996 Preventative Options - opinions

[bqf]

Folks
Totally understand that there are a few threads on the RMS/IMS problem already, but wanted some direct opinions from owners who have had preventative work done.

I have a 2000 3.4 996 Cab which I love - it's only done 36,000 miles and is in A1 condition. I love it and can't see myself selling, but I am a bit nervous about the engine going bang.

Two questions:

1. Has anyone had the preventative work done at Autofarm - can I have your views on the experience?
2. Is it worth increasing the engine capacity to 3.7 litres - and more specifically, what does this do the driving experience - is it worth doing?

I plan on running the car over summer and then having some work done over the winter period.

Thanks

[thegoose]

There seems to be some contradiction in what you're saying - you're nervous about using your car, yet you're planning on using over summer and not doing any work until winter (assuming it hasn't blown up in the meantime).

Anyway, that aside, I'd suggest looking at what Hartech can do for you too - www.hartech.org

[bqf]

thegoose said:

There seems to be some contradiction in what you're saying - you're nervous about using your car, yet you're planning on using over summer and not doing any work until winter (assuming it hasn't blown up in the meantime).

Anyway, that aside, I'd suggest looking at what Hartech can do for you too - www.hartech.org

No contradiction, I just can't afford any work on the car until Winter.

Any owners who have had the work done able to comment? I have looked at the Autofarm site and it looks interesting, just want to see if it makes a genuine difference in terms of A peace of mind and B performance...

[Vron]

bqf said:

Folks
Totally understand that there are a few threads on the RMS/IMS problem already, but wanted some direct opinions from owners who have had preventative work done.

I have a 2000 3.4 996 Cab which I love - it's only done 36,000 miles and is in A1 condition. I love it and can't see myself selling, but I am a bit nervous about the engine going bang.

Two questions:

1. Has anyone had the preventative work done at Autofarm - can I have your views on the experience?
2. Is it worth increasing the engine capacity to 3.7 litres - and more specifically, what does this do the driving experience - is it worth doing?

I plan on running the car over summer and then having some work done over the winter period.

Thanks

Mines a 2000 and has only done 54K - always been dry as a bone underneath. Why worry?

The problem with the internet is that people will take the time to write a post about a negative experience rather than a mundane post that their car is 11 years old and is running just fine.

I personally know two people with manual 997's both bought from OPC that have had a clutch go bang and a cylinder head crack (Porsche contributed 5K of the 10K bill for that), the former saying he will never buy a manual Porsche again as he never had any trouble with his 996 Tip that he owned prior.

Any mention of an old 996 and people start having a cold sweat!

[rhkumar]

You could look at having the IMS Guardian fitted as an early warning system. Wrightune sell and fit it. Thx

[AndyT955]

Early 996's that have been well looked after, have to be the best bargain going 60K plus new now 12K-14K will get you a good one. Mines with Hartech and had very little go wrong only minor stuff and if something big goes Hartech will pick up the lion's share of the bill.

Just buy one and enjoy it, you probably need to budget 1-2k a year maintaining it but youre at the end of the depreciation curve so I think it really is a lot of fun for not a lot of money !

[JNG1]

I'm totally with what Andy has posted. The forums are full of tales of woe about blown 996 and 997 engines. Of course this can happen, although all of the Porsche mechanics I have have spoken to say they have seen very few cases of this happening.

I think it's a case of Porsches these days being within reach of people who would never have conceived of owning one (considering the intial outlay) and being totally terriefied of the potential running costs.

Bear in mind - rare though problems with these cars may be, when it comes to repairs, the running and repair costs are those of a £60-110k car, not of a car of £10-30k car which is what you will frequently pay for used 996/7.

[mollytherocker]

I reckon the best way forward is get it on a maintenance plan like Hartechs. It limits your potential liability to something more manageable.

Then enjoy!

MTR

[JNG1]

yeah but they're in Bolton aren't they. I'll never like my P enough to go to Bolton

Enjoy

[mollytherocker]

JNG1 said:

yeah but they're in Bolton aren't they. I'll never like my P enough to go to Bolton

Enjoy

How very dare you.

MTR

[Terminator X]

Vron said:

Mines a 2000 and has only done 54K - always been dry as a bone underneath. Why worry?

This, keep calm & carry on. I have a 3.4 996 & spend exactly no time worrying about it.

TX.

[dom9]

bqf said:

Two questions:

1. Has anyone had the preventative work done at Autofarm - can I have your views on the experience?
2. Is it worth increasing the engine capacity to 3.7 litres - and more specifically, what does this do the driving experience - is it worth doing?

1. Autofarm look after my car and it has been in storage at their facility for the last couple of years. They are great guys and built it for me (trackday 3.4 996). However, they have not done any remedial work on the engine (except manifolds etc) as my car is on 82k and the IMS seems to be holding out. If I had to have a new clutch, I would probably be tempted...

2.I have driven the Autofarm 3.7 Cayman. Now, in all honesty, it didn't feel as quick as my car, though mine is probably a bit lighter. It did, however, make the most amazing noise! To qualify the 'feeling quicker' - something had happened with the manifolds and cats that had been on the car and to get it running again, in the interim, they put the original, factory stuff back on. The car was obviously not running a map that suited them and I can see that it might therefore not be at its best. All reviews that I have read have claimed it does feel siginificantly more powerful, though it is expensive. However, if I was going to have an engine refresh or if I needed a rebuild and I was spending all that money anyway - I would plan on keeping the car even longer and have the 3.7 upgrade as it isn't that much more.