EPS IMS Bearing Upgrade Kit

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Geof3

It seem LN just released, or is about to release a roller bearing. It is under the R&D section, but not sure if it is avail yet. Has a 2 yr warranty.

...and will probably cost $2000.

[mikefocke]

Actually $799.

Features

Cost

[Mig]

They have a 2-year warranty on their roller bearing. Not exactly confidence inspiring. If they can't trust it beyond 2 years, then why should we?

I don't mind replacing these bearings every few years. I think it's good insurance. However, paying $800 for a roller bearing is absurd.

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Mig

They have a 2-year warranty on their roller bearing. Not exactly confidence inspiring. If they can't trust it beyond 2 years, then why should we?

I don't mind replacing these bearings every few years. I think it's good insurance. However, paying $800 for a roller bearing is absurd.

There’s a patent holder wanting to be paid too. It’s not just the part.

[Mig]

Originally Posted by Timco

There’s a patent holder wanting to be paid too. It’s not just the part.

I didn't see a patent number anywhere on their website. Are you sure they even have one?

I was curious to know what a patent costs to file. Here's what I found:

"The filing fee is $130 for a small entity and drawings typically cost $100 to $125 per page, so a high quality provisional patent application for a mechanical or electrical device can typically be prepared and filed for $2,500 to $3,000."

- source www.ipwatchdog.com April 2015

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Actually $799.

Features

Cost

One of the interesting things is, they state it doesn't require any secondary oil feed. Makes one wonder, if the "solution" is an oil fed hybrid ball, then what should the roller be considered? Simply another "option"? My guess is the EPS system is making a dent.

I really believe that the market for these systems is limited at some point. Eventually, most 996/986 M96 era motors will either have died and been rebuilt, thus having the latest and greatest installed, or simply the issue would have been taken care of. Part of the high pricing is maximizing the limited time avail to profit.

[mikefocke]

The IMS ball bearing is immersed in oil at rest, serviced by mist when spinning. You should not oil feed such a bearing.

"The Solution" is a flat bearing which is why it requires oil feed.

The RMS bearing was actually tested first but not refined and productized until distributors asked for it.

Profit is one of the motivators for product developers. It is not a dirty word. It took years of testing, lots of engines destroyed and lots of money spent before the first dollar of revenue was ever received for a product that Porsche said couldn't be done.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

The IMS ball bearing is immersed in oil at rest, serviced by mist when spinning. You should not oil feed such a bearing.

"The Solution" is a flat bearing which is why it requires oil feed.

The RMS bearing was actually tested first but not refined and productized until distributors asked for it.

Profit is one of the motivators for product developers. It is not a dirty word. It took years of testing, lots of engines destroyed and lots of money spent before the first dollar of revenue was ever received for a product that Porsche said couldn't be done.

I have no issue with profit, simply making a statement. There is a finite amount of engines out there, and the pricing reflects that. All of the IMS iterations are expensive. Is it good value for money? Yes and maybe. If you happen to be the 1 in 10 for sure, if not... maybe not. I personally think that a bearing is a bearing, they fail. Some last longer than others. It is wise to think of these in particular as a maintenance item, just like a water pump, alternator, brakes etc. at the time of replacement, picking the best for ones budget is probably the wisest choice.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

The IMS ball bearing is immersed in oil at rest, serviced by mist when spinning. You should not oil feed such a bearing.

"The Solution" is a flat bearing which is why it requires oil feed.

The RMS bearing was actually tested first but not refined and productized until distributors asked for it.

Profit is one of the motivators for product developers. It is not a dirty word. It took years of testing, lots of engines destroyed and lots of money spent before the first dollar of revenue was ever received for a product that Porsche said couldn't be done.

+ 1

I am with Mike on this one, as the Solution requires a film of oil to provide lubrication, but keep in mind that the beauty of the IMS Solution does not have any moving parts.. The IMS shaft is supported by a metal bearing, similar to the bearings on your crank mains or your con rod bearings.

BTW, you should see how much does a special bearing for an aerospace application like a gas turbine engine or gearbox bearing costs..