Learn from my blown engine...affordable & easy solution(s)
 

I feel compelled to share some recent experiences with my 2002 996. My intention of the post is not to add to the online drum beat that 996's are ticking time bombs etc. but to instead offer some insights to fellow racers as to how they can avoid engine failure.

I was at PCA Festival of Speed at AutoClub (a lot of POC guys were also there) and instead of racing, I decided to just get some seat time with some porsche/bmw buddies in time trial group. Long story short is five laps into the first session on Friday my engine grenaded. I didn't miss shift, car was warmed up, oil at proper level...just came through turn five saw a plume of smoke and then fire and immediately drove off line.

Vali Predescu and Steve Parker of ValiMotorsports were there supporting a lot of people and after pulling into the pits and going over the car they immediately relayed that my weekend in 996 was over. (I did get on later in my street 318ti)


Steve tore down the engine and what seemed to be the source of failure was a combination of oil starvation and a tune from the previous owner that was too aggressive.
What have I learned from this experience?

Having your IMS and RMS fixed as well as a new oil/air separator are not enough. An accusump and deep oil pan are a necessary addition!

I was checking gauges across every start finish, no over revs etc.


I am taking the car out this weekend for a shake down and its going to be interesting:

***We put a 3.2 boxster engine in and used the 3.6 engine management in (along with the Accusump and bigger oil pan).


Not saying this is a solution for everyone but due to my budget and the desire for longevity over HP it will hopefully be a great route to take.

I think I might have to rename the car the Nine Nine Sixter!

Will let you guys know how it goes,

Jason

I know I'm going into the archives here, but a tune on a NA 996? I can't say I can ever recall seeing that before.