The weight of a shift knob is more important than you would imagine. This is why the early type R Hondas had a heavy Titanium shift knob when everywhere else they were trying to save weight. If you don’t believe me try driving with no shift knob and it will feel knotchy....then try with a weight taped on to your shift knob and it will feel so much more satisfying.
I could understand if it was the 4-spoke wheel you're replacing, but personally I like the 3-spoke and although the Momo is undoubtedly cool, I don't think it matches the rest of the interior. Plus I wouldn't want to lose the airbag. I'm looking for a new gear shifter for mine but so far haven't really found much I like. I understand the significance of the wooden shifter but I wouldn't want one in my car. Each to their own!
Looking forward to where you’ve decided to go with the seats Lee, especially as I’m thinking along the exact sa,e lines! Interestingly I’ve also gone down a similar path to you as regards the interior though differing in detail. I had the factory 3 spoke wheel retrimmed by Royal in alcantara (Much nicer to look at and feel but still too big and too far away so I think Paul Stephen’s may be getting a call), replaced the gear know with an aluminium Rennline item (Beautiful to feel unless it’s freezing cold!) and next I’m looking at the seats. What I would also suggest you consider as a way of really lifting the perception of quality in the interior are a couple of other changes. Body coloured centre console. That tired and scratched old vinyl does the car no favours! Mine is Arctic Silver to match the body. Replace the seat belt webbing with a more colourful “Flash” of colour. I went with red but a matching green would really add something to Irish’s otherwise somber interior. I had all of the plastic / vinyl trim panels on the centre console along with the gear gaiter retrimmed in black alcantara with grey stitching to match the steering wheel. All done by Royal Steering Wheels and again gives the entire interior a dramatic “Lift” in perceived quality. Good value too… I went alcantara but leather would have a similar effect. Finally I fitted the Matt silver bezel rings readily available online to the classic 5 dial gauges. Tiny, cheap change that really adds a touch of visual interest and contrast to the gauge cluster (I also fitted the “Whiteguages.net” dial faces for about 2 weeks before deciding that I hated them!) I now really love the interior (Though as I say want to replace the seats) and the car drew a lot of compliments this year at Simply Porsche, including some appreciative words by Jay Read! Nice video and can’t wait to see your thoughts on the seats!
I think the need for the Bluetooth adapter on the Porsche infotainment system just highlights its issues further. Quite unbelievable that it has this issue given the price.
Got a 20 buck adapter that goes into the cigarettelighter port and now I can connect my phone with bluetooth to it and it sends an ukw frequency that I can set the stock pcm to. Perfect for, no mods necessary at all and works like a charm. Any other electronics unit will be outdated soon anyway, phone will always be up to date
I've done a fair bit to my 996 interior, console delete, gt3 carpet, new genuine mats, the big one is my 996 GT3 Recaros. I'm dubious about deleting the airbag, I have an early 996 with the 993 wheel and it has to go, but airbags are useful. Shifter next, not sure whats best there.
I am lucky enough to have the full leather interior plus the carbon fibre so I have never minded the standard interior. However, I have made some changes to personalise it. Including: 1) fitting the alcantara GT3 RS shift knob, combined with the Numeric short shift kit it makes gear shifting a delight. 2) centre console delete kit, the extra leg room is amazing 3) replaced the trim pieces on the centre console and storage lid with alcantara 4) fitted blaupunkt bremen sqr 46; means I have a modern stereo with blue tooth etc but it looks subtle and fits the tone of the older interior 5) fitted a set of 997 adaptive sports with alcantara centres; these provide a perfect compromise of massively improved lateral grip and holding through the centres, whilst still looking OEM, maintaining easy access to back seats and being easy to get into and out of this. The rewiring is tricky but I have to say that for me this is the best interior mod that has transformed the driving experience.
Nice touches! Yea, you got me lol I kept wondering why you were in that seat and I kept thinking you were recording on your phone or something where it flips right to left 😆
I've got a pair of Recaro GT3-style leather buckets, centre console delete kit and a custom made wooden knob to go in my 996... shame I had to sell the car! Have a 986 for now so might put it all in that until my next 996.
Good video and review of the upgrades. As far as the seats go, after trying few options, Pole Positions among them, I opted for a Recaro Speed for my car. Keep it up, I like your channel.
Is it more awkward to operate the stalk controls? There has to be a better place for that PCCM box instead of the cubby. I went with 997 GT3RS seats in my 996 and I love them!
Was never quite sure where my steering wheel in my 997 should be. I’m fairly tall so I had it all the way in to the dash but my hand was hitting my knee when I turned the wheel. I’d tried moving my seat back but that didn’t seem to work or be right. After watching this video I adjusted the rake which was just what was needed. Probably not your intended outcome from this video, but it definitely helped! Also, unofficial tag question count from the last three videos: Total: 0 Much better in my opinion and, as always, great content.
Alright, alright I finally subscribed! It was time. I've really appreciated all the 996 content lately, and I look forward to future videos. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos. It is appreciated.
Nice one Lee, love the Momo steering wheel but be cautious. The car comes fitted with an airbag as standard so an avid MOT tester may want to know what happened to the original (safety) equipment.
I can't imagine how hard it will be for you to find a set of Metropole Sports Seats...if that's what you're going for. Finding my grey ones was tough. Godspeed!
Super helpful video, how did you deal with the lack of airbag in the steering wheel? I want to change mine once I know how to stop the airbag light coming on.
absolutely love Irish but to me the wheel and wooden gear knob really cheapen the interior. Personally i’d have gone for factory replacements BUT if you love it it’s right
I made the same conclusion as you regarding aftermarket seats. In the end I went with Corbeau Boss Evo 2 (without logo). It looks factory, reclines and has low sides. Much cheaper as well.
I’m not sure about the MOT requirements regards to the air bag but I do know that you can bypass the airbag light with a simple and cheap resistor. It’ll extinguish the annoying light. If necessary swap the steering wheels over for the MOT.
Wow that gearshifter is eye wateringly expensive! A good seat to try Lee is the Recaro CS, and there are proper runners for it. Saw Little Irish at Bicester, looks good!
Steering wheel definitely needs to move back about 2 inches if you are over 6 foot tall. Personally, I installed a 2" extension with stock wheel. (I'm not a fan of removing the airbag).
If you use the original GT3 seats it's possible to get into the back area. Surely you have to bu them used and they cost a lot of money, but the look and the comfort is amazing. You easily can drive 800-1000 km's without problems. I've got them in my MK2 C2
Hi Lee, The Momo Steering Wheel is definitely a 10/10. But the gear lever is not my Cup of tea. Each to there own I suppose. Keep up the good work and looking forward to what you are going to do with the Seats. Cheers
Great video as always Lee , watching you building up little Irish convinced me to buy a 996 , can’t wait to see your seat choice Recaro always look good though 👍🏻👍🏻
I agree that the airbag delete defies logic for a everyday driver. And the gear shift looks like something you made in high school wood shop. There has to be a better one out there if you don't just get a OEM replacement or refurbish.
I did wood tech at high school and tried to make a cabinet for my football trophies. The middle shelf was on the wonk, the grooves for the glass sliding doors weren't straight, and my joins looked like the cabinet had been put together during an earthquake. It therefore definitely does not look like I made that shifter in high school!!!
@@9WERKSTV sorry, looks like a small scale piece of a cutting board I made in high school. never a fan of wood in a car except maybe high end European salon cars. if I am going to be critical, not a fan of the rims as some tribute to vintage cars. there are so many great current rims that look better. only made 2 changes to my 99 C4 cab, Fister exhaust and updated 2 din head unit. only one I would contemplate (current bumper has 2 cracks) is a RUF turbo front bumper as the 2 larger side vents always looked more aggressive and sports car like.
I like everything about the 996 3 spoke wheel in my car except the lack of rake adjustment (which I understand as angle), and was excited thinking he found a solution for that, but he didn't, and now im still sad. I'll need to get a thin seat cushion and leather I guess. I have to wonder how short our dear host is to want the wheel closer to him.
There seems to be a shortage of them (Car Bone has been out of stock for months), so definitely a gap in the market currently! I reckon you'd "shift" a lot of 'em…
I’m 6’5” and am looking to fit a smaller wheel with more dish. This is because I have to have the seat far back on the runners for my legs to fit and even then my thighs are unpleasantly close to the bottom of the wheel. It’s better since the console delete but nevertheless a smaller wheel with more dish would give me more thigh clearance and my arms would be less stretched out to the steering wheel. I have to wonder how short the dear poster of this comment is to not know this.
@@BossOfRingpiece What does that have to do with bringing the wheel closer to you? Anyway, as a fellow tall I think you want to rethink the smaller wheel - my experience is from our viewing angle you will block all your gauges. Better to buy a thin seat cushion/seat cover (it was a rare option, but also standard on the Targas) or just have someone who knows what they're doing cut the foam and recover.
By bringing the wheel closer it moves it further away from the “Peak” of my knees and closer to the low point of my body. The “Game changer” for me fitting comfortably though was removing the lower console (The so called GT3 Console Delete) which allowed my inboard leg to angle a bit more away from the wheel and give the extra clearance I needed for my hands to clear my thighs. One other observation I’d make for tall drivers is that the hard back “Sport” seats mount about 30mm lower than the all electric “Comfort” seats. I guess this is due to the space needed for all those motors. I had the “Comforts” and the centre console on my old 996 Turbo and never really fit very well whereas my current Carrera (With the sports seats and console delete) is actually very comfortable, even with the standard 3 spoke wheel (Albeit retrimmed in alcantara)
No no no, you are doing it wrong with the Recaro Pole Position seats. You pull one seat all the way forward and push the other seat all the way backward, then you get to the back through the middle.
@@9WERKSTV I no longer have a dog, so I can't test it first hand. But if you throw a toy the dog likes into the back seats through the middle, I don't see why the dog wouldn't chase after it through the same gap.
dont get me wrong i love the new stearing wheel, however i thought it was now illigal in the uk to remove a factory air bag, or at least an MOT fail even if the light goes out when you start the car
Something I would love to know is, what did you do about the car not seeing the airbag plugged in? Do you get warning lights, or did you have to flash it?
Interior is one of the main reasons I went with a 987.1 Boxster > 996. I don't know what Porsche was thinking with the interior - it felt like a mid 90's Toyota inside. For such an expensive car, why in the world did they do that?
Haters gonna hate! Some of the petty comments on here are laughable 🤣 Personally I love the car Lee & I enjoy watching it evolve & improve in your ownership. The Momo mod 7 is on the list for my car it's a great wheel & I really like the gear shifter I'm not sure I could justify the expense to myself though. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the pccm+ mainly because I think it is way too expensive for what you get I believe there are better head units out there for much less money. That said I doubt you had to pay full retail for it (I hope you didn't) & it's all.good publicity for Porsche. 😉 Ignore the the haters & their boring channels with only 6 subscribers & keep producing the quality content mate. 👍
Again an awesome video… I really like your recommendations. Please publish some more enhancement ideas for our 996 family. By the way, do you have a recommendation for a steering wheels which will fit a Tiptronic 996???
@@9WERKSTV thanks Lee! I've since found out that it is only Apple CarPlay. But apparently there's another manufacturer called AA Wireless that makes them. Although I think they are advance order only currently.
That wheel makes the car look like an Acura RSX that has had 10 owners and been “upgraded” one too many times. Coming from a 968 into a C2 I have to say that these are unnecessary, seats are very comfortable in the 996 and there is nothing wrong with the steering wheel.
Is there any solution to the steering wheel stalks (turn signal, wiper, cruise, etc.)? The motion of these feels pretty sloppy and cheap compared to other cars I’ve owned.
Will be very interested when you post your seat choice. I'm in same place with my MY00 911 Carrera 996 C2 CAB. Thinking reupholster with an autotrimmer here in Perth WA
Those racing steering wheels have no airbag, so they are designed to be used with a racing harness. Lacking that they significantly endanger your safety.
But with such a dished wheel, you can't reach the stalks without moving your hand off the wheel. Not so good if you're after improving driver ergonomics. Just look, they're miles away. I had the same issue with the Tech 3 wheel - the unfinished leather of which began to peel off after 12 months into the bargain.
I love the look of your 996! But, you have sacrificed the Porsche's entire occupant protection airbag system for an aftermarket steering wheel? Got a wife or girlfriend that rides with you? You will be regretting this choice for s split-second upon impact. My man, this seems like a terrible trade-off.
@@9WERKSTV When I was a teenager I worked the checkout counter at a sporting goods store. Occasionally I’d get a tourist, surprised to see tax charged at the end, insist that the store I work in made up this policy to rip people off. I’d try to explain that every store in this country does that, but some were not persuaded and got very upset. 🤪
I test drove a 996(c2) yesterday, found it slow, brakes and suspension are tired, interior is like an old Toyota at best, and acceleration is abysmal unless you're above 5k rpm. Even the steering felt light and unexciting. Gears were like so long. Sound was quieter than imagined. Car had 227k kilometers, do you think I drove a lemon or is this it?
@@9WERKSTV 😆 Not exactly what Pinky Lai envisaged but it’s not my car just my opinion which isn’t really relevant ! Really like the informative videos Lee - you are braver than me - look forward to seeing the seats. Thanks for the uploads 👍
It has been speculated that the best way to make people drive more carefully is to put a big metal spike in the middle of every steering wheel, aimed at the driver. Lee’s just taking one step in that direction. 🧐
The weight of a shift knob is more important than you would imagine. This is why the early type R Hondas had a heavy Titanium shift knob when everywhere else they were trying to save weight. If you don’t believe me try driving with no shift knob and it will feel knotchy....then try with a weight taped on to your shift knob and it will feel so much more satisfying.
I could understand if it was the 4-spoke wheel you're replacing, but personally I like the 3-spoke and although the Momo is undoubtedly cool, I don't think it matches the rest of the interior. Plus I wouldn't want to lose the airbag. I'm looking for a new gear shifter for mine but so far haven't really found much I like. I understand the significance of the wooden shifter but I wouldn't want one in my car. Each to their own!
I also like the 3 spoke wheel. As far as OEM steering wheels go, it's a good 'un. Would still like a Prototipo or Mod 07 though.
Sure the tri spoke wheel is more sporty but the 4 spoke is actually a 993 part. That's got history
Looking forward to where you’ve decided to go with the seats Lee, especially as I’m thinking along the exact sa,e lines! Interestingly I’ve also gone down a similar path to you as regards the interior though differing in detail. I had the factory 3 spoke wheel retrimmed by Royal in alcantara (Much nicer to look at and feel but still too big and too far away so I think Paul Stephen’s may be getting a call), replaced the gear know with an aluminium Rennline item (Beautiful to feel unless it’s freezing cold!) and next I’m looking at the seats.
What I would also suggest you consider as a way of really lifting the perception of quality in the interior are a couple of other changes.
Body coloured centre console. That tired and scratched old vinyl does the car no favours! Mine is Arctic Silver to match the body.
Replace the seat belt webbing with a more colourful “Flash” of colour. I went with red but a matching green would really add something to Irish’s otherwise somber interior.
I had all of the plastic / vinyl trim panels on the centre console along with the gear gaiter retrimmed in black alcantara with grey stitching to match the steering wheel. All done by Royal Steering Wheels and again gives the entire interior a dramatic “Lift” in perceived quality. Good value too… I went alcantara but leather would have a similar effect.
Finally I fitted the Matt silver bezel rings readily available online to the classic 5 dial gauges. Tiny, cheap change that really adds a touch of visual interest and contrast to the gauge cluster (I also fitted the “Whiteguages.net” dial faces for about 2 weeks before deciding that I hated them!)
I now really love the interior (Though as I say want to replace the seats) and the car drew a lot of compliments this year at Simply Porsche, including some appreciative words by Jay Read!
Nice video and can’t wait to see your thoughts on the seats!
Awesome points, thanks for taking the time to post. Will bear this in mind when deciding where to go next!
That momo wheel looks right at home in a 911. Huge improvement over the stock item.
Agreed!
I think the need for the Bluetooth adapter on the Porsche infotainment system just highlights its issues further. Quite unbelievable that it has this issue given the price.
Got a 20 buck adapter that goes into the cigarettelighter port and now I can connect my phone with bluetooth to it and it sends an ukw frequency that I can set the stock pcm to. Perfect for, no mods necessary at all and works like a charm. Any other electronics unit will be outdated soon anyway, phone will always be up to date
I've done a fair bit to my 996 interior, console delete, gt3 carpet, new genuine mats, the big one is my 996 GT3 Recaros. I'm dubious about deleting the airbag, I have an early 996 with the 993 wheel and it has to go, but airbags are useful. Shifter next, not sure whats best there.
Lol. I forgot yours was right hand drive for a moment! Nice wheel.
I am lucky enough to have the full leather interior plus the carbon fibre so I have never minded the standard interior. However, I have made some changes to personalise it. Including:
1) fitting the alcantara GT3 RS shift knob, combined with the Numeric short shift kit it makes gear shifting a delight.
2) centre console delete kit, the extra leg room is amazing
3) replaced the trim pieces on the centre console and storage lid with alcantara
4) fitted blaupunkt bremen sqr 46; means I have a modern stereo with blue tooth etc but it looks subtle and fits the tone of the older interior
5) fitted a set of 997 adaptive sports with alcantara centres; these provide a perfect compromise of massively improved lateral grip and holding through the centres, whilst still looking OEM, maintaining easy access to back seats and being easy to get into and out of this. The rewiring is tricky but I have to say that for me this is the best interior mod that has transformed the driving experience.
Good mods!
One of the best changes I made to my 997 was the numeric shifter, replacing the OEM plastic short shifter.
Nice touches! Yea, you got me lol I kept wondering why you were in that seat and I kept thinking you were recording on your phone or something where it flips right to left 😆
Ahaha!! Excellent!
omg I fell for it, great idea haha made me chuckle !
I've got a pair of Recaro GT3-style leather buckets, centre console delete kit and a custom made wooden knob to go in my 996... shame I had to sell the car! Have a 986 for now so might put it all in that until my next 996.
Enjoy the 986.
Got me on the wheel!
Excellent!
Good video and review of the upgrades. As far as the seats go, after trying few options, Pole Positions among them, I opted for a Recaro Speed for my car. Keep it up, I like your channel.
Thanks for the info and kind words.
Great upgrades. Definitely helps make the 996 interior a nicer placer to be.
Cheers Jeff, pleased with those comments, especially coming from you.
Can’t wait to see the seats next Lee 👍
Cheers Mark!
Is it more awkward to operate the stalk controls? There has to be a better place for that PCCM box instead of the cubby. I went with 997 GT3RS seats in my 996 and I love them!
Oof, very expensive seats but absolutely worth it I'm sure. Great choice. Stalk controls are fine to operate, I got used to it straight away.
Cant wait to see your choice of seats!
Was never quite sure where my steering wheel in my 997 should be. I’m fairly tall so I had it all the way in to the dash but my hand was hitting my knee when I turned the wheel. I’d tried moving my seat back but that didn’t seem to work or be right. After watching this video I adjusted the rake which was just what was needed. Probably not your intended outcome from this video, but it definitely helped!
Also, unofficial tag question count from the last three videos:
Total: 0
Much better in my opinion and, as always, great content.
UA-cam randomly suggested your channel after one of my vids, love the content and what your doing with the 996! New subscriber here!
Thank you very much indeed for the kind words!
Alright, alright I finally subscribed! It was time. I've really appreciated all the 996 content lately, and I look forward to future videos. Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos. It is appreciated.
Thank you Christian, I greatly appreciate that.
Great vid a ever, at £450 i think i am going to start making wooden gear knobs 👍
I have the factory wood shifter with crest (auto) along with with matching 3 spoke wood wheel and parking brake on my 996. Great touch. Got lucky
Nice one Lee, love the Momo steering wheel but be cautious. The car comes fitted with an airbag as standard so an avid MOT tester may want to know what happened to the original (safety) equipment.
Yes, I too would like to know how you get around the airbag/mot problem?
Cheers Guy, yes that is on my radar.
What was the consensus on this regarding law and mot here in the uk?
I can't imagine how hard it will be for you to find a set of Metropole Sports Seats...if that's what you're going for. Finding my grey ones was tough. Godspeed!
Ahahaha, thank you!
Super helpful video, how did you deal with the lack of airbag in the steering wheel? I want to change mine once I know how to stop the airbag light coming on.
absolutely love Irish but to me the wheel and wooden gear knob really cheapen the interior. Personally i’d have gone for factory replacements BUT if you love it it’s right
I made the same conclusion as you regarding aftermarket seats. In the end I went with Corbeau Boss Evo 2 (without logo). It looks factory, reclines and has low sides. Much cheaper as well.
Nice, will take a look. Thanks for the info.
I’m not sure about the MOT requirements regards to the air bag but I do know that you can bypass the airbag light with a simple and cheap resistor. It’ll extinguish the annoying light. If necessary swap the steering wheels over for the MOT.
It’s an automatic failure
The fact this video is 9:11 in length
Wow that gearshifter is eye wateringly expensive! A good seat to try Lee is the Recaro CS, and there are proper runners for it. Saw Little Irish at Bicester, looks good!
Cheers Kurt! Will take a look at Recaro CS.
Nice update Lee - now share the seat choice!
1:40 - Of course I did! ...because in Germany we are driving on the right (or should I say _correct_ 😉? ) side of the road! 😂😂😂
Every American watching: “WTF?!? Ohhhh yeah…..”
Hahahahaha.
Steering wheel definitely needs to move back about 2 inches if you are over 6 foot tall. Personally, I installed a 2" extension with stock wheel. (I'm not a fan of removing the airbag).
987/997 seats fit and add a visual upgrade/difference.
I have my eyes peeled!
No idea why you would delete the best safety feature since seatbelts, ie the airbag.
Oh my god ur Porsche is BEAUTIFUL
Thank you!
If you use the original GT3 seats it's possible to get into the back area. Surely you have to bu them used and they cost a lot of money, but the look and the comfort is amazing. You easily can drive 800-1000 km's without problems. I've got them in my MK2 C2
Appreciate the advice on those seats, will take a further look.
Hi Lee,
The Momo Steering Wheel is definitely a 10/10. But the gear lever is not my Cup of tea. Each to there own I suppose. Keep up the good work and looking forward to what you are going to do with the Seats. Cheers
Cheers Paul!
It's pretty unforgivable for the price and the newness of the Porsche classic audio system that it doesn't connect wirelessly.
Even more unforgivable when you find out it's a 6yr old VW unit inside.....
Great video as always Lee , watching you building up little Irish convinced me to buy a 996 , can’t wait to see your seat choice Recaro always look good though 👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers Ian!
I agree that the airbag delete defies logic for a everyday driver. And the gear shift looks like something you made in high school wood shop. There has to be a better one out there if you don't just get a OEM replacement or refurbish.
I did wood tech at high school and tried to make a cabinet for my football trophies. The middle shelf was on the wonk, the grooves for the glass sliding doors weren't straight, and my joins looked like the cabinet had been put together during an earthquake. It therefore definitely does not look like I made that shifter in high school!!!
@@9WERKSTV sorry, looks like a small scale piece of a cutting board I made in high school. never a fan of wood in a car except maybe high end European salon cars. if I am going to be critical, not a fan of the rims as some tribute to vintage cars. there are so many great current rims that look better. only made 2 changes to my 99 C4 cab, Fister exhaust and updated 2 din head unit. only one I would contemplate (current bumper has 2 cracks) is a RUF turbo front bumper as the 2 larger side vents always looked more aggressive and sports car like.
I like everything about the 996 3 spoke wheel in my car except the lack of rake adjustment (which I understand as angle), and was excited thinking he found a solution for that, but he didn't, and now im still sad. I'll need to get a thin seat cushion and leather I guess. I have to wonder how short our dear host is to want the wheel closer to him.
I like my 3 spoke steering wheel as well. Driving my car hard today on the backroads I felt in complete control.
There seems to be a shortage of them (Car Bone has been out of stock for months), so definitely a gap in the market currently! I reckon you'd "shift" a lot of 'em…
I’m 6’5” and am looking to fit a smaller wheel with more dish. This is because I have to have the seat far back on the runners for my legs to fit and even then my thighs are unpleasantly close to the bottom of the wheel. It’s better since the console delete but nevertheless a smaller wheel with more dish would give me more thigh clearance and my arms would be less stretched out to the steering wheel. I have to wonder how short the dear poster of this comment is to not know this.
@@BossOfRingpiece What does that have to do with bringing the wheel closer to you? Anyway, as a fellow tall I think you want to rethink the smaller wheel - my experience is from our viewing angle you will block all your gauges. Better to buy a thin seat cushion/seat cover (it was a rare option, but also standard on the Targas) or just have someone who knows what they're doing cut the foam and recover.
By bringing the wheel closer it moves it further away from the “Peak” of my knees and closer to the low point of my body. The “Game changer” for me fitting comfortably though was removing the lower console (The so called GT3 Console Delete) which allowed my inboard leg to angle a bit more away from the wheel and give the extra clearance I needed for my hands to clear my thighs.
One other observation I’d make for tall drivers is that the hard back “Sport” seats mount about 30mm lower than the all electric “Comfort” seats. I guess this is due to the space needed for all those motors. I had the “Comforts” and the centre console on my old 996 Turbo and never really fit very well whereas my current Carrera (With the sports seats and console delete) is actually very comfortable, even with the standard 3 spoke wheel (Albeit retrimmed in alcantara)
No no no, you are doing it wrong with the Recaro Pole Position seats. You pull one seat all the way forward and push the other seat all the way backward, then you get to the back through the middle.
Ooooh, good shout! but would the dog jump through the middle?!
@@9WERKSTV I no longer have a dog, so I can't test it first hand. But if you throw a toy the dog likes into the back seats through the middle, I don't see why the dog wouldn't chase after it through the same gap.
dont get me wrong i love the new stearing wheel, however i thought it was now illigal in the uk to remove a factory air bag, or at least an MOT fail even if the light goes out when you start the car
In that case the car is a true 911 outlaw!!
@@9WERKSTV fair play😂, love the channel and little irish just dont want you getting caught out as its only been bought in recently
Something I would love to know is, what did you do about the car not seeing the airbag plugged in? Do you get warning lights, or did you have to flash it?
I do get a warning light, I'm happy to ignore it.
@@9WERKSTV thanks, that’s good to know!
Interior is one of the main reasons I went with a 987.1 Boxster > 996. I don't know what Porsche was thinking with the interior - it felt like a mid 90's Toyota inside. For such an expensive car, why in the world did they do that?
A lack of money at the time! Porsche nearly went bankrupt, but still managed to produce a 911.
Haters gonna hate!
Some of the petty comments on here are laughable 🤣
Personally I love the car Lee & I enjoy watching it evolve & improve in your ownership.
The Momo mod 7 is on the list for my car it's a great wheel & I really like the gear shifter I'm not sure I could justify the expense to myself though. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the pccm+ mainly because I think it is way too expensive for what you get I believe there are better head units out there for much less money. That said I doubt you had to pay full retail for it (I hope you didn't) & it's all.good publicity for Porsche. 😉
Ignore the the haters & their boring channels with only 6 subscribers & keep producing the quality content mate. 👍
Hahahaha, cheers Justin!
Again an awesome video… I really like your recommendations. Please publish some more enhancement ideas for our 996 family. By the way, do you have a recommendation for a steering wheels which will fit a Tiptronic 996???
That's very kind, Kai. Not sure on a wheel for a Tip, I wonder if anybody else reading the comments is able to offer some advice?
who needs hifi stereo in a porsche? :D just listen the sound of the engine...
Great vid Lee! Do you know if that Cplay2air works with Android Auto?
I've tried to find that info out but can't find an answer, sorry Oliver. If I find anything I'll post it here.
@@9WERKSTV thanks Lee! I've since found out that it is only Apple CarPlay. But apparently there's another manufacturer called AA Wireless that makes them. Although I think they are advance order only currently.
That wheel makes the car look like an Acura RSX that has had 10 owners and been “upgraded” one too many times. Coming from a 968 into a C2 I have to say that these are unnecessary, seats are very comfortable in the 996 and there is nothing wrong with the steering wheel.
Thank goodness we're all different; what a boring place the world would otherwise be.
Any coincidence this vid is 9:11 in length?
Is there any solution to the steering wheel stalks (turn signal, wiper, cruise, etc.)? The motion of these feels pretty sloppy and cheap compared to other cars I’ve owned.
Will be very interested when you post your seat choice. I'm in same place with my MY00 911 Carrera 996 C2 CAB. Thinking reupholster with an autotrimmer here in Perth WA
Nice, Chris! Plenty of seat options for us all, all comes down to personal taste I suppose.
Those racing steering wheels have no airbag, so they are designed to be used with a racing harness. Lacking that they significantly endanger your safety.
Do u have the link for the shifter?
I imagine video length is not a coincidence?😄
correct!
How has the Cplay2Air been? I have read mixed reviews with reliability but would really like one.
Fine, though it takes a second or so for say a track change to register on screen.
Have you experienced a 996 triptronic with the gear shifter paddle upgrade? I am looking at buying my first 996 and wondered if it helps.
But with such a dished wheel, you can't reach the stalks without moving your hand off the wheel. Not so good if you're after improving driver ergonomics. Just look, they're miles away. I had the same issue with the Tech 3 wheel - the unfinished leather of which began to peel off after 12 months into the bargain.
I’m really keen on getting a PCCM+ for my 997.2 Carrera’s PCM3 unit. Have Porsche made it available for the 997 generation?
Got me ya bastard. (In US lol.)
Ahahaha, excellent! Trying to keep everybody on their toes!
I love the look of your 996! But, you have sacrificed the Porsche's entire occupant protection airbag system for an aftermarket steering wheel? Got a wife or girlfriend that rides with you? You will be regretting this choice for s split-second upon impact. My man, this seems like a terrible trade-off.
Removing an airbag steering wheel is an instant MOT fail and dangerous mod. Insurance likely invalidated too.
Thanx again
My pleasure.
Post up about the shifter Lee. I’m interested as well!
Isn't the MOT test intended to outlaw removing airbags? (Given the costs incurred in upgrading a 996, you might as well just get a 997 surely?)
But then I'd have a 997, and I want a 996!
@@9WERKSTV poor misguided soul.....!
@@pjay3028 Ahahaha!
Can you still reach the indicators with the longer steering boss?
Absolutely.
Adding sales tax at checkout is standard operating procedure in North America. ☹️
Boo!
@@9WERKSTV When I was a teenager I worked the checkout counter at a sporting goods store. Occasionally I’d get a tourist, surprised to see tax charged at the end, insist that the store I work in made up this policy to rip people off. I’d try to explain that every store in this country does that, but some were not persuaded and got very upset. 🤪
What about removing that telephone?
I test drove a 996(c2) yesterday, found it slow, brakes and suspension are tired, interior is like an old Toyota at best, and acceleration is abysmal unless you're above 5k rpm. Even the steering felt light and unexciting. Gears were like so long. Sound was quieter than imagined. Car had 227k kilometers, do you think I drove a lemon or is this it?
IMHO the gearstick is horrendous and the steering wheel just doesn’t look right - makes it look like a go kart ☹️
Good, so it looks like it handles then.
@@9WERKSTV 😆 Not exactly what Pinky Lai envisaged but it’s not my car just my opinion which isn’t really relevant ! Really like the informative videos Lee - you are braver than me - look forward to seeing the seats. Thanks for the uploads 👍
@@shorehambeach Cheers!
Is there any problems with insurance now there is no airbag?
None!
@@9WERKSTV thanks Lee let’s hope you never regret it!!
It has been speculated that the best way to make people drive more carefully is to put a big metal spike in the middle of every steering wheel, aimed at the driver. Lee’s just taking one step in that direction. 🧐
So the video is 9 minutes 11 seconds long 🤔
Better name for this video; how to ruin your interior with halfords mods. 😖
Yeah should have gone for paid promotion with them really.
Video 9:11 long. Nice.
The steering wheel and shifter cheapen the look of the 996. Sorry
It's not prototìpo, it's protòtipo. Cheers from Italy
Grazie.
I’ll be failing every one of those coming in for mot with that fitted . Not just for missing airbag but mostly because how shit it looks.
Nibble nibble.
You have great videos but you are ruining your car.
Cheers Francis, godspeed!
Steering wheel looks terrible
I am starting to think the 996 might not be for you. Won't be much left at this rate :-)