The new stuff

[timc]

I'd like to get some opinions on the new cars. I am under the impression that the engines that Porsche is putting in the Boxster/Caymen/996/997 is not dry sump, is not rebuildable as Porsche does not offer the internals, they just offer engines, and these engines are not raced as they cannot handle the stress. The engines in the 996/997 Turbo, and GT2/3 are in fact a different engine from the normal 996/997, and are actually based more on the 911/c2/993 design. Any truth to this?

[Erik Mckenna]

I think you are right.... the GT series cars are based on older blocks.

[onlycafe]

disposable porsche engines...... what will they think of next ?

[randywebb]

they are calling it "integrated sump"

apparently there are two scavenge pumps (one for each side) and a pressure pump

not sure what the deal is re not being a true dry sump - it may be that the oil just drains from some parts of the motor into the sump and is pumped from other parts of the motor (??)

definitely does not have a separate oil tank tho

- maybe somebody can explain exactly how it works and why it is suceptible to problems under lateral G forces...

[Peter Bull]

The 996 turbo/gt3/gt2 engines are based on the gt1 engine which in turn was based on the 964 engine. Those engines are rather complex and expensive to build.

The 996/997 engine consists of fewer parts. For example, the cylinders are integral to the block halves.

I haven't seen the internals of a 996/997 engine, but the explanation I've been given is that they have a wet sump with internal baffling to stop the oil from flowing into the cylinders during corners.

It can be a very spectacular experience when that happens! First the engine stutters a little and almost all power is lost, this is followed by an impressive (or scary) smokescreen, and the engine diagnostics wanting to take the quickest route to the workshop. A combination of a long high speed sweeper followed by a couple of relatively slow sharp turns could provoke this behavior. Especially if the last turn was exited sideways.

I know of a couple of workshops that repair 996 engines, so I don't think they are "disposable".

/Peter

[ZAMIRZ]

The standard 996/997 motors are actually pretty solid since they've resolved the rear main seal issue. As long as you don't run R-compounds it's a decent mill.

[lfot]

Originally posted by ZAMIRZ
The standard 996/997 motors are actually pretty solid since they've resolved the rear main seal issue. As long as you don't run R-compounds it's a decent mill.

So.... it's not race worthy?