I have already discussed performance modifications and interior modifications on this forum so I now I am going to discuss miscellaneous or other modifications that I made to my 996. if you are a Porsche Purist, meaning you like to keep your Porsche as original as possible, then you probably would not do a lot of the things that I did to my 996. I love Porsche and the brand but at the same time, I like to keep my car somewhat unique with its own identity.
To see the full article with all the pics, visit here: https://www.por4mance.com/forum/porsche-996/porsche-996-exterior-modifications
As I have mentioned before, when I purchased my first Porsche (2001 911 Carrera 4 - 996), the Top Gear episode named, The USA RoadTrip, was just released, and in that episode was the new 997 GT3RS (agate grey with red wheels and red accents): The link to that episode will be attached below this paragraph. Having watched that episode and just buying an Agate Grey 911, I used that GTR3RS as my inspiration.
The first purchase I made was the wheels. For the Porsche 911 there are so many options (forged, carbon, lightweight, not to mention all the different brands) - you can find some of them here: https://www.por4mance.com/wheels-tires . At the time, recently divorced, I was on a fixed budget so I had to find something in my price range ($2,500.00). I contacted someone I met on 6Speedonline, Dan at VividRacing (www..com) , and told him what I am looking for. Long story short, I bought Victor Equipment Zehns https://www.vividracing.com/victor-equipment-zehnwheel-20x11-5x130-36mm-matte-black-p-150711875.html and had them powdercoated in Guards Red. Pics of the wheel before and after....
Pics above are what the wheels looked like once they were installed in Guards Red. Yes, I think the black would have looked good as well. ;
As you can also see, I decided to add the red "Carrera 4" sideskirt decal to it as well. I bought my sticker off of Suncoast Porsche but I don't see them listed on Suncoast Parts anymore, However, you can still find them here: https://shop.zengraphics.co.uk/911s-911-993-996-991-carrera-4-side-stripes-decals-stickers-graphics-vinyls-accessories-oem-genuine-replica-exterior-styling-quality-high-lower-custom-replacement-breaking-parts-door-arch-whee
In addition to the side decals, I had both rearview mirrors painted in Guards Red and the front bumper trim painted in Guards Red as well (see pics below).
Once all of the red accents that I wanted to apply was complete, I began upgrading the little things on the car (side markers, LED lights for both inside and outside, and tinted the windows).
As for cost for each of these:
Wheels/tires - $2,500.00
Paint the mirrors and front bumper trim - $600.00
Carrera 4 side decal sticker - $190.00
Side Marker lights 75.00.
LED light kit for both interior and exterior $125.00 (which included, license plate lights, interior door lights, interior overhead lights, and interior foot lights)
LED - rear tail lights (probably my favorite mod) - $600.00
LED - 3rd brake lights for both of them - $250.00
Tinted the windows - Don't remember the exact cost (UV protective tint)
NOTE: These were the prices I paid 5-10 years ago. At the bottom of this page, I will attach all the links to the items that I bought, assuming that they are still available.
LED tail lights pics (the top picture is without the LED 3rd brake light and the bottom is with it).
In my next post, I will discuss all of the mods I made and some of the repairs that I had to make to 996. I will also include the average price, plus installation (if applicable).
Paint the rear view mirrors and front bumper trim: A local place in Charlotte, NC did that for me ($600.00)
Carrera 4 Side Decal Sticker in Guards Red: Purchased from Suncoast Porsche parts but does not appear to be available anymore. You can find one similar to it at: https://shop.zengraphics.co.uk/911s-911-993-996-991-carrera-4-side-stripes-decals-stickers-graphics-vinyls-accessories-oem-genuine-replica-exterior-styling-quality-high-lower-custom-replacement-breaking-parts-door-arch-whee
LED Light package for 996; https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/2001-porsche-911-vehicle-led-lights?make=61&model=319&year=2001
Dectane lights from the Revolution Motorsports: https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-1999-2004-Dectane-Brand-Taillights/dp/B007HWB7RE - they are $895.00 now.
3rd LED Brake light for both spoiler and non-spoiler (not sure if this is the exact one but they are all over Ebay, just make sure that if you buy two that you are buying one that fits the spoiler as well. Some of them listed on Ebay states that they will not work on the spoiler): https://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-2000-2001-2004-Porsche-911-996-REAR-RED-LED-3rd-THIRD-STOP-BRAKE-LIGHT-LAMP/313177850703?fits=Make%3APorsche&hash=item48eadac34f:g:8owAAOSw9mFWMxhZ
Tinted Windows - local shop in Charlotte, NC.
Pics of it once it before and after: