Has anyone here used the 123bearing IMSB replacement?

[elgyqc]

In this thread piper6909 refers to the NSK BD20-17 available from 123bearings as a replacement for the original dual row IMSB.
IMS failures on automatics?
Has anyone actually tried this bearing? I just got a quote of $113.51 US. They are located in France.
I am again pondering the IMSB question for my 2000 Boxster's original engine. The factory bearing seems to be OK so I may just leave it (as I have done in 2 other engines), but it would be easier to change it with the engine out, which it will be for awhile.
I will NOT be using any of the LN kits... too pricey for a 20 year old car.
The Fvd Brombacher kit at $395 US looks interesting, but a new bearing for about $200 all in would be better... for me.

Sure wish Ben Burner would come back with a report on the custom ceramic bearing he installed. Imo000 over on rennlist tried another ceramic (from Boca?) and it did not end well.

[Homeoboxter]

I think this is the same exact bearing that was built into these cars in the factory, so it`s proven to be good since in most cars it lasts way over 100k miles. In general, I don`t see the advantage of the ceramic hybrid bearing over the original steel ball dual row for this application. When I rebuilt my engine I went with a roller bearing + ball bearing combo, but I might replace it to one like this when I decide to sell the car, as the bearing I used is unique and is not from a reputable source and buyers don`t like that.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

I think this is the same exact bearing that was built into these cars in the factory, so it`s proven to be good since in most cars it lasts way over 100k miles. In general, I don`t see the advantage of the ceramic hybrid bearing over the original steel ball dual row for this application. When I rebuilt my engine I went with a roller bearing + ball bearing combo, but I might replace it to one like this when I decide to sell the car, as the bearing I used is unique and is not from a reputable source and buyers don`t like that.

I recently read your entire thread in the Show and Tell Gallery and was struck by your unique approach to the IMSB challenge. Impressive, both your bearing solution and the entire thread.
If I do use this bearing the next question in my mind is whether to remove the bearing seal at installation time and make it an oil lubed bearing from the beginning. The three IMSBs that I have looked at were all practically greaseless at 90,000, 97,000 and 115.000 miles.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

I recently read your entire thread in the Show and Tell Gallery and was struck by your unique approach to the IMSB challenge. Impressive, both your bearing solution and the entire thread.
If I do use this bearing the next question in my mind is whether to remove the bearing seal at installation time and make it an oil lubed bearing from the beginning. The three IMSBs that I have looked at were all practically greaseless at 90,000, 97,000 and 115.000 miles.

I think both configurations (opened/closed) should work. The closed version is proven to be lasting, see your examples. But I don`t see why the opened version should not last just as long...