Byron in MS

The engine in my '02 S blew up at Road Atlanta last month. I finally got in the garage and started taking the engine out and look what I found on top of the engine case.



This was a re-manufactured engine that was replaced by Porsche for the previous owner of my car. It only had 60K miles! Here's the hole it left.



Many questions! In watching the video of the engine blowing up, I didn't think it had grenaded to this level. A bit of clatter, but no big boom. What causes a rod to jump ship like this? Shouldn't a Porsche built engine last more than 60K? What must I do to insure that the next engine doesn't do the same thing? Obviously a rebuild is out of the question. Do I go back with a 3.2 or use the opportunity to upgrade to a 3.4? Can I do a 3.4 myself in the garage? Is a 3.6 possible?

Here's a link to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPBjaIOwERU

smlporsche

Hard to tell from the video exactly when it actually blew.
I agree that I would take the "opportunity" and put a 3.4 in it. As I understand it the 3.6 is a little more complicated.
There are several things you can do to the Boxster/996 engine to make it more reliable on the track. Google Jake Raby and prepare to read alot. His engine rebuilds have been bullet-proof from what I've heard althought they're not cheap by any means.

Good luck.

THXBABE

Jake is near Atlanta LN Engineering (or something like that) is the name of his company.

racer

Sell car... Buy GT3.. problem solved. M96 motors are not good

johnsjmc

Jake Raby is owner of flat6 innovations in Atlanta. Ln Engineering is in Chicago I think. The two companies have collaberated on improving the M96 but they are different companies .

Byron in MS

but it would be nice. Agree that the M96's are weak, and have talked with Flat 6 about an upgrade. That was when I thought my engine might be rebuildable. Obviously, now I need an engine and I will take some extra precautions with the next one. Considering the Accusump and oil pan extension that LN offers. It is a shame that there is not an affordable solution for engines for these cars. I just don't buy all of the hocus-pocus that these engines are too tough for DIY. Have been looking at www.NUTROD.com and www.986fix.com . Great sites!

Stearmandriver

just out of curiousity, what are you gonna do with the blown up engine?

Byron in MS

What happens to the old engine depends on if I need a core or to scavenge parts for its replacement? You wanna buy it?

Stearmandriver

see your Private Messages

budmanv24

Spun rod bearing?

Jake Raby

Awesome... Looks like the connecting rod cap ended up being expelled from the engine, something we have seen before! This usually comes from oil starvation or oil that is too hot to properly lubricate the engine. These are the most common of all failures that occur on the track.
All the stock engines use the same rod technology, even the 997 engine does.. The answer is keeping the oil cool, using a lubricant that has high film strength at temperature and then ensure that you maintain oil pressure under G forces, by using something like an accusump kit.

We always update connecting rods in our engines.

TrackDays247.com

I know the feeling. Just awful.

porscheminitech

cracked cylinder high rev draws coolant in, hydrostatic lock =rod failure
my best guess