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YOUR RESEARCHNewbie seeking answer from the experts
Leading reported evidence
Replace ims bearing
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
FWIW, I replaced the IMS bearing on my '02 and the car really didn't need it.
Leading evidence: 'Replace ims bearing' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean aero unit' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Suggestion
I'd drive it like you stole it and if the IMS bearing worries you change it when you change the clutch.
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Suggestion
I would, as an option change the IMS when you need to do a clutch, or when the tranny is out etc...
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10 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
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Ok, Posted in the air cooled side but was looking for a newer car. Drove a buddies 2006 GT3 and his 01 C2. The GT3 was spectacular but out of my price range. Looking for a black coupe as a weekend toy-not track car. Would like to spend between 20 and 25K and there are a few out there. Understand IMS and RMS issues so fairly educated after reading a ton on here. The question is really this. If after PPI everything checks out does it make sense to spend the extra 2K$ and get the IMS taken care of and then drive it like I stole it or should I just drive it(probably would get an extended warranty) until something possibly gives. Seems silly to spend 25K on a 20 year old car when I can get a 10 year old car. Always liked the older style air cooled 911's but I own a few motorcyles, some more than 40 years old and I always worry what's going to go wrong when I go on a ride on an older bike. Clearly, things happen to anything and with proper maintenance things should hold up but still newer seems to make more sense from a practical perspective.
Thanks and look forward to my new 911 soon
Go for the GT3. Good question comparing older air cooled vs somewhat newer water cooled. I'd say you should 1st drive both and compare the ride, handling,sounds, interiors etc. There are lots of 996s for sale at bargain prices listed on Rennlist and other sites. I have a 99 996 and have no immediate plans to do an IMS upgrade.GL
For what its worth.. I just had to make this same exact call. I bought a 103K mi SUPER CLEAN Aero unit. ($17K) I chose to do the ceramic bearing from LN engineering. I have the bearing and I am wrestling with to DIY it or have a garage do it... Jake and myself have me all but talked in to DIY'ing it.
I have made the replacement right after purchasing, with the new standard Porsche IMS/RMS.
(Had a small RMS leak so it made sense to do it at the same time- Would have gone with LN but did not have too much time to arrange. Whole thing cost ~1.6k at dealer). Do it if you can, and you will have the peace of mind while driving (perhaps unwarranted..).
Good luck with your search.
FM
IMS/RMS problems are prevalent but not universal. If you find the car you like, at the right price, and currently has no IMS/RMS problems, then just buy it, drive it like you stole it. There are more than a few 911's out there that have never had and will never have an IMS.RMS leak. If you develop the IMS/RMS leak, then have it fixed and go for a clutch replacement at the same time.
+1
I certainly wouldn't go through the trouble of doing it if you were not already in there doing the clutch.
FWIW, I replaced the IMS bearing on my '02 and the car really didn't need it. The bearing I pulled out had virtually zero wear and looked brand new. No question there can be problems with this part but there is no question that most just don't fail.
My 986 has the original bearing and that car has endured 9 years of track use. I'd drive it like you stole it and if the IMS bearing worries you change it when you change the clutch.
