996 40th Anniversary

[highway]

I’ve always liked these. By 2004 MY am I right in thinking bore scoring had been resolved? These cars had the extra radiator with the power kit, I recall reading that this made them a safer bet longevity wise than a C2. Am I right?
Anyone owned one?

[Desert Dragon]

If you use them the M96 and M97 will all bore score. They can be rebuilt better by Hartech other indies. You really need to move to the 997 gen 2 to avoid bore scoring but even these can bore score very occasionally. I'd just buy and build into the price tbh or find one thats had the required rebuild.

[cseven]

I had one 10 years ago, loved it however although I might well be wrong I think the UK cars didn't get the extra rad although the turbo front end provides better cooling.

Ran mine to 60k and no issues.

[delays]

I believe the 40th Anni cars came with the X51 Powerkit - which added different pistons, better oil circulation, better breathing etc.

It’s unclear what impact these changes had on addressing bore score etc, but, it’s a significant set of changes.

The YouTuber Seen Through Glass had one and spent a fortune on repairs - might be worth digging up that video.

[Slippydiff]

delays said:

I believe the 40th Anni cars came with the X51 Powerkit - which added different pistons, better oil circulation, better breathing etc.

It’s unclear what impact these changes had on addressing bore score etc, but, it’s a significant set of changes.

As I understand it, the improvements to oil scavenging (along with the additional radiator) made no difference to the bore scoring issue.
I’m guessing that statistically the limited numbers of the 40th anniversary cars, may make them look like outliers when it comes to the bore scoring issues, but on the basis the M97 engines were equally or more prone to bore scoring, there’s little to suggest that the late production 996’s had any improvements that solved the issue.
As with any M96 engined 996 it’s a case of caveat emptor and ensure you do your due diligence in any prospective purchase.

[Desert Dragon]

There is a beautiful one at 911 Virgin. Current market. Have to be honest may perhaps be a cheap car I'd be marking that up £10k dearer. Its collector quality. Buy the best. I'd have that in heart beat if looking for one and enjoy it. Brilliant cars.

[cseven]

Isn't it the 997 s 3.8 that's most effected? It was all about the IMS when I had mine