Buying with IMS replaced

[JFP in PA]

Unfortunately, it isn't "marketing hype". We have only seen one or two engines that were full of metal and survived more than 100 miles after thoroughly flushing the oil system and installing a new IMS bearing out of perhaps a dozen attempts. Far more common is for the new IMS to start to come apart in 50-100 miles due to debris getting into the new bearings. It only takes one particle of metal to get into the bearing to kill it, which is why we stop when ferrous debris is found in the sump or filter. For us, it simply is not worth the grief to move forward on something we know has little chance of success. While very few people hear about the dozens of successful retrofits, it seems everyone hears about the one that goes south.

[10/10ths]

.....I owned a Miata for over twenty years and always dreamed of owning a Boxster. Two years ago I decided it was time.

After reading that Road & Track columnist Peter Egan's Boxster's IMS failed and grenaded his engine, I was concerned about buying one of these machines.

I stumbled upon a 2004 SE with only 25,000 miles on her by chance almost immediately.

The car was maintained, by the book, by a Porsche dealer.

I did the research, on this forum and others.

I called Flat 6 and spoke with Judd. He didn't know me from Adam. It was a cold call, out of the blue. He talked with me for over an HOUR. Just a couple of fellas talking about cars. He told me their procedures and how Jake Raby operates and...well...I just had a good feeling about them after our phone call. Trust your gut, I always say.

So I bought this gorgeous car, drove her home.....And parked her for two months.

My wife thought I was crazy.

I did NOT drive her because I had an appointment to ship the car to Jake Raby and Judd at Flat 6 to perform the IMS "Solution" and other preventative upgrades.

I was not home when the car was picked up by the flat bed driver. My wife was home alone to greet the driver. He was such a professional, that my wife felt very comfortable with what I was doing.

I get the car back, and we've now put 15,000 miles on her in about 15 months. We've driven her to Missouri, Charleston, Savannah, Tail of the Dragon, Aspen, Colorado, all over. And it has been freaking EPIC!!!!

I got lucky. My car passed the pre-work inspection.

Raby gave me complete documentation of EVERYTHING. I have photos and VIDEO of all the parts, everything. And a nice door jam sticker proclaiming the "Solution" is spinning inside.

I can now use a Napa spin-on oil filter, nice.

I have piece of mind that my wife & I won't be stranded in BFE because of an IMS.

As far as I'm concerned, the "Solution" is the way to go--NO MOVING PARTS. Simple.

These things aren't Toyotas. Just factor in the cost of a "Solution", Air/oil separator, water pump, Rear Main Seal, and cam chain tensioners into the price of buying one of these lovely machines. Simple.

If that's too much money for you, then buy a Miata and start enjoying life.