Andy Ericksen

I bought the cheapest Porsche 996 on Craigslist (as a non-runner) and I think the IMS bearing has failed. The car is a 2002 911 Carrera Coupe. It has 101k miles on the odometer.

I pulled the filter, opened it up and found feromagnetic flakes (see pics). There are also feromagnetic flakes in the filter housing and in the oil that I drained out of the filter housing.

How likely is it that I can save this engine? Am I better off buying a used engine? If the engine can be saved I'd like to rebuild it myself.

Prelude Guy

Have you taken the oil pan off yet? If not, I would do that.

What did the seller say happened to the car?

Based on your pics, I think it leads to the IMS bearing.

If you're going to rebuild the engine yourself, be prepared for it to take you a while and you will need to purchase some specialty tools.

How much did you pick it up for?

Andy Ericksen

I haven't pulled the pan yet, I'll get to it sometime this week.

He said he picked it up at auction and never drove it. It was already bad when he got it.

$7,500

Prelude Guy

I think the first thing to do is take the oil pan off to see what's in there. After that, I would plan on pulling the engine and trans to inspect further since it's not running anyway.

Where do you live? I might be able to help you out with a running engine.

Andy Ericksen

I'm in the Denver, CO area.

Any assistance is appreciated, what did you have in mind?

4Driver4

Does it run?

dak911

Perfect opportunity for an LS engine change...(nice V8 growl)

jkoravos

I so want to do an LS swap...how much are the LS crate engines going for now?

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/p...hoCwxEQAvD_BwE

$7K?! YES!

Flat6 Innovations

The size, shape, color, and consistency of the debris does support IMSB failure based on what I see there.. Post those pics.
Of course this is the single row IMSB fitted engine, which further supports the IMSB probability...

FYI- I will only have one M9X hands- on rebuild school in 2020, it will be held in January with a date TBD.

NuttyProfessor

Nice looking mk2 996! Unfortunate about the metal laden oil that you've discovered. IMHO, the engine should NOT be started until it's completely cleansed and rebuilt. Some people would say just "screw it" and flush it with multiple oil changes. But I'm going with the advice of many that have built and/or rebuilt these engines when they've experience what I see in your pictures. That metal contaminated oil is like sand paper to the internal engine components. Over time, it will severely damage those valuable components to the point that they can not be reused.

Now I assume you're not wanting to pay a top Porsche shop to rebuild it? Therefore, I would advise you to watch Jake Raby's videos on his YouTube channel called Rennvision. He clearly explains the good, bad, and ugly with the M96 engines on the bore scoring videos. Of course, the main topic is about why these engines suffer from cylinder bore scoring, but in the process, you learn so much about them from one of the top Porsche engine builders on the planet. Jake Raby also mentioned in a couple of threads that he will be releasing a "M9X" rebuild series by the holidays. If I was going to tackle this job on my own, I'd look into getting access to that series.

Lastly, I would caution you about buying another used engine. Why? Because it can have all the same troubles you're dealing with now. If you want to purchase another engine for this car, then I'd contact LN about finding a rebuilt motor that has all the common failure points addressed. (e.g. Nikasil plated cylinders, IMS Solution, etc.)

Good luck!

NuttyProfessor

Fools errand. So many people have done those swaps and ended up spending more than what a rebuild would have cost. Plus, the driving dynamics are screwed. One of the beauties of the Flat 6 engine is it's low center of gravity. Something you won't get with a LS swap IMHO.

jkoravos

Quit raining on my parade!

hatchetf15

OP,
Nobody can know the status of the engine without a nearly total tear down. Enough options out there to stuff the neck of a giraffe and gag it. IMO:
1) If this is your project for the next year...take the FSI rebuild class after you purchase the FSI rebuild video series due out before Thanksgiving (right B3?). Some very, very good rebuild threads on this forum. This route would be pretty awesome, and you might save a little $.
2) If this is your car to drive the snot out of this year...get an LN motor and install it yourself. This route puts you driving your car for somewhere near $25k (all in).
Good hunting!

Andy Ericksen

I would be very interested in that class.

One of the reasons I chose this car is because it was so original, I'd like to keep it that way, so an LS (or other non-M96/03) swap is not in my future.

The seller did start it for me, I had him shut it down quickly though, no sense making it worse.

808Bill

Sell it (you payed to much) and start over. You're going to be in so deep you'll never get it back.
You can find a good well maintained driver for less then what this project will cost you...You might get lucky with a used motor but then you might not (another 6-10K flushed) and that motor could have issues.