Cynically speaking, yes.

It didn't matter to Porsche if it was available in 2008. (I'm assuming that this was the year the engine was replaced.) Porsche wouldn't use an aftermarket product on their engines anyhow. Even if you brought your Boxster into the dealership today for an IMS bearing replacement, they would use the same spec bearing from 2004.

I think it's pretty obvious that you are concerned about the IMSB issue. Take heart in knowing that you do not have the engine that originally failed. And you do not know why it failed. For the first four years of its life, it could have been mistreated or not serviced at all.

The replacement engine, so far, has lasted twice as long, timewise, as the original engine. The replacement engine is newer than the original, and may have a better Porsche spec bearing from a different supplier.

If you maintain it properly, it could last a VERY long time. Check this forum for proven, proper maintenance. Basically change the oil every 5K miles with a high quality oil. Drive it every day; make sure it gets up to temp. Wind it up, shift at 4K or better. Never let it go under 2K on the tach. You don't necessarily have to "drive it like you stole it", just drive it like you know you're going to get the ticket, but you want to make the cop work for it.

Just sayin'...........

TO

p.s. I was kidding about the "make the cop work for it" bit.

Thanks TO, appreciate the information and the tips.

You are correct in my concern of the IMSB as this car has done ~56k miles now,
If I assume a new engine was put in it when car had ~22k miles, now it has done ~34k miles.

I intend to maintain it well,
regarding when to shift, haven't thought about that,
I definitely don't shift at very high RPM, probably around 3-4k
and I drive it gently (did not have the time yet to really see what this beast does).

The 2003 2004 had variocam plus, a newer version of the variocam in earlier engines. Someone may want to verify that.

This thread has been an interesting learning experience for me. Itsnotanova's post about the bolt heads used in certain engines caused me to check my engines serial number. Sure enough, it has AT in it. The car is a '99 base with 65000 on it. I am the fourth owner. I checked Carfax during the purchase and it didn't show an engine change. Since I haven't found any stray particles in the oil or filter, I'll just drive it and see if anything changes.
This site is absolutely the best for a first time Porsche owner. Thanks to everyone that has contributed to it.

Hey ty,
Is this your Boxster?

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1586367803.jpg

Just wonderin'..........

TO

affirmative

Not surprising about having a replacement engine. 99s had lots of problems with D Chunking - sections of cylinder walls would crumble off. It was most prevalent in MY 99.

TO - you wrote :

- make sure it gets up to temp. Wind it up, shift at 4K or better. Never let it go under 2K on the tach


when you switch gears after you start the engine (cold start), you do not rev it to 4K until the engine has not warmed up ?

(to me warmed up is the needle is on the 8 in the 180)

That's correct. 4K after warmup (180 degrees). Shift between 2K and 3K during warmup.

Some members warm up their Porsches stationary. I warm up while moving, being careful to just gradually squeeze the throttle until the engine is up to temp.

Just sayin'..........

TO

thanks TO, much appreciated !!!