Long wait is over ...

[haz]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

Every tech I spoke with told me the same thing ... that they had not experienced a car with failure outside of the first few years of ownership.

That is their opinion, that does not mean the they are documented facts. I don´t mean to poop on your parade, I am sure the car is in great condition, but there is never ever any sign or warning before IMS decides to fail and the grenade is dropped. Then your are looking at a complete rebuild / replacement engine and with the latter option you do not know the state of that IMS bearing.
At least do an oil change, at least check your oil filter for metal particles asap and at least get a quote for an IMS upgrade. Then decide if you want to roll the dice or not. Mileage does not matter when it comes to IMS failure. I´ve heard of failures at almost 200.000 km and at 27.000 km. Good luck with your car, and again - congrats with your Porsche purchase

[FLAT64EVER]

Thanks Haz -

I was prepared to do the upgrade with any S i bought but have been surprised how many shops are advising against it.

All have said to do it if you are doing the clutch and want to for peace of mind then have it done. But when techs and shop owners who stand to make $$ on every one they replace are saying no need to do it...

One reputable Porsche shop Master tech in Washington State said " we do not believe in stressing an engine with a IMS bearing replacement for fear of what might happen.
only week one with the car and lots to contemplate.

Thanks again to all ...

[Frodo]

Congratulations, nice lookin' machine. In fact---figuratively speaking---you bought my car (though you've got PSM, I don't)...



This was not too long after I bought it in 2006. Had significantly fewer miles than yours back then, now have significantly more. Had a few things to deal with the first couple of years: alternator, one wheel bearing, water pump...nothing huge, took care of all of them myself. Still have the original clutch; when I have to replace it, I MAY do the IMSB---really have not decided yet. Anyway, following the initial projects mentioned above, it's been smooth sailing ever since. Have loved it, am to this day excited when I open the garage door and see her sittin' there! (And even more so when we go for a spin!)

BTW, with the seal grey, I don't think the amber side markers look bad at all. I decided to leave mine, never looked back.

[MitchSF]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

One reputable Porsche shop Master tech in Washington State said " we do not believe in stressing an engine with a IMS bearing replacement for fear of what might happen.

I don't know much about the 986 yet or engine internals in general, but I don't understand this statement at all. Hopefully someone with more experience will address this comment

After a week of ownership, I ordered then hours later canceled the IMS Guardian. Instead I I decided to spend the extra money to have the bearing replaced. Peace of mind is worth a lot to me at this point in life.

[AKnowles]

Congratulations. It does look really nice. Ilike the color quite a bit. Hope it gives you many years of service without any issue.

As regards the IMSB, well my 99 has a double row bearing, so I don't worry about it. If it does fail, it is just an opportunity to find a 3.2 911 engine to pop in as a replacement. In the mean time, I just plan to replace teh IMSB during my next clutch change and every clutch change after that as a preventative measure.

[haz]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

All have said to do it if you are doing the clutch and want to for peace of mind then have it done. But when techs and shop owners who stand to make $$ on every one they replace are saying no need to do it...

One reputable Porsche shop Master tech in Washington State said " we do not believe in stressing an engine with a IMS bearing replacement for fear of what might happen.
only week one with the car and lots to contemplate.

Thanks again to all ...

That statement goes against every but of information and experience I have on the IMSB to this day. All I can imagine is that they might not have gotten many jobs in with the issue, but that does not change the fact that IMS failures are happening on a daily basis now.

Might it be that they don't actually don't perform this job? Not every Porsche Center do this and the IMS bearing is not something Porsche offers as a "loose part" for you to buy, as it is a smaller part of something bigger.
That is why LN Engeneering created it as a loose product.

I strongly recommend the upgrade. At least get a quote for the upgrade. Please.

[FLAT64EVER]

I will never grow tired of the sound of this flat 6!!

[imAUDIhere]

agreed speed yellow was the only option and color choice for me go rare or go home one of the rarest and loudest Porsche colors in country lol proud owner at 24

[imAUDIhere]

i loved those wheels growing up they were my favorite at the time, mine came with the 18" carrera sport classic 2's the BBS 2 piece rims thin multi spoked



http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/10373491445_58107fcc23_o.jpg

[FLAT64EVER]

very nice!!