Looking to pick up a 3.4 coupe with aero kit . I currently own a 03 S boxster with lots of mods. I know lots about the boxster and do lots of work on it myself. I was going to sell it and get a newer boxster but decided to keep it and pick up a 3.4 carrera in the 20 to 25 grand range. I would like to know if their is anything in particular with the carrera 3.4 I should know. I have been looking over the 996 forums and it seems like the same crap that the boxsters have. I know alot of people are going to say get a 3.6 but they do cost more and i really like the earlier aero kit looks. any suggestions ?

 

Try to get one with a rebuilt engine. There was one a few days ago on renntech bored to a 3.8 and retroffited cylinder sleves by LN, great deal.

 

obviously get a ppi from someone good, bill at eurotech in framingham is excellent

 

I believe like you said its mostly the same stuff... IMS, RMS...blah blah blah. you know the drill. Welcome to the world of the 911!

 

after 3 986 boxsters i am really getting the itch for a 996 carrera 2 coupe . my research says that the 3.4 is the most troublesome of all the M96 engines. anybody care to comment on their experiences with the earlier 996 cars. i am a big fan of the aero kit equipped cars.

 

I have a 99 996 6 speed with factory aero kit and 57K. No problems yet, no RMS leaks, IMS bearing will get replaced when clutch is done. I might be in the minority but so far so good.

 

if everyone that had zero ims or rms issues posted accordingly on the internet i doubt people would think its such a big problem, a lot of 996 were made, they had some issues but its def been blown a little out of proportion...in reality only 27% of p'cars engine fail

 

I have a 2000 Cab with about 57K on it now. I had an RMS leak around 45K miles so had the clutch and IMS retrofit done at the same time. It is silver, boxster red (terracotta) interior with factory aero, carbon package, GT3 wheels, H&R springs (sits perfectly great ride). Used to be owned by the owner of Rennline so it has the alum pedals, track mats, fire extinguisher upgrades that they sell. It was the car they used in their marketing materials.

 

Here's a recent photo of it...

Oh yea, to answer your question. No other problems. IMS retro was just preventive and peace of mind.

 

I think the MK I 996 with an aero kit is one of the best looking of the 996 variants. If you are familiar with Boxsters and with Porsche ownership in general, then you know what to look for. Get a good PPI. A car with a new engine or one that has already had a new ceramic IMS upgraded bearing installed would be a good find.

 

don , your car is sweet dude. my box. is artic with red . that in a coupe would be awesome . I also think the whole RMS IMS thing is blown way out of proportion they sold 10s of thousands of these cars. I got A PPI on my latest boxster so far it has been a great car.my first box. had a rms leak and my 2nd had a 3.6 in it and had all kinds of electrical issues.
if your car does not have the latest RMS seal it will most likely leak at some point. IMS , i think is a rare thing but if it happens to you then you know the out come, drop the dough when you get your clutch and your good. what kind of nagging issues do you guys have with the 3.4 ?
It seems like the mods are similar between the box. and carrera , Row m030 , 997 shifter , exhaust , intake anything else ?

 

Thanks!