SWK6Cup

Seaflat:
FWIW, I did the IMS upgrade a few years ago, as "insurance" for my baby. She is low mileage and somewhat of a garage queen (by some standards) except that she is track focused. I am pretty fastidious about regular maintenance and my baby is rock solid...having said that, sh*t happens and I am somewhat prepared for "unexpected" expenses...mechanical things do break and this isn't a Toyota.

If I may make a suggestion to you, in your hunt for the right car, contact Jake Raby at Flat 6 Innovations (I think he is in Georgia, not all THAT far from you)....he is regularly rebuilding 3.6's to very high standards and probably has (or knows) of a customer or two who might be looking to sell....you would get a well sorted car, if that is the case. GL with th hunt, and post up some pix once you make the change...........you'll love it and I don't think you will look back and regret the "upgrade."

82_930

Every 60k miles? really? isn't that a bit over the top? Is that what you do?

Dennis C

Not me. I'm on my original IMSB at 119,500 miles. I had my water pump replaced at ~80K miles.

I mentioned 60K miles because I've seen it recommended here before. If somebody is really looking for peace of mind, this preventative maintenance might be one option.

ivangene

that's the recommendation - but like a time belt on a zero clearance motor - they "can" last longer - its the cost of them not lasting longer you are trying to avoid

targa996

Frequent oil changes is one key to good engine life - if service history shows this - that would help. If clutch is not ready to do yet - you could install IMS Guardian for piece of mind. IMS is not only potential issue with these engines - but many folks here run well beyond 100K miles with no issues .....not sure how many IMS Guardian users there are on this board - and what their experience has been with that so far - but there was a lot of chat about this around a year ago .....

Seaflat

I guess I don't mind doing the IMS mod so much, but it still seems strange to me that 100k is such a mark in these cars. Oil starvation on the track, the IMS - It just seems odd that 100k is routine in the 964 world, and 200k not that rare, but a newer more advanced car has trouble with it.

However I am pretty sold on moving up for the technology, and comfort and the cars are really beautiful. Still going back and forth on the cab. I do want a convertible again but I did find out a track near me (VIR) will not allow the roll bar system to qualify. The car must have a real roll bar. Other tracks are not that tight.

Maybe I should look at a targa, they just seem to be hard to find. I assume the targa has all the regular bracing of the hard top or close to it? Heck I didn't put this much thought into getting married...and I have had that model for 23 years....

996_C4S

The question of tracking a Cabriolet is kind of like the IMS issue. It probably won't be a problem and as long as nothing goes wrong, you're fine. But I personally would hate to find myself in a Cab during a rollover. That sh*t's scary enough without watching the ground going over your head.

Dennis C

What makes you say that? I've never felt that 100K was a mark or a big deal for these cars. I think it's just that they're newer. The oldest in the US is the 1999 model. If you drive 8,000 miles per year, then you're at 104K miles. Many drivers put fewer miles on their cars. In a few more years, you'll see lots of examples over 100K.

Seaflat

Good point. I guess I saw a ton of concerns over mileage in the forums and made that leap. In fact perhaps it is too early to tell how dependable the motor will be. In the 964 world people lose engines, I wonder what the stats are for failures to compare the two.

snorth54

I bought the 2004 40th Anniversary 911 and it has been running fine since I purchased it with 26000 kilometers on it. I was so worried after I read the posts about the IMS bearing I was ready to sell it. I installed the ceramic LN bearing (original bearing was in good shape) and stopped worrying about the IMS issue and started enjoying the car. I now have 64000 kilometers on it and it is an awesome car. Never tracked the car but I am sure with the locking differential, X51 engine with the steel baffles in the sump, the turbo front end, 345 HP and the same used price as a standard Carrera it would be a great choice if you want to track it. Peace of mind I just replaced the water pump (the one I removed is just like new) and the same for the expansion tank. As a side note when replacing the water pump it is easier to take the water pump out the top side when you move the engine support back a little for removal and installation of the water pump. Our longer winters in Alberta leave lots of time for tinkering and making unnecessary repairs. I am considering installing winter tires next winter as I know the car is great on snow covered roads, just not deep snow or wet slushy salt roads. Many good driving days in the winter.

2004 996 40th Anniversary Edition
ID #1199

flatlander

Seaflat,

I recently purchased an '04 C2 cab, with 48K on the clock. A trip to our IM (PorscheDoc @ RennsportKC) revealed a leaky RMS, and an oil/air separator had been previously installed, giving an indication of some PM in the past. Since the motor was coming down anyway, we installed a Sachs clutch, in addition to the LN, ceramic, IMS bearing, and also replaced the serpentine belt. If the water pump was susceptible to failure, I'm sure Karl would have recommended that as well. (Water pump??? only cars I knew that "ate" wp's were early SBC and 80's Hondas)

I was leery of the convertible (and we only have five months a year of season) but the Wifal Unit insisted, and I must admit we absolutely love it. (extra) Cabin noise does not bother me after the ignition is turned on.

Our car has the Aero skirts and 18's, which I was unaware were options until after purchase, but there was something about the looks of this car that keep me coming back.

Seaflat

I think I am leaning towards a Targa. It seems to be the best of both worlds for me. It will have most of the convertible experience with the added safety on the track. VIR (track nearest me) said there are no restrictions on the Targas. I am assuming that means that the Targas roof support is fairly strong. I guess the side arches that run from front to back on the car on the sides act as a roll over protection?
The Targas are a bit harder to find. Any targa owners out there that have any good or bad feedback? It looks like a really neat design and maintains the cool roofline of the car.
It does seem odd to me that the side arches add that much stiffness to the car. I think I read that the Targa is not based on the cab with all the extra braceing but on the normal hard top.