The Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
When investing in a car at this level, a proper PPI isn’t just recommended – it’s essential. I’m not talking about a quick lift inspection, but rather a comprehensive 6-8 hour evaluation. Through the 718 forum, I found Autoscope of Plano, TX (where the car was located) highly recommended. Their inspection covered everything: brakes, battery, A/C, paint thickness measurements to verify original panels, and even PPF condition assessment. Crucially, they discovered the brake fluid’s water content was high, contradicting Porsche’s claim of recent service. While no PPI can guarantee perfection, this level of scrutiny provides substantial peace of mind.
Previous Owner’s Modifications
The first owner made thoughtful modifications that enhanced the car’s character without compromising its integrity. The Soul over-axle pipes eliminated the particulate filters, improving sound quality and adding modest power. The owner plugged vacuum lines, keeping the PSE sports exhaust valves permanently open. The dealer-installed track pack PPF protected the front third, lower rockers, and side vent intakes. A GT4 short shifter from Suncoast parts tightened up the gear changes.
The red overboost button sticker (a nod to the 911) and subtle sun visor covers maintained the interior’s clean aesthetic. A dashcam rounded out the practical upgrades.
7 comments
I’m excited to see what you do with this build! Agree on the rear being too heavy on the emblems; just ‘GTS’ looks much cleaner. I very briefly looked into doing the Android Auto hack, but it was a bit past my comfort level. I’ve never used AA before, so no big loss to me, I make due with the phone in a phone holder for navigation purposes. I didn’t realize the previous owner already installed the GT4 shifter. It is really really good and there is no NEED to upgrade beyond it. Based on my Numeric upgrade experience, it needs the upgraded cables too in order to make a significant difference over the GT4 shifter.
The 4.0L, NA, flat-6 will probably go down as one of the best engines made. And there’s a big chunk of power in it that Porsche bottled up so as to not infringe on the higher trim and model cars.
Thanks so much for all your help buddy! It’s really a dream come true.
I’m happy to help potentially brick your PCM anytime you’re ready ;-).
I’m looking forward to those future upgrades too!
Now Kojima-san needs a 911!
I’m pretty sure he has a GT3
it’s a 991 GT3RS!
https://motoiq.com/category/projects/porsche/991-gt3rs/
Love the 718 4.0, really a great car !
The only 718 I would buy with the Spyder.
It really is great! So great that instead of thinking of the usual never ending list of things to modify I’m pretty happy with the car the way it is. You know us though, we’ll find some things 😉
I haven’t driven a 718 Spyder, Cayman T or S or their Boxter equivalents yet but look forward to some day. Lots of different flavors of ice cream to try. I imagine they are all good. I try not to live life with regret but I probably should have dipped my toe into this market earlier at a lower price point. Still, I’ve enjoyed building other cars on this website too.