GPappy

I posted this in the air cooled section not knowing that it was not a 9-1 even though that is what the add said. they directed me here.

I ran across a 2001 911 (now I know it is not a 911) that had an IMS failure. I have always wanted a 911 and if it isn't too expensive to rebuild the engine I might go for it. I have rebuilt GM and Chrysler motors and even helped build a VW motor I ce. This would be the first time for a Porsche Engine.

I see that reman engines are pushing $20k. Are the parts really that expensive or is the build that complicated, or are the reman builders just taking advantage of the Porsche name?

I hope that I can make this work. I really would like to have a Porsche before I get to old to drive one.

DBJoe996

Wow...just wow! My 2 cents - find a 911/996 without an IMS failure, buy it and drive it. There are plenty out there. Life is too short.

dporto

"I see that reman engines are pushing $20k. Are the parts really that expensive or is the build that complicated, or are the reman builders just taking advantage of the Porsche name?
I hope that I can make this work. I really would like to have a Porsche before I get to old to drive one."


All of the above! You need to do some serious research/reading before you jump in with both feet. It sounds like you've got plenty of mechanical experience, so you've certainly got the skills to do the work. The main caveat being that there are MANY, MANY "gotcha's" with these engines. You'd be wise to try to take one of FSI/Jake Raby's "hands on" classes (preceded by the online course) before attempting a full "rebuild"... BTW the 996 IS a 911 regardless of what the aircooled guys say...

ejdoherty911

GPappy, I hope you paid less than $6,000 for that Porsche because in the end the rebuilt engine will cost you $20k or close to that. You could go with a used engine and maybe get it replaced for around $12K. Please post pictures of the car.

AWDGuy

I had scored cylinders on my 02 911 and rebuilt myself. Cost was ~18k CND.

Bolts alone you're looking at $2-3K. Not joking. Wife wasn't impressed when I walked in with a $2500 bag of bolts. lol

TonyTwoBags

He didn't buy it yet.

A used engine is your cheapest bet with that car, but you can buy decent 996 series 911s for 13-20k US. There are periodic rebuild courses for these cars if you search google or the forum for "996 rebuild course".

GPappy

Thank you for the reply. I was hoping that someone who had rebuilt one would respond. $18k (even CNS) seems high to rebuild one yourself but I knew Porsch parts were expensive.

I am doing my research first. The car has 25k miles on it and looks immaculate. That is why I was considering it. He wants $10k for it which is about $15k less than similar cars around here. I thought that if I could rebuild the motor for $5000 (my last small block check cost leads than $3000 in parts and machine work) or so it would be worth my time. $15k not so much. After all, I could pay $25k and have the IMS fail in that one too. At least this way I would know what I had.

Thank you for the input. I will have to think about this some more.

billh1963

If engine rebuilds were only $5K you wouldn't even have the opportunity to buy that car. In fact, threads like these wouldn't exist.

Motors would blow up, people would have them rebuilt and then they would drive happily away.

AWDGuy

Agreed.

DBJoe996

I think you should read up a bit on IMSB failure. The collateral damage can be so severe that you just don't know what you are working with until the engine is taken apart. No one can give you a precise $ for a rebuild, only a range, because you won't know what you have to replace until you have it apart.

Thus my original position - if you want a 911/996 go find one that doesn't have an IMSB failure. If however you are up to the challenge of the expense and time involved to do a DIY teardown, which also might result in the engine being toast anyway, well then go for it. Many expensive specialty tools required for engine disassembly. Look up Flat Six Innovations, RND engines and an epic thread on Ashai's engine rebuild here on Rennlist, or the one by dporto. Good luck.

wildbilly32

Just to add to the above: I've rebuilt two stroke engines, a VW and done Chevy V8s a few times. From what I have read there is no way in "H" I would even think once about rebuilding an M96 engine. Besides price for parts and tooling as DB says life may be too short to do this job. My hat is off in great respect to those who do the rebuilds and document their progress and issues on this forum. It only reinforces my non-desire to get involved in that project. Your choice, of course, but if it was me I would find one that is running or buy the blown up one and replace the engine with an engine of your preference.

AWDGuy

The M96 engine is the 1st engine I've rebuild from ground up.

it can be done.

wildbilly32

Like I said...

JimmyB

Seems a lot for a roller, even an immaculate low mileage one

Mike Murphy

Must you have the rear seats? You can get an early Boxster S, which is still every bit as good as a 911, for the $10-$12k range.