Just to share with others what I learned...
Between the two extremes (A used engine and an RND rebuilt engine) are also a few 2nd tier engine rebuild business that fall into the "buyer beware" category. I don't mean this as a knock on them, but the buyer will be responsible for the increased risk -- so go in with eyes open. Their engines go for about $8000 to $9000. I've also seen at least one RND longblock at an established Porsche shop for about $12,000. The other two decision points are to just buy another 986 for $8000 (Fall) to $12,000 (Springtime), do nothing or walk away when it dies -- which winds up being worth the scrap value ($3,000) of the roller.
The un-risk adjusted values are about
:
- RND Engine: - $19,000
- RND Longblock: - $12,000
- Buy another 986: -$10,000
- Other rebuilt longblock: -$8,000
- Used "Engine Drop": -$3,000
- Sell car as roller: +$3,000
Right now I'm leaning toward continuing to drive the car while lining up my options so that I have an engine ready to go into when other symptoms start to show up.