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YOUR RESEARCHHow to tell if the motor has been replaced?
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Check engine code
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Suggestion · Original poster
Is there a way for me to check an engine code on the block to see if this is true?
Leading evidence: 'Check engine code' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Check engine code' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion · Original poster
What you recommended works too as I did have the VIN ran, which then also confirms the engine has been replaced.
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I just picked up a 2003 996 and the previous owner stated that Porsche told him that the engine had been replaced at some point and that the IMS bearing was also fixed at that time. They didn't provide him any documentation nor did he ask for any. Is there a way for me to check an engine code on the block to see if this is true? Or do I need to make a trip to the dealership to see what information I can get from Porsche?
Thanks in Advance!
Post the engine sn number. There is a way to generally decode the motor but there is no tracking via porsche that can tell u if u have "matching numbers" or what vin the motor came from. A trip to the dealer will get u nothing.
Engine serial number is left (driver) front corner, just above corner of sump plate. There is a small 2” x 1/4” flat spot with the number tapped in. Replacement has an “AT” stamp following the M96/0x. Next question will be for you to determine, if the engine is a replacement, if the IMS is the non-serviceable bearing.
You can try to get any records from Porsche dealer, but don’t hold your breath.
I did get info from the dealership regarding my engine, so if you get a knowledgable parts guy, they can do some digging. Unfortunately, a good parts person beind the counter is hard to come by.
However, not all replacement engines will have 'AT' in the serial number, so this is not the definitive way to determine if you have a replacement engine. Ask me how I know ...
Not true actually. Porsche has all the original info, including engine serial number, on their vehicle info pages for any particular VIN. I got my sheets from a friend who worked at a Porsche dealership in my dealer group. It's also how I was happily surprised that the motor in my earlyish 99 is original.
I guess ill ammend my answer then. If u have a friend at porsche u can get the info. My dealer was not able or willing to get me that info. Not sure on vinalitics as my vin does not produce any results in there system.
All good of course! Here is what the screen looks like. My engine is the same serial number stampes as indicated on the spec sheet.
EDIT: Added pic of mu motor serial for good measure!
What's funny is that was the OP. He asked the question, then comes back with a smarmy comment to someone trying to help him.
I'm so confused! He is a new poster.
I asked about the engine, not the vehicle VIN. I also didn't ask how to decode the vehicle VIN. I appreciate the additional offer for help but it wasn't what I asked for.
For $10 I'll check it out and compare what VIN Analytics shows. I was given VIN Analytics link by a close friend that has had a bunch of different Porsches and uses it for when he is shopping for his next one if he doesn't buy new.
Is it me or......Let me try explaining this again.
For $8.99 you can run your vin and it will show you what ENGINE AND TRANS NUMBER YOUR CAR ORIGINALLY CAME WITH. The results come back in about 1 min.
I gave you the website, choose the appropriate option to buy and wait 1 min.
It's an awesome service.
It's both of us. I got what I needed before you chimed into the post only because I got lucky and my engine sr had AT in it. What you recommended works too as I did have the VIN ran, which then also confirms the engine has been replaced.
It was an awesome service and sorry if I came off rude. Thanks for the info so I could confirm what I say with my engine sr.
