4ess

So I have an extended warranty on my 02 996 4S. I need a new motor because the engine block is porous and the warranty is picking up the tab. (This is the culmination of 13 years of oil leaks which were always wrongly blamed on IMS/RMS! Kudos to the techs who finally diagnosed correctly!) The motor costs $16,000.

What are rebuilt motors exactly and are your experiences with them good or otherwise? Thanks.

groovzilla

wow - this sounds like a stroke of luck - hope they follow thru and pay the bill

sounds like you got a stellar crew of indy mechanics - might see a line forming outside their shop after this news

gnat

Part of that depends on what they mean by rebuilt. Get more details and we can provide more info.

If it is a factory rebuild (price seems too low) then it is basically the same motor with all the same risks, but you can't change the IMSB without splitting the case.

At $16k that sounds more to me like a 3rd party (your Indy?) is picking up a used motor and refreshing it. If that is the case, what they are doing is extremely important. More than likely it will just have basic stuff on the exterior replaced.

If it's not a factory motor, somethings I would suggest you make sure are done prior to install are, determine which IMSB version it has and have it scoped both from the top and bottom (remove the oil pan). Inspect all the exterior parts for stuff that is being reused that might be worth replacing before it is installed (e.g. plugs/coils).

Either way have a long conversation with your Indy about the parts that will be transferring from your old motor as now is a good time to replace them. Also have him give you a good review of all the other stuff still attached to the car that is much easier to deal with while the motor is out. If it isn't a captured IMSB, you might consider going ahead and upgrading it now. These are all things your warranty won't likely cover, but doing them now can save you a bit of money down the road.

Basically you want to make sure you are in the best possible situation so that you can get years of stress free enjoyment.

porschemikeandnancy

I'd also make very sure you know exactly what you're going to get.

It sounds way too cheap to be a factory rebuilt motor.

4ess

A Porsche dealership is doing the work, but the warranty company is providing the motor.

Rubik

Why don't you put another 4 on top and get a Raby?

4ess

Dealer said factory motor is $24k fyi. Warranty co. rules are that if I want them to pay for any of it, I gots to play by their rules.

What should I ask the dealer to check specifically? The latest IMS and RMS seals, plus IMS bearing? Anything else?

street rod

Who wrote the warranty?

4ess

I don't remember but it wasn't cheap. Docs are in the car.

Imo000

What is going to happen to the old engine?

Ahsai

Do you know who or which shop built the rebuilt engine?

Byprodriver

Yeah go RND! I have a good core engine case.

gnat

$20k is often tossed around, but I don't think they are that cheap. I seem to recall $24k being discussed before for a capo parable to stock rebuild.

Since the warranty company is involved his options are going to be limited.

You want to know the history of the motor. How many miles were on it, who "rebuilt" it, why was it rebuilt, what parts were replaced?

The reality is that you are getting a refreshed motor and not a rebuilt one. Make sure the techs go over it with a fine tooth comb. Since you seem to have a good Indy, see if you can talk the dealer into letting him come in and examine the new motor (probably won't, but worth a shot).

As I said before, take a hard look at anything that will be cheaper to address while the motor is out. That may given you some leverage to get them to let your Indy in to advise you (since they'd be getting the money from extra work).

4ess

No Indy. Dealer diagnosed everything and is doing all the work.

gnat

Ah, misunderstood and thought it was an Indy that found it for you.

Anyway, have them go over it top to bottom. I'd personally fight the warranty company tooth and nail if they can't/won't provide details of what has been done to this "new" engine.