Hi gentlemen,

I'm looking at a 2006 base 911. I won't know the build date until I go and look at the drivers door, but I'm hoping for the larger bearing (not sure what month to look for Past June?). I'll be getting a PPI on it and I'll make sure I get a DME report (revs). But saying all that I'm starting to wonder if I should do a bore scope on it? Personally, I'm not sure if the place will let me do it or if it's worth doing since it's a southern vehicle. Sigh... I wish these things weren't so hard to purchase with these damn engines. What's your take?

 

This doesn't answer your question, but I wanted to share my opinion

I drove a base model before I bought the S. For the extra $$$, I would get an S model. I think you will be happier in the long run

 

Thanks for the reply Steben!

Call me nuts, but I have a theory. I believe with very little evidence mind you that the base 3.6 engine has a less chance of grenading then the 3.8. I know it maybe silly to think that way, but I'm actually looking for a base over an "S". Not to mention I'm in the weird camp. I like cars that are slow, but are fast if you know what I mean. I like to wring out the car to the max especially in autocross and I think the base is something I can fully utilize and "S" is too much car and I won't use it.

 

When I was in the market I stayed as far away from the IMS Bearing issue as I could.

It's something that would always be in the back of my mind as I drove. Not the experience I was after!

I would look at a 2007 or better.

I also think you should consider an S. Big difference. You'll like it.

 

The base car is what I prefer, a raw car, smaller 3.6 engine has thicker cylinder walls, less internal mass weight, and revs faster. A few mods to the 3.6,a ecu tune and ipd-with 82mm throttle body,PSE exhaust, and the base will make more power than a stock 3.8 S . My moded 06 3.6l, puts down over 300HP to the wheels. The car is plenty fast for sure.
Put some suspension on it, and your go to go, and run with the best of them.
If you need all the eye candy, go with the s.
Get a inspection, bore scope the cylinders , and have fun!

 

I have murdered a few S models on the highway in my 07 3.6.
This was when I only had PSE+X-pipe.

I now have x51 headers, GT3 brake kit 6/4..350mm



Op, you are very smart for considering the base model. I believe you are the first person I've seen on boards who actually took notice that the 3.8 engines are prone to Scoring!

Even with IMS, I have not seen a SINGLE documented 3.6 motor failure.
You can find dozens of 3.8 failures wether it be Scoring or IMS.




Just think about it. In 2005 Porsche created a 3.8 Flat 6 for the First time in Porsche history.

The 3.6, well... It's been around for decades .







Don't listen to all the 3.8 owners as there are many more c2s owners and c2s cars on the market.



Just my 2 cents !

 

Aren't C2S cars come with 3.8L?

First time i hear 3.6L engine is better than 3.8, if OP prefer a base 3.6L let it be.

 

Scoring

 

Fixed ! lol

 

yes C2S does come with 3.8L.

the 3.6L engine isn't "better" than the 3.8, just certainly more reliable.

 

Thanks for the kind words AP1. And to everyone I just wanted to reiterate that it's just my opinion that the 3.6 engines seem to be less prone to catastrophic failure. I've been lurking on these boards for years and over that time I just notice many more failures happening on the 3.8. Granted there maybe way more 3.8's out there. Just opinion from my research.

So, it sounds like doing a bore scope isn't that needed so I'm going to go through a normal ppi and not worry about it. Hopefully it'll be a good car so wish me luck! Thanks guys!

Ps. Does anyone know the round about build date that the larger bearings were introduced for 2006 models? I'm going to assume sometime after June 2005?

 

Would love to see your dyno sheet pointing out your rwh!?

 

All 2006 models have the larger IMS bearing. The switch was in early MY05 but even for those the build date wont confirm for sure which bearing design was used. For an 05 the only definitive way to verify which bearing design it has is to drop the transmission and inspect the IMS.

For reference though, my 05 C2S had the smaller replaceable IMS bearing and its build date was Oct 04. I upgraded it to an LN single row pro bearing. It is estimated that the bearing design was changed sometime around Feb 05.

 

Thanks a ton for the info! I just got a picture from the dealer and according to the door sticker(black) it's build date appears to be on 11/05 so I should be set. I'm getting a PPI at EuroMotor Cars here in SF. Hopefully all will be good I'm sure I'll be back on here with what the DME reports. Big thanks to everyone here!

 

Do you have any proof of this?

Also, there is more to the S model than a larger/ more powerful engine, including:
-larger, more powerful brakes
-19" standard wheels
-10mm lower ride height
-Bi-Xenon headlights
-sport steering wheel
-quad exhaust tips
-Porsche Active Suspension Management, aka PASM

From Porsche:
CARRERA S: The Carrera S is more of everything you expect from a 911: It’s more powerful. More responsive. More agile. In short, more Porsche. Instantly recognizable by its twin, dual-tube exhausts, the 911 Carrera S has a 3.8-liter flat six engine with 355 horsepower on tap at 6600 rpm and a maximum torque rating of 295 lb.-ft. at 4600 rpm. Sprinting from 0 to 60 requires just 4.6 seconds, while the top track speed is 182 mph (manual transmission model). The chassis on the Carrera S comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and rides 0.39 inches (10 mm) lower than that on the standard 911 Carrera. PASM is an active damping system which automatically adapts to changing road conditions and individual driving styles. With a choice of two damper modes— “Normal” and “Sport”—PASM offers added agility without compromising on safety and comfort. Power is transmitted to the road through a set of 19-inch wheels and tires. The added speed generated by the larger engine is harnessed by a powerful braking system developed for the 911 Turbo. The four-piston calipers have a distinctive red paint finish and come with larger cross-drilled and vented discs. Bi-Xenon headlights are standard, ensuring excellent nighttime visibility at most speeds and in most conditions. Like its 911 Carrera stablemate, the 911 Carrera S has an interior replete with driver-oriented styling cues. Features unique to the 911 Carrera S include a three spoke sports steering wheel, aluminum-colored instrument dials and Aluminum-Look dashboard trim. The letter “S” on the engine cover may be subtle, but the performance of this remarkable sports car is readily apparent from the moment you fire up the ignition with your left hand. The added capabilities offered by the 911 Carrera S enhance the athleticism and driving enjoyment without detracting from the race-bred essence that every Porsche has possessed since the very first Gmünd Coupe rolled out of an Austrian sawmill more thanfive decades ago.
CATTMAN