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2003 Carrera 2 3.6 - safe??

Sit

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6 Mar 2019
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So I was looking at an '08 3.4 Boxster S, still very interested in it but aware of the issues around bore scoring with this particular engine.

For a similar price I have seen a 3.6 996 Carrera 2 manual, miles are higher but comprehensive history with new clutch at 70k along with some other bits along the way.

What I am trying to work out is whether the 996 is a 'safer' proposition that the 987 Boxster? Appreciate there are far ranging views on this and arguments from both sides but would the 996 be a better bet from the point of view of avoiding potential bore scoring issues?

Si
 
Personally I think you'd be 'safer' going for the Boxster. Potential IMS bearing issues compound the overall risk associated with the earlier car.
 
Ah ok I hadn't considered that, so with the Boxster being a later car it benefits from the revised IMS bearing. Think I am right in saying IMS failure is more widespread than bore score?

Not wishing to start any arguments!

Si
 
They are completely different cars to drive, own, look at..., so regardless of which might have issues you need to decide which you would enjoy driving more/suits your needs more And then go and find one that has been looked after.

There is always a risk of a failure of ims or borescore - albeit low. But they both can be expensive to run and repair.
 
For whatever reason the Boxster doesn't suffer bore scoring as much as the Cayman. I'd avoid the latter, but would consider a Boxster.
 
Ghianightmare said:
They are completely different cars to drive, own, look at..., so regardless of which might have issues you need to decide which you would enjoy driving more/suits your needs more And then go and find one that has been looked after.

There is always a risk of a failure of ims or borescore - albeit low. But they both can be expensive to run and repair.

^What he said

Do you want a 911 or a Boxster?
 
Early 987 3.4 engine can suffer from "D-chunking" and bore issues.
the very early 3.2 987 or the later 2009 > 987.2 are better bets..

But none of them are Toyotas! There will always be risks and costs associated with owning one, whether that's a 911 or a boxster.

Just ask yourself, which one do you want?
 
Appreciate that this is a purely subjective and anecdotal view, but I've been searching high and low for a 996 for over 18 months and I've come across two cars with bore score and two that have been rebuilt as a result of bore score.

I'd say I've probably looked (closely, in person, rather than over the Internet) at around 15 cars. That's a bore score incidence rate of 26% for me.

That said, you could look at the same number of cars yourself and not find a single one. I'm just cursed like that.

And I considered a Boxster or a Cayman too.

But if you want a 911 (like me), then the other two may well feel like compromises.
 
I'm in the same boat - started looking at 987's because 'I want a Porsche". Realised that actually 'I want a 911" so now I'm looking at 996's.

As for 'safe' .... there are plenty of safer options, none of this is sensible. But I want a 911, so I will buy one and take whatever it throws at me. Because I will have a 911 :D
 
Thanks all - appreciate all your thoughts and realise they are very different propositions.

Think I have found a 'safe' option in the form of a 2002 Carrera 2 cab, tiptronic with a full rebuild in 2016 with upgraded IMS and RMS. Seems to cover the main problem areas.

Si
 
Si, who did the rebuild and what imsb what fitted?
Cheers
Rick
 
Magic919 said:
For whatever reason the Boxster doesn't suffer bore scoring as much as the Cayman. I'd avoid the latter, but would consider a Boxster.

Apparently this is to do with the limited number of 987 3.4's that were built in comparison to the Cayman, please don't quote me on that I am by no means knowledgeable on this but it was turned up whilst researching the probable risk.

The Boxster I have found is perfect in terms of spec, history, miles etc. however wonder if I will be driving around permanently worrying the engine is about eat itself?!?

A lot of the options I have looked at to fill the void of fun weekender seem to have their fair share of problems so I guess you pay your money and take your choice :thumbs:

Si
 
segart said:
Si, who did the rebuild and what imsb what fitted?
Cheers
Rick

Porscheworx in Hampstead, London and it simply lists it as Intermediate Shaft Unit - upgraded type £1012.00 on the invoice.

Si
 
There will be some (quite a few) who will say that a changed bearing is no upgrade but rather the opposite.

One specialist I spoke to likened having a ceramic item in there to sharpening knives and shaving metal.

Some (good) advice is remove the cover and have the bearing checked every so often.

The 987 suffers from bore score too. Rarely on the 2.7, more often on the S.
 
Halcyon said:
Early 987 3.4 engine can suffer from "D-chunking" and bore issues.
the very early 3.2 987 or the later 2009 > 987.2 are better bets..

But none of them are Toyotas! There will always be risks and costs associated with owning one, whether that's a 911 or a boxster.

Just ask yourself, which one do you want?

I'll just leave this here:

https://www.evo.co.uk/lotus/evora/14270/lotus-evora

Love mine to bits, despite being a huge fan of 996s.
 

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