were fairly useful in this regard. The SMG II is not a Tiptronic transmission however, and even though one can learn to drive the M3 in 'Auto' mode quite smoothly, it is in the 'S' modes that the transmission shines. My hope is that Porsche is working on a SMG equivalent; if the next generation TT comes with it as optional, I would trade immediately.
The M3 works extremely well as a 'daily driver'. I even put Pirelli 240 Snowsports on mine this winter, where it did very well.
Take care,
thebishman

[Oak]

The B&M SS kit is a nice upgrade, I wouldn't bother to install the evoms needle bearing it is only for the side movement, it doesn't make the shifts any smoother or better, infact it feels better with the delrin bushings. Installed the complete Stongard front end and light protection I highly recomend it. Although, you need a good technician that has experience on the 996tt, it is one of the most difficult kits to install. The quality of the appearance is dependant on the material and installer. I had some bad 3M material, and had it redone at no cost. Not because of the installer. As far as track tires most guys are using the Hoosiers, I have heard some good things about the Pirellis Corsa which are supposed to be streetable also.

Post some pics! So we can all enjoy your 996tt! It is an incredible car, I have had mine since Nov 01. I am having some performance mods and parts scheduled soon. It is worlds apart from the M3, which is an incredible car also, but really no comparison.

Congrats on your new 996tt!

Check out http://www.funcarsonline.com/frames/...o/911turbo.htm excellent 996tt board!

[Ashok Arora]

Congrats on your new car.. post some pics when you can.

Ashok
2002 Carbonblack/Caramel

[jinferno]

Welcome to the family thebishman! Oak, I'm considering the level 2 evo upgrade...any thoughts? Oh, thebishman, get the H&R springs...well worth it!

J

[Oak]

The level 2 upgrade is a good one. From my research, I have found a combination ECU upgrade from a well known tuner and K 24.5 modified turbos that flow 10% more than the standard K24 that the evo stage 2 has for much less $$$, upgraded FPR, T-clamps etc...