I am not familiar with the details of the model year shift - there may be other small changes to the engine - but as you say it may be easier to change those few pieces. Sit down with the PET for the 996 and go through the engine section and the fuel section to see what model year differences there were. The PET can be found here:
PET
Quick glance seems to indicate the model year switch was between 98 and 99 and then 01 and 02.
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Martin
2011 Cayman S (Gone) - Hardtop Blechster
2006 Cayman S (DD)
2016 Mazda CX-5 (Her DD)
2002 Boxster S (Gone) - Ragtop Blechster - Pura Patina!
Dorkiphus: I buy it for the articles