Passively searching for another P-car and considering the 996...

Although there are plenty of threads discussing the reliability of both the 3.4L and the 3.6L, I don't seem to be able to find (anywhere) any sort of concrete numbers for actual failures.

Through all the discussion, the impression is given that they all pop. Since negative experiences have a habit of being posted with far more frequency than positive experiences, I'm operating under the impression that the stigma surrounding the engines is more based in unsubstantiated, qualitative opinion than actual, quantitative fact.

Looking to verify that...

Anyone have a source keeping track of this?

Thanks.

 

I'm sure Porsche knows exactly how many failures and for what reason the failures occurred. I doubt they would be willing to share.

 

This has been debated several times on this board. As far as I know, no one outside of Porsche has any statistics and most of the stats thrown about have been largely anecdotal. Unfortunately, I don't think you're going to find what you're looking for.

 

Why not start a registry? ... I might look into that ... have some free time this long weekend.

 

I would start a poll of 996 owners asking them to share their blown engines experiences, that's always a winner.
Good luck whatever you choose, try Adrian's book for comfort, or search the Internet if you want to worry.

 

salayc,

The engine thing is a bummer. The problem is anyone with the problem will respond, the ones without may.

I like the stealth look.

Ken

 

Stuttgart951,

If you pm me a good email address I will send you two interesting reports. File size is to large to post here..

 

Don't just keep it with 3.4L & 3.6L 996 engines......Boxster S 3.2L have the same issues as well.

 

"They all pop." This has been the subject of several letter to Pano. They have no answer and refer to PCNA, which of course is tight lipped about it. Polls, surveys, etc. are naturally biased to reflect to opinions and experiences of the minority of owners that respond to them.

 

Oh dear God, here we go again.

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/GASSING/t...&t=400915&i=40

 

Did nobody get that???

 

Every time I seem to forget about blown engines someone brings it right back to the top of my worry tree..

 

Speaking of which, what is the going rate for a 3.6 replacement these days?

 

Dell, old matey!

It's like laying out a honey trap - posting about engine failures - Dell will be drawn to the post even though he doesn't want to be

Still, at least no-one has tried any homebrew stats analysis yet for us to mull over....