Quote:
Originally Posted by pfbz
Coming up to speed on 996's for a purchase (currently have an '82 911 SC). In my price range, it will likely be a '99-01, which I realize are the most potentially problematic, especially with the IMS bearings and rear main seals.
I see quite a few cars with replacement engines, presumably through a Porsche dealership with a new or remanufactured engine.
How good are these replacement engines? Are the bearing and seal issues resolved or improved on these replacements, or the exact same issues but another roll of the dice plus a mileage reset?
Ideally, a 2001 911 C4 cab that is well priced, reasonable mileage, cosmetically outstanding, PCA/Pelican member owned, perfectly maintained, and LN IMS bearing upgraded would drop in my lap, but not so far 
So I'm weighing my options on buying an original-engined non-upgraded or replacement engined car....
Any wisdom? |
In My Informed Opinion IMIO there are 3 different categories of watercooled 911's & engines.
98-01 996 3.4 these engines are the most problematic because of the thin cylinders & thus should include leakdown & compression tests as part of the PPI.
02-04 996 3.6 this is the sweet spot of 911s IMO do the PPI then LN IMSB & you are
05-08 997 3.6 & 3.8 these engines have several upgrades BUTT require complete engine disassembly to replace the "somewhat improved" IMSB with the LN upgrade!
Any engine remanufactured by Porsche & installed by a authorized dealer incorporates all the latest upgraded parts & has a 2 year warranty, so if it was rebuilt 2005 or later it has the bigger IMSB & 997 RMS, any engine rebuilt prior to 2004 has the easily replaceable IMSB & leaky RMS.