996 3.4 engine changes / dates

[rival38]

I have it mind that up to about march 2000 the 3.4 engine had dual a row IMS bearing and a tougher piston coating. Still fallible I know, and not the only worries either. But is there a way of finding out what a car first registered at about this time actually had in the engine when new ?

[rival38]

Thanks all, what I though really - no way to be sure with the 2000 registrations. The car with the green interior (which I dislike) has apparently had a recent clutch and IMS bearing replacement which perhaps goes some way to justifying the price? but I have not viewed it.

Another `dead cert` is this one, which I think is very pretty.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...


But £20k? hmmm. I dont think its for me at that price!

I am not even convinced the lower mile cars are any safer anyway. Leaning towards the 75-85k mile bracket with good history. A fair proportion of the 2000/2001 cars I have enquired about have had either new heads or a complete new engine under warranty, some as recently as 2008. If I can find one at the right price which has been well cared for I don`t think its worth being too hung up about it not being `pre 2000`.

Edited by rival38 on Thursday 11th February 17:51

Edited by rival38 on Thursday 11th February 17:55

[rival38]

in the end i went for an 80k 2001 from a private seller. clockwork maintenance record, low owners, new (flawed) engine & clutch at 40k huge file of invoices and fascinating letters to and from OPC regarding incurable RMS leak. seems the crank case manufacture was poor and the RMS could not be made to fit. Eventualy, the owner,after involving his solicitor, got a fresh engine under extended warranty. its a plain c2, no aerokit and no sunroof, but full interior leather in amazing condition. inspection highlighted some minor issues, deal struck accordingly and fettling at indy underway, including precautionary water pump & low temp thermostat.

[rival38]

@Griffter - sure, nothing really major but as you know it adds up. A weeping engine mount, brake disks getting worn and rear faces corroded beyond surface rust, a dmaged/ crushed a/c pipe (but system still working)incorrect rear indicator bulbs, and rusty exhaust fittings. The low temp thermostat was my initiative, like yours my indy was sceptical of the benefit for a 3.4, but agreed it could be a help and would do no harm. Easy and cheap to do if changing the pump as a precaution.