Should I buy this 2006 Cayman S with a blown engine?

2006 Porsche Cayman S - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle... 2006 Porsche Cayman S 61,800 miles. Engine currently runs, but there is prevalent engine knocking.... chicago.craigslist.org Hello Enthusiasts, I was looking to get my first Porsche, I've owned MR2s and Corvettes most of my life but have always wanted to try a Porsche. I have considered a early 2000 Boxster S which I can get for about $10K but would rather have a Cayman although they are twice as expensive. I saw the Cayman S above which is near me with 60K miles which the owner says has scoring on the cylinder walls for $10K I have a good amount of experience working on cars though never rebuilt an engine but have always wanted to and now I have time. Worst case scenario how much would if be for me to fix this on my own? What is might be the most typical repair? A used engine is about $10K right? Is this car worth its price at $8K? Thanks

You should listen to the experienced guys but to me, I think it's a great buy for you at $8k. I wanna know how this guy managed to damage the cylinder walls.

If you can get him down to around $8K, I think it’s worth it if you really want a project Cayman S . Jake Raby offers in-person Porsche engine building classes, DVDs, webinars, etc. through his “Knowledge Gruppe” business. If the block isn’t ruined, I’d guess you could prob do a decent rebuild yourself for $8K - $12K (with parts, special tools, engine spec books, webinars, etc.); or you can pay someone else to do it for around $20K depending on how beefy you want it to be. Personally, I wouldn’t put a used motor in...or you’ll just prob need another rebuild sometime in the future. The advantage of a rebuild is you can use newer, better/stronger parts that are now available for these motors. For the Cayman S , the rods, rod bearings, and pistons/cylinder walls are most important. I had my 987.1 Cayman S rebuild done by Vision Motorsports (Dwain Dement) in SoCal. Shipped the entire car there. He warranties his engines and didn’t have a wait time back when I needed it done. I have about 10K miles, 2.5 years, and 10 track days on the rebuild. Used oil analysis (done twice/year) shows it’s broken in well, and it’s been nothing but reliable. The Knowledge Gruppe www.theknowledgegruppe.com Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you could get it for $8k and do an LS swap for $6k it would be a good deal. Flat 6 motors are too expensive.

The 2006-2008 caymans with the 3.4L all were subject to possibly having cylinder scoring..it had to do with the cylinder coating porsche used at the factory. It requires an engine rebuild or replacement. Its usually cheaper to replace it but then you are subject to the problem all over again. Catch 22

I think LN Engineering charges about $5k to resleeve blocks with Nickies. And you can choose your bore (hint hint, go for 4.0 L). Add in the price for decent pistons and rods, plus a Vision Motorsports racing crank and you've got a decent engine.

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I would ask myself if I have the space, tools and time to do this. You may not have 100% of the knowledge, but it sounds like you will be able to figure that part out. I've done a number of projects like this and having a dedicated and convenient space is especially key to success. It sounds obvious, but it's really true. I'm doing a full-car rebuild and restore right now so this is on my mind. If you do have the space, tools and time and can get it in the $8K range, I'd say it's a good deal. By the way, the seller notes that it has a knocking sound. That could be pistons rocking in the bores (implying scored cylinder walls). But it could also be a rod knock. Or, depending and what it truly sounds like, it could even be a wiped out cam. And there's other possibilities. All of these require engine removal so in way, it doesn't matter. Just keep an open mind about what the problem could really be.

I'd keep looking. This year has documented problems with the IMS . You could easily wind up with a $8K car and a $10K motor that blows up anyway.

It’s really a shame there aren’t more economical options for replacing these engines. I’m in the Martian’s would love to score a nice chassis like this, but it just does seem cost effective [emoji18]

My well maintained 07 S with 43k miles in very good condition is worth low to mid 20s. For another 15k you get one that's running. Can you build a stock motor for 15k? If yes what's your time worth? Pick your poison.

The best option is to find a junk 09-11 base Cayman 9A-1 engine with a Bosch ECU and port injection. This will give you the oiling system that you can track and at the same time allow you to fit the engine into your 06 Cayman without changing the electronics of the engine. The only part you may need is a set of long tube headers for the 9A-1 heads. The old engine maybe sold to rebuilders.

Even with a free LS it'll cost more than that. And that's if you have a full machine shop and can do all the fab work yourself. We charge over $20k for an LS swap into a Cayman . If you really want a LS go 997.1 not 987. The 987 is a real PITA to do properly. Like Apex1 said, find a used motor to drop in there and have a nice car to enjoy.

Absolutely or maybe a take out engine from a race shop. I know Deman in NY has them as they did my 3.8 x51 install for $17. Could have gotten a take out for $8-9k.

You really have to ask yourself what the time and hassle is worth to you. You cannot replace time, and it is a very valuable commodity. Personally, I would not devote the time to doing this and instead would buy what I wanted, or, if I couldn't afford it immediately, save or borrow the extra money needed. On the other hand, if this sounds to you like a fun project, then you should definitely go for it!

So...didja do it?! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

check with softronic but I believe they have a flash to make a 2009+ engine work in the 987.1

The base 2.9 L 09 - 12 engines has a Bosch ECU that works with the 987.1 . The heads will be a little different so 9A1 long tube race headers will needed or the headers from the wrecked car can be used. This is the best change over method if you can find an engine. These will be port injected engines, not direct injected like the 9A1's 3.4 l so no carbon build up on the intake valves to worry about. Scott at Softronics can make this engine sing to 7500 rpm. No rod bolt issues, oiling issues in the heads or rod bearing scaring. I have not hear of bore scoring on this engine as well, so its good to go.

Used engine can be found for around 6K. The Vision Motorsports engine is a great motor but for those recommending the 3.8 or 4.0 motor, do you guys know the cost?

Swapping direct injected motors into port injected cars is a lot of work. Doable but I would highly recommend sticking with the generation of motor you have. You could port inject a DI but the combustion chambers are not designed for that.

Prices can go north quickly depending on options you choose. I would say for a M99/ M97 engine with Nickies, IMS bearing fix, deep sump pan will probably start around $18k plus installation and tune. I tell you, this car comes alive with an extra 100 HP under your foot. I was doing pretty good today keeping up with a couple of 992 Carrera 4Ss

Necro bump on this topic, did you ever confirm about the ECU flash 987.1 to run a 2.9L? I have had the nagging thought that the 2.9L as a long block using my 987.1 harness/sensors/pickups/throttle body etc adapted where necessary (such as say one of the cam sensors being different location requiring longer connector or say different pinout at the connector or connector with same pinout but different mating….all done at the engine, any reason verifiably this wouldn’t work? Only hangup I could see is say the crank or cam tone ring maybe having more (or less) teeth causing the 987.1 ECU to get a bad signal, but even then it’s also maybe possible to change out the ring….