2003 Boxster S - prevent IMS failure?

[Jan67]

Hi,

Thanks for the fast answers!

Rick: the company you're referring to is autofarm. They adapt the more recent IMS (with larger bearing) so that it fits older engines. At the moment it's not clear to me if my engine already has the newer IMS or not. I gues not because i have seen many 2003 boxster IMs failure stories on the internet...
I agree that changing a seal can't prevent a bearing form failing, however i have also read tha IMS failure (sometimes or always?) happens because the 3 bolts of the flange fail, causing the bearing to 'fall' out of the engine and the IMS to create havoc in the engine... Since my boxster has a leak, i am getting scared it might not be the RMS but the beginning of the IMS bearing popping out...

Adam: we have almost the same car: mine is a red 2003 6-speed 3.2S with black interior. It is on standard 17" rims altough. Here in europe the colour is called indian red instead of guards red. You have a point in that the chances are low that the engine might break. On the other hand the car would give me greater joy without thinking about a 12.000 $ repair every time i floor the right pedal

Tool pants: thanks for the description and the pictures. Very informative.

Thanks to all of you

Jan