Replacement Engine Suggestions?
 

Greetings all,

You may remember that I had some camshaft deviation issues a while back, and all of that's been solved because I'm in need of a new engine! :/ I can't really discuss the details, but due to some possible neglect by an independent, the motor may be toast.

So, I had a few general questions because I've never really had this happen before, and I'm not sure what to do.

1) What's the general ballpark cost on getting another 3.4L or 3.6L motor? Does Porsche even offer NOS engines for the 996? Are rebuilt/re-manufactured ones a good option?

2) What does a used motor typically run, and how can you trust that they'll be a hearty motor that will last? Where would one find one?

3) Is it worth considering putting in a 997S motor of a later year (say, 2008) to avoid the IMS issues altogether? Will it even fit in the 996 C2?

4) Would a 996 Turbo motor fit into a narrow body car if that was the only one I could find?

I really appreciate the help.

Warm regards,

Matt

The best place to go to answer all of your questions is Charles Dundon at Dundon Motorsports...he is a genius when it comes to these options and what needs to be done. He put a 997.1 S engine in my 996 mk1 (2000). What year is your 996....here are some things to consider:

If you have a Mk2 ---I think all electronics and everything from 997.1 is compatible...997.2 is not
If you have a Mk1 --- my situation, would require major electronics and other changes for Mk2, 997.1 and 997.2 stuff and is costly (I know this first hand)

I would also reach out to Oleg at Norspec Dismantlers (here in seattle) since he has a bunch of good engines or he can source one for you if you can wait. https://norspecdismantling.com/

both Charles and Oleg guys I trust and frankly the best in the business plus super nice guys. Reach out to them to help with options.

send the motor to jake raby and have a 3.8 monster built. in no world is it cheap but he is the best there is

You can search this forum. There are many similar threads. Some of them are recent. There are also threads from individuals who have gone down the different paths. The final cost will be dependent on which path you take and how much you do yourself. General cost ranges from about 5k (used motor doing the swap yourself) to about 25k (getting a professionally build motor from Jake that should last many years).

Another option, if you don't want to deal with the time or effort it will take, is to sell your car as a roller and buy another.

For what it's worth:
Used engine is an unknown. Might be good. Might not. Roll dice scenario. Cheap.

Rebuild by one of many available rebuilders. Make sure to understand what each means when they say "rebuild". Some questionable. Some good. Some great. Price varies. Down side time to complete.

RND rebuilt engines. Availability/time is better although there have been some say they had to wait. Many of the weak points are addressed. Price on high side but not unreasonable for product. Core charge so it depends on how blown up your current engine may be.

Porsche short block. Price has come way down. Your current cylinder heads will need to be reworked properly before installation. Will come with bigger 997 type bearing with lower failure rate but many of the 996 weak points still remain.

Unpaid non-policital opinion time. If it was me, I would go the RND option. If I didn't mind the wait the Flat6 option is definitely the best. Pricey but you pay for what you get...THE BEST.

I really appreciate the tips and suggestions!

I'll look into each avenue and give them a call.

Thanks!

Let's start with, what's your budget? Then we can point you in the logical direction...
What exactly is wrong with your motor?

There are some great indie shops right here in Van that can do an M96 rebuild and address any known failure modes.

I'm on engine number 3. I did a rebuild myself from my original cases, heads and a used crank and carrier (found on ebay) for engine 2 only to have a cylinder d-chunk after about 1K miles. Very disappointing, but the experience was good and the only real cost was around $2500 for the parts, new bearings and bolts. The tools are rentable. Engine number 3 was found on ebay as a very well cared for short block with an LN bearing and new RMS. The PO had just had a swap done: his shop put an early 997 in his 2002. I believe the short block he sold me for under $5k is pretty solid. I've installed it and I'm back having fun! Only issue so far was his AOS was bad so I had to drop the motor one more time to swap it out. (I have single handedly dropped my motor 7 times for RMS, IMS and the engine changes. Its the simplest part of the process if you have access to a lift.)

I considered an LS swap using the Renegade parts, but who really wants a GM powered Porsche? I'm convinced it would be unbreakable, but its not for me.

If you love your car and have the resources, go see Jake:)

x3 on a Raby build!

I may be biased but maybe you should consider something super crazy and shoe horn a turbo into your car and make it your own sleeper. You can get a turbo engine for about $13K and they are bullet proof and no IMS issues.

@ 808Bill

I don't really have a budget, more just trying to get a ballpark. We'll have to see what any possible settlement may be, and then decide which route to go from there. As for what's actually wrong, I'll PM ya.

@ Triple Black

Who would you recommend in Van? It'd be a heck of a lot easier than sending it down to the States.

@ Lowpue

I considered that as well! Just have to really pick a direction and go with it. I have a 2001 C2, I forgot to answer before.

Too bad on having a Mk1....its a lot more work to make a MkII engine work in a MkI (wiring and host of other things)….my 997 3.8 in my 996 taught me that.