996 Issues

Westy · 04-06-2015, 05:05 PM

This might be premature, and I don't mind being flames for redundancy, but I'm thinking about buying a 996 in the somewhat near future after I sell my 81 SC Targa. Just looking for a better driver, nice A/C, and more creature comforts for this aging body. I'm reading about IMS and LN bearings, and have no idea what ya'll are talking about. Soooooo, what should I look for in a 996, what are the weak points, etc. There's a real pretty Cabriole in San Diego for cheap, but needs motor done. That's probably the deal killer as that's a guaranteed pricey job! And of course if there's a thread or two devoted to this topic, maybe you could point me in that direction.

Thanx, Brian

wildbilly32 · wildbilly32's Garage

Fairly new to the P-car world, but do a search at top of this page entering "imsb". That will get you started. Renntech and Rennlist websites have tons on it, as well. Lots of controversy/fear on this topic.

Good Luck!

Westy · 04-06-2015, 06:25 PM

Yeah....I'm reading a tech article by Wayne right now. Thanx.

Westy · 04-06-2015, 06:38 PM

WOW. After reading the tech article by Wayne, it makes you question if you really want a 996 with that motor. Anyone here ever read that article? WOW again!

firstorbit84 · 04-06-2015, 07:18 PM

Don't worry so much about the IMS issue, it's way overblown. Buy one with the fix already done, or decent mileage and/or a '99 with the dual row, and then do the fix with a clutch job.

wildbilly32 · wildbilly32's Garage

Wayne's article is one of the more conservative ones. I like the fact that he says typically you can hear or determine pre-failure. Not always but many times. I tend to agree with firstorbit84 above. I have a 2005 996 C4S with 52k miles and have no idea weather it has been "fixed". I do oil every 5k, cut open filter and listen closely. When new I panicked after reading all the info. They are wonderful cars and if mine blows I'll just have it fixed.

Westy · 04-07-2015, 06:45 AM

WB, it appears it's luck of the draw, and my luck ain't always that good. My biggest concern would be the cylinder sleeve. As I've stated, that Cabriole is gorgeous, but he admits there's water leak in the #3 cylinder. Could be a head, but from what I've read, it's more likely a cylinder issue and the motor is most likely not a candidate for rebuild, which would be real pricey anyway. I know I can get great deals on 996's all day, but would pout for a year (or more) if I picked up 'deal' and end up with a motor like that. I suppose it's fair to say it's a Porsche, and if I can't deal with potential gremlins then buy a Pinto. But hey, already had one of those!

KNS · 04-07-2015, 08:00 AM

On all the water cooled cars from 99-08 there is a (small) possibility of a blade or two breaking off the water pump impeller. The little bits circulate through the water passages and can become lodged in the head(s) and cause a hot spot/localized overheating/cracks and then intermixing of the oil and coolant. Some advocate changing out the water pump every 40,000-50,000 miles.

Also, rare instances of cylinder scoring, rod bolts breaking and tensioners failing.

wildbilly32 · wildbilly32's Garage

Agree with KNS, my reading done on cylinder scoring seems to lean towards cars operated in extreme cold. Not sure how "extreme cold" is defined as I have been unable to pin one of the experts down. As you know P-cars are high performance and stuff happens in tight engines. I did lose a water pump, thankfully all the blades were in place with no pieces missing!

wildbilly32 · wildbilly32's Garage

Westy: Pinto! I love that. The guys on Rennlist say "if worried buy a Camry".

NYNick · NYNick's Garage

Huh.
I hear the odds are improving at Vegas these days as well.
Plus, there's some great deals on land in Florida, and a bridge in Brooklyn for sale.

Why would anyone ever buy a 996 without the well known fixes already done, not to mention a car that already has problems?

Lastly, selling an SC for a 996? This is against the current market, if you believe in such things as appreciation.

Westy · 04-09-2015, 06:23 AM

I realize the SC is appreciating boldly. There also aren't a 'bunch' for sale, so that's a plus. I'm one of those guys that can list the cars I've had, then get to tell sob stories 20 years later when I see what they're going for. I could start with my Hemi Cuda. Anyone wanna rub some salt in that wound???????????????????????

wayne robson · wayne robson's Garage

As wildbilly32 says,brings up a point,cylinder scoring in cold temps, can you confirm back east or cold areas ,do Porsche owners change oil from say 10--50 mobil i,or similar to a 10--40 or 30, i think this is a must , changing oil grade from summer to fall, where i was born south NewZealand,did this every year with all my classic cars, but here in Australia where i live now use 10--40 all year round.