Buying 986 with m97 engine replacement

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by scrambledeggs728

Saw a listing for a 2003 S with a replacement m97 due to earlier IMS failure; when searching I found a Jake Raby post saying the m97 bearing has no spotted failures except for tracking (since they redesigned it to last under street driving instead of racing, like the earlier). My local mechanic says not to trust it despite that, that the m97 2005-8 was designed to avoid in warranty failures and that is why eventually the IMS got removed; and that anyone, if they had their m97 engine apart, would replace the bearing anyway even if never "tracked".

In any case, in general is a replacement m97 engine in a 986 like the listing above, a good or neutral or bad sign?

I don't like bastards,but if it was done properly & the price is right,(it's not an upgrade in my opinion) the problem is serviceing many mechanics won't know what to do & where parts are located. Much easier to buy a original car & replace the IMSB with a new one of your chose from L.N.