fjr_wertheimber

What are anyone's thoughts on the early 3.4L cars, versus the later 3.6L cars? Worth the extra money for the 3.6L? Either one more durable than the other? Anything to watch out for in particular, one over the other?

Bearing in mind that I'm going into this expecting to do the LN IMS upgrade, RMS, water pump, the orange cap upgrade, the 3.6L exhaust hack/mod, magnetic oil drain plug, and LN spin-on oilfilter upgrade with filter magnet as soon as possible after getting the vehicle... anything else I should expect/plan on doing?

Oh, and anyone know of any good deals or looking to sell a 996 sometime around late Jan/early Feb next year? Should be getting back from Iraq around then... (so I'll finally be able to and drive a nice car again... although not at the same time, obviously... LOL )

Thanks in advance for the help/tips/info!

papachili

Spend the money to get the newest you can. You will end out with factory updates and owner updates that you wont have to perform yourself/pay for. I have a 2004 996 Aero (3.6L) with 75,000 and have never replaced a single thing other than oil and a clutch at 45k miles.

and...THANK YOU for your service!

03911TT

Agree with poster above, buy the newest you can afford. I've been very pleased with the 3.6

Barn996

There are still lots of 3.4s around (I own one) that are great cars, but if your budget allows, buy the newest one you can realistically afford (including upgrades as mentioned). I haven't driven a 3.6 so I can't advise you on that, but either 911 is a keeper in my book. Do a search on this forum for comparisons of the MK1 and the MK2s and you'll find plenty of good reading. Thanks for your service and stay in touch so we can follow your Porsche choice early next winter.

oneyedjack

I would have to agree that the 3.6 is the better choice. I have driven several 3.4L and they always make me feel like I made the right choice. Nothing wrong with the 3.4 engines, they are fine cars. I just prefer my 3.6. I may be biased though my car has the X51 3.6L

Todds911

I agree. Get the 3.6 if you can.

I've owned a 99, which had no problems. I also have read to stay away from the 99 3.4's (there are no official stats, but many believe these were the most prone to grenading).

I think the market prices all this in accordingly. 99's are generally cheaper than 00's, all else equal, and MKI's are generally cheaper than MKII's - and IMO not just because of the age of the car.

You could also getting a 3.4 and then the IMS upgrade with the savings. Others have mentioned this. Although there are many other non-engine upgrades that go along with the 3.6s models.

OZ951

I have a 3.4 manual and a 3.6 Tip. I like driving the 6spd better, but am spending a fair bit of money on exhaust, and intake to recover some extra Hp which is already there on the 3.6. I have also gone with the IMS upgrade for piece of mind.

Barry Lenoble

Hey,

What is your budget? If you have 30K to spend then get a newer car with the 3.6. If you have 20K I would recommend a really nice 3.4 over a later but more beat up 3.6. Take your time, there are lots of cars to choose from.

Barry

jrgordonsenior

I beat up 3.6's including X51's all the time on the track with my little 3.4 (270 rwhp). It's basically stock with just a GIAC street flash and 3.8 manilfolds. Very torquey motors, I get out off the corners faster than them though the 3.6's pull me at the top end. The transmissions are beefier from 02' on....

Ahmet

Correct me if I'm wrong but the 3.6 makes more power everywhere, and they also respond better to modifications... I personally have enjoyed my MK2 car, but the engine is hardly the only reason to go for a later car. That said if I were doing it over, I'd probably either go for MK2 or if that wasn't in the budget, find an LSD equipped 99 car.

Pac996

3.4 vs 3.6 ?
If you get the 3.6 and then Schofield or Kaneohe I'll help you figure out if the 3.4 is better

fjr_wertheimber

LOL @ Pac996... I actually almost got a slot at Schoefield last year... A buddy of mine dropped his retirement paperwork and got me slotted to replace him... Sweet job, totally sham, right on the beach... but then DA rejected his retirement paperwork, so the job went away... Oh, well...

rwiii

The reason to buy the 3.6 over the 3.4 is the drink holder. Duh.
Agree with the advice about buying the newest you can afford but I have a 99 that I bought almost two years ago with 60K. I now have 75k and have only bought a cab top actuator (or something like that). All the other work has been at my option so based on MY experience I wouldn't fear a '99 if that's what's in your budget. I also fashioned a drink holder solution.

Marc Gelefsky

The glovebox in the 3.6 adds 8 Horsepower

fjr_wertheimber

Yes, but that's only if you get the X51 glovebox or if you use the hack to connect it to the center console...