Ericson38

Throw a rod, put a hole in the block is how I took it.

Ericson38

If this one on the BAT auction had clear images of no scoring via scope imagery through the plug holes that looked good, would that bring an extra 10-15K?

ZuffenZeus

naw, I think these blocks could really get sunburned. 🤦‍♂️😂

sparks259

That’s the one.

sparks259

All these water cooled cars and the 993’s seem to have motor issues. Should have kept my 87 3.2 Carrera.

groovzilla

Yep---> Many Porsche models have had motor issues. The 87/88 carrera engine is one of the few bulletproof engines as well as bulletproof G50 Transmission.

Here's a quick partial list of Porsche Model failures:
356 - Engines run too hot. Rebuild usually necessary at 70K miles - Rust issues
1965-1973 911 - MFI issues - Rust issues
74-77 911 - Chain tensioner/Broken Headstuds/Engine runs too hot - Rebuilds common at lower mileage
78-83 911SC - Chain tensioner/Broken Headstuds, Bad syncros in Transmission - Engine & Transmission Rebuilds common at 70-80K miles
84-86 911Carrera - Valve Guide issues requiring top end rebuild
1989-1992 964 - Oil leaks due to no engine seals - Rebuild required - RUst issues at base of windshield front and rear.
1995-1998 993 - Air passages in heads get clogged requiring top end rebuild now costing $22K
1998-2004 996 - IMS issues as well as Cam Deviation issues which can require rebuild or engine replacement if engine grenades
2005-2012 997 - IMS issues on early 2005 models & Bore Scoring/cam deviation on all models which can require engine rebuild or replacement.

TUD

This was pulled from BaT two hours ago. Significant metal flakes in the oil filter.

One-Owner 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 6-Speed https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...-cabriolet-17/

groovzilla

Ouch---> Yet another Dealer selling/representing a Porsche they know nothing about.

sparks259

Too bad good ones are going for $75k.

bgoetz

Ugh, that one should be bullet proof, be sure to keep us updated!

Whisperjet

I'm a new member (but longterm reader of the forums) and didn't want to start a whole new thread about this so I'll just tag onto this thread.


I've wanted a 997 for a long time and I'm finally in a position to own one. I found a beautiful 997 a week or so ago and while the logistics of a meet-up were happening I did a deep dive into the whole bore scoring problem. I did know about IMS and felt like I'd accepted that risk. But I really didn't know much about bore scoring until this week. I drove the car yesterday but felt like the bore scoring issue was hanging over the experience.


I really want a 911 but I'm asking myself, is it worth a possible $30k engine rebuild? I can easily afford a 997 and all the maintenance, I could even afford an engine rebuild so that's not the problem. I have always lived very frugally an owned Japanese cars. This is supposed to be my fun 'go-crazy' purchase after years of being careful with money. BUT, this would be my one car, my DD. So I can't tolerate waiting 3+ months for an engine rebuild. Owning more than one car is also not an option.


I also think, when I look back will I regret not buying a 911 when I could have?


Anyways, so far I'm come up with a checklist to protect against bore scoring:

• Bore-scope the engine from the oil pan
  
• Cut the oil filter open and look for metal flakes (assuming the oil has been in the car for at least 1000 mi)
  
• Check the exhaust tips for more soot on the left side
  
• Check the history for a warm weather car
  
• Look for frequent oil changes
  
• Maybe look for 3.6L vs 3.8L?
  
• Hope car was warmed up properly (at least 200 F for oil)
  
• Ask about oil consumption (high = bad)
  

Am I missing anything here? I'm assuming a good PPI+bore-scope will be ~$400+$300? Every time I think I've found the solution to avoiding bore scoring I read some other post about someone discovering it without any of the usual warning signs.


Honestly I know this is a "small" problem percentage wise, but I can't believe 997 values with the threat of an engine rebuild hanging over these cars, but then 993 values, 964 values, etc.



Has anyone on here owned/driven a GR86/BRZ? How comparable are they to the 997? I really don't care about a car being 'fast', I just want it to be quick enough to be fun (so not concerned that a 997 is faster). I'm more going for FUN but also somewhat practical.

ZuffenZeus

For those interested in learning more about this problem and the cars more prone to Bore Scoring, check out Jake Raby's series:

Bruce In Philly

2009 C2S185K miles

It appears you are assuming all 997s are 997s. They are not. 2009 on, what is called a 997.2 with a 9A1 engine, has what appears to be a near bullet proof engine. If you are concerned, get a .2 car. I owned the previous engine and had two blow. So.... my next purchase would only be a 2009 or newer. YMMV

Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)

Petza914

we used to think that was the case, but just in the last week we were made aware of 2 or 3 997.2s where scoring was just discovered, so looks like they're better, but not as "bulletproof" as we thought a year or so ago.

To the OP, you can't really compare a 911 to anything else, because it's the only rear engine platform currently available which is part of what makes it so special.

Carreralicious

It’s true that there are .2s that do end up with scored engines but I think in Bruce’s reference, he is more so referring to his two previously failed engines which were IMS related which the .2 cannot be inflicted with because that was designed out of the engine in the .2. Rare for a .1 post 06 to have any issues with the larger bearing but can still happen.