UserA

In the market now for a 993TT and I am contemplating my options on cars and prices. I believe that a rebuild on the cars will set me back $20K, the question is when do I get into "normal" rebuild time. I am looking at cars in the 60-80K miles range now and want to know if I spend more and find a 30-50K mile car am I actually saving money.

I know these cars are not 99-00 996s and that they are significantly more robust and reliable but the "rebuild" word keeps coming up in searches and I can't seem to find a consensuses of what a normal mileage is for a rebuild.

I thank anyone who takes the time to answer what I am sure is a common question. I am dropping off the title for my 993 C2S today to the new Rennlister owner so the tears are in my eyes as I type.

Quadcammer

There is no exact time for a rebuild, nor does a low mileage example guarantee that you won't need a rebuild.

My advice is to buy the best car you can afford based on appearance and PPI results, regardless of mileage.

I also think $20k is high unless you are going to aftermarket products.

A simple valve guide/bearing/resizing should be doable for $15k or less.

Spartan

No more than $10k for a simple top end job and closer to $8k is a good price imo. For $20k you can get a sick 3.6 monster built by a name

msw

having just been through a 'rebuild' of my 97 turbo with 250K miles (that changed into swapping in a turbo S engine with 6K miles)...i think the 'cost' of the rebuild is quite variable (and depends on what you mean by rebuild)

parts add up quite quickly (catalytic converter $2K each, turbos $1500 each) gets you to $7K alone...

also depends on if you want new parts or are comfortable having parts 'rebuilt'

No HTwo O

I think that's why you need about a $10-15K cash "slush fund" when considering a 993 Turbo purchase. Regardless of mileage. Put the money in the bank and don't touch it. This should be part of the total car purchase proposition.

It's not a matter of IF the car will need a top-end done; it's only a matter of "WHEN".

I don't want to be 'cash poor' when this event arises and possibly have buyer remorse, nor delay the work when it becomes necessary. This strategy works for me.

When I bought my '97 Turbo in October with 32K miles, I fully expected to do a top-end in about 4 years. I also expect to put about 6,000 miles on the car per driving season (April-Nov.). If it is sooner, I have the money ready. If it happens later, I am only that much more prepared, and could possibly budget for additional upgrades with addition savings.

UserA

Thank you all very much for your responses, you have further set my mind at ease.

Greg H.

Let me know where you can get a name brand 3.8L monster for $20K. I've been quoted over double that.

The problem with some of the numbers thrown out above is that the "while you are there" stuff will add a significant amount. And then who isn't going to want to increase performance just a bit?

Greg H.

Spartan

3.6 read the post. Rods, cams, mech valve train, Water injection, custom tune and you have monster 3.6 motor. Not surprised you were quoted $40k, porsche owners have been taking it in the rear from these tuners for years. Who quoted you that?!

pstoppani

Who sells a monster 3.6 for $20K ?

Spartan

Protomotive but thats dealing directly with Todd. Don't know what the proto resellers charge

V

+1

I agree that there's a lot of Porsche tax being applied. However, it's hard to argue against massive amounts of labor hours. If you can DIY you would save a ton of cash...

Jean

I think you can get a very decently powered engine for around $20-25k in the US if you have a solid engine and stay with 3.6Ltrs and want to be within low to mid 500s HP.

Keep a stock IC, dont change your P&C, keep your stock oil pump, no work on the heads except a valve job, guides and surfacing and sealing. Most likely your springs & retainers will need to be changed. Head studs, bearings, etc..

The custom ECU mapping is key, for this money you can get a chassis dyno tune.

Obviously I am not recommending any of the above, just saying it can be done in the US with this money.