MJBird993

I did a search but only found one reference to this question, and it was from 1999Porsche911, so I've gotta take his response with a grain of salt (yes, it was an oil thread).

OK, I'm coming from a 993 (hence my handle) but now have a 2002 996 cab C2 with about 25K miles (but new to me). I notice that the variocam engagement is quite abrupt around 3200 RPM, especially in first gear and with light throttle. I know, someone's going to reply "use more gas!" but I drive in traffic a lot. I never experienced this with the 993.

So, is this a normal thing that I need to learn to live with? Or is it one of those things, some cars do it, some don't? Or is it actually worth a trip to the dealer (and can they do anything about it)?

Thanks all for your comments.

Michael

gota911

Michael - I have an '04 C2 Coupe and yes, the variocam does "kick in" at about 3200 RPM. I noticed it more when I first got the car, but now I don't really notice it much at all. I don't think it has actually gotten "smoother" as it kicks in, but rather, it is probably that I am getting more "comfortable" and familiar with the car.

BTW - where in NC are you located? I'm in Concord, just Northeast of Charlotte.

MJBird993

Thanks for the quick reply, glad it's not just me!

I'm in Cary, near Raleigh.

Michael

nycebo

Try this search link, there's a bunch of returns that you can read through, particularly here, here, here, and here.

DCP

I'll confirm this too. Normal. I also agree that while it bothered me at first, I barely notice it now.

spiderv6

I have never "felt" this, but then I have no idea what it would feel or sound like.....can anyone expand?

DCP

The engine briefly runs less than smoothly for a moment passing through 3200 rpm. I believe it affects 2002 and newer and that there were some software changes in 2004 to try to make it less noticeable. It is most noticeable at light throttle.

LVDell

Michael, I am in Cary as well. Would be happy to check it out for you. We could even compare cars and feel the VC engagement.

nycebo

Dell, do our cars have VC issues? I thought it did not fashion itself in pre-2002 cars.

LVDell

I haven't heard of a VC issue to date.

spiderv6

Guess I will be back and forth around 3200 rpm on the drive home tonight to see if I can feel this

gota911

While maintaining a constant (but moderate) level of acceleration, you should feel a little more “torque pull” around 3200 RPM (+/- 100 RPM).

delirium

I can feel it too, almost like a small boost. I also hear it engage.

Rob in WA

Correct, it only occurs on 3.6ls w/variocam plus.

MJBird993

Hey Dell, thanks for the offer. It seems that enough people agree here that it's "normal operation" and so I'm not going to sweat it.

Michael