38 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHPorsche X51 3.6 replacement motor
Leading reported evidence
Install several years later
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
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0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
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Read evidence and context
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had an IMS bearing retrofit done and then I had the IMS Solution installed several years later.
Leading evidence: 'Install several years later' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Install several years later' (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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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
There are 92k miles on the clock, however, the motor was replaced with a new Porsche X51 3.6 ltr in 2009 (at 68k miles).
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Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
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Suggestion
Certainly not trying to poop on your thread, but I saw a classified ad for a similar set up in last month's Panorama, the seller states a new factory crate engine w/ x51 was installed but included an odd detail, "this car will not pass an onboard diagnostic emissions test due to the x51 upgrade." Found that really odd and thought about asking you guys on this -- this thread seemed perfect for such.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
38 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T122219Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
The search continues . . .
I've come across another 996 in California. It's a 2000 cab guards red / black. There are 92k miles on the clock, however, the motor was replaced with a new Porsche X51 3.6 ltr in 2009 (at 68k miles). The owner has all documentation for the new motor.
My concern is, even though the motor came direct from Porsche (Circle Porsche in Long Beach, CA), does that mean the IMS has been upgraded? Did Porsche do anything to improve/address the IMS issue in replacement motors or is aftermarket (LN) the only fix?
As far as I understand any Porsche factory engine after 2005 should have the larger single row bearing which requires the block to be split to renew. Good thing is that bearing has shown a very low failure rate.
Can you find out when the motor was made? Just because it was installed in 2009 doesn�t mean it wasn�t made in 2002. I have a 3.6 x51 in my 2004 996. It�s the original engine. I had an IMS bearing retrofit done and then I had the IMS Solution installed several years later. Happy with both
Yes it was a wopper. The seller sent me the invoice. He had other stuff taken care of at the same time. The motor was 15k. The total invoice was 27k. Holy ^%@$!
The asking price is $17.5k. Alas, there are no unicorns. In reviewing the service docs, I noticed the shop indicated a transmission noise and metal shavings in the tranny oil. I contacted the shop, and they said the owner had not complained of any shifting issues, they justed noticed it during service. They told me given the mileage (92k) of the original gearbox, this is somewhat normal. Worst case, the car may need transmission service or replacement in the future. Still a unicorn? Still worth pursuing? Of course, a PPI is in order.
Certainly not trying to poop on your thread, but I saw a classified ad for a similar set up in last month's Panorama, the seller states a new factory crate engine w/ x51 was installed but included an odd detail, "this car will not pass an onboard diagnostic emissions test due to the x51 upgrade." Found that really odd and thought about asking you guys on this -- this thread seemed perfect for such. Any reason to think this is true? I don't see how, i'm guessing the owner is a bit misinformed, just thought I'd throw it out there should this actually be the case and it causing issues if you have emissions where you live. I've included a screenshot of the ad (second ad/first complete in the top left), should you want to reach out to the guy to see if it has any bearing on the car you're looking at.
Do you have a picture of the engine bay? It was a complete engine and not a short or long block? The DME would be different, are you keeping the car in California? Because yes, smog will be effected.
That seems like a good deal for an x51 car. Depending on how well kept the rest of the car is it should last a lot longer. The tranny service at 90k will have a decent amount of glitter/sparkles and appear dirty for sure, as long as there weren�t big shavings or chunks it is normal. I�d give it a good test drive to make sure it doesn�t pop out of 2nd. Load and unload, load and unload, different rpms, cold and warm.
Now if you also tell me that the soft top has been replaced with a glass window variety, instead of the poor vinyl offering, then you really have a Unicorn!
if it was 92k mile transmission oil, a bit of soft metal from the synchros in the oil not only would not be unusual, but also wouldn't be a big cause for concern. If it's recent oil and it continues to make a lot of metal flake, that's an issue.
A transmission remove and replace is pretty easy on these cars (no driveshaft or exhaust in the way), and a junkyard trans won't cost you THAT much if you really needed one.
It seems replacement engines (remanufactured factory, LS swap) are more accepted by the Porsche crowd, whereas with Corvette, Mustang and American muscle car enthusiasts, original matching numbers cars are a must.
Am I accurate in thinking this?
Original is always best if it is a collectible Porsche.
If it has been replaced with a more powerful Porsche engine, then that's preferred in a non-collectible Porsche.
If you're buying a 996 for an investment, forget it.
If you're going to buy a 996 to drive, buy one with a good engine, original or not.
LS swap will give you lots of power, but like most non-manufacture engine swaps, almost no one wants a used one.
There always seems to be an LS swap advertised that is 80 or 90% done.
IMHO those are the ones to stay away from!
The only person who knows what has been done to make the LS fit (and almost work) doesn't even want to deal with it.
I almost bought a Volvo in the 90s that had a Chevy 350 in it from a friend.
His best friend (also a friend of mine) told me not to because it would be a nightmare.
We were all mechanics working in the same shop.
This Volvo owner was a brilliant mechanic.
My friend told me I wasn't up to the task, and he was probably right way back then.
A few months later the front struts broke through the top mount because of the stress of the added weigh and stiff spring rate.
He had put about 40K miles on it with no problems.
Well, no suspension problems that is.
If you're going to LS swap a 996, make certain that YOU can maintain it.
Guys move around from shop to shop and you want 1 person you can rely on to be able to fix it when it breaks.
Not sure if its a deal breaker, but that factory hard top looks so bad on the cabs i would never put it on if i had one. I guess look up what used ones go for and see if not getting one puts the cost out of your comfort zone.
Going to speak with the owner tonight. I called the shop that did all of the work on the car, including the motor replacement, for the past 12 years. He knows the owner and the car very well.
He said everything that has ever gone wrong has been addressed by his shop. The motor was replaced due to IMS failure. The new motor (3.6) has 28k miles on it since 2009.
He did say that the gearbox is an issue and should be addressed. With that, he said you're looking at as much as a reliable 996 as you will ever find. If I found a used gearbox ($$$???), he would do the install for approx. $1000.
Something to consider.
Hardtops are relatively easy to come by and can be repainted to match your cars colour for a few hundred dollars. The interior trim colour is the important bit to match to your upholstery. I happen to have 2 hardtops to sell through PCA Canada West Region with all proceeds going to charity. If you feel like a drive up the west coast to Vancouver, BC or even to Seattle area just let me know by PM. Hardtops do look a bit like a helmet but really make the car more snug for the winter and much quieter inside. Feels like a totally different car.
So, I had a very nice conversation with the owner of the car today. He is being very transparent about the car and it's history.
Compared to what I thought I should be looking for in a 996, I'm faced with some things I did not expect. I'm trying to figure out if they are good or bad.
Keeping in mind that I am looking for a pleasure vehicle. Not a collectible, not a track car.
With this car we have a replacement motor with low mileage, front seats recovered in leather, new rear (cab) window, new right radiator, clutch was done 10k miles ago.
That said, we have the transmission issue. Probably looking at replacement. Speaking with the owner today, he disclosed a "minor" fender bender 3 years ago. They resprayed the front bumper, but after that the owner felt the rest of the car looked dull, so he had the whole car painted original Guards Red. Not my 1st choice of color, but it's a sports car, so I'm okay with it. (nothing against red Porsches, they're all beautiful, just a bit flashy for my personality)
Also missing hardtop, but the fine folks here (Thanks Water Hound!) give me hope that I can acquire one easily enough in the future.
I have receipts totaling $45,130.22 for repairs and service since 2009. This includes the replacement motor.
Am I looking at a vehicle that has had most of it's issues resolved, or do we have a car that is destined to spend it's life on a lift?
Lowball him.
Obviously the car is a difficult one to sell. You have nothing to lose by doing so, and he might not like it or you, but he might just take it to get the car off his hands. Plus you have to do whatever you feel comfortable with as far as protecting yourself on this transaction. If you're having reservations about the car, so is everyone else who looks at it. You need to think about what you would have to sell the car for (after repairs etc.) to make yourself whole on this car if you were to choose to move on from it down the road.
I'm still unclear as to whether the X51 motor has the upgraded IMS. The motor was purchased through Porsche in 2009 (Part # 996 100 995 CX).
I've read of IMS failures in some of the 2004 AE Models.
Then I would assume it doesn't and budget a replacement, and use it accordingly as a negotiation tactic.
I would tell him you would only be satisfied with an IMS Solution and let him know those costs.
If it turns out it has the later upgraded and not easily replaceable IMS, then you save money.
If it doesn't, then replace it.
I suggest an IMS Solution.
It would help if you ever decide to sell the car.
