Coolwnc

I am looking at the purchase of a refreshed 3.6 engine from 9XX Motors in Long Beach,CA. Anyone have some feedback? This is my first Porsche and it has been a nightmare! IMS problem, Bore scoring on #6 cylinder, Block damaged by trucking company to get scoring repaired!....I need a drink!

63mercedes

OMG I'm sorry to hear that. I do not know about the company in question but I wish you the best and hang in there, they are great cars. I wonder if a 9A1 will fit in a 997.1? That could eliminate a lot of future problems and it's a faster motor. I would at least look into it. Has anyone heard of a 997.2 motor in a 997.1 chassis?

Coolwnc

Thanks for the positive comments! I will work thru this!

cwheeler

If you're buying a new engine. Might as well bump up to the 3.8... depending on your budget of course.

dgjks6

Long story so I'll skip the details. They are a reputable builder. I would not have any issues buying an engine from them.

But as many in the 996 forum pointed out, they do a refresh not a rebuild. It's a stock motor with a better IMS.

dgjks6

FWIW, used to be part of UFO Motorsports. My mind is not as sharp as it once was, but I think that's the old name before they broke up.

hatchetf15

OP - I went out to 9xx a couple of years ago on an overnight. The shop is a couple of miles from LB Airport. Good folks with a nice operation. Jason has years of experience with M96/97 engines now. Why was this engine pulled out in the first place? Get a detailed list of what was done for this ‘refresh’. Questions will be your core’s value and what was done to the other motor to address modes of failure. If you have done the research, you’ll know if the IMS, RMS, paddles, oiling issues, AOS, new injectors, water pump, thermo, and complete borescope have been accomplished and documented. If any piston work was done, ask the tech how the rings were done. Did they do a partial closed deck? Any head work? Things like that. Answer those questions and you can best determine if the 9xx solution is right for you.

If 9xx doesn’t work out, a few more places (among several to check with): Vision Motorports just down the road in Laguna Hills also does well regarded work. My M96 motor was rebuilt by Protech in Greer, SC (closer to you). I’ve been happy the last 3 years. A few good shops on each coast, but sadly, very few. Good luck!

63mercedes - To swap a 9A1 to a 997.1 would require some serious work and money. New harness, trans mount, new trans (bell housing has different bolt pattern), DFI fuel/wiring, new air box and engine decklid air source, yada yada. Anything can be done if you have the time, the patience and throw enough moolah at the problem.

Coolwnc

Thank you for the info on Protect in Greer,SC.

Durling21

Accidental post.

bgoetz

Did you insure the engine with the shipper, if so did they cover it? I am going to be shipping mine to and from FSI and this is one of my fears. I am definitely paying for insurance when the time comes

Sporty

Why don't you just ship the whole car and have them(FSI) do it soup to nuts? Are the install savings really worth it?

bgoetz

They only have so many of those slots and I didn’t get one. It is $4k extra plus the additional shipping cost. I am fairly capable with a wrench and have access to a lift. The shipping worries me the most, I may actually drive the engine down and pick it up.

4Driver4

Original post was over a year ago. I'm guessing this is resolved by now?

Coolwnc

Yes this has been resolved! Long process and I love the car! I received a new block due to the shipper damage. Engine was rebuilt at Black Forest Racing, Denver, N.C. I have had the car back for over a year and everything is great!