Porsche anybody ??

[sdca7]

Another FYI - that era of 996 turbos have an entirely different engine, so are not subject to these failures. I have a 2002 turbo, and although the maintenance/repair of these is much higher than other cars, I enjoy driving it more than any car I've been in next to my Caterham. I love the 996 turbos. You can buy one in perfect condition at a third of their original price, and have a luxury sports car that can run with the fastest newer cars with just a few tweaks.

 

Porsches are certainly not the best bang-for-your-buck when it comes to dollars/performance. But I wouldn't think of trading mine for anything else!

 

Justin

[WestTexasS2K]

RSS I haven't purchased anything from Renegade yet. I purchased a 914 for my son and we a working on it. The v8 conversion is way to much for him. I think the S2k powered 914 is going to be to much for him to start with. We may have to put a 6k rpm rev limit on it.

I have talked to Scott Mann several times over the years. The company has been around for a long time and customers on the 914 World forum seem to be happy with the performance and customer service. I have wanted a v8 914 for over 20 years just never pulled the trigger. I think an LS powered 914 with G50 trans would be a blast but the cost is just to high from me. I think a 300 hp motor with a stock trans would still be enjoyable drive. You just wont take heavy abuse.

The resell has always been fairly low for converted cars over the years, but the last few years the well done v8 cars are bringing as much a some original 914-6 cars. They are running from 13k-25k depending on the details. So you can get most of your money back if you build one and decide to sell it.

[rss]

thanks WestTexas, i'd forgotten about the 914 project with your son -- that's pretty awesome. please post some pics when you have a chance.

[dhubbard422]

The GT3 also has a different engine and does not suffer from this issue. IMO, Porsche's reputation for quality has suffered a big hit due to this issue.

 

There are fixes for this problem, here's a description of the problem and a fix from Pelican: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing.htm

[Klasik-69]

That was an excellent link that really explains in detail the nature of the problem. So a $10 bearing will f&^% up a $20K motor ! Isn't that always the case, one cheap little insignificant part in a very significant location, the weak link in the chain so to speak.

 

As the author implies, using better oil and changing it more often can alleviate the issues and lengthen the life of the bearing, and thus the motor. Maybe Porsche figures that some of the problems may have been aggravated by owners skipping on oil changes, or as I said earlier, using the Jiffy Lube oil change stations. That may be Ok for a Chevy Impala but the Impala's engine is far cheaper to replace.

 

However, knowing the problem and being able to avoid it are two different things. That bearing is burried in the engine. How many owners are able to yank the engine out, tear it apart and replace that bearing ? How many owners can afford to pay a shop to do it for them ? I'm pretty mechanically inclined, and I have the tools, lifts, space to do it.............but I'd be a little short on skills with a Porsche engine. Yeah, I can take most anything apart. Putting it back together seems to be the challenge.

 

So the GT2/GT3 engines are different. I believe the GT2 is turbocharged like the 997TT but without 4 wheel drive and the GT3 engine is a boosted na larger displacement 911 motor. I don't know why they don't have this issue, perhaps they don't use this kind of bearing on their IMS. If this part is inside the engine, why didn't Porsche design an open bearing with oil feed like the rod and main bearings ? There must be a good reason but I don't know it.

[WestTexasS2K]

Klasik the repair doesn't seem to bad. From the article you pull the Trans the motor can stay in. That should make it a bit easier to get to. It seems like a Porsche engine should last longer than 30-40k miles. There are some documented failures with just 17k miles. If I owned one I would part with the 2-3k repair to avoid the 20k repair. It's a shame that Porsche has neglected the problem for so long. It's really hurt the resell value of the Boxsters.

[sdca7]

The 996 and 997 turbos, GT2's, and GT3's have engines based on the "Metzger Engine," used in the GT1 race car. They are dry-sumped, and a completely different design than the other 996 and 997 engines. I think the next generation of 911's, the 991, will not use these at all. Although an older technology, they are still impressive in the power levels they will handle, and longevity.