996 Enhancement or 996 Turbo?

My 2002 C4 lost its IMS bearings. Thinking of sending engine down to Vision Motorsports for a total rebuild plus enhancements. The enhancements include going to 4.0 liters, Carrillo rods, knife edged crank, etc. These enhancements will take the H.P. to 450-500, according to the owner of Vision. The owner of Vision was the shop manager for Andial and he knows these engines well so I am not concerned that the engine build will not be up to par. Considering this will make the car quicker than a 996 turbo, would I be better off buying a 996 turbo? Consider that this is going to be my last Porsche, because of my age. I love my 996. The Lapis Blue Metallic color, the chance to make the car the way I want it [suspension upgrades, CSF radiators, new center radiator, Fabspeed exhaust, intake, evoms reprogram, etc.]. I am not worried about the cost because this car will be passed down to my kids for them to enjoy. The price of a nice, low miles 996 Turbo is close to the final price of the modifications [just a little more for the Turbo] so what to do?

I own a 997TT...a great car! BUT if you can get 450-500 HP in a NA car AND you already have the car that you love, I'd say go for it! The only downside would be trying to sell a heavily modified car down the road, but since you have no intentions on selling it...why not do it! Besides it would become a great "sleeper" 996! Just imagine someone pulling up to you in a 996TT at a red light.....green light comes on and bamm! Off you go quickly pulling away from him....surprise!!!

I'd check your math again. A good driver 6Turbo (one worth keeping for an extended period of time) will run you about $48k plus 10% in taxes, so around $53k. If you elect to sell the C4 you'd be extremely lucky to clear $8-9k with an IMS-popped engine in the back, meaning you're coming out of pocket, in a good case scenario, around $44k. Yes, I understand you can put a loan on the car and yes, I understand the Turbo has asset value, but for a car you never intend on selling that doesn't really factor into the conversation. Dwain makes screamer motors that last. The latter point is extremely important as any shop can pull HP's out of these things, but he actually makes them durable. He's also honest; unfortunately a large part of your existing motor is probably unusable (crank, case, etc) that other shops would tell you they are then re-trade you after the fact. He'll be upfront about it and WILL ABSOLUTELY SAVE ANYTHING POSSIBLE. The engine in my 996 race car is management by Vision...I highly recommend.

I would ask for proof of the HP claim and where its at, crank or RW.

While the Turbo is a fantastic car the upkeep will be more expensive long term compared to the car you are already familiar with. I think as time goes by more and more NA 996s will have rebuilt engines - rebuilt better than the factory did it and they will become more the expected norm. Lapis is a gorgeous color as well. Better the devil you know...

C4 that you love

Thanks Guys! The input you put forward is very positive and I appreciate it. Yes, this will be out of pocket since I am retired and no one would give me a loan! The shyster warranty company will only cover a new case and half the labor [$8,853.00] but it will help a bit. Dwain seems to think we can save the case by boring and sleeving it to 4 liters. Thanks again for affirming my gut instinct on this! Taco Truck [formerly Drums, when I had an early '89 with a '97 V-Ram]

Please keep in mind your 996 trans is now the weak link. It isn't great to start with and adding 200hp is going to shred it if you stoplight race. Ask your shop about that.

Dwaine at Vision Motorsports discouraged me from going any further with the H.P. for reasons such as this. These trannies are fairly robust. My early '89 had the G-50 trans and from what I can gather, the 2002 tranny is just an improved version of that original Getrag transmission. The original G-50 was good for 600 H.P. The clutch might not have been, but the tranny was stout. When I put the '97 V-Ram in the early '89, I put in a sports clutch because the torque was close to 300 Ft. Lbs. and the H.P. was 320+ [because of the enhancements]. The tranny held up quite well. Taco Truck