Porsche 997 Buyer’s Guide, Monterey Car Week, and Luftgekühlt 11

This week on Full Throttle Talk, we’re diving deep into one of the most loved generations of the 911—the Porsche 997. Whether you're eyeing a 997.1 Carrera or dreaming of a 997.2 GTS, this episode is your ultimate buyer’s guide. We break down trims, tech, reliability, pricing, and which models are poised to become future classics.

But that’s not all...

What We Did in Cars This Week

Monterey Car Week plans, Luftgekühlt 11 submissions, Palomar canyon runs, Summit Point laps, and some healthy Porsche flipping by Dave.
Automotive News Breakdown

Is Porsche’s business model broken?

Tariffs: What does this mean for the used car market?

We’ve got answers.

PDK Problems?

Real talk on what’s breaking, who can fix it, and how much it’ll hurt.

997 Buyer’s Guide Highlights:
- 997.1 vs 997.2 – What really changed and what’s worth your money?
- IMS bearings, bore scoring, and how to shop smart with a PPI
- Manual vs PDK: Which one will age better?
- Best 997 for your budget, your driveway, and your long-term smile
- Pricing insights with real data from Classic.com

Whether you're buying, dreaming, or just here for the banter, this episode is packed with info, laughs, and sharp takes on the state of the automotive world. Buckle up. It’s Full Throttle Talk.

997 Buyer’s Guide

Porsche 997 Overview

Context for newer buyers or those upgrading from 996s or Boxsters
What is the 997? Where it fits in 911 history
Key features: return to classic 911 design, hydraulic steering, analog feel
Trim types: C2, C2S, C4S, Targa, GTS, Turbo, GT3, GT2
Turbo changes: 2007–2008, 2009–2012, 2013 Turbo S (918 special edition)

997.1 vs 997.2 – What's the Real Difference?
- Engine changes: M96/M97 vs DFI (Direct Fuel Injection) 9A1 – shorter stroke in .2
- IMS bearing — fact vs myth
- Transmission evolution: Tiptronic to PDK
- Interior and tech upgrades in 997.2 (997.2 4/4S always had LSD)
- Why values differ in today’s market

Reliability & Common Issues
- IMS bearing (only certain 997.1s affected)
- Bore scoring – what it is and why it matters
- Leaky rear main seals
- PDK vs manual maintenance
- Expert take: “Here’s what you should always ask for during a pre-purchase inspection.”

What’s the Right 997 for You?
- Best value today: 2008 Carrera S Coupe
- Best daily driver: 997.2 Carrera S PDK
- Best future classic: 997 GTS or GT3
- AWD vs RWD — do you really need a C4S?
- Decision-making based on budget and use case

Pricing & Market Trends (2025 Snapshot)
- 997.1: $40K–$55K
- 997.2: $60K–$90K depending on model and mileage
- Turbo and GTS premiums
- Collector picks and future appreciation
- North American vs European market differences

Ownership Costs & Maintenance
- Annual cost expectations
- DIY-friendly? (oil changes, plugs, brakes)
- Insurance tips
- What’s expensive to fix vs what isn’t
- Recommended Porsche specialists (shoutout local shops)

Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
- Why the 997 is the sweet spot between analog and modern
- Top 3 buyer tips in 30 seconds
- What we’d buy with $70K today

Paul Kramer: 714-335-4911 | ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠
Casey Parkin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠
David Van Epps: 704-799-7680⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram and FB is @sonderwerks
Tim Harris: 512-758-0206 (text only) | [email protected]

00:00 – Intro: What’s Ahead in This Episode
03:15 – Why the 997 Deserves Its Own Deep Dive
08:40 – 997.1 vs 997.2: Key Differences Explained
15:20 – IMS, Bore Scoring & Other Buyer Red Flags
22:30 – Manual vs PDK: Driving Feel vs Longevity
28:55 – Which 997 Models Are Future Classics?
35:10 – Real-World Pricing Breakdown (997.1 & 997.2)
42:45 – What We Did in Cars This Week
49:30 – Monterey Car Week Preview & Plans
56:50 – Luftgekühlt 11: Who’s Going, What to Expect
1:03:20 – Tariffs, Trends & Used Market Insight
1:09:15 – Porsche Business Model: Broken or Brilliant?
1:14:45 – Track Stories: Palomar Canyon & Summit Point
1:21:30 – DIY vs Shop Work: Maintenance Cost Reality
1:28:00 – Wrap-Up: Which 997 We’d Buy Today