EG9

I've read lots on 996 engine life but havn't found any info on how reliable the engine when doing lots of autox and track days throughout the year. The car would also be a daily driver. This is an '03 C4s w/25K miles. If it is serviced regularly than does this type of use deminish the engines life span?? or is this engine bullet proof??

Thanks,

Ed-

himself

First!

3.4 and 3.6 engines are ticking time bombs. They all blow up, or catch on fire, or get RMS, or have some other catastophic failure. DON'T DRIVE IT. Anywhere. Not on the road. Not on the track.

Besides, the watercooled 996 is not a real race/track car. You need something aircooled like a 993.

-td

Woohoo! First!!

eDoug

Awww - now that's just wrong.... no fair - you're out of order.


Personally, I haven't any idea - and I don't know anyone does. My engine was just replaced with 32k miles and no track time. I went to my first DE a few weeks ago and had an absolute blast. Am I hooked? I dunno, but I'm going to VIR next month...

As for reliability - you would expect all wear-related suspension components to wear more quickly with track and autox. However, these are consumables, just like tires and brakes (which are VERY consumable).

As for engines - I think that all you can do is make sure you service the engine properly, make sure the oil is good and warm before taxing it, and keep your fingers crossed. If it's gonna let go, then I don't think you can do anything about it but keep your piggy bank full or get a great warranty that covers the engine and seals. There's lot's of folks with higher miles, and several of us who have lost their engine prematurely. You will drive yourself nuts trying to figure it out - if it was that easy, PCNA and others would have already figured it out... a new (reman'd) engine installed is less than $15k...

I broke my replacement engine in according to the book, and now I'm gonna drive mine as it's meant to be driven...

jyoteen

My car has 80k miles. It has seen many, many track days. It's first track outing was at 1K miles. My car has been dead reliable (save for the RMS early on which was taken care of).

I, however, do go above and beyond the maintainence schedule. You cannot stick to the factory schedule and track the car. The fluids get replaced regularly. Brake fluid flush is probably happening 3x year, maybe more. Differential fluids, etc all get replaced at 15K miles. Coolant gets replaced.

I don't beat on the car, but there is ZERO reason to buy a 100k sports car if you're not going to use it. Just don't be cruel to the car and it will reward you.

That said, there is this thing called luck. It's a bitch. Some people get bad cars and seem to have no luck. I got lucky this time. My Audi wasn't so lucky but I tracked that thing too.

Malakas

I don't think you can predict engine failures - but if it would ease your mind, drop 2k and buy an ext warranty (from the dealer even). Then drive the hell out of it!! These cars were designed to withstand the rigors of the track (or parking lot).

bella1

Of you know what!

JC3D

I drive the hell out of my car and it is still plenty rewarding.

pongobaz

46K on mine and tracked regularly. Works like a charm and doesn't even burn a smidgen of oil.

racesx

Got my 996 with 84k on it last year and went to my first "DE" with it this summer at 91k, lost the motor (3.4) at the event and had to replace it ......... for what it's worth!

AudiOn19s

Personally I'm of the mindset that cars that are regularly tracked or used in Auto-X are maintianed to a much higher standard than an every day driver ever is. Yes they're used a bit harder at times but the owners are usually much more aware of keeping fresh (and high quality) fulids in the car and the cars are regularly inspected for tech inspections as well which could bring out any problem areas and make them very apparent.

Andy

Patrick E

Good point. I think there is something to this.

Nidan

Just drive it, I had a M5 before my 911 and treated it like it was made glass. I kick myself for not enjoying the car when I had it.

Nidan

Ubermensch

96k miles, several DE's, no problems.

eDoug

+1 on that - I hope I made the point that you just have to drive it. If you're worried about what "might" happen, you'll lose all the enjoyment.

ivangene

+1
Drive it, enjoy it, clean it.
Fix as required - prevent as needed - maintain as advised

106k on the original mill.... wanna go for a ride?