Are the 3.6s harder to work on than the 3.0s SCs?

[twilightcall]

I have been looking at a few 3.6s and I was wondering if they are more difficult to service than the 3.0s? If so how much more? Can all of the service be done by the DIYer like 3.0s? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tshih]

There are 2 air cooled 3.6L engines used in the 964 and 993. The latter ones don't need valve adjustments since they are hydraulically actuated. Oil changes are more difficult in the 993 (2 oil filters one in the middle of the engine and one near the rear fender on right side). There are also problems like changing the distributor rubber belt and secondary air injection cleaning to avoid having problems with the CEL (emission testing). All the extra power means more performance at other costs.

[Jack Olsen]

And then there's CIS.

[Porschekid962]

When you say looking at a few 3.6's are you talking about swapping one into an earlier chassis or buying a 964 or 993? I really dont think the oil filters is that big of a pain. What is annoying is changing spark plugs if you have the power steering pump on there. As for building/rebuilding them its almost the same beast but involves much more gadgetry (electronics on the intake) to keep track of and clean/replace if needed.

The dual mass flywheel's sound a bit funky to me but they are great motors.

[twilightcall]

I meant as an entire car like a 90-94. I have read about the DMF and the cylinder leaks. I also read about the dist. vent. I thought that they had power steering but didn't know for sure. Thanks for the info.

[randywebb]

the entire car is packed full of electronics -- failures are not common, but when something goes ...

do you like working on airliners?

[JeremyD]

i found the 3.2's MUCH more user freindlythan the 3.6's

[Jim Smolka]

3.2 are nice and somewhat simpler to maintain. However, the HP & Torque of a 3.6 is hard to beat.

3.0 are nice, but it does take some special tools to setup the CIS system.

3.0 and a 915 gear box match up well. A 3.6 matched to a 915 gear box is pushing the limits of the tranny.

[twilightcall]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. I figured it would be a lot tighter of a space to work in and some items might be hard to get at. Thanks Again.

[tshih]

Convert any post 1992 C2 into the RS America version by deleting the power steering unit and extra weight will solve some of the extra maintenance and problems in the 964's. Or buy a RSA if your budget allows. The distributor belt repair ($20-1000 depending on who does it)as well as 12 plugs and wires and $100 for 2 distributor caps and $50 for 2 rotors are expected maintenance costs increased over the 3.0 SC costs.

[DW SD]

I would go for a later model 911 w/ a 3.6 for these reasons related to the engine:

I think the additional performance is worth a small amount of complexity for the 3.6. Tell me re-calibrating carburetors (mixture, jetting and throttle) and regular valve adjustments isn't some additional work when you deal with a hopped up 3.0? CIS is not simple, like Jack pointed out.

Theoretically, a good 3.6 should be tuned every 25k to 50k miles and have the oil and filter changed regularly. It is more complex, but I think a competent, knowledgable mechanic can resolve problems easily. OR with the help of the board, you could resolve any issues.

The engine management computer uses only limited resources to manage the spark and fuel: Mass air sensor (hot wire or barn door), head temp, O2 sensor, throttle position (for 993), crank position, (I'm probably missing something).

The way I look at it is: These are engines that were built in the early to late nineties. Like today, consumer expectations for reliability, especially for a Premium vehicle like Porsche was VERY high.

Doug

[randywebb]

remember folks, he is asking about the entire car, not just the engine

but if you want a GT car that is the one to get

[DW SD]

Randy,
I edited my post accordingly.

Doug

[twilightcall]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the honest answers. I am pretty good with EFI. I have worked on BMW 750ils (V12), Rolls Royce electrical systems and am used to working in tight areas on Ferraris. So hopefully I can work on a 3.6. I have found the 3.0 to be very friendly once you get used to it. My main concern is that each time I need to do something I don't want to have to lower the engine. I just want to make sure it isn't too tight of a space. I imagine the power steering can get in the way quite a bit. Thanks Again and please keep the info coming.

[randywebb]

Never, ever buy a Boxster.

[twilightcall]

I won't. Thanks.

[Bill Verburg]

I like the power steering, the overhead is worth it.

Now the stupid moveable wing had to go

[mjshira]

I think they are pretty reliable. But then all the 911 engines I have had: 2.2, 2.5, 3.2 and now 3.6 have been. It really depends on what you want in the car overall. I'd recommend as I think others have before, get the newest 911 you can afford to own and run. Those of us that are lucky and can throw money at old cars will welcome you with open arms if you join our mad quest at 'perfection' - but for a daily car, you'd be well served with a newer 911. The 3.2 is what people say is the most reliable. I have heard of a few with north of 200k. But then look at Jack's 964 engine, he has beat that thing and it runs well still.

[armandodiaz]

Originally posted by twilightcall
My main concern is that each time I need to do something I don't want to have to lower the engine. I just want to make sure it isn't too tight of a space.

Then why not just get a 996('00>) all the work is done from underneath you will problably never have to drop the engine unless it needs some major work. They are also the same price as a 993 but with lower miles. Hope I'm not opening a can of worms

[randywebb]

worms...