I need your help!

Okay, so my 3.4 996 c2 has close to 90k miles. Running strong, and has never had anything other than basic maintenance and service. This is my DD. However, things are rattling here and there, and the day it dies, I am stripping it and racing it (under condition that I have the $).

I have a friend (who knows what he is doing) that just picked up a 3.6 w/ 21,000 miles. He said he can get it into my 996 for $4000.

QUESTION IS: What should I do, I've been entertaining all these ideas and don't know what to do.

(1) Should I swap it, then sell my engine? If so, how much should I expect from a 3.4 with 90k miles?

(2) Should I keep my DD (as it is), and buy a 911 (or boxster) shell and drop the 3.6 in it? If so, what shell?

(3) Should I swap the 3.6 into my c2, and with the remaining 3.4 drop it into another 911 (or boxster) shell?

(4) Do nothing, and be wise about the cash that already isn't superfluous.

Thanks in advance!

 

Here's my comments:

1. The dealership gave me a $3,000 credit on my engine with intermediate shaft problem when I got my engine replaced with a brand new one. That may give you an insight.

2. Yes and buy another 911 shell that previously have a 3.6 engine in it. This will make things easier because swapping a 3.4 to 3.6 is not as simple if you want to do it the right way. There's several components you have to update and change as well which will cost you more $$$.

3. I wouldn't do this UNLESS your willing to pay extra dough to have it done the right way and upgrade every component that matters.

4. Well, if your 996 dies you have to do something UNLESS you have other cars to use and just leave this unoperational.

I'm against used engines because of the unknown. You won't know if there's hidden problems with it and no warranties as well. So if it's in your consideration to spend a little extra, spend it on a fresh of the crate 996 engine with updated components. If your concerned about warranty I would do it through a stealership. This way you'll have both PARTS and LABOR warranty for two years with unlimited miles. I also was able to talk them down from $20,000 to $15,000 out the door price. Some shops may say that they will "warranty" the engine but it maybe just parts warranty, you still need to pay them to tare the engine open, fix the problem and put the engine back together which is typically mooore expensive than the part. Consider yourself warned.

I am happy that I did it through the dealership. My new engine started leaking oil after 10,000 miles and all I did is brought it to the dealership. They are now fixing it through warranty. They ended up removing the transmission as well and bring the engine down because the issue is within an internal part of the engine. Imagine if this happens to a new engine there will be greater chances on a used engine. Also, imagine how much dough you'll have to pay to get this fixed if there's no warranty. I hope this can guide you with your decision.

 

Swapping engines is not that easy. Most of the conversions end up costing more than expected.

Tough call. My engine blew at 108k... 3 months ago. I did have a 3.4 rebuilt, after considering having an upgrade to 3.6. But I did not have a friend that would claim to do the conversion for $4,000. IF your friend can do it for that money, go ahead what the heck.

 

^ thanks for the advice guys, reps!!

 

wow, you must be talking about the engine I just posted. didn't see this before hand. are you sure he picked up or is he going to pick it up if you buy it?

 

If I were to change the engine I would go for more than just a newer carrera engine, considering the high costs involved. Go for a dry-sump engine at that point, such as turbo, GT3, or GT2, especially if you want to go racing.