TOUCHY SUBJECT

[Mark Stewart]

Are 993,s prone to catastrophic engine failures that seems to dog the 996. I havent bought my car yet, was going for a 996, but these stories have scared the life out of me. Now looking at 993 even tho its not up to date.... technology wise.

 

[997GT3_KO]

I recently acquired a 993 (always wanted aircooled variety) and my understanding is the ratio of 996s which suffer engine out situations seems much higher than 993s that supposedly has bullet-proof integrity... That seems to be borne out various forums that talk about this matter... Thats what I have read... I am sure 996 owners will have another perspective...

However, 993s are an acquired taste for very reason you have mentioned, they are much old-fashion in feel compared to a 996... It seems that most folks (who dont have presset preferences) start off looking for 993s and end up buying 996s simply cos the latter are from the modern era !

 

[jboult]

Mark,

There are people with far more knowledge/data about this than I, but my independent used to say the 993 engine was bomb-proof. In fact, rather pointedly he said "even you won't damage it". Slightly unfair, although they had done a lot of work on my 944 previously...

Funnily enough I was asking the question for the same reason. I'd started looking at both 993s and 996s and wanted to know about reliability. They said the 993 every time. They tend to have a few oil leaks, but like an old British motorbike that just lets you know it's alive.

As per the previous answer, though, the 993 is a totally different car from the 996 and you'll know immediately whether it's for you when you drive it.

Cheers/John

 

[cobalt911]

I certainly hope so as I rev the nuts off mine ha ha....

 

[FLAT-SIXY]

Most of the horror stories connected to the 996 seem to be based around the 3.4 varient rather than the later 3.6.
But im sure most 3.4's would be fine though, just as long as you have the car inspected independently prior to purchase. With regard to how modern the 993 is, yes it does initialy feel as if you steped back in time. The previous car to my 993 was a 2003,Audi S4, 4.2. So it took me a few week's to get used to it. But to be honest all those things become part of the 993's charm, and it is a very usable car, plus it one fine looking 911. Drive both and see what you can live with.

 

[John Maddox]

Some big mileages on 993's now without bad failures if looked after. Mines done 172k without the lid off and still goes perfectly. A tribute to Porsche engineering.

 

[pse_SC]

It seems that most folks (who dont have presset preferences) start off looking for 993s and end up buying 996s simply cos the latter are from the modern era !

Er, and they often seem cheaper, possibly (i.e. particularly for people buying their first Porsche, a younger car seems more for y'money - not always true[].)

 

[Mark Elder]

Mark,
Please don't select your 911 era on engine failure rate. If you like the 996 model, buy one, if you like the 993, buy one. Which ever you choose the car will be a lot more robust than most alternative vehicles out there.

If you select on criteria like fault-rate you will end up regreting your decision and changing in a few months time.

Good luck on finding a car

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

996 Turbo. Especially if it is going to be a daily driver. Best of both worlds, and you'll find a decent early one cheaper than a good late 993.

Of course, I'm biased! [] []

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Just to set the story straight, the all varieties of 964, all 993s, the 996 GT3/Turbo/GT2 and Gen 1 997 GT3/Turbo/GT2 and the Gen 2 GT3 are all based on the same GT1 engine block design with a true dry sump oil system and are all regarded as tough as old boots.

The C2/C4 996 as well as Boxster/Cayman and Gen 1 997 are all based on a much more economical engine design which has proven through the years to have a penchant for destroying it's RMS and occasionally dropping it's intermediate shaft, the latter at the expense of the entire engine. Regardless of the sheer number of instances, the potential protection afforded by a Porsche warranty is now denied the early variants due to age upping the risk factor considerably. This and only this has to be behind the falling price of these cars. Without doubt, these cars will represent a huge amount of car for a remarkably low price - but not without a significant risk.

The Gen 2 997 cars, with the exception of the GT3, all have the new DFI engine with a completely different crankcase design which (hopefully) increases the reliability of the RMS and completely dispenses with the troublesome intermediate shaft.

If I were in a position to buy a more modern 911 I would agree with what has already been said above and consider the Turbo (or GT3) as the only game in town.

Regards

Dave

 

[sailor]

Good post! Thats it in a nutshell. If you go for a kettle, go for a sporty one.

Otherwise, get a 993.

JohnC
993turbo

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Personally, I think the 996 intermediate shaft is an issue that is blown out of all proportion. Hundreds of thousands of 996s were made, so you have to put it into perspective. I'm not saying it is zero risk, but I don't believe it is as high as is made out. Just my 2p's worth. (My old C2 now has almost 110,000 on the clock and still runs like a train, btw).

Completely o/t but as Maurice says, too early to tell with the 997 DFI engine. I hope they have addressed the problem of Cayenne DFIs requiring a good old-fashioned decoke. Pic from Rennlist.

 

[Shapesman]

The statistics may support your view but it still hurts when a 40000 mile Boxster owned from new has needed 2 engines (intermediate shaft failure) and a RMS.

Bl"”dy thing now on its way to a new home and I will stick with the wonderful 993C2S which has always been reliable and a pleasure to drive.

Good luck with your choice.

Bernard

 

[Pete917]

ORIGINAL: Mark Stewart

Are 993,s prone to catastrophic engine failures that seems to dog the 996. I havent bought my car yet, was going for a 996, but these stories have scared the life out of me. Now looking at 993 even tho its not up to date.... technology wise.

You dont necessarily need modern. Ive been driving an older 911 for years and have had trouble free fun. Any work on the car has been through choice not necessity. Having said that if I were going for modern then it would most likely be a 993.

 

[Porker993]

Just to back up all that's been said above - my 993 has now covered 103,000 miles, I have used it as a daily driver for the last seven years and the engine has never been apart. There is no smoke, very little in the way of oil leaks, and total reliability. I often ask my Indie (Steve Bull) if he has come across any 993 engine issues in 16 years of working on these cars. The answer is always "no". (except from cam cover oil leaks, obviously).

 

[Pete917]

The 993's are undoubtably a good engine!