What is causing this blown engine problem on the 3.4's? What years does it affect?
03-15-2009, 12:29 AM
#31
Rennlist Member
Many of us read and quote Excellence Magazine. In this month’s issue, May 2009, Bruce Anderson’s technical answer column, addressing a question about the design of the M96 engine, contains the following information.
“When the Boxster and 996 were relatively new cars and the M96’s problems were not yet understood, rumors suggested that up to 50% of the cars were going to experience failure. Porsche addressed the problems and, today, I am hearing the number of cars that have had or will have a problem is closer to 20%, or one in five.”
It is good to see that “Porsche has addressed the problems”. So those who have a Boxster/Cayman/996/997 with an M-type engine know that you have an 80% chance of not suffering a catastrophic engine problem.
For the rest of us just make sure that PCNA has your current address and vin so you won’t miss the updated component install recall. NOT!
Maybe we should start a club with a cloisonné car badge and “T” shirts? “The 20% Club”
Check the December Excellence Jim Pasha (RIP) authored a good M type article with pics of common problems.
“When the Boxster and 996 were relatively new cars and the M96’s problems were not yet understood, rumors suggested that up to 50% of the cars were going to experience failure. Porsche addressed the problems and, today, I am hearing the number of cars that have had or will have a problem is closer to 20%, or one in five.”
It is good to see that “Porsche has addressed the problems”. So those who have a Boxster/Cayman/996/997 with an M-type engine know that you have an 80% chance of not suffering a catastrophic engine problem.
For the rest of us just make sure that PCNA has your current address and vin so you won’t miss the updated component install recall. NOT!
Maybe we should start a club with a cloisonné car badge and “T” shirts? “The 20% Club”
Check the December Excellence Jim Pasha (RIP) authored a good M type article with pics of common problems.
03-15-2009, 12:36 AM
#32
Three Wheelin'
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Ben,
I highly recommend checking out the Sept. 2008 issue of Excellence magazine, which has an intelligent, sane, evaluation of the 996 and discusses the....ssshhhh.....(engine issues.) It's a sensitive topic on this board. I have a 1999 996 with 65K miles, which is 100% all original (except consumables oil, spark plugs, etc.). Yes, original clutch which operates perfectly.
At today's prices how could you go wrong? seriously HOW? To say the 996 is a bargain is like saying stocks are down this year.
I highly recommend checking out the Sept. 2008 issue of Excellence magazine, which has an intelligent, sane, evaluation of the 996 and discusses the....ssshhhh.....(engine issues.) It's a sensitive topic on this board. I have a 1999 996 with 65K miles, which is 100% all original (except consumables oil, spark plugs, etc.). Yes, original clutch which operates perfectly.
At today's prices how could you go wrong? seriously HOW? To say the 996 is a bargain is like saying stocks are down this year.
Or one could go buy a Japanese "sports car" and lose $10k just driving off the lot....
09-16-2009, 09:07 PM
#33
Three Wheelin'
Just talked to friend who had a motor blow on a 00 or 01 cab, tip, 60k miles, wife's car. Dealer wanted 1500 to pull the motor out to tell him it was blown. I don't think you need to pull out the motor to tell it is blown?
They quoted him $19k for an new motor and install. This car is worth maybe $18.5k.
Does it make sense to replace it with a used motor? I have a good independent that I use, I will give him a call tomorrow and see what they have to say.
Any ball park numbers $$$$$ to replace this motor, new or used?
Thanks!
They quoted him $19k for an new motor and install. This car is worth maybe $18.5k.
Does it make sense to replace it with a used motor? I have a good independent that I use, I will give him a call tomorrow and see what they have to say.
Any ball park numbers $$$$$ to replace this motor, new or used?
Thanks!
09-16-2009, 11:44 PM
#35
Three Wheelin'
after skimming over some blown engine threads, I am realizing this has be discussed to exhaustion in the past. And is even somewhat of a sensitive subject with some.
But does anyone know what it should cost to replace a blown 3.4 motor?
But does anyone know what it should cost to replace a blown 3.4 motor?
09-16-2009, 11:44 PM
#36
Racer
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I paid $15,600, including a new clutch, about a year ago. My shop charged me halfway between the wholesale and retail pricing for the motor, which saved me a grand or so, IIRC. That worked out to be only a little more than what it would have cost me to from Sunset with the two way shipping (they take the core back).
09-16-2009, 11:55 PM
#37
Three Wheelin'
I paid $15,600, including a new clutch, about a year ago. My shop charged me halfway between the wholesale and retail pricing for the motor, which saved me a grand or so, IIRC. That worked out to be only a little more than what it would have cost me to from Sunset with the two way shipping (they take the core back).
Someone said on an older thread that you could get the engine for 6800, and about 12-1500 to change it out. But I was looking for some more current feed back.
09-18-2009, 11:55 PM
#39
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Not sure how old that thread is but I remember those numbers too... Have the prices for a new motor and install gone up that much??? If I remember correctly, for some reason, I think the 3.6 was actually cheaper than the 3.4...
09-19-2009, 12:35 AM
#40
Drifting
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Porsche has stopped subsidizing the motors now that the population of 996 and 986 cars has aged out of warranty coverage.
So the cost to Joe Public has gone up, or to the correct level, depending on which side of the equation you're on!
This is where the critical issue now lies, as failing engines out of warranty now present a prohibitive cost vs the value of the complete vehicle.
So the cost to Joe Public has gone up, or to the correct level, depending on which side of the equation you're on!
This is where the critical issue now lies, as failing engines out of warranty now present a prohibitive cost vs the value of the complete vehicle.
09-20-2009, 02:01 PM
#42
Three Wheelin'
talked to my independent the other day, he said the number did go up. I will find out what he quotes my buddy for a new engine replacement, and post.
10-23-2009, 03:50 PM
#43
Instructor
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so whats the update? how much did your buddy get quoted on that replacement engine? and did he do it or sell the car.....
PS thanks to those that posted the links to the Total911 article and the Renntech PDF. Both were very good articles
PS thanks to those that posted the links to the Total911 article and the Renntech PDF. Both were very good articles
10-24-2009, 01:20 AM
#44
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I just did a replacement...
As of Fall '09, the best you can do is about $12K after core swap. I was able to wrangle not having to wait for the core swap with a local dealer - but it was tricky. Sunset Porsche had the best price when I called around, but then you gotta ship the engine to your location, plus ship the core back (~$250-$300 each way).
I am stoked to have the car back!!
As of Fall '09, the best you can do is about $12K after core swap. I was able to wrangle not having to wait for the core swap with a local dealer - but it was tricky. Sunset Porsche had the best price when I called around, but then you gotta ship the engine to your location, plus ship the core back (~$250-$300 each way).
I am stoked to have the car back!!
