Long wait is over ...

[MitchSF]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

One reputable Porsche shop Master tech in Washington State said " we do not believe in stressing an engine with a IMS bearing replacement for fear of what might happen.

I don't know much about the 986 yet or engine internals in general, but I don't understand this statement at all. Hopefully someone with more experience will address this comment

After a week of ownership, I ordered then hours later canceled the IMS Guardian. Instead I I decided to spend the extra money to have the bearing replaced. Peace of mind is worth a lot to me at this point in life.

[haz]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

All have said to do it if you are doing the clutch and want to for peace of mind then have it done. But when techs and shop owners who stand to make $$ on every one they replace are saying no need to do it...

One reputable Porsche shop Master tech in Washington State said " we do not believe in stressing an engine with a IMS bearing replacement for fear of what might happen.
only week one with the car and lots to contemplate.

Thanks again to all ...

That statement goes against every but of information and experience I have on the IMSB to this day. All I can imagine is that they might not have gotten many jobs in with the issue, but that does not change the fact that IMS failures are happening on a daily basis now.

Might it be that they don't actually don't perform this job? Not every Porsche Center do this and the IMS bearing is not something Porsche offers as a "loose part" for you to buy, as it is a smaller part of something bigger.
That is why LN Engeneering created it as a loose product.

I strongly recommend the upgrade. At least get a quote for the upgrade. Please.

[Frodo]

Congratulations, nice lookin' machine. In fact---figuratively speaking---you bought my car (though you've got PSM, I don't)...



This was not too long after I bought it in 2006. Had significantly fewer miles than yours back then, now have significantly more. Had a few things to deal with the first couple of years: alternator, one wheel bearing, water pump...nothing huge, took care of all of them myself. Still have the original clutch; when I have to replace it, I MAY do the IMSB---really have not decided yet. Anyway, following the initial projects mentioned above, it's been smooth sailing ever since. Have loved it, am to this day excited when I open the garage door and see her sittin' there! (And even more so when we go for a spin!)

BTW, with the seal grey, I don't think the amber side markers look bad at all. I decided to leave mine, never looked back.

[BruceH]

Congrats on a very nice Boxster! Love your option list, patience pays off! I would swap those amber side markers for clear though. Simple and cheap. As far as the IMS goes, I plan to do mine soon along with the clutch. I have around 71K miles and the clutch feels good, but I figure it won't be a total waste to do it. In the mean time, I got the magnetic drain plug and just had an oil analysis which gave me a clean bill of health as far as any metal in the oil. Oh, and I keep the revs up I bought my 2001S after months of searching and figured the price of the IMS change into what I was willing to pay. Everyone has to come to terms with their choice when it comes to the IMS

[ccjazz]

Hey Brian, congrats on the new (to you) 'S'...you're going to love it, welcome!

Tons of very experienced folks here, always willing to share their opinions and help.

[litespeedp]

VERY good looking Box in poss the best color IMO and knocked out wheels.Congrats!

[RawleyD]

Great looking car, love the color! Grey was my top choice until I stumbled into the wonderful world of Speed Yellow (it was in my price range).

[imAUDIhere]

agreed speed yellow was the only option and color choice for me go rare or go home one of the rarest and loudest Porsche colors in country lol proud owner at 24

[AKnowles]

Congratulations. It does look really nice. Ilike the color quite a bit. Hope it gives you many years of service without any issue.

As regards the IMSB, well my 99 has a double row bearing, so I don't worry about it. If it does fail, it is just an opportunity to find a 3.2 911 engine to pop in as a replacement. In the mean time, I just plan to replace teh IMSB during my next clutch change and every clutch change after that as a preventative measure.

[FLAT64EVER]

I will never grow tired of the sound of this flat 6!!