Sorry for the newb question but i did search and couldn't find out any info besides pics of some extensive projects. So as the title says how much does it cost to do the conversion? What exactly does this process entail and who offers it? Also what are some of the pitfalls to doing this? Does it ever look just as original as a stock 997? What are some of the "give aways" that its not really a 997? I love the classy look of the 997s (minus stock front bumper) imho its a much more clean and modern fascia. Lastly is this frowned upon by the Porsche community?

Some quick googling brought me to

ESTA INTERNATIONAL - Porsche 996-997 Conversion Kit which shows a kit that costs $1900 which seems more than reasonable.

996 Wings NO PRICE

Porsche 996 to New Generation 997 STEEL Conversion Kit - Porsche Body Kits and Custom Porsche Body Styling, Porsche Wicked Motor Works 8k!

I'm a true lambo guy at heart but won't be getting into those for a few more years so in the meantime i'd love to modify a 996 and have a fast, reliable, beautiful toy to really thrash around. I'm new to the Porsche community and thus not sure which tuners to stay away from who's good and who isn't. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes open

cheers and thanks in advance for any help

 

Well, if you're planning on starting with a 996TT, why not go with the 996 GT2 look, rather than the 997TT look? It would probably be a good deal easier and cheaper, and the stock 996 GT2 is (IMHO) one of the top 4 the best looking 911s ever made (the other 3 being the original 930, the 993TT, and the 997.2 GT3).

If you're stuck on the 997 look, for as much as it would cost to do the conversion, why not just buy a 997TT to begin with?

 

If I were you I'd go for the 6k full 911 GT3 R (996) conversion kit.

Here

Pictures, yes, the car pictured is 100% street legal.

 

Biggest giveaway is the interior and if you park it next to an "original" 997, you'd notice the exterior differences unless you went all out. By then it will financially unrealistic and it makes more sense to just get a 997. To my eyes, the best looking 996 is the C4S so get that and use it because it looks as good as the 997.

 

Well that's kinda why i made this thread i wanted to see if it was in fact feasible. I figured i pick up a pretty beat up 996 (seen them as low as 38k) do a conversion (not sure how much it will cost let's say 15k) and still be well below prices of 997TT's...cheapest i've found is high 70's. The 996 GT2 is a fantastic looking car without a doubt, I just think those head lights are outdated.

You might flame the hell out of me but I dont like the look of that. I'm thinking one of these two front bumpers



OR



My main concern is the front end fascia. Once the work done on my car is clean and neat then I don't see a major problem. I don't really want to shell out 997TT money - hence this little project.

thanks for all the input thus far gentlemen. I'm learning alot

 

I agree just buy a 997 instead.

A guy on 6SO about 1 1/2 years ago took a wrecked 6gt3 and turned it into a 997 gt3rs look alike. Joe something I believe is his screen name. He also owns a body shop so the labor was cheaper for him. It's matt black as well.

 

Personally, I'm not a fan of car conversions. I would just buy a 996 Turbo. It's a fantastic car, fast, and good looker.

But, if you were to go with a converison, I'd choose Wicked7

 

I'm not going to flame you. Everyone has there opinion. Another thing about converting the 996 to a 997, the conversion doesn't cover the rear end, just the front. The most noticeable difference from the 996-997 to the 997 is that the bonette is very different. The Wicked kit however assesses nearly exterior panel.

I say either get a 996, or just get a 997. Maybe get a 997 Turbo, and convert it to the 997 GT2 look (it won't look good if it's not lowered). I also liked the idea posted above ^^ about getting a 996 Turbo, and converting it to a GT2. I've seen 996 GT3's as low as 45k, Turbos as low as 43k, and 996's as low as 18k. The 997.1 GT3 is around 70k for a "okay" one. If I were you I'd buy a 996 Turbo for about 50k, and convert it to a 997 GT2. Good luck.

 

If you're going to convert a 996, make it into a Ruf RGT or something cool like that. Don't go the 997 look-alike route - it won't be worth the time or effort or money. As mentioned, if you really like the 997, sell the 996 and move up.

 

My take is don't make a 996 look like a 997, just my take
Nothing wrong with a nice modded 996 like Chris mentions above!!