Descion Help- 05 c4s or 00 996

wugambino · 01-16-2017, 08:42 PM

I've been kicking around some deals, and was hoping to get some advise from some 996/997 guys. I'm trying to stay in driving distance from Ohio.

So I can trade my xp1k4(sxs) and boot cash putting me in around $27.5k for a 2005 Carrera 4S w/51k miles, multiple owners. I like that I don't have to mess with an atv sale, and get tax bennies on the trade. It's 4 hrs away though.

OR there is a 2000 911 Carrera w/ 65k miles. $21k(maybe $20.5K). This one is 45 mins away.

Both Silver, both Carrera, manual. Both look, and are described as clean, and issueless. Both probably do not have IMS status, or much history besides the Carfax.

Assuming both run, shift, drive well. No leaky main seal area, etc, what else should I be looking for?

What are the thoughts on these 2, or similar cars? I never really thought about AWD 911 before

tonythetarga · 01-17-2017, 05:29 AM

My vote is the 2005 C4S. It's a wide body with better look, plus has the 3.6 engine with fixes found with the 996 cars problems. You might get lucky and have an IMS that you can replace as well. Only way to know for sure is removing tranny, clutch, flywheel and look at the nut on the IMS door.
The 1999-01 3.4 engines had issues and parts are not interchangeable with 3.6 iterations.

FPB111 · 01-17-2017, 05:45 AM

+1 C4s no contest in my opinion.

wugambino · 01-17-2017, 05:52 AM

Thanks guys. That's what I thought.

I understand that it is hard to determine which IMS is in what car for sure, but I am a little confused...
Was there a mid year change in 2005? It has the 04 body style.

wugambino · 01-17-2017, 06:19 AM

Is that vote because of the year, or the S and AWD?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPB111

+1 C4s no contest in my opinion.

wugambino · 01-17-2017, 06:21 AM

I still can't find good info on IMS work. How much should I expect to pay a shop to do IMS and clutch if it's needed(or time for service)?

tonythetarga · 01-17-2017, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wugambino

Thanks guys. That's what I thought.

I understand that it is hard to determine which IMS is in what car for sure, but I am a little confused...
Was there a mid year change in 2005? It has the 04 body style.

So it has the 996 lights but is an '05?
Yes, there was a switchover at some point in the run 2005. Is the engine an M96 or an M97? Still only way to know is to look.
The bearings are about 800 bucks. Clutch R & R is about 2k and bearing doesn't add too much additional labor, but the extra is parts and a couple hours more in labor.

wugambino · 12:39 PM

Yes. The front has the 2 larger, oval'ish openings outboard. Rear has the reflector that's goes from taillight to taillight.
What is the easy way to tell which motor, so I can ask the guy to look?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

So it has the 996 lights but is an '05?
Yes, there was a switchover at some point in the run 2005. Is the engine an M96 or an M97? Still only way to know is to look.
The bearings are about 800 bucks. Clutch R & R is about 2k and bearing doesn't add too much additional labor, but the extra is parts and a couple hours more in labor.

tonythetarga · 01-17-2017, 09:27 AM

Motor number on the casting tells motor type. Having said that, early M97 stamps could be either bearing; one of which you cannot replace. Not 100%, but if it is M96 engine and a 996 car, you should have the replaceable single row IMS bearing.

wugambino · 01-17-2017, 12:35 PM

The 2005 is a 3.6L... So how does it compare to the 3.8L? I think I more worried about reliability/serviceability at this point.

wugambino · 01-17-2017, 04:54 PM

I assume this pic was of a cold start. Is the oil pressure reading high, or is that normal?

tonythetarga · 01-18-2017, 04:30 AM

looks like a cold start. The temp gauge has not moved yet. That is normal.
Re: your previous question on the 3.8...bigger is better to some. The 3.6 is a very good engine.
The best bang for your buck is to get a PPI done. It should cost you about 2-300 bucks. It will check more than you can sort by asking questions on the board. A good independent Porsche mechanic will know what to look for on a given model. Do compression and leakdown test as well. If you do not have a history of maintenance, then assumptions have to be made that things were not done.
One other note, it is possible the engine could have been replaced under warranty. Replacement engines have a letter in the serial number that indicates that. All (later) replacement engines had the non-serviceable IMS bearings. The mechanic should look at that. (or post the engine serial number) I think the letters 'AT' indicate a replacement engine from the factory.