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THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHIMS warning light. Good idea or not?
Leading reported evidence
Install guardian
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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1
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Leading evidence: 'Install guardian' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Install guardian' (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
I do have a LN Engineering kit along with other bits (clutch, DM flywheel, RMS, AOS etc.) ready to be installed when my clutch needs replacement.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I got it because the previous owner had the clutch replaced just prior to me buying it.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I had my clutch replaced @~ 31K, with ~1/2 life left, while the RMS was being replaced under warranty.
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7 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Pelican Parts: 1 discussions
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Generation: 20261026T155324Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Anybody use this? Is it a good alternative to spending the $2500 and having the IMS replaced?
FLAT 6 INNOVATIONS :: Engine Failure Detection Systems :: IMS Guardian
. I saw it in another post.
thanks
Agreed...not sure where you get $2500 either. That must be for the IMS and clutch kit replacement, but it still sounds high. The bearing is about 600 bucks and another 400 should cover pulling off the trans and replacing. (the engine can stay in the car)
Because the IMS bearing can fail catastrophically there are folks who are just not comfortable driving their 996 without some assurance that they can get advance warning of imminent failure. If you are one of them then the Flat6 guardian is one way to achieve peace of mind.
As stated above if it does light you will be spending an additional ~$1000 -$3000, depending on what else you do "while you are in there". However it won't be ~$!5-20K for an engine replacement.
Another option would be replacing the IMSB preemptively. There are at least 4 IMSB kits being offered. Pelican, Pelican uses a stock steel type bearing, LN and Casper Labs offer ceramic composite bearings that should be a more robust bearing, and there is the Engine Lifeguard out of Europe
The ultimate IMS UPGRADE = ENGINE LIFEGUARD - Rennlist Discussion Forums
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All of the above options are still bearings that could fail. So even with a replacement bearing a Guardian may be worthwhile to some folks.
Data point:
I have a 2003 996 that does not have a "Guardian" installed. I do have a LN Engineering kit along with other bits (clutch, DM flywheel, RMS, AOS etc.) ready to be installed when my clutch needs replacement.
I was quoted around $2500 to just do the L&N retrofit. The same place that quoted this to me also charged another poster around $2500 to do the L&N, AOS and clutch.
My conclusion is to do the IMS along with the clutch. When to do the clutch? I have 35K on my 2000 Carrera 2.
The LN retrofit quote may have included the Clutch, AOS and RMS as a matter of Indy CYA. Nothing worse than "You just did my IMS bearing and now you want more $$ to R&R trans to fix my leaky RMS broken clutch/AOS etc.." customer return.
When to replace your clutch:
1 starts to slip
2 gets much harder to push (assuming you still have the helper spring installed)
3 when the RMS/IMSB starts to leak oil
4 at 35k when you can't wait to update the IMS any longer.
I had my clutch replaced @~ 31K, with ~1/2 life left, while the RMS was being replaced under warranty. There were no IMSB replacements offered at that time or I would have replaced it then.
I got it because the previous owner had the clutch replaced just prior to me buying it. He didn't know about the IMS issue. So, I went ahead and installed the Guardian. Now I feel better. As stated above, it also warns of other impending engine problems.
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