I like the prognosis so far! Good news Jake. great detective work. Yimmy, I'm glad you're excited. Hopefully you're not one of those folks that like to watch horror movies with a bag of popcorn at your side :)
Technically, solving a problem systematically is an engineers' dream, and Jake , you appear to be in your element. I looking forward to the end of the story.

I'm really grateful we have someone like Jake on this board. When my engine died, Jake spent 30 minutes on the phone walking me thru options, and trying to get a feel for what would be best for me.

If I never said it, thanks Jake.

I grew up breaking parts and engines for fun. I had my own junkyard at age 18 with 80 VWs and a few Porsches.. I have an appreciation for broken parts that most can't imagine, so thats why the M96 engine fits my personality so well.

Its been easy so far.. Not even a challenge, tomorrow I'll localize some other tests and see what happens.

No problem, I hope I was of some assistance.. Most of those that I talk to don't buy anything from us, because our options are not cheap.. The only thing more expensive than going my way is going any other way twice and still being disgusted.

Lots more to be unveiled soon.. If what I have shared so far has ruffled your feathers, just wait till I get a chance to work on my website.

Update:

jbox53 picked his car up today...

His IMS retrofit is doing great, along with a new water pump..

Another engine successfully retrofitted and saved from the scrap pile!!

Here is Jim's Boxster receiving it's "IMS Test"

Jake, nice work! Glad jbox53 gets to continue to enjoy his Boxster.
Always nice to read about a happy ending.

And Jake, please post those R&D findings soon- we can't take the suspense much longer. :)

I'll post some pics of the IMS bearing tomorrow.. It was loose inside the shaft and the noise was coming from that more than actual roller/ race wear..

First time I had seen this.. basically the internal snap ring was the only thing holding it in place..

Beats rollerskating
 

Jake, thanks for keeping me out of the tank with my 80K mile boxster. And thank you for the tour and explaining (illustrating) the work you did.
For everyone out there, Jake found the following things needing repair for my vehicle.
1. IMS bearing (replaced)
2. Shot clutch, plate and bearing (replaced)
3. worn lifters (will fix later)
4. worn time chain tensioners (will fix later)
5. Bad MAF sensor (to be fixed)
6. crack front motor mount (to be fixed)
7. crack ignition coils (to be fixed)
8. shot water pump (replaced)

I am personally going to attack the mount and MAF sensor next.

Jake, it was obvious you’re passionate about your work. I used to work with an old auto mechanic while I was attending school and he use to tell me that it was such a pleasure to talk to someone who really knew their stuff, and the pleasure was all mine.

I was fortunate that the water pump noise emanated to the crank case wall alterting me that someting bad was happening. Pure luck I contacted you. I will have to watch my "patient" more closely in the future and I know where the doctor's office is....

For all of you Boxster owners out there, Jake's the man.

Thanks.. It was great meeting you, and Jill.

You were VERY lucky! This is the first time I have seen a bearing make noise in this manner.. Everything happens for a reason, and that water pump bearing going out was like a small heart attack that saved a much bigger one.

....Don't forget about the 996 and Cayman owners :-)

Thanks for being great to work with, patient and for being a god communicator.

986 Engine Mount Toast
 

Just to keep all up to date.
I just finished installing the engine mount onto my 80K boxster.
Here is a .jpg of the one I pulled out. Notice all the daylight. Basically nothing left of the mount. Jake again was correct (again). I'm glad I did this. With the new IMS bearing, water pump, MAF sensor and mount, my vehicle feels more responsive and smoother than ever. IMHO the bearing , clutch, and mount issues may have been robbing hp at my wheels. I also lost the start-up smoking issues I have been experiencing (not sure why). My mileage is also up since I placed the proper air in my tires.
Take a look at the mount at:

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6153/jbox53engmount.jpg

P.S. recommend using a deep 15mm socket when removing the mount from the chassis. Also nice to have a cool engine when doing job. I have the burns on my hand and forearm to testify.

Col!! I told you that you could do it!!! saved yourself a few more bucks too!
I plan on doing a DVD overview of changing the mount, with that it'll be much simpler and less intimidating for anyone to do.

Next you need to come take my class on lifter R&R and that Box will be even better!

The 30 wt oil you were running was probably the source of the start up smoke... You no longer have 30 wt in the engine.

Glad the car and IMSR are performing better :-)

Thanks Jake! Good info on the oil. Your mount instructions will definitely help the next poor soul that has to tackle that puppy.