Speedraser

I was looking at a new GT3 being prepped in the shop when I went to pick up my 993 after the wiring harness recall was done. Without my asking, the service manager said to me, "Don't do it -- keep your car." I said I intended to, and asked why he offered the comment. He said the 993 is a "better car" and gives "fewer headaches." I thought this was quite interesting considering the source.

Edward

Todd, you wearing your nomex???


Edward

Sloth

Interesting comment seeing as how the new GT3's have only been on the road for a few weeks.

David in LA

Todd - Was he referring to the GT3 or to 996sgenerally?? If 996s I could understand that as a few service managers and salesmen have told me the same thing. Also see the thread on the 996 board re: premature wear on some guys 2 mo old 996 which the dealer refuses to fix!!

Speedraser

Edward,
Nope

David and Sloth,
I think the reference was to 996s generally, but he was clearly including the GT3.

996FLT6

You know-is there a reason for this post? If its reassurance you got a classic then so be it. Can others enjoy what they have?I learned my lesson that there's space for everyone out there-just be happy that you have the privelage of having a P-car. I would love a GT3. Regards. Mike

Speedraser

The reason is that it was an unsolicited comment that I found interesting. I posted it on the 993 board -- not the 996 board, or any other board. It was NOT meant to bring up the age-old debate. Apologies to any who are offended, but I simply reported what occurred -- on the 993 board. FWIW, when the service manager said "better" car, he was referring specifically to build quality/reliability, not anything else.

max911

Todd posted an occurence; you (996FLT6) posted your opinion.
One of the above is a like a bad re-run.
max

86Coupe

Let me share some info on this topic, from a well respected mechanic in the LA area.

He told me the basic construction of the engine and lubrication system of the 996s is more like a conventional car. What separates the pre 996 911s from the 996 and ordinary cars is that the engine was designed as a racing engine first.

This doesn't mean the 996s are bad cars, they show durability comparable to other new production cars. The air cooled Porsches are made differently and are from a by gone era.

To illustrate his point he refers to the relatively high number of rebuilds he's had to do on 996s that have been used unmodified for track events. The pre 996 cars he says are track ready from the factory and have construction and lubrication systems designed for this kind of high stress use.

This over engineering of the air cooled cars is what allows some of us 3.2 and SC owners to go 200K + miles without a rebuild. I know there were issues with the 964s but have heard the 993s are pretty much as bulletproof as the mid year 911s after the wiring harness problems are addressed.

Would love to hear from high mileage 993 owners about their experiences with 993 durability. My dad is looking for a stock 993 Coupe in mint original condition with low mileage.

Pete H.
86 Carrera Coupe
119K miles (1 - 2% leakdown, no oil consumption)

Fred R. C4S

Upon closer examination, I think you'll find that not all 996's are created equal. You mechanic's comments are valid for the garden variety 996 and Boxster. However, the TT, GT3 and GT2 have completely different engines, akin to the GT1 engine complete with dry sump systems. The transmissions are also different from the other 996's and are very similar and use many of the same parts as the 993.

Cheers,

RCD

Pete,

If your Dad is contemplating a 993, and is worried about maintenance issues, I would suggest a '95. Carbon buildup issues affect a significant number of the 96-98 varioram cars, as discussed in the thread below:

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...carbon+buildup

Conversely, the '95 should be dead reliable once the wiring harness recall is performed. Interestingly, a very good Porsche mechanic told me four years ago that the carbon buildup problem was going to be very pervasive because it is the result of a basic design flaw. The same person also said it was only the '96+ 993s that are subsceptible. Others on this forum may want to weigh in on the 95 vs 96-98 aspect of this problem, though the above thread seems to support it. It does seem to affect a much higher percentage of 993s than, say premature valve guide wear on 3.2s.

lexpilot

Pete,
There's lots of P-cars for sale right now. I can offer an average condition 1995 with 70,000 miles at a cheap price. Black over black, 17"chromed turbo wheels, Alpine 40w cd player. One of my buddies just got a 996 coupe. I'm considering moving to the 996 car based on the quietness of road noise issues that I previously addressed. I will say that this 993 draws a lot of attention/compliments due to the color and wheels. Robin

Jeff

I for one am sick to death of the carbon build up problem -- it's cost me a lot of time and $$. Porsche needs to do something.

86Coupe

Now I'm getting a little concerned about this carbon build up problem. It was hard to tell from the FAQ and forum summary if this was a big deal, sounded like could be avoided if you add Techron to the gas and blow out the carbon occasionally.

If it's a design problem I wonder if a top end rebuild would fix or if it'll just come back. If it's a design issue though wouldn't all 96+ cars be affected?

As for my dad's car he's 70 and looking for a garage queen kind of car, something a life long Porsche fan would be proud to own. You see he had one of the first 356s on the west coast in 1953 when he brought one home from the factory.

Needs to be as perfect as possible, all original, low mileage. Must be a C2 or C2S coupe, completely stock. Open to transmission because a tip would actually be easier for him the drive. I had ruled out 95s before seeing this thread because I figured the higher HP variocam models would have better investment potential.

If some or all of the 96+ are plagued by this design flaw and if the performance difference isn't that noticeable then I'd like to open the search up to perfect 95 Coupes.

Would be interested from those of you who have driven 95 and 96+ about how much faster the 96+ feels. I've only looked at one car and it was a bit disappointing to drive but I think it had a bad clutch (it felt heavy everyone tells me they should feel light).

On start up the car put out a big puff of white / gray smoke which I have learned is "normal". Is this maybe related to the carbon build up? Dad would be really bummed out getting a mint car that's supposed to be the pinnacle of classic Porsche design only to the end up with something that smokes and needs a top end rebuild.

On the 996 engine issue I know that the GT3 engines are different than the regular 996 and Boxster engines. Does anyone know if the Turbo engines are closer to the GT3 or regular 996?

Pete H.

Jeff

I sent you some private mail on a car I know of - not mine. It's a 95' and he's had the wiring harness replaced -- absolute garage queen with about 20K miles.
I've had several Porsche's -- in my mind, none look as good or drive as well in many different conditions as the 993. The carbon build up is a major issue for those of us that seem stuck with it -- no easy fix. Maybe Porsche will come up with something.