Engine Life Expectations

[LenA]

I'm new to the board and looking to get a 944. Have had Alfa's and E30 BMW's in the past. Curious about what the engine life expectations are before needing major internal work. For example, looking at 911 SC's, it appears that engines can often go 150k-200k or so before needing top end work. What are the expectations for the 944 and 944S2 engines.

What are price ranges in folks opinions for nice cars that could be used for DD. I see early cars listed from $2500 up to $7000 advertised in Autotrader etc. There is a '84 near me listed for $2800 with records, recent timing belt/water pump and 119k miles. Looks like it could use some interior refreshing but otherwise seems pretty solid. Does this price seem low or in the ballpark.

Thanks

Len

[Jrboulder]

These engines can go a long way if treated well. I saw a 951 with 310k for sale that only had the head done once. If you neglect them they will fall apart fast.

[89-944NA]

I had almost 300k on my 944NA, and only had the head off once...my fault, overheated and blew the head gasket....car still ran great when I sold it.

[smokin_944]

I have 156K on my car and the engine has never been touched (other than belts and WPs). Runs like a champ!

[VINMAN]

300k on mine all original except for the clutch. ( and couple belt changes..)

[HondaDustR]

They're generally pretty durable as long as they are taken care of. On the other hand, I had 150K on my last motor before I killed it and it was using a quart of oil/300 miles with no external leaks. Valve guides definitely needed work and the ring endgaps were 2x out of spec, but I rev it hard alot. The cam and lifters off the old motor are still running fine on the rebuild. The Alusil bores and the pistons are very hard wearing, and the bottom ends are nearly indestructible, except for certain cases usually in racing where it likes to spin the #2 rod bearing. Most people like to change out the rod bearings every 150K or so just to be on the safe side, especially if the car is driven as it was designed to alot. More than anything is just fixing stupid oil leaks, but that depends on how much oil leaks bother you. 200K is pretty reasonable to expect before the head needs a refresh and some new rod bearings installed just to be safe. Oil consumption and leakdown testing will tell you when it needs new rings, which seems to depend a bit, but you'll get at least 150K out of them. The hydraulic cam followers occasionally stick or get lazy, but that's just a matter of swapping in some good used ones.

Any serious prospect should have a pre purchase inspection done at a reputable shop, which should include a leakdown test to give an idea of the state of the motor. It depends alot on maintenance and driving habits, but your estimate is pretty much spot on.

[Slam]

Did my rod bearings and HG on my 83 at about 300K miles (not kilometers). There was virtually no wear on the bores and the rod bearings I took out could have gone longer.

They last and last.

[Rudeboy42]

I've got ~150k (odometer broke so I'm not sure exactly how many) and mine needs some work. I'm going to try and rebuild the top end soonish because it burns oil. But's my car was obviously neglected over the years and if it was properly taken care of it most likely wouldn't need any work.

[wild man]

Yep, in most cases, these engines are easily good for 300 grand if properly maintained. The engine in my 951S is almost half way there, and it was never touched internally, except for the late camshaft that I JUST installed. It runs, sounds, & compresses like it was brand new. But then, I do actively use engine treatments in order to insure that it's health is maintained for a long time. You won't fine all of them to be in such good condition, with so many miles though. Lack of proper maintenance, and the occasional defective internal part can easily kill one in less than a hundred thousand. If it is good when it changes into your hands, you should be able to make it stay good for many, many miles to come. As long as you don't get lax with it that is, as they do require quite a bit of maintenance.

[LenA]

Thanks, that is what I was expecting to be the case. Sounds like the basic motor is pretty stout and I should not worry about >100k miles.

I would definitely get a PPI before purchase.

Len

[racer]

Mine just broke 42,000 miles.. I'm hoping for at least another 42K

Seems if they are used as "normal" cars (not track whores) they can last 200K miles with regular maintenance.