1999 Porsche 996 911 sells for $24,000 on Cars & Bids — was it a deal?
A 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet with an LS3 V8 swap just sold for $24,000, and that’s strong money for a modified 996 with high mileage.
This Porsche is all about the transformation. Originally a Carrera Cabriolet, it now boasts a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, cranking out 378 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque. This swap changes the whole driving experience, ditching the flat-6 for a more muscular V8 sound. The 6-speed manual transmission keeps the connection to the driver alive, making it a choice for those who crave engagement. Sure, it’s seen some miles at 97,800, but the extensive upgrades—including an aftermarket exhaust and a custom ECU tune—give it a performance edge that standard models lack. Plus, it’s a convertible, which adds to the fun factor on those sunny days.
The bidding was competitive, hitting 35 bids before the gavel dropped. In a market where modified cars often attract a niche audience, this level of activity shows genuine interest. Given the unique specs and the fact it’s a manual, the $24,000 price tag feels justified. While high mileage can make some buyers hesitate, the modifications here seem to have struck a chord, resulting in a strong final sale price.
Community feedback backs this up. One commenter highlighted the car's personality shift due to the LS3 swap, noting that it “gives it a completely different personality, with loads of torque, a 6-speed manual, and a fantastic V8 sound.” That’s a ringing endorsement from someone who knows the car well.
For buyers eyeing a similar ride, keep an eye on the engine swap quality and the associated modifications. Not all V8 swaps are created equal. Look for documentation on the installation and any upgrades to cooling, suspension, and exhaust. A well-executed swap, like this one, can elevate a car’s value significantly, but shoddy work can lead to headaches down the road. Always ask for service records and verify that everything is running cool and smooth before pulling the trigger.
See all Porsche 996 911 listings on [Friday's Watchlist](https://fridayswatchlist.com/search?make=Porsche&model=996%20911).
Want to see more auctions like this?