Dispeling M96 engine rumors

[clickman]

Thanks. Interesting post. A few questions:

Originally Posted by Brian Porsche Tech

First, the intermediate shaft. The early cars had a dual row bearing, which has proven to be fairly reliable. Then came the smaller single row bearing. This is where we have seen most of the failures. Starting around 2005 the factory started using a much larger single row bearing,

So MY 2000-2004 have the smaller single row brg?

Originally Posted by Brian Porsche Tech

The latest, larger single row bearing cannot be removed without splitting the cases of the engine, since the bearing is actually larger than the hole that you would pull it out through. Replacing this bearing is not a complex job, and could be completed by any competent tech, with barely any additional labor while doing a clutch.

I assume it's replacement of the earlier single-row brg that is "not a complex job".

Originally Posted by Brian Porsche Tech

Second, clutches. Whenever doing a clutch, you need to replace the flywheel,

Why?

Originally Posted by Brian Porsche Tech

Third, oil. While the factory endorses Mobil 1, there are better oils out there. Mobil 1 is not the product that it once was. At my dealership, we still fill with Mobil 1, but I don't run it in my personal cars.

What do you use? Is Castrol Syntec ok in your opinion?