How far can a 3.2 go?

[givory]

I'm looking at an '89 3.2 Carrera Targa that is an all original local car since new, overall excellent condition, only street driven, with what appears to be an extremely well documented and meticulous service record. No leaks and no smoke [haven't done a leak-down].

My concern is that it has 225,000km/135,000miles. I know these engines are long-lived, but could I hope for more before going into a rebuild?

Thanks for any advice,
Gavin

[p911dad]

Gavin, there are many examples on the road every day with many more miles than a mere 135,000. Many have never been opened up. Good records are an important indicator of future performance. Glenn

[stlrj]

Mine has 210,000 miles, original valve guides, still runs strong, very little smoke on start up, low oil consumption, returns 30 mpg on the highway.

Cheers,

Joe
74 911 w/ 86 3.2 transplant

[pete917]

Its all relative. A well looked after engine and driven modestly will last for ages. These engines are fairly bullet proof I have to say and as long as the engine has not be regularly thrashed and had good oil changed regularly theres no reason why they wont give a long service to their owner.

[efhughes3]

135,000 is "the glass is over half full still."

[KNS]

While not a Carrera, my SC has 171,800mi on it and I drove 180 miles through the desert yesterday without a concern. Ran like a top.

[yelcab1]

Originally Posted by KNS

While not a Carrera, my SC has 171,800mi on it and I drove 180 miles through the desert yesterday without a concern. Ran like a top.

my 80SC has 198,000 miles, that is 320,000 kms, and I just did a top end job ... just because I wanted to.

[500_19B]

Hey Gavin,

I saw that car on the UCR site and if I wasn't such a coupe guy, I would take a serious look at that car. There are many indications that this car was very well looked after. 135K miles is just barely broken in on a 3.2!!

Actually, mine has 107K and I just had a leakdown test done: +/- 4% across all six cylinders and she runs beautifully. These cars are built to last and you have to put yourself in that frame of reference. Get a good PPI (many good shops in the Toronto area, I like Bestline Autotech w/ Rudy Bartling) and then take it from there. I think you are looking at a good prospect, keep us updated!!

[Whtnkls911]

Gavin,

I bought my 86 Carrera with 121,000 miles in Dec 96. I just turned 228,000 miles and the motor has never given me issues. If this car has been maintained, oil changes and valve adjusts it should last for a very long time. I've put over 108,000 miles on mine and I use it for DE's with no complaints. Well I would like another 100HP.

[givory]

wow ... this was encouraging vote of confidence! I sort of thought this was the case, but I have no experience with "new" 911's! ... only the 2.0L. I'm really a coupe guy too, but I was lucky enough to borrow a targa just after getting married for a driving vacation .... hmmm good memories.
Gavin

[ZOA NOM]

1988 Coupe, 220k, untouched, driven daily. They just keep going, and going, and going...

[DRACO A5OG]

Friend of mine has over 400K on his no rebuild but allot of mods

[oldschoollear]

Originally Posted by pete917

Its all relative. A well looked after engine and driven modestly will last for ages. These engines are fairly bullet proof I have to say and as long as the engine has not be regularly thrashed and had good oil changed regularly theres no reason why they wont give a long service to their owner.

What is this "driven modestly" you speak of?

[gtc]

Originally Posted by oldschoollear

What is this "driven modestly" you speak of?

Hehe +1

[MOMO3.2]

Gavin:

I bought my 87 Targa with 134,000 miles on it over 5 years ago. I have driven it over 40,000 miles without any motor or transmission issues. I anticipate it going to 250,000 without even needing a top end.

Good luck!

Mike

[Lukesportsman]

I'm rebuilding a 3.2 to attempt to create a fire breathing 3.3TT, BUT the crank looks almost as if it returned from a polish and the bores almost as fresh with 88k miles and what appeared externally as some less than desired miles. Yet inside, minus the broken head studs was almost as new, down to the main bearings.

[stevemfr]

Originally Posted by oldschoollear

What is this "driven modestly" you speak of?

My first closer-to-Porsches-job was a summer of working as a porter for the local P-dealership at the age of 17. One of the things I did was drive the service customers to work - most of the time in their cars (and I remember thinking back then that I wouldn't be so happy entrusting my Porsche to a 17 year old ). Most often, the customer would drive to their place of work and I'd drive back (alone - muhahahaha). One morning, I had one customer with a red 944. We get in the car and he pulls out onto the busy thoroughfare that the dealership was on, shifts up through the gears, and is in 5th by 35mph! He never exceeded 1800rpm! Safe to say, though hopefully rare, there are modestly driven cars out there...


Then again, this guy had his shirt unbuttoned to his belly-button, a fat gold chain resting on his chest hair, and a vanity plate that said 'DANCE'N' . Maybe those are the clues you need to be looking for...

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by oldschoollear

What is this "driven modestly" you speak of?

That had me scratching my head too. It looks like english but I'm just not sure what he is saying...

My 87 is a bit over 218,000 and I keep the silver paint from turning yellow by driving the piss out of it. I have video of the odometer rolling over 200,000. It rolled over while the car was flat out in 5th as the speedo was passing 145.

My method is: Once it is warm, use it. Shift it cleanly. Don't overrev EVER, but find the redline at least once every drive. Tires and brakes are disposable items so use them with a smile on your face.

Maybe it won't last as long the way I use it but the smile is big and paying every 20+/- years to put the smile back on isn't really like paying.
(Besides, the twin plug 3.5 will be done before I need to fresh up the 3.2.)