Delzell

Hi all,

I've been a Porsche enthusiast since 1986, and have owned seven so far... I've read Rennlist for years, but never had a need to post before now.

Unfortunately, my Boxster recently ate a camshaft adjuster bolt, and seized. I had an extended warranty, and they are offering me $41K. My shop is asking $52K to do the repair.

I've loved the car, so I was getting ready to write the check for the last $11K and get the engine replaced. But given the value of the car, I wanted to explore all options.

For anyone who's seen this before:
1. Is it possible to take the cash for the extended warranty vice using it to replace the engine?
2. If so, is there anyone who buys (nice condition) cars, minus an engine?... :/

Thank you!
Respectfully,
David Delzell

nhnguy12

I'm confused how they came up with that number. The cost for a complete longblock is significantly less than that:
https://parts.porschechandler.com/oe...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

Was that a stealership or an indy mechanic that gave you that quote? Either way I'd take your business elsewhere.

Delzell

Wow, that looks like a much better deal. I'm not sure how much it would cost to get it installed, but expect it wouldn't be the same cost as the engine!

It's an independent shop here in Plano TX.

Dave

nhnguy12

I'd contact @BGB Motorsports . They'll replace your engine with a larger 3.8L engine for less than what your warranty is offering you.

SnowmanMafia

Man, could you imagine getting that swap done on someone else's dime? OP, look into this option!

ICNU

Yeah 52K is Deman racing 4.5L, 500HP at the wheels money! No way I would pay that just to get a stock motor replacement in a car that will only be worth 70K at best afterward. Now is the time to go big if someone else is paying for most of it!

Randy_B

Sorry to hear about your engine problem - that's crazy! I would be curious to know what shop that is. I'm in McKinney so I'm local to the area. PM me if you would rather, and of course if you don't mind sharing. I haven't used any indys here but wanted to find a good one in case something came up that I couldn't handle.

suzuka_joe

how many miles? what caused the failure?

I know I've seen a small handful of this happening but I was just curious of additional details.

haan

That’s unfortunate, sorry to hear. That’s good your extended warranty is covering much of the cost.

Which extended warranty do you have?

Delzell

Good questions. Here are my answers.

SHOP: It is at Autoscope Plano. I used to go to Hans Hoffmann when he was at RAC Performance. (I also bought three cars there.) But when he went to Autoscope, I followed him.

PROBLEM: Here is what the shop found caused the destruction: After removing valve cover, found the head of a bolt inside valve cover area. The bolt is from the camshaft adjuster (intake camshaft gear). The bolt lodged between the timing gears & chain, causing the chain to contact and break the valve cover. It also caused the timing chain to jump allowing valves to contact pistons. I was actually just puttering in the slow lane after merging into traffic when it happened. The car had 50,696 miles when it ate itself.

EXTENDED WARRANTY: Was with Safe-Guard. (Purchased from Hans at RAC)

Just for fun, here are the Porsches I've owned. I hope to go back to a 911, but try PDK this time when I buy my next one....
1972 Porsche 911T Targa 2.4L (White) Manual
1980 Porsche 928 (Brown) Manual
1978 Porsche 911SC Targa 3.0L (Ivory) Manual
1993 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 3.6L Cabriolet (Black) Manual
2003 Porsche 996 Carrera 3.6L Coupe (Silver) Manual
2007 Porsche Cayman 2.7L Coupe (Silver) Manual
2015 Porsche Boxster GTS (Carmine Red) Manual

Thank you all for the advice.

I'm fearing that an "engine swap" price won't work for me. As my car doesn't have so much a rebuildable engine, as a brick in it?.... (Question)

Respectfully,
Dave

SnowmanMafia

Well if you swap a 3.8 in it you don't need the 3.4 anymore, heh

nhnguy12

The engine swaps are a true swap. They do not bore out your old block. You would get a brand new long block and they would take your engine as a core exchange. My understanding is that your engine is still eligible for a core exchange as long as there's not a hole in the casing.

okie981

I think in the GT4 forum I recall reading a thread on this exact failure mode and the theory at that time was engines that have spent more than a little time bouncing on the rev limiter (driving style during track use) are more prone to this happening.

DR.S

I have a barely used 3.8 X51 motor if you consider to upgrade

SnowmanMafia

I can't imagine the freight charge for an engine from Berlin to Texas lol.