997.1 Ductile Iron cylinder liners

[12dan34]

I'm currently looking at a 2005 3.8 gen 1 that has had all 6 cylinder liners replaced, albeit in 2015 but it's only done apx. 15k miles since and now has a total of 96k miles.

Initially drawn to it for the engine rebuild, I've done a bit of research and according to Hartech, these are not the best liners to use because they don't have as good expansion rates, heat transfer and ultimately poor long term wear rates when compared to the aluminum alloy cylinder plated with Nikasil.

Anyone got any thoughts on this please? Otherwise, overall condition is pretty good and price wise it's about the same as those that haven't had a rebuild, same mileage etc.

Many thanks!

[Grantstown]

If you’ve already sought advice from Hartech, then you probably won’t get anything more informed than that I suspect.

Did you ask how badly this queries the pitch if the worst happens and further engine work is required?

My gut feeling is that you should be looking for a lower than average price here, or walk away. So difficult to truly advise though.

[RiccardoG]

The way I see it is, for two cars with comparable miles, the one with a rebuilt engine will be more desirable than one without. After all, if even we accept that the basic factory design is flawed, its still an engine that runs for many thousand miles across many thousand units produced.

On the assumption that these ductile iron liners are no worse than factory, then I would see that car as a great buy.

Sure, it might not last as long as a Hartech built one (which remains to be shown) but will still last for many years.

Go for it, unless you absolutely must have a Hartech one and then you will be limited on choice.

[james.a.c.911]

would look at who did the rebuild. Some of the reputable shops have different views. Quality of rebuild vary..
Although Hartech may be right (i have no idea), a rebuild from a good shop is better than stock in my view.

[carcrazypop]

I know of at least two reputable Porsche indies who use duc liners with their rebuilds, so I certainly wouldn't discount the car, just find out who did the rebuild and check them out. I'd also check what IMS the car has.
Good luck.

[12dan34]

Thanks for all your replies, the work was done at Cath Burrows in/nr. Wigan

[ArchiesDad]

Not sure on what to advise regards re build, if it were me i wouldn't want a re built one. If it let go afterwards then i'd probably get a Hartech re build using Nikasil liners, FULL on strip down and change the lot ! in my view theres no point changing to the same thing as the scoring will happen again. If what i have been told is correct ? Nikasil bores NEVER EVER Scuff ? These are on the Turbo, GT cars.

when i had mine done the guy who PPI'd it took an Oil sample, he sent it off and got the results in a few days, this formed part of his inspection as well as the bore scope, NO scuffing to report and it got a clean bill of health......

If it's been re built check the IMS has been updated,