[MikenOH]

Sorry to hear about his--a failure at 44K is way too soon.

After reading stories like this, if I bought a used 986 one of the first things I would do would be the cam deviation test, then either the IMS Guardian or just replace the IMS, depending on whether a clutch replacement made sense. The cam deviation test would give you an idea of where you were at the moment and the Guardian--hopefully--would allow you to turn the car off in enough time before the engine was reduced to scrap

On a 987, it's a different proposition--the IMS Guardian would just be signal for you to park the car and gather your finances for an engine rebuild of some degree--a much more expensive proposition.