Well it happened. I had an engine failure. It looked like a coil pack gone bad, or a cam shaft something or-other. The check engine light turned on but then it started blinking. And the car was acting funny. I ran it to the shop and hoped it would be a quick fix. But it turned out to be something bigger. Exactly what, I'm not 100% sure. [BTW, the old engine ran for 60K miles without a hitch]

So I had to file a claim on my AM warranty and wait. And wait. And then the inspector requested the engine be taken apart to see the insides. So I approved that. And then waited a bit more. Eventually a new engine was approved under the AM warranty. Now I am a proud owner of a new Porsche engine for my not-so-new MY2000 C2. With the upgrades I added since I bought the car, it's as good (or better) than new. [Full Aero, suspension, 3rd rad, wheels/tires, Focal system, and a few other bits]

I just got her back yesterday - and the new engine is so shiny and pretty! I can't drive it hard yet, but it feels so much stronger and idles smoother than my old engine. Plus it has another 2 year of Porsche warranty. That on top of MY AM warranty which is still active for another 2 years! Although there have been many threads on the plus/minus of AM warranties, my experience (whether an anomaly or not) was a good one. Maybe I'm lucky in that I bought the AM warranty and then something catastophic happened. But then, would that really be lucky... hmmmm.

All in all, it was a happy ending which should allow me to enjoy my car for many more years! (knock on wood)

-td

 

are the Replacement motors any diffrent?

 

As I understand it, Porsche incorporates new "features" and "fixes" in the replacement motors. In particular, the technical bulletins and recall fixes are included. At least that's what I hear.

-td

 

Dead on 100% correct. The newer motors are in fact updated ones.

C.

 

Good stuff. I am interested in that warranty. Could you post some contact info? I wouldn't mind looking at the fine print.

C.

 

Sounds like a happy ending to me- I always feel good when I buy a warranty and get to use it- wierd I know-!

 

Chad, how do you know this? Source?

Also, if you are 100% certain, do you know if the new 3.4l motors have the updated internals to compensate for the oiling issues, bigger Intermidiate shaft and bearing, etc.

I've heard this as well, but I can't get any particulars. I know that the part number is superseeded but I can't get any specifics. Let's try to get 100% clarification of this so that as each of us moves forward, we have a better idea.

Thanks for the input, as always.

 

A little pixy told me.

Before I mention this - NO I DIDN'T GO TEST THE FREAKIN THING FOR CHRIST SAKE.

I spoke to a local motorsport guru who mentioned swapping a new 3.4L into a 1999 chassis. I asked him about new motors and he said Porsche did make some updates to the motors with regards to the crank, crank bearings, intermediate shaft bearings, etc. He was vague, but did say flatly that Porsche's newer crate motors are more durable than the original 1998-2001 versions. He said this is also true of the reman'd ones as well.

Heads and oiling issues are still the same on the 3.4L's. The motorsport oiling update is still the best. Hard to find, but the best. Next in line is the X51 oil pump and tube update. Both require machining the passenger side valve cover.

C.

 

Tom,

Good for you. I know this has been has been a protracted timeline but I am glad your warranty company took care of you.

BTW, I just have to say this WHAT??? NO pics????

 

a) td, glad that it all worked out for you. I'm usually not a proponent of aftermarket warranties, but your post has me rethinking that.

b) tim, did you move to Tejas? Did you ever sell your car?


Michael

 

Just something else to scare the hell out of me. I have a 2000 C2 with 60,000 miles and no warranty. Man, all of this is eventually gonna make me sell this thing.

 

What's the name of the warranty company?

 

I was told a similar story by the guy that replaced my 3.4 motor. It sure seems like Porsche would be pretty stupid to keep sticking in bad engines.

 

Especially since they were betting on at least twelve and maybe eighteen years of development on this motor. It's the basis of two six-year runs of 911s and very likely the next series, too. They would be very motivated to make it sustainably right.

 

I'd be interested to know how many 3.4's that were replaced from 2002 onward failed for similar reason's.

The motorsports oiling upgrade is not even done by PMNA anymore. From what I know, it wasn't any different than the X51 upgrade that Chad documented.

With so many people building '99's for PCA club racing, someone ought to seek out more difinative intel.

I nominate Chad. Seconds?