IMS bearing question European Parts Solution kit

Winter is coming and I am preparing to have my IMS bearing done. I�m doing it for piece of mind not because I honestly believe it will feel but boy would I be upset. I have a couple of quotes from local European car mechanics. One of them quoted me a substantially less amount using the European Parts Solution oil feed kit. I will admit the price is attractive but I don�t really want to roll the dice. has anyone used this product? Are you happy? Any horror stories or failures? Any comments welcomed.

If you're planning on keeping the car, invest in the best! The IMSS from LN is the only one that is a proven lifetime replacement. If you do sell your car, I believe you'll recoup most of the initial cost.

I am getting my car in next week for a full engine inspection/borescope and will make a decision about getting the Solution from that. But ... forgive me Bill, as I am sure I am going to stir up a crapstorm ... but ... How do we know that the Solution is the best? I have looked and looked, but I can't find anything to back up the claim that theirs is the best. Only their own say so. In fact all I see for any of them is their own personal say so. No data about how many installed, how many failed, how much cars with the new bearings have been driven etc ... . Now I don't expect to find that information for any of them, but making an informed decision is just not possible. Only thing I found was that the original retrofits were supposed to have been permanent - until they weren't. So how to decide?

Quotes source post: 16157347

Uh, have you read about The Solution? If you have (and have a modicum of reading comp) you'd realize that ; 1) It's a plain bearing (as utilized in all previous engines with a IMS, and the other end of the IMS in the M96 - which NEVER fails). 2) It's the only one on the market because it's patented 3) It's fed with filtered oil 4) There have not been (and won't be) any failures... Not sure of sales #'s, but the fact that LN Engineering bought the rights from FSI tells me that they're pretty good... What more "information do you need" ?

Yup ... I knew I would open myself up to heated responses ...

Well, the point is that "The IMS Solution" is essentially the simplest of the oil fed replacements. Unlike EPS' solution, it is just a plain oil fed bearing, no rolling elements (cylindrical or ball)�.just a plain metal bearing with an oil film. This is essentially what is on the OTHER end of the intermediate shaft. Simple, effective, used in millions of 911's. The EPS system is also a bit more complicated in terms of oil delivery and modification of the oil pump drive. The IMS SOlution is also fed with filtered oil. Were I to chose a permanent solution, The IMS Solution would be it due to the simplicity and proven record of plain oil fed bearings. BTW...if you have an actual example of the retrofits ball bearings from LN ever being considered permanent, please share...I've never seen that.

Quotes source post: 16157380

Jim, there's nothing "heated" about my response... I asked you a simple question, because it seems that you're not comprehending the information that's readily available to you - I'm sorry if I offended you. I followed the question with 4 points to illustrate why The Solution is "the best" IMSB replacement.

Thanks for beating me to a comprehensive reply (I hate typing long explanations) and the information and testing is explained or at least it used to be on the FSI site. Jake has run an engine on a dyno with no oil and the motor failed but the bearing still lives on till this day. If I'm not mistaken it's still in one of his test cars. Before buying my 996, I spent a good two weeks reading everything I could find about the IMSB and don't ever recall the retro-fit advertised as a permanent solution.

I had the Solution installed in my 996. I did to a lot of reading around the European Parts IMS kit with oil feed. In the end, I chose the Solution because: 1. Simplest bearing - just a plain old bearing with little failure possibility. 2. Filtered oil. 3. Known installers Although the Solution is almost 2X the cost of the EPS IMS kit, the install cost is the same. If I were to guess, it is would be less than $1000 difference between the 2 IMS kits once installed.

Quotes source post: 16157303

So the LN is a lifetime replacement?

This is from the mechanic bidding on the job for me-

Quotes source post: 16157701

OMG... There is no "LN"... What does that even mean? LN Engineering sells several types of retrofit bearings, including "The Solution" which is a plain bearing (as opposed to ball or roller type bearing) that replaces the stock ball bearing that Porsche used (They make both "single row" and "dual row" versions to coincide with the different depths of the original bearing). Jeeeezzzzz... this is why the internet is such a confusing place.

I hope this doesn’t turn into some flame war. That would be senseless. I am trying to make a serious decision. It’s about a $1500 difference. I’m not rich so I can’t just throw money around and I don’t put this stuff on credit cards. We’re talking about months of savings. Does anyone here have the EPS or European Parts Solution bearing installed? If so for how long? I know many people say go LN. I’m not looking to be cheap but if the optional bearing replacement is as good or better why wouldn’t I use it?

Quotes source post: 16157701

The LN Engineering's IMS Solution is. Not the LN retro fit that has a service life and needs to be replaced over time or mileage... I'd bet good money that any failures with the LN retrofit where in cars that had a failing bearing replaced and or done without proper prequalification. Talk to the source and not Joe's mechanic!

I’ve honestly considered not doing it at all. 20 years later I think all the bombs would have blown by now. I have also read and been told by qualified techs and enthusiasts that 1999 is the year to be the least concerned about. What do I know I am not an engineer. I am active with some local groups of 996 owns. Out of 14 996 on 3 people have done the retrofit and several have over 100,000 miles.

Brian, maybe start with getting your engine prequalified and decide what to do from there. How much money have you spent on other mods for your car since buying it? Most cars will not have an issue, but the ones that have wish they did something about it before Failure.

Who is Joes mechanic? This person I have fortunately found was a Porsche qualified mechanic for 25 years. He has mentioned a few things to me and asked me not to repeat them where this subject is concerned. I work to hard for my money to spend it on something that is likely to not happen. Although I also like to proceed on the side of caution. That’s why I am hoping this thread can be intelligent. So has anyone used the none LN IMS?

Quotes source post: 16157763

Ive done several mods that I have no regrets about. The fister exhaust being my favorite. prequalified?

If you watch the videos at the bottom of the page the product sounds very convincing and for the money compared to other a genuine bargain. https://www.europeanpartssolution.co...ng-upgrade-kit

Quotes source post: 16157784

I suggest you go to the source and read up on all the various options vs relying on forum opinions first. My opinion may differ than others...Jake Raby of FSI invented the replacement procedure and has had his hands on more m96 engines than anyone else worldwide.

The previous owner of my 996 had the IMS Solution installed by Flat 6 in 2013. It had 33K miles on it. When I saw it posted for sale in Sept 2017, I quickly bought it in part due to that fact. (Posted late Sunday evening, saw it Monday evening after work, and I owned it Tuesday evening after work) My 996 now has 75K miles on it. (I've put 25K miles on it myself the last 2 years) So 6 years and 42K miles on my IMS Solution. If I ever buy a second 996, or a 986, I'll install the IMS Solution myself. Of course the $1700 it would cost me is a drop in the bucket of how much I end up spending on my cars. I can't leave anything alone...I always have to "waste" my money on mods.

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/xyxwave.gif

Quotes source post: 16157291

Just over a year ago, I was were you are today, but after much research, I determined the best product on the market is the LN Engineering IMS Solution. The plain bearing design has been proven in Porsche sports cars dating back to the 356. Also, another reason why you don't here about intermediate shaft failure in Mezger 996 Turbo/GT cars. Out of curiosity, I conducted a poll here on Rennlist last year. Take a look when you have time. The EPS direct oil feed method is problematic IMHO. It sends oil through a specially channeled oil pump drive and through the intermediate shaft. This method starves the engine of about 1 quart (guesstimate) of oil and it seems it would induce balancing issues with the intermediate shaft. Just my theory. Now, it almost impossible to be absolute on how many bearings have failed, but you can get a strong opinion on what people are using by conducting small sample polls like the one here on Rennlist Small diverse samples are very useful in research. You can also get a good idea of the LN bearings in use by dividing the number of LN bearing sold by the amount of M96 cars on the road; but again, that doesn't take in account the amount of cars that are dead in salvage or sold for parts. Again, far from accurate. It all boils down to you doing what's best for your car. It's always cheaper to do it right the FIRST time! Think about it. https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ke-a-poll.html

Quotes source post: 16157822

He also makes $0 off of the sale of the IMS Solution now. He has no reason to continue defending it, except he knows it is the best solution.

Quotes source post: 16157409

I'm not offended by this. No worries there.

I love the LN Fanboys... "It is the only lifetime proven solution" Wait... how do you prove that a solution is lifetime?... or... how do you prove that is the only one, when others (DOF, European Parts...) claim the same... actually with the same data (in amount or scientific quantity and quality) than LN? Oh my... oh my... To the OP, go, make your research in the webs of the manufacturers of each solution and buy that which is reasonable for you in performance and cost. Personal opinion : I really like a lot the Direct Oil Feed solution from TuneRS. I think that is technically well thought, has a wide population of users over which has demonstrated his reliability and has a reasonable cost... that been said... avoid personal opinions , because, you know, all of us have one (For each one that tell you one thing, other will tell you the opposite)

Quotes source post: 16157818

Yes, from the same people who say this is a good idea: https://www.vertexauto.com/porsche-i...l-p-10551.aspx

Quotes source post: 16157720

This has been brought up on numerous threads. There is a reason we have service intervals on the IMS Retrofit. It was never intended to be permanent - that's why we developed the IMS Solution. That said, by our estimates there are over 14,000 cars out there with IMS Retrofits beyond their recommended service interval, so this will happen. By the same token, there are plenty of opportunistic shops out there that will replace a failing bearing with our product and "save" an engine, which too, have been posted many times on this forum. That's inviting disaster. I would search for another mechanic.

Quotes source post: 16157701

The IMS Solution is indeed a lifetime replacement. We've seen many engines since fitted with an IMS Solution suffer other failures like scored bores with no ill effects to the solution, allowing for its reuse in the rebuild.

Quotes source post: 16158216

^^^ I wonder how many of those they�ve sold...

Quotes source post: 16158252

Enough that we offer a fix for the block...

Quotes source post: 16158273

Scary...

I purchased a car about 10 mos ago with the EPS bearing installed by the PO about 3 or so years ago. I estimate there is approx 20k on the replacement bearing. No issues to note. However, my opinion, go with the LN products. I have tried to reach out to several times to EPS with no response, just to try to figure what bearing I have, service interval etc. If I did the same to LN I bet Id have a response in hours, if not minutes. i think that says alot. An LN bearing will be going in at first opportunity.

Really? I do what mr Raby says. I read his posts and am not a big fan of his personally. He is a straight shooter and a bit arrogant. But there is no doubt he knows as much as anyone in this country about these engines. It is really shocking to me why people go out and put junk on these cars wether it�s suspension or an ims. Why not just spend more and get proven stuff? An ims solution with pre qualification adds value to your car. I have bought several 996�s to resale or enjoy. Your �Acme� Ims would make me walk away no matter what.

Quotes source post: 16158216

I like this video and idea!!!! I can only imagine how much of that debris from boring a hole will end up in the crank case. I wonder what their failure rate is?

Quotes source post: 16158468

My guess.....either the competition or a person lacking knowledge about IMS repairs and the M96

I am still considering not changing it at all. We might just drop the engine and lock it up properly. If the IMSB is in good condition just button it up. Yes I will be hands on. It is really not complicated if you have a lift and the special tools. Spending $2000 on a part that may not be necessary is ludicrous. Call it piece of mind if you’d like but to me I call it a waste if the factory bearing has been inspected and in good condition. Imagine owning a Ferrari? What’s the tune up cost these days?

Quotes source post: 16158586

Whatever the case may be, although the Internet remembers all, many on the forums (or those that may be new to the forums) don't know or have forgotten how hostile the community was to Jake and myself when we first developed these products and chose to release them in 2008. Not until the class action lawsuit did anyone really believe this was an issue and I had been told to my face that I made the whole thing up. But even before that, both of us have been active members of most all the Porsche forums for many years before that. Through all the flaming online, we have always been available and supported this community. I don't see any other developer or manufacturer doing that, with exception of Pedro over on his own forum. If it wasn't for Bruce Anderson, neither Jake or I would have gone down the M96 rabbit hole and devoted all these years to the cause. It was Bruce that came up to me at a Porsche event many years ago and told me "Charles, you have to do something about these watercooled cars." I came promptly back and bought a Boxster (which I still own) and several blown up engines from Oklahoma Foreign (no longer around, sad to say), and then proceeded to convince Jake, Mr. "No H20" (his name on Pelican Parts at the time) that this was important and necessary.The rest is history. I've been called everything from a fear monger to capitalist pig, but I am still here. I have been sitting at my desk since about 5:45 am and it's almost 7 pm now as I write this post. So what if the "LN fan boys" are so vocal about what we do, what we have done, and are proud to support us? All we have is our name and integrity, and like success, it's not given, but earned.

Quotes source post: 16158655

I couldn't agree more with your statement. I will also add something to it. When I purchased my 04 C4S in June of 2018 From Porsche of Orlando I was an informed buyer. Not as much as i am now, but wither way, The first question I asked was about the IMS bearing. Without hesitation the Dealer acknowledge it had not been done as far as they knew and it took very little to get them to agree to split the cost to replace it. I would have assumed this was something they did in house - they are the Porsche Dealer after all. Nope, they subbed it out to a local indy (Drivers Choice in Longwood FL). I was not only surprised by this but even more so when they said the only upgrade they recommend was the LN Retrofit. Looking back i wish i knew about the Solution, but that will be next time. It really says something about your product (and Jake's) for the dealer to push it instead of others. The shop who also did it highly recommended your product. After it was done and I mailed in the old bearing for warranty (and proof in the event of future sales) i sent a few questions to LN. I was shocked that i got a response within 30 minutes of sending the email not to mention it was after hours. Some people pioneer the way. Others follow the route already taken. You guys have a Fan Boy here.

Quotes source post: 16157744

I have the EPS in my 1999 C2 Cab. It was done at there Miami facility where the man who invented it is. I shook his hand and spoke with him for some time. It was installed by the mechanics that he trained personally. They showed me exactly how it works and what is involved by using a cut-away demonstration engine. So I went into using it with eyes wide open. I'm not endorsing it or comparing it to other options. Just answering your question and providing some background. If you want to discuss my experience from A to Z, you are welcome to PM me. However, I hate to type and would insist we speak via phone call. Quicker, easier and more thorough. Always love talking Porsche.

I don't know too many business OWNERS who personally answer messages on a Sunday afternoon. Charles is a truly stand up guy, who clearly believes in and stands behind his products. This is a rare thing today, and he has my respect and business as a result of my experience with him. FYI, when I was having issues a couple of years back, I took a long shot and reached out to LN, not really even expecting a response if I am honest. To my great surprise, Charles himself responded immediately and continued to communicate back and forth over a period of several days including over a weekend. He was upfront and knowledgable. No dismissiveness or defensiveness, which seems to be the norm these days when business or people in general are faced with a question. I've not had dealings with EPS or others. I would be hopeful that I would be treated with the same respect and level of service, but my experience with retailers and manufacturers (not in the Porsche world) in other areas has never proved this out unfortunately.

I thought it was a great question. Curious, what does the life time warranty on the IMS solution mean? Does the motor get installed and replaced free of charge if something happens? Does the warranty transfer over to a new owner? Why does the retrofit go out of warranty in 2 years. I get not having a indefinite life but 2 years seems really short. I'm good with there durability, I've bought 2 LN's thus far (2 separate cars).

Quotes source post: 16157291

I'm not going to get into any flame war but I don't see anything wrong with the EPS kit; just make sure you get someone to install it correctly, a bad mechanical can screw anything up The failure of the stock dual row IMS is around 1%, the single row about 7% The EPS should be a small fraction of that; so I'd say go for it and don't worry about IMS anymore

Quotes source post: 16160154

I mostly agree. But the % are off. Those numbers where quoted many years ago, many more failures have happened since the lawsuit. Prequalification and proper install is a must. Brian, a UOA will tell you how different internal parts (metals) are wearing inside the engine. A wise thing to start tracking.

I've got the EPS in mine. I have a few thousand miles on it so far. But that's the last thing on my mind since my car most likely has bore scoring.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...upgrade-3.html Read from post #32

Quotes source post: 16158642

I understand this point of view. However, as a mechanic, if you have the engine dropped, I'd consider at least putting in the LN Ceramic Hybrid - not for peace of mind, but that roller ball bearings are a wear item in almost every application. Sure, it might look fine upon visual inspection, but there may be irregularities in roundness and smoothness that the eye can't pick up. $700 is cheap insurance for a part that will wear out, $1,800 is a substantial upgrade for a part that won't. Heck, I'd put a new factory bearing in at a minimum if the engine was out. I'll look forward to seeing the route you take.

Quotes source post: 16160060

We don't offer a single product with a lifetime warranty. The IMS Solution has a 5 year warranty vs 2 year with the LN Retrofit. As is standard with all aftermarket parts suppliers, it's a parts only warranty limited to the cost of the part itself. Warranties are located for download on the respective websites for Retrofit and Solution.

I'd expect the LN Solution to last generally as long as a set of rod and main bearings... Good enough for me. Haven't decided my route yet, After looking at the various solutions,, I figure any with positive oil feed are a decent candidate.. I'm pretty sure I can work out a DOF without paying too hard through the nose.. Then there is a swap option... Heck, a CTS Twin turbo V6 makes about the same power and has the same RPM range as a regular Porsche Turbo ,, 400 to 500 HP in any 911 chassis with a similar engine weight is going to be fun. Right now mine is running great,, knock on wood and so far so good..

Quotes source post: 16157778

yes; my prior 99 996 had an EPS roller bearing installed before I bought it. I bought the car with 27K miles and sold with 33K miles. no issues. my current 99 Boxster 2.5L has the LN IMS bearing (not solution) installed by me. 122K. no issues

Thanks Charles for the info.

Quotes source post: 16158655

That shows that you are a really hard worker and proud of your work, and that is really good. However, many times you talk as you were the only one in the world who work that hard or the only one in the world with knowledge about IMS/problems/solutions/engineering That, my respectable forum colleague, is far away from reality. In USA, in Europe or worldwide, there are a lot of solutions out there that can be as good as yours (or better, who knows), and for me, is not a good approach for promoting your solution, getting aggressive or trying to depreciate others.

I love it, 51 response and maybe 2 that actually address the op question. About right for an IMS bearing forum.

Quotes source post: 16162759

Because it's obvious, most of the regular contributors on this forum prefer LN Engineering IMS bearings. Less than 5% responded that that have used the EPS bearing.

Anyone know when the EPS roller was first introduced?

Quotes source post: 16163678

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlist.com-vbulletin/910x842/vertex_181281350bf292c6889e854a1bfbacb6a45e53ec.jpg

I prefer the LN/RND roller bearing over the EPS or any ball bearing for the IMSB. The LN/RND roller bearing uses a NUP6204 style bearing with "built in" thrust control as its design vs EPS NJ6204 with "added" thrust control. Of course if you have the funds, the plain bearing "Solution" is the way to go, but the price point is rather high, to me the LN/RND roller is the next best solution.

I have the EPS bearing installed since about three years now, no problems yet, don�t drive so many miles per year though. I had no problem getting in contact with them when I had questions during the install process. I live in Sweden so LN/RND products doesn�t seem like a viable option, no certified installers, no pre-qualification etc.

Quotes source post: 16168862

Custom Concepts out of Benelux is our distributor for all of Europe. We have set up a European portal for LN - http://www.lnengineering.eu as well to help buyers. In the UK, Design 911 is stocking and distributing our products as well. Our products do not require you to use a Certified Installer. These options are provided by Jake to let consumers know certain shops have been trained and selected by Jake as an extended network of trusted shops, however that is not a requirement to use or purchase our product. Pre-qualification is something that any shop should be doing, regardless of what bearing is being put in. Sadly, there are shops that put up blinders and ignore anything that would disqualify an engine from being retrofitted because an IMS install and clutch job pays well. Many of those installs have been posted here on the forums as "my engine has been saved" or something to that effect, when in fact, many of those engines would have failed pre-qualification. In that case, I'd either go with a Pelican sealed bearing to keep debris from damaging it, or use an IMS Solution, as nothing is going to hurt the Solution and you can just re-use it when you later have to rebuild the engine, as many have done in the years since we released the IMS Solution publicly.

FWIW, I've had both the LNE Dual Row Pro retrofit product and the "standard" EPS product. The LNE product (and some other "stuff") was installed about 2 years ago, and it performed perfectly. But about 6 months ago, my '99 suffered a catastropic failure...it blew a hole in cylinder #6 and suffered hydro-lock. I was devastated. After much soul searching and several table discussions with my understanding spouse, I decided to get a "fully re-built" engine installed...the engine builder installed the EPS product...so far, it has performed perfectly, too. Morale of my story: there are more than one reputable aftermarket suppliers out there, but at the end of the day, there are no long term M96 engine guarantees out there.

Quotes source post: 16162515

Have you ever owned a business? If so, in what field?

Quotes source posts: 16162515, 16162515

No. He's about the only business owner on this Rennlist and other forums that actually gives a damn about his products and spends time helping people on the forums. Most vendors just peddle their products "as being the best" with NOTHING to back it up. Words are cheap! Name one IMS bearing product on the market that is better than the patented IMS Solution? Show me another company owner that has spent more time on Porsche forums replying to questions than Charles Navarro. By calling out Vertex on that stupid M97 bearing extraction kit, he saved many 997 and "AT" 996 owners lots of money and trouble. It doesn't take half a brain watching that video that drilling into the M97 crank case will infuse lots of metal into the case that will quickly take out the engine once it started. If Charles Navarro wanted to make money on the M97 crowd, he wouldn't be telling them the factory M97 has only a 1% failure rate and that 997 owners shouldn't change it unless the engine is being rebuilt. If money was the primary goal, then it seems like the easier course of action would be to embellish M97 bearing failure rates in order to scare people into having their M97 bearings changed out. But that's not Charles Navarro. He has integrity in my book.

Quotes source post: 16162515

I think you have me confused with Jake.

[Image-only post; no author-written text. Original image references:] https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/icon501.gif

Charles, I am really thinking hard about your product for our 99 C4. Just such a plunge to take at $5500 cdn for me... Don't know what to do ... I know you said that the bearing can be reused in a new engine when something else blows it up.

Quotes source post: 16171551

There is about a $1000 USD price difference between the Retrofit and the Solution. Thought process for most is if you plan on keeping the car, just go the route of the solution since it has no service interval. Not sure where you are getting $5500 CDN - perhaps that's the installed price with the Solution?

Quotes source post: 16171557

Installed and with prequalification, yes. Using an approved installer. We put on about 15 000 km a year.

Quotes source post: 16171589

That sounds fair. We charge more than that to have the Solution installed at our facility.

The solution is just shy of $2K(Which I understand from a distance.. not debating that.. ) Labor of $3K? How many hours does it take? I've never understood the myth and legend of working on a Porsche,,, other than special tools the basics are the same, And in general they are way easier to work on than say a 3 Series BMW.. Or a Corvette.. I've helped pull a lot of engines, and the 911 ain't even in the top 20 hardest..

Quotes source posts: 16168937, 16168937, 16168937

I think it�s great that you are expandning your presence in Europe, still a bit far away from me tough. Maybe so, but it clearly states you get no warranty if you don�t do theese things. Yes, I know the warranty only covers the bearing itself, but since I usually do all work myself, I can�t risk putting myself in a situation where I�m buying an expensive bearing and have no warranty at all if there is something wrong with it. None of this was an option in my case from my perspective. First I wanted a more permanent solution than a new standard bearing, the EPS-solution claims to be just that, right or wrong only time will tell. I bought a used engine with warranty from a dismantler, with no real information on its internal condition other than an compression test. I did obviously check the oil, filter,and old bearing for signs of previous or ongoing failure but found none, if I did I would have returned the engine. The IMS solution might have been the best option, but cutting a chunk out of the engine would obviously have voided the warranty on it. Then there is the price, for me the IMS solution is extremely expensive, it would have cost more than half of what I paid for the engine and over 5 times the cost of the EPS bearing. If I had choosen the RND bearing, by next year it would have been time to change it out again, with all the cost and labour involved. I do like working on my cars, but more so if I can spend the money and time improving my track car, not maintanace I�m sure your products are great, just that for me, none of them was an option as I saw it.

Quotes source post: 16172794

So basically, you bought a bearing from a company that sells a M97 large single row bearing extraction kit that drills into the M97 crankcase. Watch the video, do you see a problem here? Vimeo A company that markets their direct oil feed bearing under the disguised of the "IMS Solution" and then uses shady marketing techniques by calling it a "patented system" on it's website and ads, but if you read the patent (9004766B1), it only covers one single part in the system. A thrust control washer. That's it! The fact that you call it "the EPS-Solution" shows us that their marketing technique worked on you. And if you look closely at their direct oil feed system, they've chosen to bore out the oil drive and push oil through the intermediate shaft. I'm not a mechanical engineer, but this seems problematic - it takes a quart of vital oil out of the system and by forcing it through the IMS, it could cause negative effects. Am I off the mark here? Vimeo Sorry, not trying to be antagonistic, but this company is not one I'd purchase anything from IMHO. I've read of many negative experiences when dealing with them and I can see why.

Just found these digging around the interweb. Google is not EPS's friend. So much for "thrust control"!

I'l be the first to say that who knows the backstory on any of these installations when taken out of context with no backstory. The competition are the first to share photos and make claims of failed Retrofit IMS bearings, however, these are all instances where we were never contacted. We all know many bearings are fitted to engines that would have failed pre-qualification, so that might have some contributing factor to these, and other bearing replacements. That's why pre-qualification is so important and why we have specific requirements for installation and registration. However we know that Vertex has redesigned their IMS flange and thrust washer since its release. Those photos are of the original version released back in 2013. That fractured thrust washer might explain the change in design. The original version also used a plain o-ring rather than the Porsche triple lip seal, which later kits were updated to use, likely after they leaked. That's why Porsche changed to a triple lip seal almost immediately after the launch of the Boxster. As part of our due diligence, we purchase competitor products to evaluate the customer experience and also send out the product to be evaluated by a third party. We noted in our evaluation of Sept 2013 that the thrust control surfaces (washer and flange) touch the faces of the bearing races when torqued to the specified 50-55 lb/ft. We would expect this to wear and expel debris. You can see evidence of this in one of the photos above.

Quotes source post: 16172794

That's fair. It is up to the consumer to make an educated decision as to how to proceed after reviewing all the available information.

Hi guys, ​​​​​​ quick question about EPS IMS installation. The EPS webpage states that the same bearing fits both the single row engines and dual row engines, but doesn't explain that in the installation instructions. I'm trying to install the EPS cylindrical bearing on a 2004 3.6 C2 which had single row bearing from factory (14mm deep). The flange (the bearing sitting place in the IMS) itself is 18mm deep. The EPS bearing that came is 22mm deep. So naturally it is sticking out about 4mm out of the IMS when fully fitted. Is that the way it is supposed to be??? Anyone installed EPS on the 3.6 instead of the single row bearing? Design911.com (which is where I bought it from) say that it is supposed to be like that, but I'm not convinced... Thanks for any help.

Hi guys,​​​​​​quick question about EPS IMS installation. The EPS webpage states that the same bearing fits both the single row engines and dual row engines, but doesn't explain that in the installation instructions.I'm trying to install the EPS cylindrical bearing on a 2004 3.6 C2 which had single row bearing from factory (14mm deep). The flange (the bearing sitting place in the IMS) itself is 18mm deep. The EPS bearing that came is 22mm deep. So naturally it is sticking out about 4mm out of the IMS when fully fitted. Is that the way it is supposed to be???Anyone installed EPS on the 3.6 instead of the single row bearing?Design911.com (which is where I bought it from) say that it is supposed to be like that, but I'm not convinced... Thanks for any help.

Quotes source post: 17911491

Yes, that's the way they do it. There is no physical retention for their replacement bearing.