3.4L 1999 engine question

I'm in the process of purchasing a 99 Carrera. I know these engines have a intermediate shaft bearing issue. The car I am looking at is fully set up sccca track car which had the issue fixed. I've read some really mixed things about this engine. I know in 2002 then motor was replaced with a 3.6L....should I stay away from this engine?

The 3.6L engine has some benefits, such as a little bit more torque and horsepower, plus a better variable cam timing system, which is also easier to repair if a solenoid goes out. The 3.6L has a smaller weaker IMS bearing than the early 3.4L. You can address this though with a retrofitted IMS bearing and certainly the benefits of the 3.6L (2002+) outweigh the 3.6L. The early 3.4L has a cable operated throttle (2wd), whereas the 1999 3.4L 4wd and onwards has an electronic throttle.

Quotes source post: 9270036

from the 3.4L engine in general, no. but I'd make myself fully aware of the history of the one that you are considering (miles, hours on the motor, oil seperator, oil pan, accusump, etc). Are you going to track it or race it? If racing you'll want to look at the rule book (PCA, NASA, SCCA), figure out which class you be runing, and decide if your car will be competitive vs the locals.

I plan on racing it with NASA and pboc at first. The previous owner of this car is Marius avemarg who raced it with pboc and won the championship in the r4 class. The car was sponsored by rebel rock. I'm just nervous about these engines.

Quotes source post: 9270152

I've looked at his FS post a few times. I hear you about the engine, I was always more concerned about the oiling issues more than any other. I run an accusump, X51 pan, and change oil after every race weekend. Good luck keep posting on how this progresses.

Would u believe that the seller and I agreed in writing via email on a price pending a ppi that was scheduled for tomorrow; just now he sends me a txt that he sold the car to another seller for more money. The lawyer in me want to crush him. He is a semi pro gt racer for a pro racing team in florida in a 997 cup car. The car that he agreed to sell me was sponsored by a major national beverage sponsor. After doing some digging on him and going over the several inconsistencies he told me, i have come to the conclusion that he is shady and not to be trusted. Beware!

Maybe you are better off by not buying his car.

You know with the IMS and RMS problems, the porous cases, the cracked heads and intermixes, the slipped sleeves, the bad lifters, chain pads going, water pumps failing, valve seats failing, etc. etc. etc. it is amazing that probably 90%+ of these cars are still going strong

Quotes source post: 9270036

I can't help but think you're taking up the wrong hobby if you're that concerned about the engine in a fully set up SCCCA track car. Engines in race or tracked cars are wear items of the 1st order. While all owners hope for (and many owners are blessed with) long lived engines even in tracked cars, this is not always the case. Some 3.4l engines last and last. Others not so much. Ditto 3.6l engines. Even the fabled engines in the GT2/GT3 and Turbo's are not immune from the occasional failure. Sincerely, Macster.

Sounds like you blew a motor. There are plenty of well maintained 911s that have not had the issues u discribe. Not buying someone's gift wrapped garbage.