2002 PORSCHE 911 (996) CSR EVO

This Porsche 996 CSR EVO is a stunning bespoke example of the first water-cooled 911, benefiting from substantial mechanical upgrades and a custom aesthetic, with final chassis tuning by former BTCC and Porsche Carrera Cup champion, Tim Harvey. It is powered by a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated flat-six, uprated by RPM Technik to guard against that motor’s common foibles, and now producing 350bhp. It drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with a short-shift kit and Cup style gear lever.

First registered in June 2002, this second-generation 996 has eight previous registered keepers on the log book, and was acquired by RPM Technik three years ago to transform into the first CSR EVO model.

The star of the show is the fully rebuilt engine, which has received a lightened and balanced crank and rods, gas-flowed and ported cylinder heads, and CSR Stage 1 cams. There is also an IMS bearing upgrade, deep sump extension, low-temp thermostat, and GT2-style ducting for cooling. All the chains, tensioners and gaskets were renewed, and the ECU was remapped.

It is driven through the six-speed gearbox, which has been fitted with a CSR specification lightweight clutch and flywheel, coupled to a mechanical limited-slip differential. The suspension has been overhauled with fully adjustable KW V3 Clubsport coilovers, calibrated to a specific CSR EVO setup, with all new bushes and arms, and uprated anti-roll bars and top mounts. Its brake callipers were overhauled and fitted with Performance Friction pads, plus new braided lines.

The stock appearance of the 996 has been enhanced with the addition of custom front and rear bumpers, with active front ducting for a third radiator, plus a carbon-fibre ‘ducktail’ spoiler and bonnet. There is also a bespoke CSR EVO centre exit exhaust system, and the car rides on lightweight OZ Racing alloys in the GT3 fitment. The car was fully stripped to bare metal before the aerodynamic components were added, and the originally grey 911 was then resprayed in stunning Merlin Purple metallic. The wheels are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres with the Track Connect monitoring system.

In the cabin, the rear seats have been deleted, and a CSR colour-coded roll cage and harness bar fitted in their place. The driver and front passenger sit in Recaro Pole Position bucket seats trimmed in black fabric, with the option of using the standard seat belts or the Schroth racing harnesses. The transmission tunnel has been painted in Merlin Purple to match the body, and the lower centre console has been deleted. It is fitted with a Cup-style gear lever and a Momo steering wheel. There are custom CSR flourishes throughout, including for the rev counter backing, floor mats, and on the door sill entry guards.

As this car has been used as the development 911 for the CSR EVO model, there are some signs of use around the resprayed paintwork. Some gravel rash is evident along the bottom and rear edges of the front wheel arches, while there are various light chips and scuffs elsewhere that can be seen in the photo gallery. There are also a few marks on the edges of the OZ Racing wheels.

Inside, the black fabric upholstery is still in great shape, though there is some wear visible on the touchpoints that have not been replaced - notably the door handles and handbrake grip. However, these marks are simply commensurate with the age and mileage, and in general the cabin looks very smart and wonderfully driver-focused.

The last scheduled maintenance took place in September 2020 at approximately 112,000 miles, when RPM Technik carried out a full service, steering rack overhaul, geometry setup, fitted a new front splitter, and renewed the front brake discs and pads. This work followed the full engine rebuild that took place in June 2019 at 107,000 miles at RPM Technik, and a major service in March 2018.

The most recent MOT test was on 21 September 2020 at 112,129 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories. Its Cup 2 tyres are all reported to be in very good condition.

Accompanying this 996 CSR EVO is, the vendor notes, a vast document folder with all receipts for all the rebuild work, as well as the original stamped service booklet. The tool roll, warning triangle, and space-saver spare wheel are also present.

This Porsche 996 CSR EVO is, in RPM Technik’s own words, “the ultimate bespoke built 996, showcasing all the upgrades and setup changes developed over eight years of building CSRs”. Readers of Evo magazine, GT Purely Porsche and 911 & Porsche World will almost certainly recognise this car and the acclaim it has received from such titles. It has also been reviewed on YouTube by Total 911 editor, Lee Sibley, who stated that he preferred the CSR EVO to a 996 GT3. Presented in very good order throughout, and with the knowledge that it has been developed and maintained over the last three years by a leading 911 specialist, this is a one-of-a-kind Porsche that would make a superb addition to any marque collection.

Summary of service history:

• OPC - 2003 - 16K
• OPC - 2004 - 25K
• OPC - 2005 - 35K
• OPC - 2006 - 38K
• OPC - 2007 - 47K
• OPC - 2008 - 55K
• MARTIN BROWN PORSCHE - 2008 - 56K
• OPC - 2010 - 64K
• 911 SPORT - 2012 - 70K
• NORTHWAY PORSCHE - 2013 - 78K
• NEIL GARNER PERFORMANCE - 2014 - 83K
• AUTOFARM - 2017 - 97K
• RPM TECHNIK - 2017 - 100K (CSR CONVERSION BEGAN)
• RPM TECHNIK - 2018 - 102K
• RPM TECHNIK - 2019 - 107K (PLUS FULL ENGINE REBUILD)
• RPM TECHNIK - 2020 - 112K

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.