Hello,

Is it true that RMS issues, and other problematic engine problems are more rare on the 02-04 996's? If so, what are the technical reasons?

Thanks,

 

There are no official statistics of the exact number RMS failures.

I believe a while back there was a thread on Rennlist where people noted their RMS issues by model year/mileage. Maybe you can try a search there. Do keep in mind that there is no randomness in these surveys so the results may be skewed. Good luck!

 

It isn't RMS that causes an engine problem... very much unrelated hype. RMS is a seal that leaks oil and simply gets replaced every so often.

Thinks that take out engines are Intermediate shaft failures (IMS), Cam chain failure, cylinder liner crack and oil/coolant intermix due to any # of reasons. Not saying anyone of these is prevalent just some of the reasons that people have had an engine go.

The short of it is most of the time it is just cheaper/more cost effective to junk the old engine and get another one because as soon as you talk to someone about tearing down your engine to "find out" what is wrong and then fix it you are spending near the cost of a new engine in labor and some parts.

Yes, the newer the engine the more improvements the factory has put into it...every area mentioned has had numerous revisions/updates throughout the years from 99 to now.

If you want an emotionally attachment to that lump of metal in the back of your car and would rather just keep it and fix it up get an older air cooled 911 because those guys are used to regular rebuilds approaching the cost of a new water cooled 911 engine. Pick your poison..

 

I'll rephrase my earlier response...

 

I have a 01 996 with 33,000 miles. While I was getting my oil service done at my local porsche dealer I asked him what is the deal with the engine failures on the 996. The service manager has been there for years and he said the early 996's had sleeved engines that seemed to cause some failures. He said that mine is just about bullit proof unless you over rev on a down shift. He said the failures are blown way out of proportion. I can tell you, I drive mine hard and it doesn't miss a beat. It feels extremely strong and no weird noises what so ever. I don't know if this answers your question or not, but I will continue to drive it like a porsche.

Mike

 

56K on my motor...RMS "weaps" i will see 3 or 4 drops after a week of sitting and no use...other wise no real leak...Car runs like a champ...changed my coolant tank and keep fresh oil in it...i change mine every 3K even though i use M1 synthetic...

 

+1 *clapping sound*

 

My 996 runs like a champ as well with regular oil and coolant changes.
Is there any good long-term data on the 996 engine after the use of a supercharger?

 

As mentioned RMS results in an oil leak... it's other issues causing the catastrophic failure. I could have sworn I read an article by Total 911 estimating a 5-10% failure for 99-01, with the lower percentage corresponding to later years. 2002 had a lot of improvements, reducing the failure rate significantly... but you still hear of the odd one.

So basically... unless the engine's already been replaced, newer is better on this aspect.