I'm in the process of purchasing a 99 Carrera. I know these engines have a intermediate shaft bearing issue. The car I am looking at is fully set up sccca track car which had the issue fixed. I've read some really mixed things about this engine. I know in 2002 then motor was replaced with a 3.6L....should I stay away from this engine?

 

I think you need to do a lot more reading on the subject.

 

. So I had a 99 Carrera, drove it for 9 years up to a total of 87K miles. Never had a problem. Still on the original clutch, just one water pump that blew at 42K miles and new rotors / pads at 68K miles and fresh rubber when needed. Must say though that I sold the car because I did feel that I had been dodging the bullet(s) and I did not longer enjoy the driving thinking that perhaps the next thing was a 15K repair bill. In the selling process, it became apparent that professional sellers would not touch the car with a barge-pole. The engine can and will implode without warning at any time is what I got told by several dealers and sellers. So the price you get is really just crappy. I also hear that the 1999/2000's are actually less prone to that RMS / IMS problem than the 2001/2002 but basically ALL 996's and even some 997's have the same problem. As someone suggested, d some more reading. So, I will not touch any of these cars " with a barge-pole" either. Hope that helps.. Good luck.

 

Porsche Excellence has a great article on this. I believe it's the Dec. 2010 issue.

 

So replace the IMS, whats the big deal?

 

The IMS was replaced and I'm told that should solve the problem. I have done a l ot of reading on this subject that is why I am having this dilemma. This a second owner car where the first owner had it from 1999-2010; I know the owner of the shop that serviced this car and I hope to speak with him tomorrow. The car really looks super clean top to bottom and underneath but my gut is telling me maybe to back off. Hopefully tomorrow I will have more info from the shop.

 

In terms of IMS failure, 1999 - 2000 have faired best: double row IMS. Nonetheless, the 99 996 in question has the "fix" which leaves two considerations: mileage & price point. Given low mileage and the right price point, I would pull the trigger. Good luck.

 

agree 100%...GIT R DONE. After a PPI + service history from the shop, you should hopefully get a "warm-and-fuzzy" about the purchase. Best of luck.

 

PPI being done by the shop that had the car for 10 years prior to its current owner. If everything checks out and I'll be at homestead with it on Saturday. I will keep you posted.

 

I have a 2000 996 and at 87,000 had no problems. Dodged bullet ,not so fast. These engines also have a intermix problem, oil in coolant and coolant in oil. Had to replace engine.

 

Would u believe that the seller and I agreed in writing via email on a price pending a ppi that was scheduled for tomorrow; just now he sends me a txt that he sold the car to another seller for more money. The lawyer in me want to crush him. He is a semi pro gt racer for a pro racing team in florida in a 997 cup car. The car that he agreed to sell me was sponsored by a major national beverage sponsor. After doing some digging on him and going over the several inconsistencies he told me, i have come to the conclusion that he is shady and not to be trusted. Beware!

 

Sounds like a head gasket leak to me. And that can happen to any engine, ever made. Which is why its important to check your oil at least weekly to make sure oil looks good. When the head gasket leaks it will make a frothy milkshake of your oil and is super easy to identify. If you catch it soon enough the engine may be able to continue living. I had the issue with a 700 horse mustang and was able to save the engine. Lesson learned. Only takes once, lol.

 

that sucks, but your perspective is good. Someone who would pull some crap like that is not to be trusted. I wouldn't want a car from him.

 

Just wondering if in the future that this is the smartest move. How objective would the PPI be from the shop that has been servicing the car for the past 10 years? What if they were they type to cut corners here and there? They certainly wouldn't bring that to your attention.

 

Gonzo911 The shop that had the car for 10 years has not had it for the past 2 years. He actually recommended to stay away from the car. He knew that since it left his shop it's been in the hands of several shops. In his opinion that's not good. I agreed. But since ppi would include a compression and leak down test, as well as an oil sample sent out for deposit analysis. I figured it was worth the $250. Either way I got screwed out of car. No worries plenty of cars out there and in the end he will get whats coming to him.