[thstone]

Seems like the OP had a good point in that the GT3 engine doesn't have the same design issues as the M96 engine and therefore might be a better replacement option - especially if the GT3 engine prices are dropping into the $16,500 range (including installation).

Agree completely that you need to do your homework on any engine replacement and have confidence in who does the work for an upgrade like this but as all of our engines tick off the miles (mine just passed 90K), I feel that the more options available, the better!