TargaTango

I came across an article by Peter Morgan mildly titled “Back to basics” in the December 2004 issue of 911 & Porsche World. The article speaks to Porsche choosing not to make individual parts available on 996s. Here is one of the quoted examples:

“Apart from a few differential bearings you cannot buy a single spare part for the 996's standard six-speed gearbox (although interestingly you can buy individual parts for the essentially similar competition units). Any significant failure means replacing the entire assembly – at a cost of some UKP6600 plus VAT, or roughly UKP8000.”

And a conclusion:

“We must sincerely hope that Porsche will move to a more sympathetic parts policy....there must be a cost-effective repair option in order to avoid a serious meltdown in residuals..”

Is this still Porsche policy for 996s and 997s? If it is they certainly know how to punish owners of the water cooled. I must be very naive. It has hit my loyalty to and faith in the marque. Apart from showing a sincere interest in gouging, it is not very in keeping with being environmentally friendly. I remember not too long ago the European Commission ruled that it was not legal for European car manufacturers to refuse to provide diagnostic tools to independents. This is another good case they should take up.

Heart Broken,

Slow Guy

I'm not a mechanic but I've read many times that Porsche only sold remanufactred engines and not replacement parts but I believe it was Jake Roby that said Porsche now sells individual parts for the 996's (I know nothing about 997's).

911PERVY

Pretty much all individual parts now sold by Porsche on the 996 & 997 engine and box, they have moved on from the complete exchange idea

johnsjmc

I was reminded years ago. "They have to pay for the racing program somehow". Aftermarket has done a nice job with the early cars. It will eventually catch up to the newer cars. The 996 models and Boxsters are more than 10 yrs old now.

goofballdeluxe

Funny, I was under the impression that Porsche was price gouging for parts for ALL it's customers, regardless of model. The prices for most of their stuff is outrageous.

M Fig

I use to have a 996 and i remember thinking that their program wasn't that bad...if I had a major problem with the engine (and 996's are known for a few) then I could get a remanufactured engine with a warranty for $10K or so...not sure about that exact figure, but is was around that (+/- a few grand).

An engine rebuild would have to vastly exceed that figure...and no waranty.

goofballdeluxe

I would imagine whoever rebuilds an engine provides some sort of warranty on their work.

I know it's apples to oranges when it comes to 993 vs. 996, but $10K will get you a rebuilt engine on a 993, and if done correctly, should be the last rebuild one should need for a long, long time.

Plus, those headlights on a 996!

TRINITONY

prices on ^ have recently shot up, thinking about buying a 996 so I've been lurking over there..

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

Porsche discontinued their 996 rebuilt engine exchange program and now 3.4's run $31-35K and 3.6's run from $16K to 35K, all outright.

Kinda makes one think about an M96-engined car,............

For some perspective, a properly rebuilt 993 motor runs about $16-17K and we know how long those can last.

911PERVY

Porsche still have the exchange engines running in the UK, about $15K for the 996's

They even have the late 993 at $15K and TT at $18K (short engine exchange)

dryadsdad

The OP was about transmissions, I think, but the thread drifted into engines. I think the issue isn't if the factory offers a rebuilt engine, but if it's possible to buy parts for the transmissions or engines replacing only those items you see need replacing.