42 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHDoes the LS swap eliminate the IMS bearing?
Reported or suspected cause
best car ever
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
1
Identified cause
0
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Reported cause · Original poster
I've had a 2004 base 996 and it was the best car ever.
Leading evidence: 'best car ever' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'best car ever' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Check rest of the car' (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.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
Dam near every part is special order or worse yet used on eBay and it'll only get rareer/worse.
custom engine controller as i doubt (but admittedly
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Identified cause
1
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
The engine has to mate up with the car's other mechanical and electrical systems and requires probably a custom engine controller as I doubt (but admittedly with no research to confirm this) the Porsche DME could work seamlessly with the LS engine.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
If it is a non-runner you can't check the rest of the car, but if the engine just took sick chances are the car's ok.
Replace engine only becomes new engine-->old imsb-->whatever else
Suggestion or failed attempt
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that contain suggestions
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion · Original poster
However if the configuration was Engine-->IMSB-->whatever else then replacing the engine only becomes New Engine-->Old IMSB-->whatever else
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
I don't know what state you're in, but if you're in one like California where the smog ***** run the show, it's going to take an act of Congress and/or God to get an LSx-powered 996 registered.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
(A recent look into buying a new Dodge R/T (which obviously doesn't use the LS engine but I think still has some meaning here) turned up a problem with its crank to camshaft drive chain failing.)
custom engine controller as i doubt (but admittedly
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Identified cause
1
Suspected cause
0
Reported fixes
Read evidence and context
Discussions that suspect a cause
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suspected cause
The engine has to mate up with the car's other mechanical and electrical systems and requires probably a custom engine controller as I doubt (but admittedly with no research to confirm this) the Porsche DME could work seamlessly with the LS engine.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
42 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T205155Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Price-wise thinking of getting a ~'99 996 with high mileage and doing the LS swap but would that eliminate the IMS bearing or would that potential issue remain? Any other known issues unique to the 996?
As you know by now, removing the 996 engine and replacing it with an LS engine would of course have the IMSB issue gone.
However, I have to mention the LS engine has a crank driven (by chain) camshaft and these have been known to fail.
(A recent look into buying a new Dodge R/T (which obviously doesn't use the LS engine but I think still has some meaning here) turned up a problem with its crank to camshaft drive chain failing.)
The LS is just an engine so it can suffer any of the maladies engines can suffer.
The LS engine is a pretty robust engine, although my info is kind of out of date as my real following of the LS engine stopped around the time I sold my 06 GTO in early 2009.
With the installation of the LS engine you have of course the issue of how "factory" the installation is. The engine has to mate up with the car's other mechanical and electrical systems and requires probably a custom engine controller as I doubt (but admittedly with no research to confirm this) the Porsche DME could work seamlessly with the LS engine.
You are of course correct, the LS engine "Could" suffer from issues, but as it is one of the most reliable engines currently manufactured, the chances of it having any issues, compared to the 10% failure rate of the 996/997 (courtesy of the class action) engines is beyond comprehension. Let me state that in clear english, your LSx Engine will be infinitely more reliable than that flat 6. No quality statement here. And conversion kits are redily available.
I personally cannot wait until someone brings out a coyote conversion kit......
LS timing chain is around $16 and rarely fail. Expect something else in the engine to fail before the chain. But if the chain cover is coming off (ie doing cam or oil pump) it's a good idea to replace it.
Dodge and GM motors have nothing in common.
Engine mates to transmission with a KEP adapter/clutch. A PSI wiring harness with a GM ECU and leaving the Porsche ECU alone is the easiest way to swap the car.
ok so I'm not Porsche greatness like you and Cuda, C70 et al and no I don't think it's expected to know everything about an IMSB. Simple is relative, a WBS is simple to a PM, a shrimp is simple in BJJ. Someone who isn't familiar isn't going to know it. What is this board a contest to see who knows the most about cars, guys like rpm rng and miller can go eat a ( ===
Then let's try this ... "the IMS is within the engine on the 996 like peanuts are within a snickers bar, the ls# engine doesn't have an IMS like a milky way doesn't have peanuts ergo the ls swap would eliminate the IMS problem."
Dude, you have to understand that people are going to give you a hard time when you say "I'm going to swap out my Porsche engine with a non-Porsche engine. Will I still have problems with parts of the engine I removed failing?"
To most people, that's just trollbait - it does not sound like a legitimate question.
You'd likely get some grief if you popped in on an orthopedic surgery forum and asked, "If I have my left leg amputated at the hip, will I still have to worry about my left ACL?"
To ask the question suggests that you don't know enough about the topic to be asking the question - which is why people are harshing you. You joined in 2010, and you have close to 400 posts. How is it possible that you do not understand that the IMS and its bearing are internal to the M96 motor, and thus won't be part of the car if you remove the engine? You've been lurking for 4 years...
Since you posted up questions about the IMS in the 997 forum back in September, I think it's safe to say that you're just a troll. If you're NOT a troll, you're having some very fundamental conceptual issues, and I don't think an LS swap is going to be a good choice for you.
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...-06-997-a.html
That wasn't my question. Obviously once the engine is removed and since the IMSB inside of it, the point is moot since it's (Engine-With-IMSB)-->whatever else. However if the configuration was Engine-->IMSB-->whatever else then replacing the engine only becomes New Engine-->Old IMSB-->whatever else
The old posting you referenced was "Was the IMS bearing issue resolved with the March '06 997?" that's not the same as "Is the IMS bearing within or outside of the engine and and if it's the former, does an ls engine also have a IMSB that's prone to failure?"
"You guys are too smart for me" -Damon John
To be honest, I thought Quickie was a troll too when I saw the question. Anyway, Quickie, lets talk about your avatar? Looks pretty cool. What's under the hood?
If you were asking in earnest and I was a jerk unnecessarily, I apologize. A car with an LS swap is not going to be subject to IMS failure. However, you're likely to burn through some half-shafts depending on how much power the LS makes.
The 996 is a VERY solid platform. A Carrera 4 or a C4S would be a better choice for an LS swap than a C2 in my opinion due to the stiffer chassis used for the AWD models. Starting with a car that already has the center radiator may eliminate cooling system upgrades you'd need for the LS, but I'm not certain about that.
I don't know what state you're in, but if you're in one like California where the smog ***** run the show, it's going to take an act of Congress and/or God to get an LSx-powered 996 registered. It's not impossible, but you'll get to know the smog referees pretty well...
Only mod is a Vitesse stage 3R. I want to also do the downpipe and exhaust since the stock is 2.5"id and the Vitesse turbocharger is 2.6"id but have other stuff I need to spend the $ on.
I've heard the 4/AWD are more complex and since I'm a beginner I'm trying to keep things as simple as possible. I'm in DC but I can get it registered in VA where an '86 wouldn't have to pass emissions
....We're having a heck of a time communicating throughout this thread.....
Mister Quickie,
If you are interested in 996s, read through some of the threads in the 996 forum especially those that are intended as buyers guides.
You should probably understand more about what an IMSB is so you can decide whether to be worried about it, how to deal with it, etc. There are hundreds of threads including two stickies that deal with it.
Many people gravitate toward owning the 996 models because they are modern, high performance, satisfying, and relatively easy to maintain and repair. Oh, and inexpensive to buy.
I've had a 2004 base 996 and it was the best car ever. My 951 may have more hp and less weight (deleted interior) but at the end of the movie it's about how fast you go and the 996 was noticeably faster, no question.
It's almost like just because a guitar amp has more wattage doesn't mean it's (*decibally*) louder.
Apparently not.
That makes sense, if I go the LS route I'll definitely consider a 4.
'86 = my 951 was Model Year 1986.
I can't justify spending any more $ on the 951. It can be fun when it's on the road but at the end of the movie (to me) it's the time on the road vs time in the garage (awaiting repairs) ratio and in that department it does horribly. Dam near every part is special order or worse yet used on eBay and it'll only get rareer/worse.
Problem is I can't sell it because I'll lose way too much money.
I have read the threads, I've owned a 996, and the only issue that I'm unwilling to deal with is the IMSB failure. The first generation 996s are very affordable and I can't find any known issues that would make a second generation 996 more reliable. I think the Gen 2 996s are more costly because not only they're newer but mainly the bigger engine, an issue that would be negated with an LS swap. Thoughts?
If you are going with the LS swap get a 996, a runner, so you can check out the rest of the car. You can probably sell the 996 engine to help defray the cost of the LS swap.
You could buy a 997 and with a sick engine as you save some money. If it is a non-runner you can't check the rest of the car, but if the engine just took sick chances are the car's ok. (This could apply to the 996 too.) Be sure someone has worked out the LS swap for a 997.
Whatever 911 you choose to swap, just get a drive by wire (corvette) throttle body and associated electric pedal. The mechanical throttle body was a PITA to set up in the 996.
Quickie:
Here's the thing... IMS is the third rail of the 996 world. Your initial question could have been answered by the most cursory of searches of any one of the literally hundreds of threads related to IMS issues, including the giant IMS thread pinned at the top of the 996 board.
On top of that, over the years there have been many trolls who have used the IMS issue, and the serious pain, suffering, and cash it has caused previously happy Porsche owners, to f*#k with this board. As you can tell, we have little tolerance for that in these parts. Sorry if you caught some blowback.
I'm glad that you now have a full understanding of the issue, that you love your 996 as we do, and I think you have a very cool car your avatar.
Cheers
