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Engine longevity in the 964 ?

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Old 11-12-2006, 04:15 PM
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Jonny A
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Default Engine longevity in the 964 ?

I own an 87 BMW 635 csi, and over the last 7 years, I have upgraded the suspension and brake systems substantually.

I have owned a 72 E and a 76 S and have been looking for an older 911 to restore/modify. Considering the cost to rebuilt, replace all the worn parts/engine rebuild, I have now looked at a 964 or Boxster S instead.

Before I put any more money into my BMW, I am thinking about selling it and buying a 964.

I am definetly a coupe person vs a open top car, but the cost of a newer Boxster S looks very attractive.

How long would you expect the 964 engine to go before a total rebuild is expected?

I have looked at some 964s with rebuilt top ends, How many more miles can be expected after that ?

I would like to find a car I can drive for another 6-7 years ( low miles per year), until I retire. I would then have the time to do a rebuild if needed then.

Compared to the BMW forums/threads, there is no comparision to the Porsche forum.

Thank you everybody for your imput.

Jonny A

87 BMW 635 csi
Looking for a 911
Old 11-12-2006, 04:22 PM
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DaveK
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It's difficult to predict how many miles an engine will manage without rebuild - it will depend a lot on the type of use (e.g. short journeys vs long etc.).

Having said that - as a ballpark figure I wouldn't expect to need a rebuild in less than 100k miles. My car had a rebuild before I bought it at 120k miles, and I've done almost 50k miles since then.
Old 11-12-2006, 04:30 PM
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Bearclaw
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This thread notes a lot of peoples' experiences with the service life of the engines:

https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/289304-highest-mileage-964-a.html
Old 11-12-2006, 05:12 PM
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ASH.PALIN
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Hi Jonny

Bit of a tricky one this, a lot of the guys on this forum have got 100k plus cars that are tight as a nut, I think it all depends on the service history and care/life that the engine has had.

My old ****ter of a 964 had been badly abused with a chequered service history, it blew...........(spun a bottom end bearing) at about 115k I think, the guys at JZ Mactech(UK) rebuilt it, I discussed the failure with Jonas at JZs and he said they are well engineered but that can be a bit of an achilles heel in that a servicing anomaly can set a bit of a time bomb as it were. My 964 was not a great buy, but it was my first P car and I had a lot to learn, I have a 993 now, but my 964............once I'd spent the money, was a fantastic car!

If you can lay your hands on a 964 that belonged to a 'Porsche Nutter' type person chances are that it'll be a nice one good for 150 + if you can pry it out of the owners hands..........most true Porsche people are mildly un-hinged anyway so that might be hard!! Or you could budget a rebuild into your purchase price and get an old dog since you are looking to refurbish etc, mine was £6.5 k but that was a full rebuild with lwf etc.

The early 964s up to 91 I think, had a few issues with cylinder head leakage, do a search on that and you can read all about it.

It's abit of a lottery really mate


Good hunting

Ash
Old 11-13-2006, 04:40 AM
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Cuppie
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120000 seems the norm -number five bearing by any chance Ash?
Old 11-14-2006, 04:46 AM
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1990 Carrera 2
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Dave K,

damn your avatar keeps catching my eye. That is one hell of a broad. I mean not super model like but very very shaggable.
Old 11-14-2006, 05:01 AM
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warmfuzzies
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Sits back and waits........................................
Old 11-14-2006, 09:45 AM
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Yeah... Great first post huh?
Old 11-14-2006, 09:50 AM
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Wikkid911
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Flippin 'eck! I just know this is gonna be a good one!
Old 11-14-2006, 10:03 AM
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Gary R.
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tick tick tick tick....... Dave? You there Dave??
Old 11-14-2006, 10:16 AM
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"....I think it all depends on the service history and care/life that the engine has had."

I agree, but also add that an engine that has been driven/ revved regularly may be healthier than one that has sat still with low miles over the years. There is no rime or reason to what decides when an engine will go (apart from the obvious like no oil!). Could even be on the original build.
Look at everything though, history, service, usage, mileage.... and of course keep fingers crossed....
The vast majority of 911 engines are bullet proof and will last for ever (almost).

PS: Amazed that some posters have engines well into the 100's of 1000's!
PPS: Most of us, don't worry about a few oils leaks though! ;-)
Old 11-14-2006, 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Gary R.
tick tick tick tick....... Dave? You there Dave??
Still waiting Dave you are "now on the clock".
Old 11-14-2006, 01:54 PM
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kris
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Originally Posted by Gary R.
tick tick tick tick....... Dave? You there Dave??
Oucchh, probably sharpening the axe, better run now.

Old 11-15-2006, 08:57 AM
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ASH.PALIN
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Quote "120000 seems the norm -number five bearing by any chance Ash?"


I'm not really sure actually cuppie...........but it was an Expensive one!!!

BTW......did you happen to pick up an old Renault 4 from my place in North london the other week?

Regards Ash
Old 11-15-2006, 12:25 PM
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Cuppie
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Going to Norfolk? Yes!! Wondered where I recognized the name from!

BTW, it's usually number five bearing that goes......:-(



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