Shortlived Boxster engines survey

[Dr_P]

Hi All.
Am brand new to forum.
I recently took my 986-S model (2002) for its 30k service and my technician (retired Porsche Dealer mechanic from NY area) found some metal shavings (some, not a lot) along with one small bit of plastic and one small bit of metal in the oil (dropped lower sump pan).
I have/had read extensively on IMSB issues (here and elsewhere) and expected this at some point, but when I called the nearest dealer for a quotation, I was surprised to find they actually quoted a higher price for the LN Engineering retrofit than for a retrofit with authentic Porsche parts. Moreover, the warranty for LN is only 30-days (assuming it passes the pre-approval process), while Porsche offers 2-years and unlimited mileage. This just seemed odd to me, although a pleasant surprise. I see posts from Jack Raby, etc. everywhere, and numerous posts and links to Pelican Parts, Flat6innovations, etc., but almost nothing from anyone who has had a Porsche Authorized Dealer perform the work. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts/comments/information to share? Am I missing anything, or is this actually likely to be as good a deal as it sounds?
My local technician said everything else on my S-model looked beautiful (it's had regular oil changes every 3-4k miles since new, about once a year), and I wouldn't have known anything otherwise without his expertise (purrs like a kitten, runs like a beast), so I'm inclined to continue as planned, but just wanted to double-check my thinking, having seen nothing about Dealer servicing this item.
Thanks all,
- Dr. P

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Dr_P

Hi All.
Am brand new to forum.
I recently took my 986-S model (2002) for its 30k service and my technician (retired Porsche Dealer mechanic from NY area) found some metal shavings (some, not a lot) along with one small bit of plastic and one small bit of metal in the oil (dropped lower sump pan).
I have/had read extensively on IMSB issues (here and elsewhere) and expected this at some point, but when I called the nearest dealer for a quotation, I was surprised to find they actually quoted a higher price for the LN Engineering retrofit than for a retrofit with authentic Porsche parts. Moreover, the warranty for LN is only 30-days (assuming it passes the pre-approval process), while Porsche offers 2-years and unlimited mileage. This just seemed odd to me, although a pleasant surprise. I see posts from Jack Raby, etc. everywhere, and numerous posts and links to Pelican Parts, Flat6innovations, etc., but almost nothing from anyone who has had a Porsche Authorized Dealer perform the work. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts/comments/information to share? Am I missing anything, or is this actually likely to be as good a deal as it sounds?
My local technician said everything else on my S-model looked beautiful (it's had regular oil changes every 3-4k miles since new, about once a year), and I wouldn't have known anything otherwise without his expertise (purrs like a kitten, runs like a beast), so I'm inclined to continue as planned, but just wanted to double-check my thinking, having seen nothing about Dealer servicing this item.
Thanks all,
- Dr. P

Your instincts are correct because the only IMSB available from Porsche is the last design that requires complete disassembly of the engine to install, due to it's larger diameter. LN engineering offeres 3 different retrofits for your 2002 engine all of which are superior to the Porsche OE IMSB. You should read LNs website for accurate info & post in general discussions thread for more feedback.

[pieter1]

First one 996 C2 cylinder no.4 ate its self. PO never took care of it (oil changes) not the cars fault 142500 miles. [ATTACH][ATTACH][/ATTACH][/ATTACH] Engine was parted out and new factory rebuild put in.

Second one 98 Box with C2 3,4 motor (motor 67000 miles) Variocam chain pads failed. Ha no engine damage, replaced valve cover, two cams, and variocam solenoid with cam chain. She runs strong (scary car). Never had IMS or RMS issues my third Porsche with M96 motor.

[pieter1]

I hope I do not get kicked of the Forum for what I am about to say, but here goes. There is a lot of ********************ing in this post, this will be the last Porsche for me , how can they do this bla bla bla bla. The fricken cars are older that 10 years some with high miles some with dodgy service history and some were guys work on there own. Stop saying the brand or car is bad and unreliable. Look at my post below and I am not ********************ing about my failures. They are awesome cars and need maintenance go figure, nothing last forever. Its a bearing replace the thing its $750 DIY-$1800 for shop to do. Just have it done a new engine is $12000-$18000. Do you guys think a Honda S2000 BS I had two and one dropped a valve and the other one ran bearings on a track day (oil was on the full mark). Other failures are related to poor maintenance, bad driving habits, and about 5% bad design that Porsche did address. I drove a 996 last night with 298000 miles same engine, new IMS and RMS put in at 230000 miles, what about those cars. Yes its a Porsche built to a budget but go to your car and look at the quality and the engineering that is build into the car. You have a Porsche for Miata money that performs and handles like no ones busyness. Thank you spoke my mind. And drive the wheels of them that's what they are designed for.

[arthrodriver]

I don't own a Boxster, but am considering an older one, expecting to overhaul/mod the engine. I have read many of the posts and also seen a youtube hosted by a bearded uncle type who assumed the know-all, final say posture (good watch).His summary (if I got it right) is that the IMS bearing failure (early/late...I don't know) arises from corrosion (my words). Mechanism: oil collects in the shaft tube and cannot exit. It becomes "rancid" (his words .I think)and becomes corrosive. The seals fail and the ?acidic? goop attacks the balls and races. The bearing wobbles and fatique sets in on the shaft. The fix...pressurized oil lines under gallery pressure constantly clean and lubricate the new bearing. Problem solved. I write this in my words because I don't think I saw this explanation before. So his statement is that although grease is the normal lubricant for ball and rollers, engine oil is the fix for the replacement bearings?

Next, Although the engine shops show broken parts (like the crank above) they do not volunteer non destructive test findings (magnaflux, zyglo etc) to explain. Finally for the person above asking about valve guide slippage. IMO this can be due to incorrect press fit tolerances (guide too small, guide hole too big) or to overheated aluminum head ,or improper installation. Out around 350F aluminum creeps (gets soft)and cannot hold onto guides and seats.

Hope this evokes more info. I know it's out there. These threads are very much like the ones on another site. Mercedes M 156 V8 (many models, but especially C63 AMG) where headbolts break. Those engines are$42K and Mercedes' warranty and mea culpa position is the same as Porsche. The owners there have the same nightmares and angst. Unlike the Boxster engines, most M 156's can be repaired , range $5K - $15K.