General Reliability of '99 911 motor?

The 2.5 lump in my Boxster has just seized. I'm going to replace it with a 3.4 motor from a '99 911 that had under 10k miles. Were there any problems with these motors? I'm aware of RMS issues with all of the new Pcars, and I was aware of the risk with my early Boxster motor. But were there similar problems with the 996 motors? Just curious. It's pretty much a done deal, but I'd like a little reassurance of what I'm getting into. Thanks!

Seized? How did it seize? No oil? Accident related? Yikes!! On another note. To answer your question. Pretty good reliability IMO. And...I'd say you will be getting into a VERY fast Boxster. Chad

Check out the end of this post... https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/182836-regarding-boxsters-and-this-rms-problem.html Not my car, but I'm pretty sure that's what has happened. Maybe "seized" is the wrong word... Oh yes, all is not lost. I'm LOVING the idea of a 300hp Boxster! I'd just like to make sure I'm not putting in another problem motor. Thanks!

i have a may '98 build 996. 65K on the clock and no RMS problems (touch wood). i have heard of porosity problems with the block on early models (coolant can mix with the oil), cam cover leaks, and cracked coolant reservoirs but you don't have to worry about that since you will be using the boxster reservoir.

Well here's what I've decided to do: After talking with many here and on Pelican I got a little worried about the reliability of a used 911 motor, so I talked with the dealership about my options. (The first time I talked to them, I just asked "how much for a new motor" and they said "around $20k" and I said "thank you, goodbye!") Anyway, as it turns out they do offer a "remanufactured" motor that would come with a two year warranty. Since it's a direct swap, it'll be cheaper on the labor front as well. All in all, with this option I'm "only" out about $8k. So I think I'm going with this route...enjoy the car for the summer then sell it. FYI I was told that Porsche would have replaced my motor under "good faith" if a) I was the original owner and b) the car was less than one year out of warranty. I don't match either of that criteria, so I have to pay. So, no hot rod Boxster for me, sadly. But I would not have been surprised if it would have cost me twice as much by the time all was said and done. Right now, with Julie and I trying to SAVE to move 'cross country, I'd just as soon spend as little as possible. Plus, I think having the "new" motor will make this car more attractive when I go to sell it. Thanks all for your help and opinions!

Doug, Shop around, dealer cost is generally 40% of retail so there might be a LOT of wiggle room on that $8k price. The two year warranty will still apply if you buy the engine mail-order from an out of state dealer and have it installed at your local dealer or independent Porsche shop.

Dealer Cost for a re-man 996 Engine is $6900 with all the parts needed ontop of the core (trust me I know) not including the thousands of dollars labor... not much wiggle room with that if the $8,000 is already quoted.. $8000 = very good price

I think when he said 8k for the re-man, he was referring to a Boxster engine, not a 996 engine.

Boxster coolant bottles fail too. Mine did.

Doug, My 98 Boxster engine failed in November, 2002, at 45k mi. Two years and 21k mi out of warranty. I was third owner. So, as you can see, I didn't meet that criteria either. Porsche replaced my engine gratis (all parts and labor). My Service Manager told me about a year ago (I called him seeking info for a fellow owner), that Porsche's policy had changed to: Porsche provides parts (engine), customer pays labor (around $2k). I don't know if this policy is still in effect, though. If you want, you can aproach your Service Manager with this information, and if he gives you the same story, go to your General Manager. If he doesn't help, tell him you want to get PCNA's District Service Manager involved. Go up the ladder, without stepping on toes. You may be pleasantly surprised.