Just Give Nathan Merz the Mic: 997 Turbo, Barn Finds, 928s, & upcoming PCA adventures
About this episode
Nathan Merz shares his unexpected enthusiasm for a rare 997 Turbo Coupe with a Tiptronic transmission and an all-leather Zanzibar interior, highlighting its smooth driving experience and unique styling. The conversation touches on Porsche's performance nuances, including the lazy-fast character of the 997 Turbo and the appeal of Tiptronic for touring. Alongside car talk, Nathan and Vu discuss personal stories, upcoming PCA events, and the fun of embracing bold fashion choices like tracksuits. The episode blends technical insights with lighthearted banter and insider Porsche culture.
We recorded this episode at the Porsche Training Facility in Easton, PA with Nathan Merz. Like the title of this episode, Nathan had plenty to talk about and we gave him the platform. From his latest Porsche purchase to the 928 he’s bringing to Werks and Treffen and Parade. He reminisces about the trip he took in a 996 Turbo in the middle of winter to Canada as well as the barn find 911 Targa he found. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hang with Nathan talking Porsche, this is the episode for you.
Be sure to check out the sponsor of this podcast, Pirelli Tire
Porsche Club of America (PCA)
"Welcome to the Porsche Club Insider, your one stop for all things Porsche and PCA."
The Porsche Club of America is a group where people who like Porsche cars get together to share their passion and go to events.
The Porsche Club of America is a large organization of Porsche enthusiasts in the United States. It organizes events, driving schools, and social gatherings for Porsche owners and fans.
clutch pedal delete
"It's actually a Porsche exclusive clutch pedal delete package. Option code."
Some cars have a clutch pedal you press to change gears manually. A clutch pedal delete means the car doesn't have this pedal anymore, usually because it changes gears automatically.
A clutch pedal delete is a modification or factory option where the clutch pedal is removed, usually because the car has an automatic or automated manual transmission that doesn't require a clutch pedal.
leather to sample
""And he says, not only that, it's leather to sample. And I was like, leather to sample, what color is the interior? He says ivory.""
Leather to sample means you can pick any leather you want for the car's inside by giving the company a piece of leather you like, so your car's seats and trims can be special and different.
Leather to sample is a special order option where the customer provides a sample of leather they want used in the car's interior, allowing for highly customized and unique upholstery colors or textures.
option code CDP
""He says it has option code CDP under the hood. R-C-P-D. You know, I said, oh, clutch pedal delete.""
CDP means the car doesn't have a clutch pedal because it has an automatic transmission, so you don't have to press a pedal to change gears.
Option code CDP stands for Clutch Pedal Delete, a feature in some automatic transmission cars where the clutch pedal is removed because the car uses an automatic or semi-automatic gearbox.
Tiptronic
""I said, oh, clutch pedal delete. It's a Tiptronic.""
Tiptronic is a kind of automatic transmission where you can also change gears yourself if you want, making driving more fun and flexible.
Tiptronic is a type of automatic transmission that allows the driver to manually shift gears by moving the gear lever or using paddle shifters, combining the convenience of an automatic with some control of a manual.
Porsche 911 Turbo (997)
"I, even before it arrived to me, I literally called my tack and I said, hey, there's a 997 Turbo 6-speed on co-part. We can buy it."
The Porsche 911 Turbo (997) is a fast sports car made by Porsche. It has a strong engine with a turbocharger that helps it go very fast easily, and it's designed to be comfortable to drive even at high speeds.
The Porsche 911 Turbo (997) is the turbocharged variant of the 997 generation of the Porsche 911, produced from 2004 to 2012. It is known for its powerful flat-six engine, all-wheel drive, and high performance, often regarded as a grand touring (GT) car with effortless speed.
6-speed manual transmission
"I literally called my tack and I said, hey, there's a 997 Turbo 6-speed on co-part. We can buy it. We can steal the parts. We can swap it."
A 6-speed manual transmission means the driver changes gears by hand using a stick and pedal, and there are six different gears to choose from.
A 6-speed manual transmission is a gearbox with six forward gears that the driver shifts manually using a clutch and gear lever, offering more driver engagement and control compared to automatic transmissions.
CoPart
"I literally called my tack and I said, hey, there's a 997 Turbo 6-speed on co-part. We can buy it."
CoPart is a website where people can buy cars that might be damaged or used, often to get parts or fix them up.
CoPart is an online vehicle auction company specializing in salvage and used cars, often used by buyers looking for parts cars or project vehicles.
GT car
"But in my opinion, a 997 Turbo is very much a GT car. It's a fast but kind of lazy car."
A GT car is a type of car made to go fast and be comfortable on long trips, so it's not too hard to drive but still very quick.
A GT (Grand Touring) car is designed for high-speed, long-distance driving with a balance of performance and comfort, often less focused on aggressive handling and more on effortless speed.
boost
"It doesn't lose boost between gears. It's super smooth."
Boost is extra air pushed into the engine by a turbocharger to help the car make more power and go faster.
Boost refers to the increased air pressure produced by a turbocharger or supercharger, which forces more air into the engine to increase power output.
PDK
"And unlike the next gen, you know, 997.2 got the first gen PDK. And I remember when that came out, I was in love with it. But now when I drive those first gen PDKs, they're a little bit clunky, particularly at slow speeds and parking lots."
PDK is a special type of transmission in some Porsches that changes gears very quickly and smoothly, making the car easier and faster to drive.
PDK stands for Porsche Doppelkupplung, a dual-clutch transmission system used by Porsche that allows for very fast and smooth gear changes without interrupting power delivery.
Mercedes-Benz
"And this tip, it's a Mercedes-Benz unit. Maybe they're engagement. It's really smooth."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car company from Germany that makes luxury cars and parts, like the automatic transmission used in some Porsche cars.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for engineering and manufacturing premium cars and automotive components, including transmissions like the tiptronic unit used by Porsche in some models.
steering wheel paddle shifters
"Do you have the steering wheel? I will say that's definitely a miss. They've got the little buttons on the steering wheel, and they're really slow. Like, you click it, and then maybe next week it'll shift. It gives you a chance to change your mind."
Paddle shifters are buttons behind the steering wheel that let you change gears yourself while driving, without using a clutch or gear stick.
Steering wheel paddle shifters are controls mounted behind the steering wheel that allow the driver to manually shift gears without taking their hands off the wheel, commonly used with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions.
original owner car
"So this car was owned by this, it's an original owner car. Original owner car."
An original owner car means the first person who bought the car new still owns it. This usually means the car is taken care of better and might be in nicer shape.
An original owner car is a vehicle that has been owned and maintained by the first person who bought it new. This often implies better maintenance and less wear compared to cars with multiple owners.
service history
"No, actually, the car had a really good service history from its local, the originating selling dealer."
Service history is a list of all the times the car was checked or fixed. If a car has a good service history, it means it was taken care of well.
Service history refers to the record of all maintenance and repairs performed on a vehicle. A good service history indicates the car has been regularly maintained, which can affect its reliability and value.
full major service
"So I'm gonna give it a full major service and just do all that."
A full major service means the car gets a big check-up where they change the oil and filters and make sure everything is working well.
A full major service is a comprehensive maintenance procedure that typically includes oil change, filter replacements, fluid checks, and inspection of key components to ensure the vehicle is in optimal condition.
clear film
"It had original, clear film on it from 2008."
Clear film is a see-through cover put on the car's paint to stop it from getting scratched or damaged by the sun.
Clear film is a protective transparent layer applied to a car's paint to protect it from scratches, chips, and UV damage. It helps maintain the car's exterior condition over time.
PPF
"For our listeners, some of you out there have these old PPF in the front of your car and probably have been debating whether or not to take it off."
PPF is a special clear sticker put on cars to protect the paint from getting scratched or chipped. It helps keep the car looking new, especially on the front where bugs and stones hit the car.
PPF stands for Paint Protection Film, a clear protective layer applied to a car's painted surfaces to prevent scratches, chips, and other damage. It is often used on the front of cars where damage from road debris is most common.
Porsche 928
"This is the 928. This is my 928. Who I love this car."
The Porsche 928 is a sporty and comfortable car made by Porsche. It has its engine in the front, unlike some other Porsche cars, and is good for long drives.
The Porsche 928 is a grand tourer produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995, known for its front-engine V8 layout and luxury features, distinct from the traditional rear-engine 911.
R12
"we checked the charge on the AC and we topped off with the R12 and it went back to working as it should. ... It's still its original R12 system. R12 is cold."
R12 is a special gas used to make car air conditioners cold. It was used a long time ago but now people use different gases that are better for the environment.
R12 is a type of refrigerant used in automotive air conditioning systems before being phased out due to environmental concerns. It was known for its effective cooling but was replaced by more eco-friendly alternatives.
Hagerty
"Although that's not true. I have Hagerty. Yeah, Hagerty."
Hagerty is a company that helps protect special cars like old or collectible ones with insurance, which is different from regular car insurance.
Hagerty is a well-known insurance company specializing in classic car and collector vehicle insurance, offering policies tailored to the unique needs of vintage and enthusiast vehicles.
Chrysler Pacifica
"The rental van that we have today? The Pacifica? Pacifica."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a big car that can carry lots of people and stuff, making it great for families or groups. It’s easy to drive and comfortable inside.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a popular minivan known for its family-friendly features, spacious interior, and smooth ride. It's often used as a rental or family vehicle due to its practicality and comfort.
Michelin
"I think it was either Michelin or Pirelli. Someone was going to send us some winter tires and then they couldn't come up with the correct fitment."
Michelin is a company that makes tires for cars. They are known for making good tires that help cars drive safely.
Michelin is a major tire manufacturer known for producing high-quality tires for various vehicles, including performance and winter tires.
Pirelli
"I think it was either Michelin or Pirelli. Someone was going to send us some winter tires and then they couldn't come up with the correct fitment. This is sponsored by Pirelli, so it must have been the other way."
Pirelli is a company from Italy that makes tires, especially for fast and sporty cars.
Pirelli is an Italian tire manufacturer famous for its high-performance tires often used on sports cars and in motorsports.
all-wheel drive
""You have all-wheel drive, you'll be fine. You know, it goes okay. It's a stopping and steering that's problematic.""
All-wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels, which helps it grip the road better when it's slippery or rough.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions like snow or rain.
Porsche Cayenne
"Yeah. And Damon loves his Cayenne. He drove to Oklahoma. I mean, I saw it."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that can carry people and stuff comfortably while still being fun to drive. Damon drove it a long way, showing it’s good for trips and not just short drives.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV that marked Porsche's successful entry into the SUV market, blending sports car performance with practicality. It's significant for broadening Porsche's appeal beyond sports cars, and Damon’s long drive to Oklahoma highlights its comfort and capability on extended trips.
Porsche 911
"What is a cookie cutter? So most people associate early 9-11s having Fuchs, which are the forged,"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks special and drives really well. People often notice its unique wheels called Fuchs, which make it stand out.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. Early 911s often feature Fuchs forged wheels, which are highly regarded and a hallmark of classic Porsche styling, making them a common reference point among enthusiasts.
Byd Seal
"...e of the fact that people didn't take care of the seals and water would get in more so than a coupe."
The BYD Seal is a new electric car made in China that looks nice and can drive far on a charge. Sometimes people worry about how well it keeps water out because of its seals.
The BYD Seal is an electric vehicle from the Chinese automaker BYD, known for its modern design and competitive electric range. The mention of seals likely refers to concerns about weatherproofing or build quality, which can affect durability and water resistance.
Porsche 914
"I mean possibly 914's are that way. They don't take care of seals"
The Porsche 914 is an older sports car that’s fun to drive but can have problems with its rubber parts letting water inside if they aren’t taken care of.
The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car produced in the 1970s, known for its unique design and affordability compared to other Porsches. However, it is notorious for issues with rubber seals that can lead to water leaks if not properly maintained.
Porsche 944
"and I literally thought they would be a 924 944 and when I got the lady on the phone"
The Porsche 944 is a sporty car from the 1980s that’s fun to drive and not too expensive for a Porsche. It’s better and stronger than the similar 924 model.
The Porsche 944 is a front-engine sports car from the 1980s that offered balanced handling and strong performance at a relatively affordable price. It is often confused with the 924 but is more powerful and refined, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Ford Excursion
"it's going to be a wine cruise one of the excursions is a wine and chocolate excursion"
The Ford Excursion is a very big SUV that can carry lots of people and things, making it good for trips like wine and chocolate tours. It’s roomy and comfortable for groups.
The Ford Excursion is a large, heavy-duty SUV known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, often used for group outings or excursions. Its mention in a wine and chocolate excursion context highlights its role as a comfortable transport vehicle for leisure activities.
PCCBs
"but if I had PCCBs and I it's a safety thing someone should be concerned about my safety the car would stop better"
PCCBs are special brakes made by Porsche that help cars stop better and stay cooler, especially when driving fast.
PCCBs stands for Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, which are high-performance carbon-ceramic brake systems offering better heat resistance, reduced weight, and improved stopping power compared to standard brakes.
center locks
"do you own any Porsches that have center locks oh man you're going to go there"
Center locks are special wheel nuts that hold the wheel on with just one big bolt instead of many small ones, making it faster to change wheels.
Center locks are a type of wheel fastening system that uses a single large nut to secure the wheel to the hub, commonly found on high-performance and racing cars for quicker wheel changes.
OEM center lock conversion kit
"believe it or not from Suncoast right now you can buy the OEM center lock conversion kit for that car for $2,300"
This is a special kit made by the car maker that lets you change your wheels so they attach with one big nut instead of many small ones.
An OEM center lock conversion kit is a factory-made set of parts that allows a car originally equipped with standard wheels to be converted to use center lock wheels.
five bolt
"because it's the amount of maintenance versus a five bolt that you have to do to take care of it"
Five bolt means the wheel is held on by five separate nuts or bolts, which is how most car wheels are attached.
A five bolt wheel refers to a wheel attached to the hub using five individual lug nuts or bolts, which is a common and traditional method for securing wheels on most passenger cars.
five lug
"I like the simplicity of a five lug and not knowing that I don't have to service my lug nuts"
Five lug means the wheel is held on by five bolts. This is a normal and simple way to keep wheels on a car.
A five lug wheel setup uses five bolts or studs to attach the wheel to the vehicle hub. It is a common and simple design that is easy to maintain and service.
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