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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHServiceable IMS vs Non Serviceable
Reported or suspected cause
more reliable in the m97 engine
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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0
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Reported cause
In any case the new Porsche bearing has proven to be more reliable in the M97 engine.
Leading evidence: 'more reliable in the m97 engine' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'more reliable in the m97 engine' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace car is a 2001 c2' (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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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
My car is a 2001 C2 but the engine was replaced in 2003 and currently has roughly 45k on it.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed · Original poster
When Suncoast Porsche in Florida replaced my clutch about 2k ago I was set to do the LN Upgrade and they had all the parts ready to install.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I can't see why the bearing couldn't be replaced without engine disassembly.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The latest IMSB complete with shaft was used along with other current parts.
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Used cars with multiple owners are hard to know exactly what you're working with but some detective work can get you closer to an answer but definitely not definitive as you stated.
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When Suncoast Porsche in Florida replaced my clutch about 2k ago I was set to do the LN Upgrade and they had all the parts ready to install. My car is a 2001 C2 but the engine was replaced in 2003 and currently has roughly 45k on it.
After a few hours the dealer called me in and said this IMS is the one that requires engine disassembly. However, they said it was fine and did not need replacement.
But what is the main difference in these IMS bearings that makes them non serviceable?
Thanks
The newest bearing is a larger diameter than the original 996 bearings. It's too large to remove without disassembling the engine as the dealer mentioned.
The bigger bearings came out in production vehicles in mid-2005. Some early 997s have the smaller bearing, but most have the larger bearing. I'm guessing the replacement engine had the latest thinking at the time it was done, but I would have also assumed it would be the same engine going into the 2003 production models.
I have a 2004 model and i have a small single row, makes no sense that in 2003 replacement engine would have a larger IMS. I was under the impression that only 997 engines had the larger IMS?
also being an 01, isn't your car still a 3.4? even if the engine was replaced in 03, wouldn't they have still put a 3.4 in it? Did the 3.4 ever get the larger bearing? Are the cases different between the 3.4 and 3.6?
Yes I am pretty sure it is a 3.4........though would be cool to have a 3.6 lol
I have the "updated" oil cap on it which is not the yellow one. Those came on the 3.6 models but I think dealer would have said it was a 3.6.
from what I understand the small IMS bearing is serviceable by removing the flywheel through an access port built into the engine case. The larger bearing is larger than that access port requiring you to remove the engine and split the cases and I have zero idea how much work that is.
Interesting thread. Thinking through this, I've never heard of a 3.4L engine with the larger bearing. I can't see why the bearing couldn't be replaced without engine disassembly. Perhaps Jake Raby or somebody with more knowledge of the bearing and the options will comment on this.
Yea its kind of weird...unless dealer told me wrong. Though Suncoast has been pretty good. They service my dads 997 and are always up front and honest. Do good work. Says on the invoice that it had the newer design and it does not need replacement.
Look like they are very honest, they could said they did it and how are you going to know?
Are they certified by flat six innovations?
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I have a 3.4 with the newer large bearing.
The engine was rebuilt in 2011 prior to my ownership by a Porsche dealership due to an unknown (to me) internal problem.
The latest IMSB complete with shaft was used along with other current parts.
I recall at least one other forum post where someone indicated that they too had the newer bearing in their 3.4 engine.
I used to think that it was a shame that an LN (or similar) IMSB wasn't used in the rebuild, but from what I've read in numerous places I am not so sure the newer IMSB isn't Nearly as good.
Admittedly this opinion is based on anecdotal evidence. In any case the new Porsche bearing has proven to be more reliable in the M97 engine.
In theory, there is one retrofit gizmo that can be added to the large bearing to prolong(?) it's life - the DOF
http://shop.tunersmotorsports.com/?p...-08-late-style
I have not used this kit for this specific application but it others have and seem happy with it.YEMV.
Visual inspection required. The serial # won't tell you anything definitive. I wrote a directive about this, because we see the question 25+ times a week.
The serial number will tell you if it's remanufactured and the year. It won't tell you if the motor has small or large IMS.
Used cars with multiple owners are hard to know exactly what you're working with but some detective work can get you closer to an answer but definitely not definitive as you stated.
OP, look at the valve cover and see if you have "Variocam" or "Variocam Plus" on it.
Just thinking out loud...
With the one oil mod, it has you file a hole in the housing for the line. To inspect the bearing, and make it easier, would it be worth drilling a inspection hole and using a scope, or wouldn't that show all that much? Could easily, or potentially, plug it when finished.
This is a source reference. Confirm exact model applicability in the original material.
