997.2 Engine Reliability
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Ohio
I didn't find the 964 series to be a low point. Both my 93 RSA and my 94 3.6 turbo were bullet proof. Both were tracked and the RSA had more track than street miles.
Last edited by Alan C.; Jan 25, 2012 at 02:33 PM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Manhattan Beach & Truckee, CA
I sorta found it to be a low'ish point. I had one for 3 years. It was my least favorite Porsche. The 993 that came out was simpler, better, faster and easier to maintain. The 964 seemed to be overly engineered, too complex, too many points of failure - but thats coming from a simple guy.. 993 was a big step in Porsche's recovery.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Southwest
Between a 964 and a 993 I would get a 964.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Vancouver, Canada
Isn't your post, by definition, 'conjecture'? Just saying...
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 677
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From: Minnesota
Perhaps, but we digress. Let's get back to why I asked this question in the first place.
I'm interested in first hand experiences. I'm not really that interested in conjecture. I'm pretty sure that the Porsche engineers have weighed the cost vs reliability parameters and I'm also pretty sure that they are not willing to share that info with the public.
So far, I have only read positive things about this engine.
I'm interested in first hand experiences. I'm not really that interested in conjecture. I'm pretty sure that the Porsche engineers have weighed the cost vs reliability parameters and I'm also pretty sure that they are not willing to share that info with the public.
So far, I have only read positive things about this engine.
What I have learned is this:
When Porsche introduced the water cooled engine they also tried to reduce mfg cost and improve efficiency. They hired Japanese consultants. The new engine had 408 parts vs 480 for air cooled engine. They went to Locasil block. This required high pressure casting with silicon cyclinder liners. This also produced a block with an open deck. They used the IMS which had bearing problems. I think this engine design might have met the cost target by was a marginal design. Porsche chose not to use this engine in the Turbo or GT cars but instead used the Mezger engine. This engine has been bullet proof which tells me it is a stronger engine.
The new engine introduced in the 997.2 has no IMS uses Alusil block with low pressure casting technique. It has a closed deck. The vendor for both blocks is KS. They have write ups on both types on their web site. Porche is now using this new engine in the Turbo. I think that says it all.
Nordschleife Master
Joined: May 2005
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Hi all, any update on this thread? The last post was 1 yr ago so I assume no news is good news? 
Also, any more info on the 9A1 design itself? Googled didn't turn up much other than no IMS, DFI, pseudo dry-sump, etc. Any articles giving more details explaining the engine itself? TIA
Also, any more info on the 9A1 design itself? Googled didn't turn up much other than no IMS, DFI, pseudo dry-sump, etc. Any articles giving more details explaining the engine itself? TIA
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Nordschleife Master
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From: Austin
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,869
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From: Where it’s humid
Well, as a single data point, I now have 49.5k miles on my 09 Carrera base with no engine issues. PDK seems reliable as well. Fuel pump was replaced as part of the campaign, but the old one was working fine. So far, so good. I am the original and only owner.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,869
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From: Where it’s humid
Hi all, any update on this thread? The last post was 1 yr ago so I assume no news is good news?
Also, any more info on the 9A1 design itself? Googled didn't turn up much other than no IMS, DFI, pseudo dry-sump, etc. Any articles giving more details explaining the engine itself? TIA
Also, any more info on the 9A1 design itself? Googled didn't turn up much other than no IMS, DFI, pseudo dry-sump, etc. Any articles giving more details explaining the engine itself? TIA
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 487
Likes: 24
the only two issues i know with the DFI engines is the fuel pump as other people said and in some cars, a bearing going on the water pump or something and changing the water pump under warranty...
Other than that i haven't read anything else...
Other than that i haven't read anything else...