Porsche 996 Hartech Engine - Episode 5: Collection, First Impressions, Costs, Dyno results

In this video we collect my 996 complete with its finished 3.7 engine, drive it 200 miles home and discuss next steps in the Hartech process, and then look at the dyno figures and costs plus at the end of the video is a slide show of all the pictures Hartech took during the build process.

[@davidchan6265]

I’ve been considering a V8 for my 996 with intermix. Your videos have definitely made me reconsider, I’ve been researching the Slakker (no Hartech in us) 3.7 build. Similar pricing but that flat six sound is something I don’t want to give up.

[@leeevernden]

Absolutely, the m96 has a great character and makes some lovely noises. Definitely worth consideration.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Just check StreetBandido green Porsche from a few days ago. The crate racing engines you can buy in USA with warranty are absolutely mind blowing.

[@billymania11]

I'm tired of seeing old Porsche's stripped down to the shell and then put back together. The soul has been lost in the process. With your car, it was still intact. They just refitted the engine and put it back on the road. Your smile at the first heavy throttle was was amusing. We all could feel the new-found power.

[@leeevernden]

That’s it. It’s about enhancing what’s already there, and making it ready to enjoy for the next 10 years or more.

[@davekizerian]

Thanks for the video! I own a 996 with 174,000 miles… just spent $10k last year on finding an intermittent misfire/idle issue… wish I’d been able to save that towards a hartech build…. Enjoy the drive!

[@leeevernden]

Thanks Dave, what was the issue with your car in the end? Did you have to replace lots of parts?

[@Huh-jx8kd]

What did the issue end up being?

[@davekizerian]

⁠@@leeevernden just saw this…. Unfortunately there was no smoking gun on the issue… we ended up replacing tons of sensors, vacuum lines, DME, unpinned and repinned many of the electrical connectors and more…. We think it was the combination of a bunch of things, and some deferred maintenance in a high mileage car…

[@scotdoc]

Money well spent. Great examples of this model like yours are only going to increase in value in future. Look at the once-hated and derided 964 now.

[@leeevernden]

Agreed.

[@A7Dave777]

Perfect description of the OEM engine - as I have described it to friends. My 2000 996 C2 is a fabulous car, but the first time I got the revs around 5000, it felt like a completely different car. Just brilliant. That's when I understood the beauty of this Porsche. Nonetheless, I absolutely understand everything you discuss in this video. I do wish I had an engine with more torque in lower RPMs and I wish I had tighter shifter like the kit available from Numeric. Wish I had your seats, but only have the standards in mine. If mine ever develops bore scoring or some major problems, I'll have a conversion done similar from a company in the States like Jake Raby's group. Thanks for the video.

[@leeevernden]

Thanks for your comment, interestingly someone drove my car the other day who has driven several 3.4s and 3.6s before and he said that the 3.4 is all about the top end, and the later 3.6 is all about the mid range. With the 3.7 and the tune, you get the best of both worlds - strong mid range and top end. A very nice way of putting it I thought.

[@davidthegolfer]

Well done Lee. You have managed this evolution of your car and made it very interesting and informative. I’m looking forward to the conclusion and JayEmm’s review. I hope you are very happy with the car and that you have a great life together. I bought a new 992 and I have been tempted to buy an older car and go through a complete revival to “save” another. It’s more likely now you have done this with Hartech. Thank you. David

[@leeevernden]

Thank you David. I have a couple more performance comparison videos in the works and then the inclusion will hopefully come later this year. Jayemms video is already live. Yeah I have to say Hartech are probably the best company I have ever dealt with, they really know their stuff. And I really do think it's worth a few more of the older water cooled cars being saved, the early ones feel pretty special.

[@gmund317]

I had a 3.6 conversion done by Jake Raby/Flat6 Innovations here in the US about 10 years ago. The cost was high, but the satisfaction is priceless. I highly recommend you upgrade your suspension...you won't be disappointed.

[@leeevernden]

Yeah for now I'm refreshing the suspension but one day I want to get round to setting it up properly. There is so much choice in that area and I've heard so much good and bad for the different setups, needs proper research. What have you gone for?

[@91LX50Mike]

Man that sounds awesome…..great job Hartech….

[@leeevernden]

agreed 🙂

[@spyder_man]

Nice one Lee, id be pleased with that. Wasnt expecting a bill that big, have to be honest. Fairplay to you, she is a keeper.

[@leeevernden]

I didn't expect it originally but I kept adding more jobs to the list, it's painful now but it means the car won't need very much at all for years to come so it makes sense in the long run. Anyway she's definitely a keeper now! Very happy with the results so far.

[@mattdedasc]

Very good video. Hartech is the way to go for these cars

[@leeevernden]

Absolutely, couldn't agree more!

[@TobyD]

Well done Lee, another great & informative video. Glad you really enjoy the end result. I can already see the extra torque just from the clip of acceleration. Looks fantastic 👍

[@leeevernden]

cheers Toby, yes it feels fantastic!

[@stephenauty2402]

996 C2's will for sure be the one to have now and in the future , they're already at a similar price point to 997's , personally I think this is a great way to deal with a worn out tired engine, yes it's big money but what else will drive like this. A Turbo doesn't , I have one, it's more like a GT , C2's a re a good bit lighter and with this engine , suspension and brakes will make an incredibly special car. I'd only do it on a very good body shell with good interior and a special colour.

[@leeevernden]

Yes that's the idea - a lightweight sports car without much compromise in other areas, I'm sure there are plenty of Caymans that drive like this but I needed the extra seats, plus a 911 is just cooler.

[@kevinneary2283]

Engine sounds amazing

[@leeevernden]

agreed 🙂

[@ett_baer]

Puff of blue smoke on startup is pretty standard on a lot of flat 6 engines, might not go away after bedding in but it's normal.

[@leeevernden]

Even my worn old engine didn't smoke so I sincerely hope this one doesn't. Hartech certainly told me it won't.

[@ett_baer]

@@leeevernden It's a normal thing on flat 6 cars. When the engine is off, due to the flat design of the engine, a miniscule amount of oil seeps past the pistons as the different parts of the engine cool and contract (IE, the pistons contract before the cylinder does). It's not on every startup, depends how the car is driven before shutdown usually (IE if it's driven hard before shutdown). This is what's burnt off on the next startup, but it's such a tiny amount it is accounted for in oil change intervals, it's not anything to worry about. It's not a problem, it's just the design. And it's not just Porsches, any flat 6 can encounter this (Maserati, Subaru, Chevy etc etc). Nothing to do with wear, so don't worry!

[@leeevernden]

@@ett_baer Oh I see, thanks for clarifying. In that case even if it does I'll never notice 🙂

[@sidewayssam]

Semi solid engine mounts is what you need. Transforms the gear change

[@Carrera-gp9od]

Wow ! I must admit I’m really stunned by that figure ! £22 grand , that’s more than the cars worth . However if your going to keep the car it would be nice knowing you have a better than new 996 . I hope you enjoy the car for years to come 👍🏻

[@leeevernden]

Its a big figure for sure but I'll get over the price, what I won't ever get over is how good the car is, as you say keeping the car long term is the key to making it all worthwhile.

[@DanDan-hj2pp]

Go and try and buy one that's had all that work done with proper evidence of it all carried out

[@sidewayssam]

I have a turbo, and spent 16k. At twenty years old, you need a big budget

[@DanDan-hj2pp]

Good luck mate I have a 997 4s and I payed a local company last year to do a two cylinders rebuild and it failed and the chaps at harteck saved the day thanks Lee grant Tobias 👍 to all out there iron liners do not work on the 3.8 open deck long term

[@leeevernden]

Yes it seems I had 6 steel liners and that lasted a good few years longer than yours but ultimately here I am fixing it. Hartech have definitely done a proper job on this one, feels great as I imagine yours does too.

[@DanDan-hj2pp]

Iam still working on getting it back together Saturday project 👍 all the best from Paisley

[@computerhelpcc]

Shift Right mechanicals are solid next step. A comparison review of your 911 Hartech vs a 996 Turbo and a 997 S (3.8 L), would be quite interesting. Perhaps Jay Emm, The Car Guys, or other reviewers could help or you let them review yours

[@leeevernden]

What's 'Shift Right mechanicals'? I'm still on the hunt for a 997C2S for comparison, doesn't appear to be many around willing to participate. JayEmm video was shot back in May, due for release any day now.

[@rehanqureshi9253]

Congratulations Lee. Looks like you are in for some great fun. On a separate note, suggest to hide your personal details (like your address and other details) in the video if you can . Have been stung recently so thought I'd mention. Have fun and thanks for giving us a full detail.

[@leeevernden]

I thought I edited my details out? Can you tell me where you can see that please and I'll fix it. many thanks for letting me know!

[@rehanqureshi9253]

@@leeevernden start at the folder when you’re going through the performance figures before and after tuning. Top left corner you can see the address. Hope that helps

[@leeevernden]

@@rehanqureshi9253 Phew, that's the tuners business address so that's all good. I was worried for a second as the first cut of the video did have my details in which is why it cuts to screenshots at one point. Thanks for flagging though mate, appreciate it.

[@rodlewis4205]

Glad your happy I felt exactly the same the torque is incredible mine is a different car

[@leeevernden]

Cheers Rod, and yeah same here, different car.

[@corychecketts]

Even with the engine rebuild and the price of purchasing the car, it’s a deal. Look at what equivalent air-cooled cars and 991s go for, and a 3.8 996 looks like a steal.

[@leeevernden]

Agree, I saw a lovely 993 c2 manual the other day for sale and it was £65k!

[@pulaskicondoassociation6799]

I had a shop in California do 3.8 conversion. Love it !

[@leeevernden]

Nice, big engine small car is always a good combo!

[@DanDan-hj2pp]

Lee I would have loved to go down the bored out 4.1 would love a before and after on that one

[@leeevernden]

Yes that would be quite a difference!

[@stefanpool1986]

Hi Lee, thank you very much for these episodes. I really appreciate the work and money you invest in the 996. I personally believe, probably because i also own one, it’s worth every penny when your intention is to keep the car for a while en enjoy every mile. Just one question, I’m sorry if I overlooked: did the rebuild fix the rattling noise, and more important: what was the suspected issue? Kind regards, and enjoy your lovely 996

[@leeevernden]

Thanks Stefan, the rebuild did indeed fix all nasty noises coming from the engine. Upon inspection, Hartech found the engine had 1 new piston and 5 old ones, also on one side of the engine there was an unusual amount of small end bearing wear, this was the prime suspect for the knocking noise. Can't be 100% sure that was the issue but a lot of the engine internals were replaced and all the nasty noises are gone.

[@stefanpool1986]

Thank you for your detailed reaction. Was quite surprised that the Nikasil replacement already been done. Most of the times when there’s a knocking noise (in your first episode) the first reaction is bore scoring. That’s not always the case if I’m correct. Very useful info indeed. Thank you Lee. Regards

[@tomthompson7400]

first class job ,,, but at that price so it should be , if it needed the cylinders swapped too it may have been a close call as to what to do with it ,, but the upgraded curves are mighty too.

[@marcusgeorge9140]

Interesting vids glad it’s all done and you’re happy , shocked at the cost though, it’s almost put me off buying one tbh, I couldn’t justify that repair should it happen …. I’ll keep saving for a while longer

[@leeevernden]

cheers Marcus, and yes I'm very happy with the results. I think a straight bells and whistles rebuild with Hartech minus a capacity conversion and anything else is £10k-£12k. The trouble is though that there are so many bits that are much easier to tackle whilst you're in there. Plus my particular car had built up quite a 'maintenance debt' from the previous owner who was far from proactive, and I'm really fussy so just had to keep adding stuff on.

[@albert986s]

Hi Lee, I'm thinking to do this to my track car, and I have a question about the clutch. Did you got a performance clutch kit to handle the extra torque or the stock one can handle it? Thanks!

[@leeevernden]

I do believe I have an OEM spec dual mass kit. So no upgrade on my car as yet. Already starting to think about other setups though, I'll look into a solid state setup next I think, that should make a big difference to acceleration.

[@albert986s]

@@leeevernden Thanks for the response! A cheaper way to gain some power and acceleration is uprgading the plenum and TB with larger ones. I did it on my 3.2 and after a tune is noticeable.

[@leeevernden]

@@albert986s Yeah I did consider that at the time of the engine work but I had to draw the line somewhere as costs were spiralling, and that's where the line was! Something to think about for the future though.

[@justalf]

Hi Lee - thanks for the videos - how have you found the general oil consumption? Over the last couple of months.... are you needing to top up at all?

[@leeevernden]

Thanks! And no, it uses next to no oil at all, not having to top up.

[@sureshot8399]

I love my 996, and understand wanting to improve it....but....I wouldn't be surprised if, for the money spent on the rebuild and initial purchase price of the car, you wouldn't be far off the cost of a 997 Carrera or a 996 Turbo. I doubt this car will ever be worth what was put into it and it's probable that buying the Turbo in particular would have provided a better driving result and better investment. I've never driven the Turbo, so couldn't really say, but it's a lot of cash to sink into a 996. Interesting video though.

[@leeevernden]

Hi, thanks for your comment. I hear this a lot, but that just isn't how I go about cars. When I was looking for a 911, there was nothing stopping me buying a 996 Turbo or a 997 Carrera - I just preferred the 996.1 c2. I'm not alone in that either, the turbo for example is a very different car being a lot heavier, 4wd, more complicated to maintain over time etc, and the 997 is just one step closer to a modern 911 driving experience, and I wanted something truly analogue which the early 996s are - in that respect I see these as unique in the 911 marketplace and worthy of all this work for no other reason than the enjoyment the car provides me. The money I've spent is basically all the maintenance and upgrades the car should need for a long time to come, the difference is that I've just done it all up front rather than spreading the works over a number of years. I don't expect to recover the costs when I sell the car no more than the average person expects to recover the maintenance/upgrade costs of a car they've ran for 8, 9, 10 years.

[@micdev42]

Really interesting. I What happens about the IMS bearing? Is the Hartech solution - whatever that is - good for the life of the car? Or does it require periodic replacement?

[@leeevernden]

Hartech solution is what Porsche did in the end which is to fit a larger IMS shaft, plus a larger bearing of course. As newer Porsches no longer suffer IMS issues it looks like it's good for the life of the engine.

[@bradjepson7022]

Very nice, but that's coming in at 996 turbo money. No doubt a turbo would also be very expensive to maintain.

[@leeevernden]

Well this is it. I could buy a turbo but then I'd want to do something equally nuts with that. Turbos are a different beast and whilst I can appreciate them they don't float my boat like a 996.1 c2 does.

[@bradjepson7022]

If you hold on to it for 10 years you will get your money back. 996s will do the same as 993 values and it's modern car quick with the extra power.

[@leeevernden]

@@bradjepson7022 I agree, certainly the longer I hold onto it the more sense it makes.

[@maxmeier532]

@@bradjepson7022 That's reaching. 993 were build in way lower numbers and 996 have already increased in value probably close to 2-fold over the last couple years. A lot of the increased value is people just speculating on the prices increasing further, not really the true demand for it. It's not quite probable that over 10 years his 996 will be valued at 50 grand plus inflation adjustment, so really it would have to sell for around 60 grand. I doubt it!

[@nicholasjustinmiller]

Is that 350hp at the wheels or flywheel? Maybe I missed that in the video

[@leeevernden]

It's 334bhp at the flywheel

[@dannsmcshane1233]

Goes it going now lee

[@leeevernden]

Really good thanks, about 1800 miles in now, so it'll be back at Hartech for final checks very soon. Really enjoying it!

[@BIBIWCICC]

You can always tell a bad engine rebuild when they don’t clean the engine cases properly and in the background of the pictures the workshop is dirty and disorganised. Hope for your sake it doesn’t pop soon.

[@chriswharrier3571]

Wow, that's a big investment in a car worth 18 to 26K. I've already got 200 cell cats, I'm hoping my 3.4 keeps going for the time being. I'd like to have the suspension replaced it's getting a bit clunky. Bushes are getting old.

[@leeevernden]

Yeah these are all of an age now where a suspension refresh is in order. Front is done on mine but the rear is still mostly original, need to sort that at some point. I seem to remember Hartech saying the 3.7 would be £14K plus vat, but the trouble is there is always loads else that's so much easier to do with the engine out, I wouldn't do it unless there was something seriously fishy going on with your 3.4. 200 cell cats are awesome!

[@chriswharrier3571]

@Lee Evernden They are a cracking car to drive, and surprisingly comfortable even on long drives. The headers and boxes have been swapped for stainless sports ones. It's very loud, to be honest.

[@leeevernden]

@@chriswharrier3571 Agreed, great all rounders these. Mine has stainless headers on it as well but I'll keep the standard silencers as this is supposed to be a daily driver.

[@hughgabriel1]

@@leeevernden I have TopGear manifold, std cats and Cargraphic ETR (the middle of 3 volume levels) silencers with a Gundo hack. The manifolds are the most recent addition and have made it considerably noisier, to such an extent I am looking to swap the silencers soon. Enjoy the 3.7 conversion.

[@leeevernden]

@@hughgabriel1 I’m really enjoying the standard silencers with the free flowing cats, I think it just needed to breath a bit better. Depends what you use the car for though, mine is a daily so didn’t want anything loud.

[@pitts3219]

What’s your goal to take it on the track? Otherwise what difference is it honestly

[@leeevernden]

No I’m not tracking this one. I touched on that in the video, it’s more about the torque increase, it’s a big difference. It makes the car feel a lot more responsive to throttle, and acceleration anywhere in the Rev range is more immediate, all that translates to more speed or just more fun. I can enjoy that everyday as this is my daily driver.

[@ducatidad8231]

What was wrong with it to mean it needed a full rebuild?

[@leeevernden]

I cover that in more detail in the previous episode but the engine had a loud knock at idle, prime suspect was small end bearings were worn on one bank. The engine had also been rebuilt back in 2009 and the previous place had replaced 1 piston with a different part and left the other 5 in there.

[@maxmeier532]

@@leeevernden Basically 2 full rebuilds in 24 years? I thought ze germans were good engineers with a tendency for overbuilding things ^^.

[@leeevernden]

@@maxmeier532 By the sounds of it the need for the first rebuild was Porsches fault, but it wasn't rebuilt properly in 2009 so here we are. I think the days of engines being overbuilt or over engineered died a very long time ago - or at least from factory, no matter the manufacturer.

[@foxx1111]

Yeah that figure has put me right off.

[@leeevernden]

I don't blame you, that's why there aren't many 3.7s around. It's a completely reengineered m96 engine so it's not cheap.

[@foxx1111]

@@leeevernden hows it pull rev out topend? gives me the impression it would drive like a diesel, all pull then nothing. I like the way these rev out. Have a 400/400 evo 6rs aswell so have the power and tq. I could just sell up and get a turbo but i prefer my carrera, it just needs 450/450 ....

[@leeevernden]

@@foxx1111 that hasn’t really changed, the difference is that you have much more torque available and it comes in sooner than before, but it never really drops off so you’re having fun from lower in the Rev range all the way to 7k.

[@nicktaylor5273]

Wow £22k repair and the cost of the car, no amount of man maths could convince me let alone the wife, but so long as you’re happy that’s all that matters, smiles per mile 😅

[@leeevernden]

Cheers Nick, I now have a PHD in man maths and a gold medal in mental gymnastics. Plus I'm single, let's be honest if I wasn't single this would never have happened 😄. I'm very happy though, many many more smiles for years to come.

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

Wowzers £23000..... :-o

[@leeevernden]

It did need quite a lot doing to be fair! It is 23 years old so I'll forgive it :-)

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

@@leeevernden yeah I guess tha5s the reality of rebuilding an engine of this age so to be exspected... makes engine swap options look cheap 🤔

[@leeevernden]

Well I did consider a Mezger engine but they are £20k minus fitting and all the bits to make it work so that would have been much more. I love the m96 engine though so it's great that Hartech can iron out all the weak points like they do.

[@BRITISHAERIALVIEWS]

£22,000 spent on a 24 year old car?? Really? Surely it would be better to buy a newer 911?

[@leeevernden]

Depends what floats your boat Terry, I like the 996.1 and I'm not really interested in a newer 911. There are plenty of restomod 911s out there that cost more than brand new ones.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Base carrera cost 180 thousand euro today if you haven't noticed.