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The search continues . . .
I've come across another 996 in California. It's a 2000 cab guards red / black. There are 92k miles on the clock, however, the motor was replaced with a new Porsche X51 3.6 ltr in 2009 (at 68k miles). The owner has all documentation for the new motor.
My concern is, even though the motor came direct from Porsche (Circle Porsche in Long Beach, CA), does that mean the IMS has been upgraded? Did Porsche do anything to improve/address the IMS issue in replacement motors or is aftermarket (LN) the only fix?
As far as I understand any Porsche factory engine after 2005 should have the larger single row bearing which requires the block to be split to renew. Good thing is that bearing has shown a very low failure rate.
Can you find out when the motor was made? Just because it was installed in 2009 doesn’t mean it wasn’t made in 2002. I have a 3.6 x51 in my 2004 996. It’s the original engine. I had an IMS bearing retrofit done and then I had the IMS Solution installed several years later. Happy with both
Wow, what a find.
That had to have been an EXPENSE replacement!
Yes it was a wopper. The seller sent me the invoice. He had other stuff taken care of at the same time. The motor was 15k. The total invoice was 27k. Holy ^%@$!
Yes it was a wopper. The seller sent me the invoice. He had other stuff taken care of at the same time. The motor was 15k. The total invoice was 27k. Holy ^%@$!
The asking price is $17.5k. Alas, there are no unicorns. In reviewing the service docs, I noticed the shop indicated a transmission noise and metal shavings in the tranny oil. I contacted the shop, and they said the owner had not complained of any shifting issues, they justed noticed it during service. They told me given the mileage (92k) of the original gearbox, this is somewhat normal. Worst case, the car may need transmission service or replacement in the future. Still a unicorn? Still worth pursuing? Of course, a PPI is in order.
Certainly not trying to poop on your thread, but I saw a classified ad for a similar set up in last month's Panorama, the seller states a new factory crate engine w/ x51 was installed but included an odd detail, "this car will not pass an onboard diagnostic emissions test due to the x51 upgrade." Found that really odd and thought about asking you guys on this -- this thread seemed perfect for such. Any reason to think this is true? I don't see how, i'm guessing the owner is a bit misinformed, just thought I'd throw it out there should this actually be the case and it causing issues if you have emissions where you live. I've included a screenshot of the ad (second ad/first complete in the top left), should you want to reach out to the guy to see if it has any bearing on the car you're looking at.
Do you have a picture of the engine bay? It was a complete engine and not a short or long block? The DME would be different, are you keeping the car in California? Because yes, smog will be effected.
That seems like a good deal for an x51 car. Depending on how well kept the rest of the car is it should last a lot longer. The tranny service at 90k will have a decent amount of glitter/sparkles and appear dirty for sure, as long as there weren’t big shavings or chunks it is normal. I’d give it a good test drive to make sure it doesn’t pop out of 2nd. Load and unload, load and unload, different rpms, cold and warm.
Now if you also tell me that the soft top has been replaced with a glass window variety, instead of the poor vinyl offering, then you really have a Unicorn!
Now if you also tell me that the soft top has been replaced with a glass window variety, instead of the poor vinyl offering, then you really have a Unicorn!
The seller did have the rear window replaced, but with the plastic one.
if it was 92k mile transmission oil, a bit of soft metal from the synchros in the oil not only would not be unusual, but also wouldn't be a big cause for concern. If it's recent oil and it continues to make a lot of metal flake, that's an issue.
A transmission remove and replace is pretty easy on these cars (no driveshaft or exhaust in the way), and a junkyard trans won't cost you THAT much if you really needed one.
09-23-2018, 06:56 PM
Porsche X51 3.6 replacement motor
