Reliability - Carrera 3.2 vs. 993

BruceC · 11-10-2004, 01:35 PM

Have the 993's engines proven themselves to be as "bulletproof" as the 3.2, or is it still too early to tell?

Thanks!

Kurt B · 11-10-2004, 02:45 PM

Way too early to tell.
The early 3.2s are just coming on 20 years old and the 993s on 10.
There are lot of other things that are going to drive you crazy besides the engine. I certainly hope I don't have any wiring problems with the 964 because there would be no way in heck I could fix it myself based on my dealings with the 3.2 stuff. Fixing/troubleshooting wiring totally and completely blows chunks.

epbrown · 11-10-2004, 02:52 PM

A recent issue of 911 & Porsche World was about high-mileage 993s - I think they were close to 200k without rebuilds. Routine maintenance will cost more and they aren't as user-friendly, but they appear as durable as the previous air-cooled cars.

Emanuel

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I have/had both. Both engines are pretty solid, but each have their potential weak spots. A lot of Carreras have early valve guide wear, some have rod bolts go and once in a while, even snapped head studs.

With 993's the main problem is the Check Engine Light on the OBII engines. The secondary air intake ports get clogged and that triggers the CEL light, which costs some bucks to fix and pass emissions.

Contrary to popular belief, 993's are very DIY'able and no one should be scared off. I've done engine drops on both and they are no problem.

anthony · 11-10-2004, 07:13 PM

I have a friend who designed a circuit one time to prevent the CEL from being triped because of clogged ports. Clogged ports don't hurt driveability at all or the ability to pass smog once the engine is warmed up.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Does that circuit just bypass the CEL lamp in the gauge or does it cut it off before the OBDII port? In VA they don't plug into the OBDII port, but I hear they do in some states and then it's an automatic fail.

anthony · 11-10-2004, 07:34 PM

I believe he hooked it up in place of the sensor that sends the signal saying that the air injection ports are clogged. He set it up so the ECU always gets an ok signal and thus the light never trips.