Bore score

Including the Spyder, GT4, and GT4RS
07turbeaux
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Found a really nice 2006 CaymanS. Seller sent me pics of latest services done at Portland dealer. A scope of cylinders revealed the beginning of the dreaded BORE SCORE. The car has over 100k miles so it makes me nervous. Anyone care to conjecture how long the motor will last if driven 3,000 miles/yr.
Body and interior are real nice thus my interest.
Local High end shop (founded by a tech who apprenticed at Brumos) said they had never seen a Boxter/Cayman that did not have bore score after 50k miles.
Appreciate any input.

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Stormy_Monday
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my previous Boxster, 2006 S, now has over 118K miles and is still going strong. If you're uncomfortable, walk away.
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#2

996C438
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There is absolutely no reason to consider buying a Porsche with known bore scoring UNLESS you can get it super cheap AND you are willing to spend the $$$ to correct the issue . To properly rebuild with Nickasil cylinders , new pistons etc etc you are easily in the 25k to 30k price range . If you can't do the remove/replace of the engine a shop is going to charge 4k to do so . It adds up very quick .

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07turbeaux
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Tw0 posts were spot on
Rebuild shop says $18,900
plus
R&R the motor $4000
The car is super clean and right priced at $15,900 if it had minor issues which it has like rear struts etc but the possibility of catastrophic failure puts the cost of the car at $39000. That is $10k too much. It was the dealer that did the bore score. I cant imagine the customer ordered a bore score check. The stealer knows that Caymans of that vintage and miles will all have bore score.
I can't count all the number of failures I have had with Porsches that i have had over thirty years. That is why my driver is a COrvette. Push start button, engage clutch, shift into gear. Drive as far as you like with no problems. The Cayman is for my winter Casita in AZ. Will get driven very little.
Can someone tell me when Porsche designed the motor correctly. 2007? 2008?

#4

996C438
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I'll be honest with you 18.9 for a rebuild sounds low . Are they using Nickasil cylinders ? Aftermarket pistons with the proper coatings on them ? Forged rods ? All properly weight balanced along with crank and all rotating parts ? Rebuild once to the highest standards or don't bother . Others may have a different opinion .

I have had two engines rebuilt by FSI . Every known issue has been addressed . Cost was about 28k back in 2015 for my 3.6 for my 986S . Cost 3 years ago for my 996 C4 was over 30k for a 3.8 build . Yeah it's crazy money but both engines will outlive me . Costs for excellent quality rebuilds will continue to rise . Shoddy work is everywhere .

Porsche screwed the pooch going away from Nickasil coating . It is expensive and an environmental nightmare . All 986/996/987/997 can suffer from bore scoring . I believe Porsche has finally gone to Sumebore which is superior to nickasil but only a few years ago . And they have had issues with the application process . Other OEM's are using Sumebore now but it is in its infancy .

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