Engine longevity in the 964 ?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Seattle, Washington
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
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
Race Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,140
Likes: 1
From: Surrey, UK
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.
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.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,926
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From: Seattle xburb - I can't see the Emerald City, but I know it's out there somewhere
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
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-forum/289304-highest-mileage-964-a.html
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 224
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From: London England UK
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
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
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,977
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From: London, England
"....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! ;-)
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! ;-)
Dave you are "now on the clock".
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 224
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From: London England UK
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
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