996 new engine or rebuild

There seem to be a significant number of 996 3.4 and 3.6 which are advertised as having a new engine or engine rebuild at what is relatively low mileage. Gut reaction would be to avoid these cars. Is there any reason for these failures and what are the issues with a new engine or rebuild?

I do not think it is fair to say that a significant number of 996 have been affected by this problem. A set of statistics I have seen (I do not recall where and I do not know if they are reliable) indicate that it is less than 5% of the 996 that have been affected. It affects essentially early 3.4 engines. It does not affect 996 turbo, GT2 or GT3. I have heard good things about Autofarm and its rebuilt engines

If someone is selling a 996 with a new engine then that's great news isn't it?? I'd certainly buy one, an old car with a new heart, what could be better :dont know: Ray

That's exactly what I did, bought a 70k mile car with a 10k mile engine. Still running it in !!

I may be a little biased but I'd hope a car with a new engine or one rebuilt (and improved) by a trusted source, would be a bonus. Mine suffered an intermediate shaft failure, not too uncommon I'm told and that's not just forum gossip. That's what I was told by a very experienced Porsche specialist in the North East. Mine's had a 'new' engine from Porsche. Looks shiny and new but I'd be surprised if Porsche are still making these lumps any more, I assume it's a recon. In any case I'd hope Porsche would have ensured it's in as new condition and it'll have done 20k less than on clock so should be a selling point rather than put people off???

Myth or fact If a 996 has not blown at 50k it won't due to the inheirent cast issues So a recon at 10 k miles may pop later Can a recon builder examine what he is building for this issue I fear not.

Chipfork - does that mean that your original engine "popped" at 20K? Interesting from adeymars that 50K+ on the engine shows its past the danger zone. Does this mean a 55K car is potentially a safer bet than a low mileage car on 20K??

I bought a 82000 mile 2003 C2 for this reason, oh, and it was cheap! Had the local Porsche dealer check out the engine with their special 'stethoscope' (kinda looked like a large screwdriver to me) which he declared 'sweet'. He said he was listening for problems with the bearings especially the IMS, but said that I'd found a 'good one' - time will tell. Still working out whether to get that warranty...

Under 20k miles. I hadn't had the car long and I know that the previous owner had been very careful with it. I was told by a specialist that this was more unusual on a 2004 car as some components had been improved following significant failure rates on earlier engines. I think the fact mine had gone with such a low mileage helped influence Porsche to pick up the entire cost.

From a bit of reading across on PH and Porkers - they ran a fairly unscientific poll which had engine IMS failure running at 29% and 70% RMS replacment for 996 owners who bothered to post.