'03 S - Two Mechanics say Yes & One says No - IMS

[Bigsmoothlee]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

^ I'll buy another Porsche with an IMS bearing all day long (as long as the bearing is easily serviceable 97-04 986's).

It's a bearing for crying out loud, just replace it at a regular interval. You don't even need to buy an expensive bearing. At the end of the day we're talking about one day at the shop, not a month.


To the OP, have you looked into get the IMS Guardian warning light for your dash if you are heissitant to plunk down the expense?

I agree 100%. You can buy the original one from Porsche for $112, I dont see what the big fuss is to change it every time you replace the clutch...

[evomind]

Originally Posted by Bigsmoothlee

I agree 100%. You can buy the original one from Porsche for $112, I dont see what the big fuss is to change it every time you replace the clutch...

I think a lot of it comes from aftermarket companies that have bills to pay and families to feed too.
Granted, certain years have had issues, but not ALL generations.
Ive said I was in the market for 97-99 and all I got was "you better upgrade the IMS asap...."
Those years didn't have an issue, but "I better change it out pronto and spend 3k" or whatever.
If the car has miles on it and the IMS is fine, why even change it at all?
Of all the cars Ive owned, of all the car boards ive been on, Ive never seen people so eager to replace parts that aren't broken.

[coreseller]

Originally Posted by evomind

I think a lot of it comes from aftermarket companies that have bills to pay and families to feed too.
Granted, certain years have had issues, but not ALL generations.
Ive said I was in the market for 97-99 and all I got was "you better upgrade the IMS asap...."
Those years didn't have an issue, but "I better change it out pronto and spend 3k" or whatever.
If the car has miles on it and the IMS is fine, why even change it at all?
Of all the cars Ive owned, of all the car boards ive been on, Ive never seen people so eager to replace parts that aren't broken.

You sound very well versed on the topic.

I suggest you do a little more research on what actually occurs when the non-broken parts do actually break.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by coreseller

You sound very well versed on the topic.

I suggest you do a little more research on what actually occurs when the non-broken parts do actually break.

The motor pops.
If, if, if.....If the queen had balls she would be the king.
The 97-99 cars, and any other car have just as much chance breaking a rod as grenading an IMS.
Are you gonna tear down your engine tomorrow?
Have you researched what happens if you break a rod? Or wrist pin? Or piston?
The list goes on.
Watch out for lightening too.

Look, im not saying there isn't cause for concern for CERTAIN years, so be it, take cautionary action. But to have that same urgency on every Boxster ever built is just paranoia.
I stand behind what Ive said.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by evomind

Of all the cars Ive owned, of all the car boards ive been on, Ive never seen people so eager to replace parts that aren't broken.

These engine have peculiarities, specific needs and some uniqe rewards. Otherwise everyone would be driving something cheap to run.


Also, this is a sealed bearing in an engine. No old school bearing lasts forever.
If you want to make it last forever, well there's some collateral damage you have to work into that risk equation.