kblair1701

Looking to pick up a 986 in the next 2 years (yes, i plan ahead). Just wondering your thoughts on which one. Due to the whole IMS issue, I'm leaning towards a really early 97/98 model or an early 2000 S model. Trying to stay with the dual row bearing, but I've seen where the 97/98 models have cylinder liner or porous block issues.

If you had to pick your poison, which one? reason I'm looking is that my 83 928S requires about $6000 worth of maintenance and that's just parts, so id rather spend 10k on another model.

mikefocke

If a 97/98 is still running around, the early block problems have probably long ago been fixed or by luck turned out to not be an issue with that block. Avoid with the 99?

Owned a '99 (totaled) and a '01S. Both wonderful. Both will be, by then, really old but parts are available, if Porsche priced.

Byprodriver

$10k will get you a really nice 97-99 or a "S" in need of a cash infusion!

GTA_G20

I have a 97 tip with 130k

Just bought an '04 SE 6spd

Tho the anniversary edition has was more power the 2.5 feels way better at high rpm

Tough choice.

kblair1701

So, dont worry about the block problems. Gotcha.

Im used to Porsche prices, have kept my 928 on the road since 99. Im also used to old, its an 83 (5 speed)

im in no hurry, but if the right car come along i want to be ready to jump on it. missed out on a 97 by 2 days this week, its was only 4500 though. looked at an 01 S yesterday that only had 54k on the clock but the interior looked like it had 100k so i passed.

GTA_G20

Low mileage old water cooled cars are not good.... I'd prefer a high mileage over a low mileage due to failure rates and deteriorating rubbers

JayG

Don't worry so much about the IMSB issues.
In all likelihood, if the car has had regular oil changes and has been driven (not a garage queen) and the IMSB has not failed after 12+ years, its probably not a an issue.

There are lots of cars with well over 100k on theclock with the original IMSB.
YMMV

Buying a newer S gives you not only more HP, but beefier suspension, better brakes, a 6 speed and more

kblair1701

I def. do not want a garage queen because I plan on driving the snot out of it. Recently moved back to my hometown and I'm 45 min away from Barber Motorosports Park in Birmingham, AL, so looking to get active with the local PCA chapter and do some DE events there at that beautiful track.

Ideally I'd like an early S model that has some miles on it just for the improved brakes and suspension. The extra HP and 6-speed are nice too.

Still researching the IMS issue, I hate that there is no way to tell which bearing is in the 99-2000 cars without dropping the tranny.

Sort kinda off topic, does anyone have any experience with the Eagle frame lifts? I figure with my budget of 10k I really should be able to find a decent car for 8 and that leaves enough for a frame lift. Their 9000lb model comes in under $2k (~1700 shipped I believe)

JayG

There is a lift that Costco sells for under $2k . It is "portable" in that you can easily move it and store it in your garage
http://www.maxjaxusa.com/

I don't have any personal experience with it, but from what I have read, its a good product

KurtF

Love my 99. Great car. Once you get a nice well cared example they will give many years of trouble free fun.