Tell me I don't have a bad trans. in my new 996

Is this normal in a brand new 03' 996 6 sp. Starting out in first and running the tach through 3000rpm there is a jolt or buck or feels almost as if car hesitates for a second. This occurs in 1st. 2nd. and 3rd. gear right at 3000-3100rpm's. Does not seem noticeble above that. God please tell me I don't have a bad transmission

It is probably normal drivability issues with the engine control software. The transitions of the variable valve lift and timing is not smooth.

I don't know if it's normal, but my '03 C4S does it too. I tend to agree with ebaker that it is something to do with the variable valve lift thing. Sometimes when I'm driving I notice a little jolt and when I look down at the tach, it is always around 3000-3100rpm. -Scott

It is. All 996s have that same hiccup at 3000 rpm. It is the only flaw of variable valve timing. No problem with your tranny.

I notice that in my car as well. Funny but sholdn't Porsche take care of this in a recall? Is there any possibility of future problems with this? I could have sworn that someone posted a thread on this earlier with a cure for the problem.

It is for sure the variable valve timing. Don't worry. The thing is, you won't notice it when you're driving anywhere beyond totally conservative. What's funny is I didn't even notice mine until people on the board started talking about it and then I noticed it.

Yup, just to add my reassurance to eveybody else's, that's normal. It's noticeable only on relatively gentle acceleration. Just accelerate like a Porsche, will'ya!!

Palting, I can't accelerate like a Porsche. Only has 874 miles on her. Well I'm certainly feeling a little better now. But I will be meeting the DSM regarding my paint flaws on drivers door and will let you all know what he tells me about this blip-jolt-surge-hiccup- whatever we want to all agree to calling it THANKS EVERYONE

The "blip" is a programming function designed to reduce emissions. The variocam system is activated or deactivated at very light throttle at certain load/rpm levels at a signal from the clutch switch. It's a much more sophisticated solution than some domestics - try a very light throttle shift on some C6 Corvettes and some Vipers - they will "lock" you out of a gear! Very surprising when that happens. J

Thank god that's what it is! I've been scratching my head too - when in bumper to bumper traffic I get it, but never when driving as God intended (ie like a Porsche). Whew!

Same thing noticed here, I only have 3500km's on the car and I thought it was something serious. I was about to bring the car in for an inspection. I owned a M3 and M5 before my current 996 C2 and I wonder how come only Porsche's variable valve timing have this problem?

So if I understand, at light throttle loads, when you press in the clutch pedal at around 3000 rpm, the valve timing (driven by ECU?) does something wacky causing this "clunk" sensation? How can it be they haven't addressed this issue? Thanks,

Well I am glad in one respect that I raised a question that maybe put a few owners concerns at bay. It seems to be an overwhelming Vario cam+ issue that I am putting to rest unless it gets much worse or Porsche offers a quick fix. Thank you to all

Ed, If there is a "clunk" at clutch engagement, your car has a problem. What I think (could be wrong, though) is being discussed is a phenomenon that occurs at only light throttle loads. What's happening is this - under load in a low gear (1 or 2), there is a given airflow, and the system adds fuel to match. If the airflow is greatly reduced as load changes (lift off throttle, upshift), there is excess air - so the system has to "burp" that column of air w/o adding fuel. That's what you're feeling. The alternative is to do as other carmakers are doing - locking you out of the next higher gear! BMW's solution is a bit different - by using a butterfly at each intake, the airflow is interrupted earlier (no "burp"), but the downside to that solution is that if you very light throttle upshift and then hit the throttle there is a bit of delay. It's not an "issue". It's a fact of modern (read pollution control) automotive life. You wanna have fun, hop into a really hot 60's muscle car and try this - you'll find out real fast where the "burp" went to in the old days!!! Sorry for taking up so much bandwith, J

Jeff, it is at clutch disengagement (ie I step on the clutch), upon a light throttle upshift - which seems consistent with what is described here - and results in a jolt with some noise. If I come completely off the gas, wait a second, then shift, it isn't an issue - and if I upshift agressively, it isn't an issue. It's just a light throttle, heavy traffic upshift that gives me this issue. Does this sound like the same thing? Thanks,

Ed, Yes, that sounds like it - the algorithm is a simple who's first - if the clutch signal hits just after the throttle, then you'll have the "burp". By being off of the throttle (below signal threshold) before engaging the clutch, the intake limits the air volume - thus there is no "burp"... The question I'd have is the noise... maybe someone else knows better, but this should be a fairly quiet event. My Boxster does it, but the only noise is a slight change in engine noise, and a bit of driveline sound (a very quiet "chunk"). Here's where I'd be concerned - has the sound quality changed over time? Does it change after a regular maintenance? If yes to either one, I'd have it checked. Otherwise, it's "normal"... just drive it hard!!! :-)

"It's noticeable only on relatively gentle acceleration" that explains why i don't recall experiencing it :-)

Ben, You've actually nailed it! Smooth shifting with a good amount of throttle is the best (of course - more throttle = better). J