dan212

If the engine was rebuilt by Porsche - or even a quality dealer, it will be logged. Just do a CarFAX on the VIN if your own dealer can't tell you (and they should).

I'd run from a strange car that had major work that was unlogged.

i'd check that the rebuild was actually done though. The engine bay may have been steam cleaned. If the whole car looks immaculate, you have a well cared for car, if the engine bay was singled out for cleaning, they may be cleaning up leaks and thats a caution..

But start by doing a CarFAX..

washington dc porsche

The Service Advisor at Porsche or Carmax?

Also, it seems the question should be "should I buy a car that "looks" like its engine has been rebuilt" because at this point the dealer "claims" they don't even know, which is odd in itself.

Hermdog

WP0CA29943S653530 is the vehicle vin. I am getting the car back this afternoon and will post the engine vin.

Topaz330ci

Reman engine installed by Porsche is a good thing!

kromdom

Register @ Renntech and then use this: http://www.renntech.org/forums/content/vin_decoder/ (will not tell you much though).
If the reman engine has been serviced anywhere by any Porsche dealer, then I am guessing running the "NEW" VIN should at least show something

Curious why/what made you take the car to a Porsche dealer AFTER you bought the car?

Sad but true.

OP: Water under the bridge now (hopefully lesson learned for the future) but best to research/ask/inquire/investigate/consult, etc. BEFORE buying anything. Probably could have spared yourself the apprehension. And not dampen your ownership experience. Best of luck.

P.S. Better late than never:
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ing-guide.html

https://rennlist.com/forums/911-foru...immermann.html

fpb111

http://www.autocheck.com/consumers/g...&WT.mc_id=5001

$$ to get report
AutoCheck found 13 records for this 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera / Carrera 4!
VIN:WP0CA29943S653530
Engine:3.6L H6 MPI
Style / Body:Cabriolet 2D
Country of Assembly:Germany

Hermdog

Kromdom, Carmax has a 5 day return policy. I can return the car for any reason within 5 days of purchase. I am within those 5 days. I would not have purchased the vehicle had it not been for that stipulation. This entire thread is in light of determining whether I should keep the car. Fpb...is the autocheck different than a carfax. The carfax comes up totally clean.

Hermdog

Just got the engine vin logray: M96/03AT66568624

Dealer says its mechanically perfect and no bodywork. The only problem is that the top was neglected and needs replacement. Its cosmetic if I can live with the looks of it...

logray

M96/03 = 3.6L

AT = re-manufactured

665 = 2005 year engine

68624 = sequence number

This is a rebuilt engine from 2005. It might have the larger 22mm unservicable IMS bearing (without complete engine teardown) which is stronger than the original single row bearing and about as strong as the original dual row bearing from 1999 and 2000 cars.

So pretty much the 2003 car has an rebuilt engine from 2005, when it was put in would be dictated by service records.

dennis hiip

I've read that factory rebuilds come complete with all the new goodies: AC, alt. water pump, coils, starter. etc. I think you scored. Install the IMS Guardian if IMS not serviceable and enjoy.

Hermdog

You guys have been great! Thanks a bunch for all the help. Like I said, the car drives fantastic and the engine sounds like new. Can I ask what was the problem with the non-servicable IMS issue is? Is there any way to find out if it has the problematic bearing? Also, the top is going to need replacing. The fabric is pretty worn and although it closes and seals, the fabric does not totally sit in the door groves. How much is it to replace a top? I can do the top later...

logray

In looking at that sequence number it's a pretty good bet that the engine has the larger bearing.

All cars have a "problematic bearing", so to speak, it's a supposed design flaw with this engine. Yours happens to have one that is pretty strong, stronger than most (except for 1999-2000 MY) but not as strong as the LNE retrofit ceramic hybrid.

But the experts say that only 10% of cars will be affected in 90,000 miles. Plenty of cars on the road beyond that with their original bearings.

The only issue with that larger bearing is it can't be replaced without tearing the engine completely apart.

Which some say is not a problem, but the experts say this bearing is a service wear item and should be replaced or at least inspected every 40-60k miles.

edit: I want to say that a new top was like $1-2k range, unless someone else replies before me I'll get more detail later.

Hermdog

The car has 35k miles on it and I would bet that I am not going to have it past 90k so I am not going to worry about it unless you suggest putting in the 'guardian'.

I just called my local porsche garage about the top. They quoted me 1550 for a new top. Damn dealer quoted me at 3700. Unbelievable.

Because of your help, I feel much better about keeping the ride!

logray

Stealers do compete if you shop around, and typically DIY is even less.

As for the IMS guardian, I personally think the idea is awesome. For $400 you can have some serious peace of mind. Not just for the bearing, but also for the rest of the internal ferro-magnetic engine components.

This is stuff used in helicopters and airplanes, not cars... so it's pretty far ahead of it's time in that respect.

Also a correction on my earlier post, the engine was made in 2005, and it was later re-manned. However from that data it's not possible to tell when (after 2005) it was remanned. That data is in some internal Porsche database. In any case, most people regard a re-manned engine as a good thing and has many benefits as has been pointed out, even if it has an unserviceable bearing.

ENJOY THE RIDE!

kromdom

As others have already pointed out, the reman engine turned out to be an unexpected bonus for you.

Instead of a new softtop, consider a hardtop for now (used ones in great shape for around $500). Or try the salvage yards for used softops.
NOTE: car below is NOT mine but I do have a removable hardtop for car