DenholmReynholm

All right, I've done some searches and gathered some data and realize I'm stepping into a mine field here, but I've got a 2005 997.1 just a few months outside the 10 year class action window and it just had an IMS-related engine failure. It's a single owner car, it's entirely straight, it was my daily driver, and now I'm weighing my options for rebuilding it, selling as-is, or maybe setting it aside as a project car (though current finances don't support immediately plowing a ton of cash into a full track conversion or anything elaborate). Has anyone had any success getting support from PCNA beyond the 10-year window for IMS issues on a dealer-serviced car? Any general opinions on rebuild options beyond "go talk to Jack Raby"?

JCD911S

Jack doesn't know squat. You can talk to Jake Raby. On a more serious note, sorry for your engine. Since you're not part of the class action suit, you should try building a solo case against them.

halo777

I had a 996 C4s that I purchased with a blown engine. The plan was to have the engine rebuilt, and then enjoy it for awhile. The car was the first Porsche I ever owned, and I did little research prior to purchase.

The previous owner had already had the engine rebuilt two years prior. It experienced the second catastrophic failure at 70k miles, killing the rebuilt engine. That is when I got it.

I thoroughly researched all options, and finally decided to sell the car AS IS. These were my four options:

1) Install a used engine from a salvage car - I pretty quickly abandoned this idea. The used engines are not cheap, and any with warranty were almost at the price of a rebuild. You could buy the engine for $8-10k, install it, and have it not work. You would be out a couple grand on the install. Not a good choice.

2) Install a budget rebuild - The best budget rebuild that I found was about $12k USD plus taxes and install from a reputable seller. It came with a one year warranty (no track use allowed). When I started asking about updates, I got vague answers. Essentially, I would be getting an engine that was not much better than stock. After the one year warranty, I could be in the same situation with a d-chunk failure or other issue. Chose to pass.

3) Jake Raby reconstructed engine - If I would have kept the car, this is the route I would have taken. Increased power, and more importantly, bulletproof reliability. The nickies cylinder liners were essential, as far as I was concerned, if I was going to spend money on a rebuild. No sense in going half way. Obviously, not the cheapest option, but in my opinion, the best value by far. I didnt go this route, because I finally decided that I didnt want to dump that kind of money into a 996. There were elements of the 996 design that I felt I would never be happy with.

4) Sell AS IS - This is what I finally chose. I got $18k CAD for the car. If I had paid for a budget rebuild, I would have had to sell the car for about $32k to come out even. Made more sense just to take the money and run, with no further hassles.


My brief time with the 996 left me with a serious taste for Porsches. So, a year later I went out and purchased a 997.1 C4s. If (or when) the engine goes, Ill have the car shipped down to Jake. The 997 C4s is so good (IMHO), I think it is the perfect base vehicle to run one of Jake's engines.

So, if you love the car and you can afford a Flat6 Innovations engine, go for it. If not, you might be best off just selling AS IS. You will be very surprised how quickly your roller will get snatched up. Just be prepared for the flurry or low-*****. Do your research, establish a fair price, and then list it everywhere. Youll get it sold very quickly, as there are a lot of people who love the idea of a cheap Porsche. Just dont tell them there is no such thing.

CosmosMpower

Tell me more about the 10 year window class action lawsuit on the IMS.

Bruce In Philly

I sold my 2000 Boxster S as a roller for $3,300 to a guy who found a salvage 2000 S engine with low mileage. He took a chance and the car is running really well and is a track rat for him. I don't think he put more that 10K into it said and done.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

Thedips

to op did your car have any preventative measures IMS solution bearing upgrade or anything of the such? and how many miles when problem happened... sorry for the loss hope you find a solution soon!

Petza914

To OP, base model 3.6 or 3.8L S engine?

DenholmReynholm

Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys. I'm glad I didn't send it to some random guy named Jack Raby

It was a 3.8L with ~65K miles and it hadn't had the IMS update done.

Petza914

Just curious, if you enter the VIN into the IMS lawsuit website, did it show your car as being included in (smaller bearing) or excluded from (larger, non-serviceable bearing)?

BIG smoke

Drag about your news. As your only car, you'll have to do something.
One of your options, you mentioned was selling the car as is.
Well get on it... Post up some pictures and details.
Perhaps someone is looking for your very car, as is?
Perhaps someone will offer you more than its worth.
Perhaps someone will give you a terrible offer.
With this information, you can make a rational decisions.

DenholmReynholm

My VIN was in the lawsuit range.

And yes, I should make a decision and move forward. While it was my daily driver it wasn't my only way to get around though so I've got a little flexibility. I also wanted to at least check with PCNA to see if they were willing to offer any assistance before buying an engine or posting the car for sale. I now know, as expected, that they are not offering any assistance voluntarily.

Lvt19672

Time to ask Jack Rabbi to build you a 4.0 beast.

extanker

dude one post says you are outside the lawsuit range another says your vin is inside the range. sup ?

DenholmReynholm

The VIN is in the range, but it's just over 10 years old which means the settlement doesn't apply. That's 'sup.

Sneaky Pete

I can vouche for Jacques Rabeen and the 4.0 beast. You could sell the roller to him or settle and wait for a 4.0 animal.