JB911

Thought I might add that I'm aware of the M&M exhaust, suspension modifications, sequential shifter/transaxle etc, but the question is, do they reinforce the variocam bolts, use locktite etc

As a side note, his 996 with dual exhaust sounded nicer

John

ShakeNBake

there was a thread on a vibration issue in the 3.8RS motor, and the speculation that the variocam failures happen more often on DDs/garage queens than track cars because the vibration/harmonic balance is best at high RPMs. No idea if that lines up with the data though...

stujelly

Mine was no garage queen with 4400 miles mine failed at Barber.

Texas RS

Hugh's was a former garage queen with ~3500 miles when it made it's ill-fated maiden voyage to the track....at least one we know first hand Jacy.

Red Bear

From my understanding the torque was not set to the correct spec and this is the cause for the failure.

ShakeNBake

When my car was in for a new pressure plate/transmission, I asked PCNA to preemptively check the valve actuators while the engine was out and torque the bolts/loc tite them etc - but they said it was not that simple and that they needed to be replaced. So I waited 2 months for new actuators from germany. While they were at it they also pinned the water lines and installed metal oil line fittings. I don't have the P/Ns to know if the parts are rev'd. I hope the new ones are somehow better - or maybe assembled by Hans instead of Frans.

Freewayblaster

OK, you want to know what else to watch out for. Like you, I had the Variocam failure last year, usual screws backed out, needed a $23K rebuild on the left bank. Porsche did repair it, but made me sign a piece of paper saying it was a "courtesy repair", because I am a good customer, and not under warrantee. Last week, I was at track, having a good time, I was taking off from pit lane, when I found I could no longer change gears. Back on the trailer to the dealership. Turns out the flywheel bolts coming loose was the problem, no warning this was happening. In fact, 2 bolts had dropped out, the rest were backed out, only 1 bolt remained tight. So, the flywheel beat up the crankshaft end flange, almost like a friction-weld errosion, which would not clean up, also some thread damage. Now, I need a massive rebuild to replace the crankshaft, clutch and flywheel, and other bits. They say there was an over-rev history, so no warrantee for this one, gonna be a big bill for me.

Jamie_GT3

If you're stuck, the aftermarket may be your friend to save some money. If porsche isn't going to warranty the repair, then it really doesn't matter where you get it done...

Hell, for what they're charging you could likely do a 4.0L conversion on it...

PM if you'd like to chat...

Freewayblaster

I will have the 4.0 clutch installed,the old 3.8 clutch known to fly apart, saw it happen to one RS. I was thinking about the 4.0 flywheel, otherwise all standard. I love tracking my RS, will just bite the repair bullet, and should get it all back someday. I am on the wait list for a 991 GT3RS, not yet launched, but hope to get it in early 2015. Just got rid of my 2011 997 Turbo S cabriolet, great car, did track it a few times. The car has a noticeable torsional windup on hard accel. due to open top I think, and the PDK was a bit grabby, really not sorry its gone, but scary acceleration. I would recommend a coupe for track, if inclined to go Turbo. Spend on y'all.

sechsgang

Just to bring this thread back from the dead...my reading this thread saved me from having to have a new motor from Porsche...heard the noises described and thought something wasnt right, they took it apart and said If I drove it for another day I would probably need a new motor...but I caught it in time and the actuator is the only thing being rebuilt (aside from me telling them to refresh any seals that need it) and all is healthy. Keep watching out guys!

vdossant

I have the same variocam engine failure on my 2011 GT3RS. Porsche is not covering it due to over-revs. Has anyone gone to arbitration over this? I'm contemplating it and would like any advice.

FLT6SPD

That's going to be a hard bill to swallow, $70k after all said a done

audipwr1

Motor with core exchange is 70k?!

ShakeNBake

Have you called porsche customer care? I would stop discussing with dealer and talk to them directly and see where that gets you.

madmurdock

What stage over-revs are we talking about?