Replacement engines? Good, bad, better? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

urban_legend · 09-14-2010, 06:08 PM

I am looking at a 2003 S with a Porsche installed replacement engine. Warranty was two years - which expired in March 2010. About 20K miles on the engine - I was quite surprised of the short warranty...are the engines new, rebuilt?

Will it fail again - or is the second time a charm.

Is it a good deal to buy - my offer will be based on the body mileage - but I think resale may be less as many buyers are scarred off by the engine failure.

Thoughts comments?

davemon · 09-14-2010, 10:02 PM

Edit: My comment assumed some facts, inaccurate.

stephen wilson · 09-15-2010, 02:59 AM

If the engine was replaced in '08, it may have the updated IMS bearing, which MAY improve your odds. ( I hope it does, I own an '06! )

ekam · 09-15-2010, 03:12 AM

If it's from Porsche it should have the latest IMS update which was back in 06.

jcb986 · 09-15-2010, 04:30 AM

I notice guys here think it was a IMS failure. It could been something else, like a timming issue or drop rod. I have a 2000 S with 69K and no issues with my 3.2 motor.

mts · 09-15-2010, 05:02 AM

The car should have the latest IMS and other parts if it was done in 2008. This "should" reduce your chances of a second failure.