16 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH99 C4 with blown engine
Leading reported evidence
Run & otherwise sound, say about $20k
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
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.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Mike: One approach would be to first consider value of car if running & otherwise sound, say about $20K.
Leading evidence: 'Run & otherwise sound, say about $20k' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Run & otherwise sound, say about $20k' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
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.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
But you are looking at $10k or so DIY to rebuild the engine the proper way by using LNE Nickasil 3.6L rebore.
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.
16 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T105141Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
I am considering buying a 1999 911 C4 with a blown engine. What would be a fair price to pay? I have a line on an engine. The car is in otherwise great shape with 64,000 miles. Was told there is a crack in one of the cylinder walls. Is this typical? I shouldnt have much trouble swapping the engine myself.
Thanks Mike
Mike: One approach would be to first consider value of car if running & otherwise sound, say about $20K. Deduct the cost of replacement engine & essentials., i.e. new IMS, RMS, AOS, full metalic Water Pump, clutch, etc. and whatever else you find needs attention on the replacement engine. Figure what your time is worth in terms of the install & there's your number.
This is a 13 year old non collectable car with a blown engine. I'd start at $5K if it is as good a shape as you claim.
How could you tell if the trans has a whine unless it's hooked to a running engine? be careful. good luck.
If you're looking at getting the car from a dismantler chances are it doesn't even have half that $11.5K in the car.
I did some research on the prices of non-running Boxsters and the price was down in the low $3K range and this was a year or so back.
Maybe you should pass?
I'd say yeah, pass.
If you want to buy a non-runner and replace the engine find someone who's just had an engine blow and doesn't want to deal with the car and buy that car for essentially its salvage value.
Sincerely,
Macster.
Just saw a post from Dan Jacobs in "For Sale" with 3.4 engine at $7,000 with LN bearing replaced. I would say $5,000 for a roller. Not many normal buyers would know what to do and a new engine is now in the $16K range plus cost of install! Use that reality to your advantage. If the guy wants more than $5K wish him luck and walk away!
I was at Dan Jacob's shop last week and chatted with Dan and Baron for a little while. They commented on how easy it is to work on these M96 engines and like them very much. It would not surprise me if they offer a M96 engine rebuild program soon.
Also, to answer the question in the OPs original post, yes the engine can be repaired if the crack in the cylinder wall does not protrude beyond the water jacket (which requires complete tear down to investigate).
But you are looking at $10k or so DIY to rebuild the engine the proper way by using LNE Nickasil 3.6L rebore.
You might add $3-$5k to the price of a fully functional car if you did that.
Roller w/salvagable engine $5-8k (I would think on the low side since it's not just a cracked head)
Rebuild engine DIY $10-12k
Total investment $15-20k
Final market resale value $17-21k
Doesn't sound like it's worth it unless you're after a project car or if you already owned it and had a blown/tired engine.
To find a Porsche 996 3.4 engine locally for $3800 makes me suspicious right off the bat that something is wrong with that engine. For what it's worth, I would consider looking at a running car and give it the fine tooth comb treatment. You just might find yourself a nice 99 996 C2 coupe for $20,000 or a bit less than that figure. There are still lots for sale with less than 50K on the clock. By the time you have bought all the odds and sods that are missing from the roller to get it in tip top condition, you may be up near 20 grand anyway as parts for porsche are high priced as you well know. I would not take the risk. But thats my opinion.
Yeah, I agree, I also picked up a very nice 2000 996 C4 with no issues for $15K. A friend just picked up a nice '03 Cab with no issues for around $18K. I agree, $11.5K is much too much
