Scared of IMS

New to the forum so please forgive me if this has been asked, I searched but couldn't find an answer. I seem to have developed an oil leak recently, it seems to be a drip on either side of dead center of car. It was due to be changed any way so changed it and found absolutely nothing in the filter(as far as metal chips). Hate to say that I'm hoping for a rms leak but I am. Just wanted a second opinion on whether or not to lose sleep over the IMS

Get the oil leak diagnosed. Sometimes it can surprise you where the oil is actually coming from. If you do end up needing a rear main seal, I'd suggest changing out the intermediate shaft bearing for the LN retrofit while you're in there. In that circumstance, the incremental labour charge would be minimal, and you'll be able to sleep just fine. FWIW, I don't see anything in your post that would cause me to worry about the IMS in particular.

This must be taken seriously because no leak is a good leak. The other reason is because this is sometimes the ONLY precursor to IMS bearing failure that occurs. As it is now, if diagnosed the engine can be retrofitted and saved electively, that won't be the case if the bearing completely fails. Lose sleep over it and take it seriously until properly diagnosed. I can't give you a sense of security because I know how most of the IMS failure calls start out... "I noticed a couple of drops of oil". Guilty until proven innocent.. I don't mean to scare you, but you need a sense of urgency because right now the engine can be saved. It may be an RMS, but you have to consider the worst case scenario. No leak is a good leak, no noise is a good noise... BTW_ IMS leaks look just like RMS leaks until the tranny and flywheel is pulled. This can't be accurately diagnosed until its disassembled.

How many miles on your Porsche out of curiosity. I think about the IMS filure once in awhile, but don't worry about it all the time and I have 55k miles on my '99. Good advice above.

If it's not at the junction of the transmission and engine then it's probably neither the IMS or RMS leaking but one of the many other culprits that can be found such as the cam covers or the spark plug tubes. I went through 5 RMS replacements under warranty on my Boxster and one after warranty when I had the clutch replaced. When I bought the C4S I also picked up an aftermarket warranty specifically to cover any catastrophic IMS failures. But other than that I don't worry about too much. I've got a small leak now that's likely the RMS but I'd need to cover the R&R of the transmission if the warranty company declined on whatever was leaking. Based on my prior experience I'll just wait until the clutch needs replacing and take car of the RMS and IMS at that time & hopefully the warranty company will cover the R&R of the transmission as part of the seal replacement. That said, if I didn't have the aftermarket warranty I'd probably go ahead and get it taken care of.

well hoping for an RMS is well and fine but if you have to go in there to change that part there is a pretty well agreed upon list of things to do "while you're in there" which include a new IMS bearing and seal...(so you can sleep) the first step is to find where the leak is coming from, second is to fix it. worrying doesnt actually help and can lead to premature car selling for something that can be repaired/prevented and makes the ownership less enjoyable....so if you want that smile back.... step one, find the leak, step two fix it - step three....while you are in there.....step four smile from ear to ear best of luck, please report findings

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+1 that if you're going to go in and take a look you might as well do a complete job.

Is this another infomercial?

Listen to Jake. You aren't far from him...

Thanks for all the input,just hit 52000 mi so not sure if thats about the "magic"number. It just showed a few drops the other day just b4 oil change. Changed the oil (which was pretty nasty) ran it today and only had 1 drop overnite,gonna run my pick-up the rest of the week till I can get a good look. Is the IMS visible outside the bell housing?

yes and no...visible after you remove the flywheel (by IMS I assume you mean the seal)

Reading these forums has me terrified of IMS/RMS and I don't even have a spot of oil anywhere and the car runs great. It does smoke when I start it now, but I think that's the 'high lateral G's + full oil + shut off too early' thing. Easy Care gave me a super high quote for extended warranty, and apparently I lost my chance at the dealer to get their extended warranty (only sold at time of purchase, I didn't realize that waiting a few weeks would mean I'd lose it forever).

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oh swami knowledge of the ages, please enlighten us to if the odds are higher for a 996 owner to suffer a devorce during ownership than an ims failure.

Was just lurkin about under car seems to a leak in the bell housing. As I said b4 just changed the oil,but what's dripping is really black and nasty. Looks like gonna b pulling the trans,was kinda hoping I'd maybe drive this car a bit b4 knowing it intimately,but gonna have it a while so might as well get it out of the way. At least I'll know it's done& new clutch,rms. School of thought on flywheel? Resurface-replace?

The good news is we have a means of forecasting imminent IMS bearing failure. This will be great for the folks that don't believe in elective IMS Retrofit procedures. More later, we are working on the patents and trademarks at the present and doing more practical application testing. People want a sense of security and this is the answer to that.

i had similar dripping. turned out it came from the oil filter housing. replaced it and the leak is gone. but it also has old drippings from the trans-engine seal. looks like rms at least. surfer161

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When do you anticipate such product/service to be released? And if you don't mind, could elaborate on imminent failure? Do you mean when the car is already showing symptoms and the test will confirm/deny failure is around the corner or imminent when the car runs, drives, and sounds perfectly healthy?

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The technology has already been employed in our lab and found to be beneficial. The next step is practical application through a forced engine failure in one of our test vehicles. Whats being more time consuming than anything is the legal and protection processes at this point and those are things that can't be rushed. I can't explain more than this at the present about how it works or what its supposed to do in regard of mileage before failure. We will be releasing this information as soon as the technology is protected well enough. In the mean time testing is ongoing and we are looking forward to killing a couple perfectly good running engines to prove the point.

Fair enough Jake. Keep us posted.

destructive testing

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Sounds like an episode of Mythbusters.

Is there any kind of warranty offered for the IMS replacement bearing? -Shawn

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Just wondering if it was ever feasible to drill some kind of inspection hole in the case without compromising it's structural integrity to at least get a scope in there to see which was actually leaking, saving labor on taking it apart? Never really looked closely at the area except some pics so maybe I'm way off the mark?

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LN offers a warranty on the replacement bearing with some conditions. I choose not to extend warranties because I know of five other failures that can appear to be IMS bearing failure, that simply are not. I tend to be an absolute vendor and stay away of situations where fine print and finger pointing can occur. Handling business in this manner is one way I have attained and maintained the reputation that we have. I tell potential customers that there are lots of other people who will offer them a nice warranty on a shiny piece of paper to gain their business, buts thats all they have to offer. I might lose one customer per year that inquires with us because we don't have a warranty. Lots happened today with our new "system" for impending IMS bearing failures. This is going to be really good! I am going to sacrifice the engine in my own 996 sometime in the next month to test the technology and see how long it takes after forecast for an engine to die. I hope it dies a violent death. This won't be the first engine we have broken purposely in the name of science, for sure!

"I know of five other failures that can appear to be IMS bearing failure, that simply are not" Jeez...

We see them misdiagnosed on a routine basis.. IMS drive chain failure IMS tensioner paddle failure Main timing chain failure IMS Drive chain guide failure IMS drive sprocket slippage

Just pulled the trans out and it defiantly is the IMS leaking. The heart breaker of the thing is looks like the clutch was done within the last year or so. I ordered the retrofit kit and tools from ln today and also new clutch kit from vertex,can't see not replacing everything while I'm in there.

if the clutch was new I wouldnt change it....check the flywheel and IMO if the AOS has not been done, do it too!

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Jake, the engine in my '04 Boxster S had an IMS failure without any warning and absolutely no leak. Porsche replaced it with an engine that had "all the updates". It's still on a few months more of factory warranty. Can the retrofit be done to the replacement engine that is supposedly updated? Is there a warranty on the update? About how much is the IMS update if done by a shop? I've been considering what to do, whether to get a warranty, a retrofit, or? Thanks. PS. Nice to see you're a sponsor!

No, ALL replacement engines built MY 06 and newer have th non removable IMS bearing. The bearing is larger than the access port in the crankcase. The term "updated" can mean many things, its used rather loosely. A guy like you will benefit from the new technology greatly.

I don't know if this is of any comfort to anybody, but I've been running the LN retrofit for two years now. If you're worried about a non-OEM solution being somehow inferior, it sure seems so far like that concern is unfounded (sample of one, YMMV, etc. etc. etc.).

Actually it is of great comfort, just ordered it today thanks

I have the same questin, my car is a 2003 and the engine was replaced by Porsche in 2005 with a late 2005 engine. Jake, you mention that MY 06 + cars have the newer update, would that mean that they just replaced my engine with a non-updated engine, or did they still make some sort of fix attempt?

The replacement engines that were prepared 06 and beyond also have the new bearings installed that are referred to as "updated" here is one sample.

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Jake, sorry to bug you but since my engine was replaced in Spring of 2009, does it mean that I CANNOT get an upgrade IMS from you?

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YES. Nothing can be done. ALL new and REMAN engines post 9/2005 have a NON SERVICEABLE IMS BEARING. It is larger than the access port in the case.

by "nothing" you mean to replace without a complete engine tear down - BUT cant the seal ring be removed thru the IMS seal behind the flywheel? - and is that worthwhile "while your in there" doing a clutch or other work???

Since my engine was installed in late 2005, there is literally nothing that I can do? Do you see a lot of new/reman engines with IMS problems?

Possibly. Need to take it apart to see. Enough.

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Do you have any pics of any of this? How does the bearing look. This problem just seems to be getting worse everytime there is a new IMS post here. Now the bearings are becoming DEFIANT. Where will this end... Did you pull the trans. yourself? Is this the first time you have ever attempted anything like this? How hard was it? Sorry for all the questions.

I pulled the trans my self in my garage on jack stands, I was a mechanic a lifetime ago,overall it went smoother than expected,only surprise was how heavy the trans actually is. I'm waiting for parts now,if your curious to see pics/install of the bearing you can do a search on you-tube. There are several videos regarding the IMS.

Jake, I'll let you blow up my engine if you replace it with saaay.. the 425 HP version.

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I'm very aware that there are pics, etc. regarding this subject all over the internet. I was asking specifically if you had pictures of your leaking IMS in particular. In your 1st post you mentioned that you were experiencing oil drips on both sides of the cars center line, which if I am not mistaken would be more inclined to be the result of leaking spark plug tubes, cam covers, etc., and not an IMS/RMS leak. BTW, I never asked to see pics of the install of the IMS bearing. Why would you mention that?

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No warranty. You mention that there are five other engine failure modes which appear to be an IMS bearing failure. I think it is pretty safe to say that IMS failure occurs on a very small percentage of cars. So, if a percentage of these failures are misdiagnosed as IMS bearing failure then the actual number of IMS BEARING failures is an even smaller number than previously thought. Also, your replacement bearing does not address the five other failure types, which still leaves your customers, who purchased your upgraded bearing, susceptible to these other types of failures.

Jake, Are the ball bearing always pitted when the IMS goes south?

The drips that I originally had were about 2" apart on either side of dead center. What I found concerning was that the oil that had dripped was considerably darker and really nasty smelling,not at all representative of what is in the engine,as I had just changed it within 100mi. After closer inspection the oil was coming from the bell housing,so I figured either a RMS or an IMS,either way trans had to come out to determine which it was. If the trans is out would rather have the peace of mind of changing both of them.

Thats right, but it does not pertain to our completely reconstructed engines which have a one year unlimited mileage conditional warranty. Yes. Failures are failures, no matter what flavor you end up in the same boat. We do not become concerned with percentages here, just volumes. Percentages of failure cannot be accurately gathered anyway, because the items necessary to create the equation are not certain. I don't believe that you understand this completely enough to be making these sorts of statements. Lets go over those five other associated failures often misdiagnosed as an IMSBF: IMS drive chain failure- Can't be retrofitted with the engine assembled. The IMS drive chain is the 4th item assembled into the engine during the build up, it is at the heart of the engine. If this fails you have no choice but a complete teardown. IMS tensioner paddle failure 7th item assembled into the engine, no retrofit here either, complete teardown required. Main timing chain failure I These are no "master linked" chains, to change them requires full teardown. No retrofits here either and after this fails the parts are grenaded too bad for rebuild anyway with rampant collateral damage. IMS Drive chain guide failure Installed onto the crank carrier, you can't access it without a tear down. IMS drive sprocket slippage These sprockets are affixed (poorly) tio the IMS tube, when they slip valve/ piston contact occurs. Full teardown required. Now, what you must understand is the fact that our service is for a BEARING RETROFIT and we do all the associated items that can be appl,ied electively without full teardown at that time as well. The five items posted previously are not included in whats possible of retrofitting with the ENGINE ASSEMBLED.During a retrofit we simply do wbat is mechanically and humanly possible without complete engine disassembly. With our completely reconstructed engines ALL of these items are addressed and upgraded along with the 17 other modes of failiure that we have witnessed and this is done as standard, its not optional at this full level. We have perfected severl solutions for different failure situations and price points. Some people believe that IMS bearing issues are myth. Some believe they are real and electively retrofit their Porsche. Some never know about the issues and call us up AFTER they had a bad day wondering why, those people know the issues exist, two of them called me today. This week has been a record for us, we have SIX more cars inbound, 5 of which that have failures, one is coming for an elective procedure. The demand is so much we had to contract a second shipping company to cart these cars all across the country and into Canada. All M96 owners have the same choices -Electively retrofit -Don't care -Take the risks -Wait till it pops and hope you've been living right, because Karma is a bitch

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I respectfully disagree. Certainly I do not understand these engines as well as you do but explain to me where I am wrong in my thinking. I made the comment that your retrofit bearing does not address the five other failure modes which you yourself admitted are actually misdiagnosed as IMS bearing failures. In your post above you made my case for me by stating that the five other modes of failure are in fact not addressed by simply replacing the bearing. What am I not understanding? I am not referring to the rebuilt engines that your company sells. I am simply referring to the installation of the your retrofit bearing as an elective preventative procedure. You have presumably sold many retrofit bearings to customers who installed them in their cars as a prophylactic. I would bet many of them, after installing your bearing believed that they completely solved any potential IMS issues by simply replacing the bearing. Now you post that the M96 engine is prone to many other IMS related failures which have nothing to do with the bearing and cannot be prevented by simply replacing the IMS bearing with your aftermarket bearing. Did you tell the people buying your retrofit bearing about the five other failure modes, which could potentially occur even after they switched to your bearing, before they purchased your product?

. Ok, you have that right. Life isn't about agreement. No problem. Get this straight, we are not arguing and their will be no "winner" between you and I, the readers that do not thoroughly understand this will be the winners. I appreciate your dialogue as it allows us to share statements that would otherwise not be expressed. Absolutely. TheIMS bearing failure is the most known of all failures, today it is quite often that it is blamed for failures when it isn't the actual cause of the failure. These cars and engines come to us with dead IMS bearings, but then we find another primary mode of failure. Correct, but one certainly is and what you must understand is that shy of a complete reconstruction at our level, the others CANNOT be addressed. That not everyone is willing to spend 18-22K for an engine thats reconstructed and addresses the other five areas that I have discussed. Remember, **I** am the person that brought those five points up, you'd have zero argument and would not even understand that those things even exist had I not electively stated those things. I understand that. What you still don't understand is the fact that the IMS bearing still fails more than any other single MOF that we see here. While there are other modes of failure that may mask themselves as an IMSBF, it is still the most notable of all. Since the other five MOFs are deep within the engine they do not warrant being addressed unless the engine is apart, to change the IMS drive chain expends as much labor as a complete engine reassembly. They may, but on a routine basis we tell these purchasers that the IMS bearing is not the "be all, end all" of engine failures and while it addresses one significant MOF it does not guarantee that one of the others will not effect their engine. I state this in my warranty disclaimer which has only bold fonts and no fine print and I've been sharing this information for several years, to include today. No, you just noticed this, its nothing new. No Unicorns and Rainbows here, replacement of the IMS bearing isn't magical. Yep. Here is a sample of a post from January of 2009 where I shared some of this information concerning IMS tensioner paddle failure, MOF#14. http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19297 The statement below can be found in my extensive explanation of the IMSR procedure on my main Flat 6 Innovations website: This is an excerpt from this page of my website that explains exactly what is done during a Flat 6 Innovations IMSR procedure. http://www.flat6innovations.com/serv...rofit?start=10 So, to answer your question; yes we verbally state this and its right there in the REQUIRED READING that we ensure each owner that schedules an IMSR procedure reads. For further clarification I posted it right here as well, so others can also be exposed to it. We don't sugar coat anything, things that others hide or would put into fine print we boldly state and for very good reason. Everything we do here is engaged with a written proposal thats just as forward, just as bold and clearly stated. Thats the beauty of my newest development, it is designed for IMS related failures, but can also warn against other modes of failure that are imminent. It will cost roughly 10% of the cost of our IMSR procedure, which is important considering the value of the cars and the cost related to an IMSR procedure. Thank you for the opportunity to explain a few things a little bette. No, the IMSR doesn't solve it all and yes there are AT LEAST five other things that can have similar symptoms to those of an IMSBF that cannot be addressed without full engine disassembly. The fact still exists that the IMSR procedure has saved dozens of engines that were experiencing stage 3 bearing failures and were able to be retrofitted before collateral damage occurred. If we had only been able to save just one of those engines, I'd consider the technology to be priceless. Remember, according to the MFR the IMS bearing cannot be removed~. I am positive that over time more engines will be misdiagnosed with IMSBF and that we'll find other modes of failure that also mask themselves as the IMSBF. Just this week we had an engine come in that was experiencing a stage 3 IMSBF AND it also had a new failure, as it dropped a valve seat and illustrated another MOF to us.. Two things were failing at once.

Well said. In addition to what Jake has said no one is suggesting that every one change the bearing. I have elected to change mine simply because I bought the car 2 weeks ago and it had been sitting for about 8 months, in addition to the fact that the service records were somewhat incomplete. I felt that not being responsible for the first 51k mi that I would do as much preventative mantainance as possible. I'm changing the rms,IMS,doin the clutch and the oil separator,then I intend to run the wheels off it,as it is my daily driver.

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this is just NOT TRUE I suggest that everyone do it - and I suggest it often even if I add the info that my old car has 130k miles on the original bearing and seems to have no issue...I still say - replace it when its the right time for you...beit at clutch change, oil leak or a Saturday morning when you have had enough sleepless nights.........sorry, I do

I apologize for not being clear, I agree that it should be changed,but every owner is going to determine how high on the list of priorities it is. I put it first ( within the first two weeks of ownership)but others may not

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No need to thank me, I'm just glad to be a part of your...I mean Ericginpa's infomercial. Although, I don't quite know why you keep saying that I don't understand this and that when I fully understand everything that has been said here. I guess the real moral of this story is that if 996 owners want a truly reliable M96 engine we must purchase Jake's fully rebuilt replacement engine. Damn you Porsche!!!

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Have you posted pics of your leaking bearing yet to help educate all of us? For that matter, have you posted pics of your new 996?

I don't have pics,as I only have an iPad and honestly don't know how to upload to it. Allow my to clarify somethings, I am NOT affiliated with any parts house or repair shop. I am a truck driver that lives in Milford Pa. I have been lurking around on this and other forums as a guest for about 16m months, in an effort to learn as much about my dream car as possible. I've watched the videos that Shark Attack was good enough to post on you-tube, and have read every thread I could find regarding preventative measures. Frankly the only bearing I worry about is in my engine, I have nothing to gain or lose contingent on whether or not you do your bearing. As far as pic go as I said I don't have the ability to upload them, but would be happy to txt them to you when I get the bearing out.

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There have been many "informercials" like this one. Unfortunately most members aren't bright enough to see them. This poster pulls the trans three day after initially posting, has an ipad but no digital camera. This was my personal favorite. Nine pages, 40 posts by the OP and not a word again from him after the infomercial was over. Now that's marketing. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...tor-blown.html

I am the op if you'de like I'll txt you the pics. You guys are something else. I couldn't possible care less if you do your bearings or not. I chose to do mine because I've seen pics of damage from failures and know that my car had been sitting for at least 8mos. It was a personal choice to do the bearing and clutch for my peace of mind, I'm also changing the aos as well. Is that ok with you? I've have yet to mention where my parts are coming from or how much they cost. As I said I don't care about your bearing, I'm here to get info because this is a DIY for me. I truly don't mean to sound sound angry but could really do without the implications.

You asked questions, I answered them in detail. You made statements and I amde clarifications in detail. Based on your statements and the depth of clarification I found necessary to get the details across, I'd have to disagree. You said it, not me. There are other solutions, any potential purchaser must do their homework and inquire with every company offering engine solutions for the M96. We were developing these engines when the owners of some other shops that have now jumped on the bandwagon were laughing at us for wasting our time. They said "Why work with these throw away engines when a new one can be bought for less than it cost to rebuild?". We had forethought and foresight and knew the engines would double in price and over time they would go away from the Porsche catalog. We train technicians how to work with these engines and I am currently writing the book on M96 engine assembly. There is a difference, I created THE SUBSTITUTE.

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So you can pull the trans on a 996 but can't upload pics on the internet. Sounds about right. Even doing so now wouldn't matter since you've had plenty of time to find some. What will prove that you aren't an infomercial is whether you continue posting after the commercial is over. Most don't. I'm sure we'll get some updates once you are ready to "install" the bearing.

If it was an infomercial I'd be posting pics for him. It never ceases to amaze me how much people thing that everything has some commercial content or backing. Do you think the same thing when you watch TV? If not, perhaps you should. Have any of you ever thought that perhaps people just want to share both their thoughts as well as actions? Some people want to change the IMS bearing electively and they want to share that, just like Shark Attack did. Vendor hatred is what its all about, I suppose.

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Not to mention those anti-Dentites!

Let me chime in for Jake and the many other valuable posters here... who's only intent is to serve this community of folks who enjoy the 996 and want to learn all they can about it. Thank you ... for giving me Choices ! When I was looking for another Porsche, this board, Jake, and Adrian Streather's book, where my classroom. It was always up to me to cross check what I read. And my trusted local Shop Chris's helped me understand the risk and Reward of buying the 996 with a plan to immediately do some up grades - including the IMS - which I factored into the price. Thanks Jake, Adrian, Chis, and others for sharing knowledge...and letting me choose.

I would just to add that Jake has also recommended that water pumps should be replaced regularly to avoid bits of impeller causing overheating problems and that the AOS is something else that should be proactively replaced. Jake has no vested interest in either of these maintenance items. I, for one, am glad that Jake shares his expertise with us. Yes I did the LN bearing upgrade, and the water pump and AOS. I did it myself and I sleep good at night knowing that I did.

Since pics of my IMS seem to be of paramount concern, I live about 2hrs from reading if that other member would like to take the ride, I would be more than happy to send him my address. Then he could take the pics himself. Seems odd that some one would compare removing a transmission with posting pics, since I was a foreign car mechanic,and have worked with my hands my entire life,but enjoy and appreciate the simplicity of the IPad somehow makes me a liar. The offer is out there anybody wanna drop by and take some pics just pm me. I do plan on putting the car back together thurs afternoon. I'll restate this again for the record, I absolutely couldn't care less if any body else does their IMS,I very simply was trying to gauge how urgent it might be,on my particular car,as the service records were somewhat incomplete.

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My parents live in the Allentown, PA area. How far away from Allentown are you located. I would be interested in seeing the original bearing and taking pics of it. PM me the info. if you'd like. Better yet, are you going to the huge annual Porsche swap meet in Hershey on 04/23? That would be a great place to meet up.

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+100000000000000000 All of these incessant posts by newbies, who always seem to play the naive new 996 owner but never fail to impart the wisdom of switching to a replacement bearing, who are then never heard from again shouts "Guerrilla Internet Marketing for Dummies" to me. Of course this is JMHO.

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Your constant "scare the hell out of them" posts regarding the various failure modes of the 996 are completely disproportionate to the actual problems owners experience with these cars IMHO. They certainly add fuel to the fire for those who disparage the 996/M96 and serve to further devalue our cars. I'm done with this thread as I no longer wish to give Jake the ability to respond to my posts with more advertisements.

I just sent my address and home phone to DreamCarrera. If anybody else would like to see the car pm me. I have never encountered such hostility on any other forum. Not quite sure why I pissed off people, but the intent of an "open" forum is to freely express ideas,learn from others,and maybe have a laugh or two. If I choose to change my bearing, it's my prerogative. I never suggested that anybody else do the same,truth is do care if anybody does or not,not my business. As I said the offer is out there want to see my car? Then pm me, otherwise kindly excuse yourself from this thread, as is doesn't pertain to you.

some people are tired of the "same old thread" - you didnt do anything to **** em off... they were pissed before you posted this. there are a few camps on the subject. Some "want to" do it, Some "cant live without doing it", Some "dont believe" - Its always been that way and the fighting between camps runs a muck from time to time. its a personal assessment of worth vs effort and not everyone sees the worth in replacing a perfect part. Again, many cars go 100k+ miles with zero issues... so there is proof these dont fail. Why replace it, why even talk about it. I for one think its a pretty darn good idea. Nuff said

Well said Ed. Guess it's like picking at a scab, doesn't get better and it doesn't go away.

We didn't make up the IMS issue, Charles and i responded to REQUESTS from the owners of these cars to devise a retrofit. It took about 3 years to accomplish, but we made it happen. If you are disappointed in the fact that the truth has de-valued your car, then you should talk to the people who created the problems, not the people who have devised the repairs and processes. Our repairs and processes have INCREASED the value of the cars because at least their is a solution and the vehicles that have the retrofit are automatically see increases in their "sell-ability". Thanks for the one last chance, I appreciate it.

Jake I'm sorry for the abuse you've suffered, especially since I didn't even get the bearing from you. Your posts past and present have been very helpful though. Thank you.

OK. So, given that there are failure modes with the M96 (as there are with about every other performance engine) what's the real cost of a replacement engine (new and/or rebuilt)???

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$16k for a reman motor from Porsche

IF you have a core, PLUS labor

So far in parts I'm at about $1200. New bearing, tool kit, clutch, pressure plate , throwout bearing, and figured do the aos while the trans is out. Glad I'm doin it because the clutch was replaced but not the rms and still had original throwout bearing, which makes no sense to me and doesn't instill much faith in whom ever was working on this car.

1200 for all those parts?.... lets see the break down. Sounds awfully cheap.

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Its no big deal to me. I have grown thick skin over the past few years. I never dreamed that helping people could be so dramatic. Hell, it makes it fun!

Got the aos from parts geek 106.44 with shipping. The bearing, tools, and rms from LNE came to 712.19. Still waiting for the clutch to show but if I remember was about 450 from vertex. I've been looking at parts even before I found the car, I'm strange like that, had plans of doin the IMS no matter what car I bought. Unless of course, it had already been done. This car is my daily driver and it came from a lot so records were kinda incomplete. Car fax came back ok, I did the ppi saw the trans had been out but didn't know why,so figured might as well have a look, then that always turns into " while it's apart might as well"... You know how that goes same old story.

Eric, you sound pretty wise to me.....pretty forward thinking and open minded.

Thank you for saying so, I appreciate that. I'm really sorry for the drama this thread might have caused, had no idea that the IMS was such a polarizing subject. Also the clutch kit with the alignment tool and new flywheel bolts came out to $523.92 delivered.

At some point share some pics of your Porsche so we can enjoy your car as well, we really aren't a very tough group here most of the time. Even cell pics can work.

Will do, I'm dieing to get some pics up as am pretty proud of the car. I do have pics on my cell of it as it sits right now, gonna take more as she goes back together. At some juncture I'm sure I'll figure out how to get them up. It just hasn't been much of a priority,as I'm single no kids so never had the need to post pics. You'll be seeing them soon though.

Got the bearing in! The old one wasn't completely shot,and didn't have any overt signs of failure, but was considerably harder to turn than the new one. Anybody got any tricks on gettin the flywheel lined up?