View Poll Results: Fix or Sell
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll
Decisions - Fix or Sell?
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 890
From: Flyover Country
This is just my personal uneducated opinion: At 155k miles an engine requiring significant costs in repairs would lead me to consider a complete reconstruction of the engine. I know we hear about 200k-300k engines but those seem to be the exception rather than the norm. You ask about cost for a "rebuilt" engine...depends on who you get to do it for you as prices are all over the board. The best is a reconstructed engine... not cheap, but it is the best because...well it is done right.
It all boils down to how much do you love the car. If you don't love the car enough let it go to someone who will invest in the car and love it.
As said above only you can make this decision.
It all boils down to how much do you love the car. If you don't love the car enough let it go to someone who will invest in the car and love it.
As said above only you can make this decision.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 480
From: PA
This is a tough one, you got a 911 for 13k 5 years ago and now it's got some issues. You could sell it as a roller for something like 3-6k, depending on the spec. You could get it fixed or rebuilt but it's going to cost somewhere between what they quoted you and 20k+ for a proper rebuild of the motor. On this one, I am leaning a little more towards getting another Porsche or something else unless you really love this car. Depending on how much you put into it over the 5 years you could get out of this relatively unscathed. Maybe test drive some other cars and see how you feel after that.
RL Community Team
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5,846
Likes: 2,988
From: Richmond, TX
Unfortunately you got your car for a nice low price, so any major work is going to seem even more expensive to you.
If it were me, I wouldn't spend $10K on just the top end work.
There are other components(IMS Chain pad) that are likely as worn.
I'd do a full rebuild.
To paraphrase Jake Raby, you can either pay once to have it fixed correctly, or pay twice...or even three times.
You're looking at around $20K to have it rebuilt.
But if done RIGHT you could expect to get more than 155K miles out of the rebuilt engine.
Done "Right" means preventing all of the currently known modes of failure.
If you can wait to have it done, talk to Flat 6 Innovations about having yours rebuilt.
They're the only place I know of that can prevent all known modes of failure.
If it were me, I wouldn't spend $10K on just the top end work.
There are other components(IMS Chain pad) that are likely as worn.
I'd do a full rebuild.
To paraphrase Jake Raby, you can either pay once to have it fixed correctly, or pay twice...or even three times.
You're looking at around $20K to have it rebuilt.
But if done RIGHT you could expect to get more than 155K miles out of the rebuilt engine.
Done "Right" means preventing all of the currently known modes of failure.
If you can wait to have it done, talk to Flat 6 Innovations about having yours rebuilt.
They're the only place I know of that can prevent all known modes of failure.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 570
Likes: 133
From: NH
I think at that mileage, considering the other usual suspects of potential engine demise, IMSB, and bore scoring, without further analysis, its difficult to tell whether its worth sinking even that amount of money into it. If you like the car and having work done to it to bring it back to life, not necessarily totally restoring it, it may be worth the money to rebuild the engine. Other factors to consider are the condition of the suspension, ie rubber parts and the brakes. I spent more for mine up front with lower miles, though didn't do any real inspection of it ahead of time and rolled the dice. I've been rewarded so far. I have been doing my own investigation to see what kind of shape the usual failure points are in.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 944
Likes: 42
From: SoCal
I was faced with a similar dilemma. 2002 996 Targa with 165K B/S (bore score) engine.
I purchased a used engine (60K miles) with warranty (90 days, no mileage limit), replaced the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, and related parts, installed an IMS replacement bearing, and fixed little things that are easy or cheap while the engine is out (motor mounts, coolant tank, etc.). Total cost was barely over 13K and I had several other items addressed while the engine was out. You could do it for less if you pass over small items to do later.
You are then free to decide what you want to do with the old engine, either sell it, or have it rebuilt into something stouter. Your choice. PM me if you want to know more.
I purchased a used engine (60K miles) with warranty (90 days, no mileage limit), replaced the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, and related parts, installed an IMS replacement bearing, and fixed little things that are easy or cheap while the engine is out (motor mounts, coolant tank, etc.). Total cost was barely over 13K and I had several other items addressed while the engine was out. You could do it for less if you pass over small items to do later.
You are then free to decide what you want to do with the old engine, either sell it, or have it rebuilt into something stouter. Your choice. PM me if you want to know more.
Last edited by PaulD_944S2; Mar 24, 2021 at 08:50 PM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,213
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From: Chicago, IL
Originally Posted by Barshfield;[url=tel:17318749
17318749[/url]]Whew.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Tacoma, WA
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 75
Likes: 31
Logically, I don't see any reason to keep the car unless a second opinion changes the outlook. You got 5 years enjoyment at a great price. It has value still so even better after you recoup some $. I paid similar 3 years ago, it could grenade tomorrow and it was already worth it for me.
Emotionally, that's a different story. I need to make sound decisions all day long, but not one in my life involved an automobile and that is unlikely to change with this one. To me, it is just such an iconic car even if it doesn't appreciate much - not why I purchased it. Not saying its right for you or anyone else, that is just me. Cars are my kryptonite.
If you do make the emotional decision, I agree with the sentiment that the full rebuild (FSI) is the way to go - I will go that route, Lord willing. Especially at the rock bottom price we paid. Otherwise it makes a silly decision sillier. I hope that someone I love will drive a 30, 35 y.o. 996 in excellent condition when I'm done. It doesn't get any more emotional than that for me
Good luck whatever you decide,
Majicb
Emotionally, that's a different story. I need to make sound decisions all day long, but not one in my life involved an automobile and that is unlikely to change with this one. To me, it is just such an iconic car even if it doesn't appreciate much - not why I purchased it. Not saying its right for you or anyone else, that is just me. Cars are my kryptonite.
If you do make the emotional decision, I agree with the sentiment that the full rebuild (FSI) is the way to go - I will go that route, Lord willing. Especially at the rock bottom price we paid. Otherwise it makes a silly decision sillier. I hope that someone I love will drive a 30, 35 y.o. 996 in excellent condition when I'm done. It doesn't get any more emotional than that for me
Good luck whatever you decide,
Majicb
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 1,483
From: Earth
In my opinion the age and mileage call for a full rebuild.
Unless there’s an emotional connection or you’re completely in love with the spec of your car, it’s probably better to move on.
The price to rebuild + whatever you get for this 996 will buy you a nice lower mileage 996/997.
Unless there’s an emotional connection or you’re completely in love with the spec of your car, it’s probably better to move on.
The price to rebuild + whatever you get for this 996 will buy you a nice lower mileage 996/997.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,213
Likes: 1,908
From: Chicago, IL
In my opinion the age and mileage call for a full rebuild.
Unless there’s an emotional connection or you’re completely in love with the spec of your car, it’s probably better to move on.
The price to rebuild + whatever you get for this 996 will buy you a nice lower mileage 996/997.
Unless there’s an emotional connection or you’re completely in love with the spec of your car, it’s probably better to move on.
The price to rebuild + whatever you get for this 996 will buy you a nice lower mileage 996/997.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 2,601
From: Central MA
Doesn't Porsche still sell new short blocks for about $7k? Have you heads checked & mounted on one of those, swap over the various parts, new fuel injectors, and be good for another 50-100k. Probably 12k out the door.
I'd get a second opinion first, though.
I'd get a second opinion first, though.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 703
Likes: 252
From: Scottsdale
If you fix it it'll be like a good woman, you've been through a lot together, you'll love it more than another 996 that'll come with a big question mark regarding maintenance. If you decide to sell please don't get a 997, that'd be like dumping a good woman for a ***** ****.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,798
Likes: 981
From: San Antonio, Texas
Fix it, but don't just rebuild the top end, rebuild the whole engine. Just doing the top end *can increase the load on the bottom end to the point where the bottom end will wear out very quickly.
Just my .02...
Just my .02...