Advice on 987 3.4 engines

Halcyon_Days · Jul 16, 2015

I've been looking around at varies Porsches - but a salesman at a non-franchise advised me to "steer clear" of the 3.4Ltr engined 987s as they suffer from bore-scoring and this is an "Almost certain" fault, rather than "Probably won't happen IMS issue.." and even "Warranty companies won't even cover the 3.4..." (His wording)
This all worried me somewhat, as you can imagine! Unfortunately, my budget doesn't run (Or jog, or even walk!) to a 981, but are the 987.2 3.4 (DFI) engines similarly affected? Or is the bore-scoring issue a bit of sales scaremongery?

Many thanks in advance from a future Porsche owner!

Motorhead · Jul 16, 2015

Rob,

If you trawl through the internet you'll find plenty of pages on RMS/IMS issues and bore scoring/D-chunking. I'm not saying that there haven't been instances of these events occuring but I think that the issues have in general been overplayed. Inevitably, those who've been affected are the ones to complain but the overwhelming number of owners haven't experienced any problems.

All I would say is that if you can afford it, I would go for a car with the later Gen2 DFI engine in which the IMS has been eliminated and the Alusil method has been used for the bores rather than the Lokasil process which was used on the Gen1 engines. I'm not aware of any bore scoring issues with Gen2 engines.

Jeff

Halcyon_Days · Jul 16, 2015

Thanks Jeff,
I think that I'll minimise the risk, pauper myself and go for the 987.2

Bwye_P · Jul 17, 2015

Hi, I bought a 987 Gen2 3.4 PDK at the end of April and I love it!! Not heard or had any issues. I took it down to Le mans three days after buying it and it proved its worth!! Brilliant gearbox. It still makes me smile every time I accelerate!! Highly recommend them. Any car can go wrong no matter what make or model. Just do your homework on the one you want to buy, full Service history (dealer preferable) etc and I'm sure you can't go too far wrong.
Good luck and happy motoring

Phil

Gordon Attar · Jul 17, 2015

IMS bearing upgraded finally in 2006.
Bore scoring a 2% possibility in 3.4 engine. Had to do mine in a 2007 car at 60k it was covered by the WMS one year renewable warranty with £5k per claim cover.

RB1 · Jul 17, 2015

When I was looking last year a good friend of mine who knew alot about Boxsters suggested to go for a Gen II model for full peace of mind because of the redesigned engine which should eliminate the known issues (abeit rare issues). I ended up with a Gen II 3.4 S PDK and paid a bit more from a Porsche centre for the 2 year warranty. It's a hard car to beat if you are looking for a roadster and so far no major faults although my mileage is very low on mine. Any minor issues (such as roof not sitting in the channels) have been attended to under warranty.

I have considered upgrading to the 981 but can't find a major reason to spend more at the moment.

Dylan1 · Jul 17, 2015

Bore scoring definately NOT scaremongering
at 34k miles my gen1 2007 was gulping oil and needed total rebuild(thankfully under porsvhe warranty)
cost close to. £10k
go for a gen 2 DFI engine
enjoy

Halcyon_Days · Jul 20, 2015

Ok, so if I understand correctly, a 2007 gen 1 shouldn't have IMS issues, but may have scoring issues, whereas a gen 2 shouldn't get either of these problems?
I'm not expecting Honda reliability (Or insert worthy manufacture here!) But I would like to get something I can drive!

Many thanks for all of your responses

chrishak · Jul 20, 2015

Bwye986 said:
Hi, I bought a 987 Gen2 3.4 PDK at the end of April and I love it!! Not heard or had any issues. I took it down to Le mans three days after buying it and it proved its worth!! Brilliant gearbox. It still makes me smile every time I accelerate!! Highly recommend them. Any car can go wrong no matter what make or model. Just do your homework on the one you want to buy, full Service history (dealer preferable) etc and I'm sure you can't go too far wrong.
Good luck and happy motoring
Phil

You need to get your status changed Phil, from 'Guest of the Club' to 'Stalwart of the Club'. Have a word with Geoff.
Sage words by the way...