Long wait is over ...

[FLAT64EVER]

thanks everyone for your replies!

throughout my search to purchase, I was so concerned about IMS failure... none of the S's I saw had the update done, mine included.

Every tech I spoke with told me the same thing ... that they had not experienced a car with failure outside of the first few years of ownership.

I had all fluids replaced at an incredible indie Porsche shop i found and they told me the same thing. No need to replace?

I am sure I will stir up a hornets nest with that statement ... not what I am trying to do with my first post!

but i have heard the same from several indie shops on both side of the border. so i am undecided if I will replace in a 12+ year old engine. Didn't someone post on your engine number and percentage of failure rate?

flame suit on...

[FLAT64EVER]

oh and ya ... PITA to clean those Sport Design Wheels!

[PorscheBound]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

thanks everyone for your replies!

throughout my search to purchase, I was so concerned about IMS failure... none of the S's I saw had the update done, mine included.

Every tech I spoke with told me the same thing ... that they had not experienced a car with failure outside of the first few years of ownership.

I had all fluids replaced at an incredible indie Porsche shop i found and they told me the same thing. No need to replace?

I am sure I will stir up a hornets nest with that statement ... not what I am trying to do with my first post!

but i have heard the same from several indie shops on both side of the border. so i am undecided if I will replace in a 12+ year old engine. Didn't someone post on your engine number and percentage of failure rate?

flame suit on...

Its not so much the age of the car but the mileage that matters. Most cars well over the 60K mile mark are less likely to have the failure. The big thing for me in swapping out the IMS bearing is the simple thought that it is not worth the risk. I replaced my IMS in the first week of ownership. If the engine blows on you the cost of motor replacement may be more expensive then the cost of the car (depending on which route you take). My overall thought is that the couple of grand it cost is well worth the piece of mind. Although the failure rate is low, it just isn't worth it to roll the dice.

EDIT: Great looking car.

[haz]

Originally Posted by FLAT64EVER

Every tech I spoke with told me the same thing ... that they had not experienced a car with failure outside of the first few years of ownership.

That is their opinion, that does not mean the they are documented facts. I don´t mean to poop on your parade, I am sure the car is in great condition, but there is never ever any sign or warning before IMS decides to fail and the grenade is dropped. Then your are looking at a complete rebuild / replacement engine and with the latter option you do not know the state of that IMS bearing.
At least do an oil change, at least check your oil filter for metal particles asap and at least get a quote for an IMS upgrade. Then decide if you want to roll the dice or not. Mileage does not matter when it comes to IMS failure. I´ve heard of failures at almost 200.000 km and at 27.000 km. Good luck with your car, and again - congrats with your Porsche purchase

[FLAT64EVER]

Thanks Haz -

I was prepared to do the upgrade with any S i bought but have been surprised how many shops are advising against it.

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 ...

[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.