rpratt

My 2000 996 engine died this morning. Driving my daughter to school, check engine light came on, followed 2 miles later by lots of white smoke from the passenger side exhaust and sudden roughness in the engine.

Had it towed to shop,and they confirmed CEL codes showed multiple cylinder misfires and smoke was coolant getting into the fuel. I.e. cracked block or cylinder head.

I'm inclined to believe their recommendation, especially since it makes them the least $$$ by far. They suggest replacing the car. It's a 2000 996 C2 with 107,500 miles, the original transmission, and few options,so it's book value pre-disaster was probably in the mid-teens at best, although the engine was replaced under warranty (RMS) at 30,000 miles. It will also be difficult to replace as it's a metallic rain forest green (I think that's what Porsche called it), which was rare and only made for a few years.

Other options are a rebuild, buy a used engine, or buy a new engine from Porsche. Any of those would quickly exceed the value of the car.

It's my baby, and I've had it since new, so I wish there was a way to rescue it, but it doesn't seem like there is any way that makes sense. Any suggestions on options I'm missing? Also, anyone want to hazard a guess as to the chances of PCNA kicking in anything meaningful towards the repair or a discount on a new purchase?

Thanks,
Bob (sad about his Porsche)

Shark Attack

Well Bob, I guess you have to ask yourself a question. How much do you live the green and that car? I came from a 928 that is truly a love for the car project. Financial questions can never come to play. I would fix it if it were me because of where I came from. My car is my car, for better or for worse.

nick49

Horrible! I thought intermix would never happen beyond about 60K miles, and on a replacement motor too? PCNA bought me a motor 3 years after warranty expired, a lot of work getting it. Talk to your dealer, Service manager, General manager etc. You may be able to find a good used motor for $4-5K out of a wreck. As these cars are coming down in price, used motors should as well. Good luck!

Chris R.

Sounds like a great time to upgrade to a 3.6L...
I'm sure their are lots for sale in salvage yards.

robert r

Ouch, Sorry to hear...
If it were my baby, I'd fix it even if slightly more because, it's my baby!!!
But if you were thinking of an upgrade, never a better time?

good luck either way.

mavthenav

+1 Bob, I had the engine blow on my 2003 targa, estimated value $35k at the time it blew. New engine $15k. Now I have a 50k 2003 targa but there was no way in he'll I was going to scrap her. Now I have a warranty for the next 2 years I run it hard as possible

rpratt

Good comments all, thanks. I'm still pondering. The tough call is really because of the mileage and age. It looks like for 60K plus/minus I can get a 2-3 year old 997 with really low miles and more options. I do love the car and color, but its hard to face sinking 20K or more into it (if I assume a new tranny soon as well) vs getting something 8 years younger.

Or I could go whole hog and just factory order a new one as a custom color. The funny thing is that my childhood dream was a black 911 with tan leather. I got this green one because I walked into Rector Porsche one day to window shop and someone had cancelled their order for this one the day it was delivered. I bought it on the spot and had them drive my other car home. Good times.

Bob

bkjwhipple

then do used 997 and make this a project 996 :-)

mavthenav

How much would you hope to get for how it is right now, without parting out?

kent

why not get a 3.8 engine with $ 13K??

rpratt

I love the project idea, but I have two kids and work for Silicon Valley startups. I barely have time to ride my bike (custom Waterford with Campy Record, for the cyclists out there). The last car I worked on was a '74 Fiat 128, back when feeler gauges were still useful.

rpratt

Hadn't even thought about that. It's in great shape interior and body wise, and the clutch only has 8K on it, but if a used and running 2000 996 is only worth 15-20K I can't imagine one with a blown engine has much value.

mavthenav

I'm tempted to make you an offer and make it into a race car. I wasn't planning on getting to this stage until next year but hey you never know.

mavthenav

Wow you talked it down so well, how about $5k?

rpratt

Don't even want to think about that yet. Try me again in a few days and I will hopefully have at least made a decision.