996 3.4 VS 3.6 Tiptronic - reliability vs capability
Discussion
Hi guys - connundrum for you.
The 3.4 engine (circa 2000) is generally considered the more reliable engine in so much as no borescoring, especially if low temp thermostat, long journeys etc. The 3.6 however gets a worse cooling solution overall and add that to the change in capacity and there is an increased likelyhood of bore scoring (again, possibly mitigated by LTT and driving habits).
On it's own that piece of info wouldn't swing my purchase much but i might lean to the 3.4; but i'm looking at tiptronics.
The tiptronic in the 2002 is signficantly better, having more adaptability (250 modes) and being a little more rugged. The slight increase in torque also helps the tiptronic feel more useable (to my butt dyno anyway). However you can only get that on the 2002 on 3.6's.
Tiptronics are believed to have a higher bore scoring failure rate because they run lower revs (pumping less coolant) and are often chosen for driving in traffic; again, higher temps. Add these higher temps to a 3.6 and i am guessing i am increasing the risk of bore scoring again over a manual?
So what would you do? Go with the lower risk (if not as adaptable/driveable) 3.4 tiptronic or go for the 3.6 and cross your fingers?
The 3.4 engine (circa 2000) is generally considered the more reliable engine in so much as no borescoring, especially if low temp thermostat, long journeys etc. The 3.6 however gets a worse cooling solution overall and add that to the change in capacity and there is an increased likelyhood of bore scoring (again, possibly mitigated by LTT and driving habits).
On it's own that piece of info wouldn't swing my purchase much but i might lean to the 3.4; but i'm looking at tiptronics.
The tiptronic in the 2002 is signficantly better, having more adaptability (250 modes) and being a little more rugged. The slight increase in torque also helps the tiptronic feel more useable (to my butt dyno anyway). However you can only get that on the 2002 on 3.6's.
Tiptronics are believed to have a higher bore scoring failure rate because they run lower revs (pumping less coolant) and are often chosen for driving in traffic; again, higher temps. Add these higher temps to a 3.6 and i am guessing i am increasing the risk of bore scoring again over a manual?
So what would you do? Go with the lower risk (if not as adaptable/driveable) 3.4 tiptronic or go for the 3.6 and cross your fingers?
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