Any Porsche exec's listening?

[Jeph]

I don't think engine replacement is "normal." Nor do I think the occurrence of this problem is "normal."

Many of you make it seem like it's 50/50 -the car may or may not explode. That's annoying. Debbie Downers...

Mail to:

Porsche Cars North America
Attention: Customer Commitment
980 Hammond Drive, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30328

[Paul]

Air cooled 911s require a lot more regular maintenance than the motors Porsche sells today. Some air cooled 911 owners pull their motors every 15,000 miles to adjust the valves.

Today's motors make more horsepower per cubic inch, get better mileage and in LA actually clean the air.

IIRC, Porsches used to have a 1 year 12,000 mile warranty.

Yesterday's Porsche 911 motors leak oil. Today's owners go ballistic when a rubber seal on the back of the crankshaft allows oil to drip on their garage floor.

I encourage every Porsche owner to do their own maintenance, most of it is very simple. Even the 60,000 986 service is easily doable by anyone handy with basic tools.

Bottom line, we've bought a toy, enjoy it anyway you like, replace it if you break it. If you can find more fun, for less cost or financial risk, buy another toy.

I haven't shifted mine above 7000 yet today, but the wife just asked if we are going to later this evening.....

[ky944s]

Originally Posted by Paul

I encourage every Porsche owner to do their own maintenance, most of it is very simple. Even the 60,000 986 service is easily doable by anyone handy with basic tools.

Bottom line, we've bought a toy,

I do my own maintenance. 60,0000 miles would be great if the engine makes it that far.
A toy? I'm glad you think of it that way. I know it's not an investment but, when you finance or lease $30-$50,000 and for a new one more to me it is no longer a toy.
At the cost of parts (new or rebuilt engine) they should "almost" be bullet proof.

[Paul]

IMO any two seat sports car is a toy.

So how much should a factory provided motor cost in a $50,000 car? I wonder how much a factory supplied motor costs for a Corvette which has a much less sophisticated motor? Remember Porsche ships them with most of the accessories but GM sends a long block that doesn't have the fuel injection, water pump, manifolds, etc.

No Porsche motor has been bullet proof. Cars are an expense, not an investment.

[blinkwatt]

If you guys want to do something about this talk to 996 owners. It seems like the early 3.2L & 3.4L from the 996 all have the same exact design flaws;i.m.s. failures and cracked heads,both resulting in totaled engines. I'd recommend getting receipts and diagnosis from shops together,copy them, mail them all to one party,have them present it to Porsche and I'm sure it will get much more then 'no response' from Porsche.

When I was searching for a 986 S one my main factors was that the mileage couldn't be too low...I was afraid it blowing an engine. Now that I look back on that it's kinda sad(on Porsche's part).

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Paul

IMO any two seat sports car is a toy.

So how much should a factory provided motor cost in a $50,000 car? I wonder how much a factory supplied motor costs for a Corvette which has a much less sophisticated motor? Remember Porsche ships them with most of the accessories but GM sends a long block that doesn't have the fuel injection, water pump, manifolds, etc.

No Porsche motor has been bullet proof. Cars are an expense, not an investment.

3-5K new for a chevy v8. Less for a rebuiltversion.

[Paul]

OK, now lets add (someone can confirm this list that's actually has received a new motor).

Intake manifold
Exhaust manifold
Fuel injection system
MAF
Sending units
Spark plugs, coils, and wires
water pump
front pulley
engine wiring harness
power steering pump
belt idlers, tensioner
shipping from Germany
2 year warranty
Devaluation of the dollar against the Euro
Oil Pan
Motor mounts?
alternator