All 99s had the dual row. Some 2000s had it, and even some 01s. If you have an 00 or 01, you need to look at the IMSB cover when you get a chance (such as when changing the clutch), to know what you you have. The small single row used from 00 to 04 was the most prone to failure.

 

I've owned two 3.4 996s and driven a few 3.6 cars. The difference to me is like what used to be the classic difference between a base and S model Porsche, BUT in a counterintuitive direction. I'm referring to the difference between a 69 to 73 911T and 911S, and a base 944 vs. a 944S (underestimated cars - the only speeding ticket I've received in a Porsche was in a 944S - you have to rev it, so you do, so you go fast):

The 3.4 requires you to rev it to get the power like an old S car, which is fun and sounds great. At low RPMs, the sound and performance is pretty docile. So while it is has less power than the 3.6, it feels like the classic concept of an S version compared to the 3.6 - it has two distinct characters, almost like a turbocharged car.

The 3.6 has more grunt across the whole power band - you don't have to rev it so much to get the performance, but you certainly can. While it has more power than the 3.4, it feels more like a base in the classic Porsche sense.

I love both types of Porsche. But I think you have to consider more than the engine. To me, the 3.4 996s feel more like an air-cooled-era 911 than the 997. The newer 911s get, the more digital and less analog/connected they feel.

Just one guy's opinion.

 

I agree with every word. The 996 in general reminds me of the late 60's / early 70's 911's just in terms of being a light tossable sports car -- and the peaky nature of the 3.4 amplifies that feeling. I haven't driven a 3.6, but I expect the improved variocam kicking in sooner gives it much better low-end torque. I generally prefer the 996.1's, but the mk2 does have a better power-to-weight ratio because it adds 20 HP and only weighs something like 50 lbs more than the mk1.

I drove a lot of late 60's/early 70's 911s back when they were fairly new and the "s" was just too peaky as delivered from the factory -- it had no power below 5000 rpm and then the power came on at very high RPM's -- a lot of fun at 10/10ths -- not much fun in normal driving. The "e" was perfect then -- plenty of power and torque. The "t" was comparatively pretty docile. The 3.4 does remind me of the early "s" the way it kicks in at high RPM, but the 3.4 has so much more power overall that it still fun around town.

 

I hear what you are saying, the 3.4 kicks in about 4500 and rolls on as far as you want it to. Seat of the pants dyno seems to me that the 3.6 hits it harder. When I leave my subdivision there's about slightly less than 1/8 mile before serious S curves. In my 01, I could get to 79 mph before hitting them and having to aggressively brake. The 02 got me to 83 mph in a trial test today, LOL. In any case, the 02 is here to stay, unless misfortune strikes again. Which actually was fortune in this case.

 

What is most noticeable is the extra 15 ft lbs.of torque, this is obvious when engageing the clutch to start off from a stop. Variocam & variocam + only help at higher RPM. The only 996 with throttle cable are 98-99.

 

Here is an article that goes for some length on describing the differences for the 3.6 engine. For example not mentioned in this thread are higher flow oiling system, better air flow for cooling, better fuel mileage, etc.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post15174035

Or a short list of the changes between MK1 and Mk2:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post15173972

 

If you are lucky to have a Tiptronic (hehehe) I understand the one attached to a 3.6 is smoother shifting and more reliable. To replace IMS bearing on 3.4 drop transmission, but with 3.6 engine has to be taken out al$o.

 

I appreciate the folks who agree with my point - I thought I might get flamed...I guess it seems kind of perverse to like a car that makes you work more for the performance, but I think that is central to the whole Porsche ethos. It comes back to a saying I heard a lot in my military career: if it was easy and simple, everyone would do it.