Hello mates I'm looking at purchasing 2000 996 3.6L that was converted to a race car. Im familiar with the Ims issue and I'm wondering if it applies to the 3.4 and 3.6? Is there any thing I can do as far as ppi to protect myself or am I just rolling the dice. Car has 75000 miles and was a former Koni challenge car. Very sweet set up. All of your suggestions are appreciated.

 

Just buy the effin car.

 

I wish it were that easy. But I appreciate your bluntness.

 

Well let's start with this. You say your car is a model year 2000 and it has the 3.6 liter motor.

Unless it already has a new (none stock) motor one of those statements is incorrect. The 2000 996 all have 3.4 motors.

 

Correct it has a none stock motor. If I recall correctly when I first spoke to the seller a couple of months ago he did mention that it got a 3.6 motor 2 years ago. He gave me a lot of details about which honestly I don't remember. Just this week I got renewed interest on the car where I'm thinking of making an offer. I'm somewhat concered as i would hate to need to replace a motor anytime soon. Any recommendations? What year did the 3.6 come out. Sorry I've only owned 997s and currently have a 2011 rs.

 

pics or it didnt happen

 

What years were your 997s prior to the 2011?

 

Actually I change my answer to "The IMS is calling from INSIDE THE HOUSE!"

 

2008 turbo cab from may of 2010 for one year but then quickly got the track bug and replaced it with the rs which I have had for the year since then since and is now for sale and to be replaced by a club race car. The 996. I'll post an eBay link. But back to my question, are there any suggestions?

 

How do I load pictures from an iPad. The pic buttons asks for a URL

 

PPI won't tell you crap. It's for people who don't know a thing about cars and can't walk around the car and tell if it need brake pads or not.

I know there are original 3.4's that have dropped in 3.6's and even 3.8 X51 engines.
All of them have a IMS and all of them can and have let go. It's a bearing. Considering that it is a bearing, the cars that sit around and don't get used daily seem to wear before cars that are driven daily.
Anyways the IMS is not the weakest link in these cars, being a race car I'd worry more about cylinder ovaling, scoring, piston slap and worn valve guides.

 

I know cars - all of them inside and out. I'm not sure what your version of an inspection is, but a thorough pro inspection and testing is critical. Anyway thank you for your comments.

 

Then research what a PPI entails. It doesn't inspect anything that can't be done by lifting the engine lid or putting in on a lift for 10 min.

 

Ok, if it is non-stock and was installed as a race motor what mods does it have? Does it have the LN Engineering IMS bearing or any of the other LN ungrades?

The IMS issue (as well as other problems) can occur on any 3.4, 3.6, or even 3.8 in the 996 and 997's before Porsche introduced the new DI motors. That being said there are upgrades and even an early warning system (IMS Guardian) that can help safeguard your car.

 

Depending on hours there is a lot more you should do than lift it up. At least lab test oil for contaminants and foreign body. Now i see why I never got into face book. Too much back and forth not enough answers. Thanks anyway.