TECHNICAL LIBRARY Tracking your car and the M96 Engine · Oil System Consi

TECHNICAL LIBRARY Tracking your car and the M96 Engine Oil System Considerations. All model year 1997 through 2008 M96 and M97 engines as found in Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models are susceptible to oil starvation when driven on the track or autocrossed. The “integrated dry sump” is in essence a wet sump with two scavenge pumps for the heads. The M96 and M97 engine is NOT A DRY SUMP engine. Under high G-forces, the oil scavenge pumps in the heads cannot pump the oil back to the sump fast enough. Coupled with poor oil handling in the sump and reduced oil system capacity, the engine starves for oil. The use of Porsche recommended N-spec rated tires, which carries approximately a 280 treadwear rating or higher, limits the g-forces that can be acted upon the engine. When using tires with treadwear ratings lower than 280, it is possible to overcome the oiling system and have oil starvation. The scavenge pumps at the heads collect oil and return it to the sump via oil return tubes or oil swirl pots in the sump, which de-foam the oil. An air/oil separator further removes oil vapor from air. As a result, oil foaming is a big problem and choice of engine oil can greatly affect foaming. Elevated engine temperatures as a result of performance driving negatively affects AOS performance and reduces oil pressure, and can lead to engine damage. The symptoms of an oiling system not operating properly include: White smoke - it is indicative of oil in the intake. Typical causes can include an air/oil separator that is overloaded or not performing properly. The condition of the engine and AOS can be verified with a manometer. Results should be between 4-6 inches of H20 for a healthy engine. Low oil pressure or fluctuating oil pressure. Low oil pressure is less than 10 psi per 1000 rpm. Typically experienced during extended high g-force. Worst-case scenario - rod knock, due to inadequate oil pressure. Rod bearing material will be present in the oil at this point and continued operation will result in a spun bearing and connecting rod failure. The Porsche “Motorsport” air/oil separator is recommended for track use on MY02 and later 911, MY03 and later Boxster, and all Cayman models and is better suited to track duty than the standard AOS. This instruction manual or bulletin is not intended to be substituted for proper judgement, or common sense. Always refer to the factory manual or to the information supplied by the manufacturer with your product for detailed assembly or installation instructions. All logos and trademarks used for product identification purposes only. Porsche ® 911® ,Boxster®, Cayman® are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. H.c. F. Porsche AG. LNEngineering LLC | 125 Gladiolus St | PO Box 401 | Momence IL 60954 Web: http://www.LNengineering.com | Email: info@LNengineering.com | Phone (815) 472-2939 | Fax (413) 280-9041