Buying with IMS replaced

[algiorda]

You have to manage this like you manage all risks:

The risk is: IMS failure. What is the probability the IMS will fail? 1%= Low 3%=Medium 30%=High

For a medium to high risk, you mitigate by replacing the IMS. If you do not replace the IMS, an ISSUE develops. The issue is engine failure. To mitigate a low risk, you change oil frequently, drive spirited, check oil filter for debris, etc.

JFP is introducing a NEW Risk: Replacing the IMS can introduce New IMS bearing failure.

Again, you have to weigh the risk: What is the probability a NEW bearing will fail due to poor installation, materials, design? .5-1%=Low, 1-3%=Medium, 10-30%=High.

So to evaluate the new risk, evaluate the possibility you may have a Lower risk with a replaced/repaired IMS and thus you have reduced your original risk of 3-30% to 1%.

That is a reasonable mitigation strategy.

In my case my 2004 was in the HIGH Risk category as several Indy's and salvage experts (Woody) have seen quite a few engine failures for 2004 due in part to the IMS failure. I have reduced my 30% risk to 1% or less replacing it with a new LN Retro kit.

You can also boil down the risk of using an OEM IMS kit VS. LN Retro Kit VS Others. One would have to do frequency analysis of IMS failures from each and the calculate the risk proportionately.

So perhaps we can create a mathematical formula for everyone to enter their environmental factors into an equation to give you a risk value to determine if you need to mitigate your IMS Risk?

[pidj]

Originally Posted by algiorda

You have to manage this like you manage all risks:

The risk is: IMS failure. What is the probability the IMS will fail? 1%= Low 3%=Medium 30%=High

For a medium to high risk, you mitigate by replacing the IMS. If you do not replace the IMS, an ISSUE develops. The issue is engine failure. To mitigate a low risk, you change oil frequently, drive spirited, check oil filter for debris, etc.

JFP is introducing a NEW Risk: Replacing the IMS can introduce New IMS bearing failure.

Again, you have to weigh the risk: What is the probability a NEW bearing will fail due to poor installation, materials, design? .5-1%=Low, 1-3%=Medium, 10-30%=High.

So to evaluate the new risk, evaluate the possibility you may have a Lower risk with a replaced/repaired IMS and thus you have reduced your original risk of 3-30% to 1%.

That is a reasonable mitigation strategy.

In my case my 2004 was in the HIGH Risk category as several Indy's and salvage experts (Woody) have seen quite a few engine failures for 2004 due in part to the IMS failure. I have reduced my 30% risk to 1% or less replacing it with a new LN Retro kit.

You can also boil down the risk of using an OEM IMS kit VS. LN Retro Kit VS Others. One would have to do frequency analysis of IMS failures from each and the calculate the risk proportionately.

So perhaps we can create a mathematical formula for everyone to enter their environmental factors into an equation to give you a risk value to determine if you need to mitigate your IMS Risk?

Well stated!

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by algiorda

JFP is introducing a NEW Risk: Replacing the IMS can introduce New IMS bearing failure.

Not at all what I was referring to. People suddenly find metal in their oil, and immediately do the cheapest IMS retrofit in an attempt to get the engine to hold together long enough to either sell of trade in the car before the engine blows. We, and other shops, have seen this more than once. So if you find a car up for sale that has had a very recent retrofit, it would be a good idea to ask yourself why.......

[356Guy]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Not at all what I was referring to. People suddenly find metal in their oil, and immediately do the cheapest IMS retrofit in an attempt to get the engine to hold together long enough to either sell of trade in the car before the engine blows. We, and other shops, have seen this more than once. So if you find a car up for sale that has had a very recent retrofit, it would be a good idea to ask yourself why.......

Maybe one is better off buying a car without the upgrade and just oil sampling, mag plug, cut the filter, etc. to monitor. Chances are that its just had a recent oil change so looking at the filter won't tell you much. The first few thousand miles are somewhat of a gamble I guess. There are quite a few low mileage cars up here. I think those might be even a bigger risk.