Top Gear Top 50

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Foydawg

IMS? Not so perfect. Too cheap to build two different heads? Not so perfect.

Fantastic heads none the less! What is your issue with interchangable head castings?

[southernstar]

Randal, this was their selection of the top 50 cars over the last 20 years based not only upon the original reviews, but experience since then. The people at Top Gear are very much aware of the IMS issues, but nevertheless chose to rank the original 986 where they did. Over that time span, did any other sports car generate the excitement that the original 986 did? Was there any other sports car near the price that had the same balance of performance, handling, appearance and comfort? Is there any other sports car close in price that is still as rewarding to own and drive?

As you are aware, there are numerous upgrades to the IMS that are reasonably priced. If someone is put off the entire experience by worries over the IMS bearing, upgrade it and get on with your (and your car's) life. In fact, when one considers the incredibly low price today for used 986's, they are likely an even better buy than when new in spite of the cost to upgrade the IMS.

Brad

[pothole]

Originally Posted by southernstar

The people at Top Gear are very much aware of the IMS issues, but nevertheless chose to rank the original 986 where they did.

You know this because....?

[Foydawg]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Fantastic heads none the less! What is your issue with interchangable head castings?

If I'm not mistaken, dedicated left/right heads would eliminate the need for the IMS. Am I coming off sounding jaded? Just wrote a check for $7K to fix my IMS & bearing. I ought to be.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Foydawg

If I'm not mistaken, dedicated left/right heads would eliminate the need for the IMS. Am I coming off sounded jaded? Just wrote a check for $7K to fix my IMS & bearing. I ought to be.

Not necessarily, the InterMediateShaft is utilized to reduce the revolution speed of the camshafts relative to crankshaft speed. Porsche has used the IMS for decades & never had problems until they chose to use a bearing at 1 end of the IMS in the Boxster. Designing parts so that they can be used in multiple locations on the same vehicle saves production costs. I don't know if the new design 9A1 engine has interchangeable head castings, but it doesn't have a IMS. Whatever "attitude" you have at the moment is quite understandable.