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YOUR RESEARCHWhat do you make of this "mechanic special"
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Test so you don't know what else is wrong
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But even with a suitable engine to drop in with the sick engine you can't really give the car a road test so you don't know what else is wrong.
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Hey all,
I wanted to hear some of your opinions on a 996 I recently stumbled upon for sale. He claims it's a 2001 with 83k miles BUT it has MKII front end. He also states that it has that "optional" 3.6 as opposed to the "standard" 3.4 motor. It's got an aero kit as well. He's selling for $12k because it's making a "motor noise/rod bearing"...if this is accurate, then I suppose for the most part it's not IMS failure (could be premature), but there's still chance in fixing the motor? What are your guys thoughts on this? Pic of the ad so you don't have to open another tab in your browser
Any and all help would be truly appreciated!
I think you'd regret it, but then again I have been burned by a couple of project cars recently to the point where I will punch myself in the 'nads if I ever do it again. So, I may be a bit biased.
Hope for the best but count on the worst. What would it cost to put in a new engine, Trans, suspension bushings, brakes, etc. to get the car to the condition you would want it. Add that to the $12K and then decide if it would be a good deal. It could be something simple and you could have a great car for a decent price. It could be everything major and a money pit.
996 with no engine is $5000. With the aero/options may be $7000. The optional 3.6 increases to a minimum of $15000 for an engine. Too bad it does not have the base engine.
Also at 83k plan for another few thousand of suspension work.
A buddy of mine yesterday picked up a '99 with an intermix issue for only $2700 USD ($3500 CANADIAN DOLLARS)!!! The car is in really nice shape, aside the engine issue. He, like me, will fix it himself. So compared to that, this car's asking price is sky high. Having said that, anyone EVER bought a complete 996 for ONLY $2700 USD?
Some people have retrofitted the MkII front end on a MkI, but I don't think it's common. The VIN or a peak inside (has a glovebox or no) will clear it up quick.
If it is a 01 then it could have a dual row bearing which takes longer to get to the "marbles in a coffee can" point. Don't know if there would be other noises leading up to the final failure in that case. No idea, just saying you might not want to rule out IMSB issues.
That was my thought.
Jesus that is a hell of a steal! Even if you half-assed parting it out you'd get more than that
My advice is to walk away.
There is really no cheap to fix engine noises with these cars. Porsche does not publish any engine details: bearing fits, clearances, other important dimensions, etc.
There is just a handful of shops that rebuild these engines. Call a few and get some prices. Be sitting down.
I frankly wouldn't have the car if it was a gift unless I had a source for a suitable 3.6l engine to drop in.
But even with a suitable engine to drop in with the sick engine you can't really give the car a road test so you don't know what else is wrong. And there are always two problems.
Unless there is just 1 or 3 or more...
I dare say for not that much more than $12K you can probably pick up a similar MY 996 without any engine sounds or other scary stories.
Walk away.
