JFP, I wasn't surprised to see cam chain wear pads on your list. I had just watched Jake Raby explain why replacing them is necessary, and he showed exactly how to do it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocntYwozZBY

I hadn't counted on having to do something quite so invasive to this new engine. However, excessive camshaft deviation due to worn wear pads is mega-undesirable, and the new, improved material they're using in modern wear pads sounds like the answer. The procedure requires special tools, to hold the cams in place, etc. Where do you suggest I obtain them?

Baum Tools and LN both sell them; you can also often find used kits on flea bay. With the cam covers off, it is also a good time for new plug tubes and orings.

LoneWolfGal, I have the cam locking tool set, I will send it to you if you pay the return shipping after using it, it is a pretty small box (not heavy) :-)

Glad I checked the forum tonight! Gilles, I gratefully accept your kind offer. I will send you a private message tomorrow to nail down the logistics. Another member has also offered to loan me his IMS extraction kit. I can't find the words to express how much I appreciate such generosity. Getting the new engine updated and ready for the swap will be due in large part to your and his benevolence. Many thanks!

Looks like I'll be doing a lot of preventative wrenching on the new engine before I put it in the car. It's now dangling from my cherry-picker hoist, and I can't work on it there (because I'm not nuts). I want the engine to be elevated, accessible, and secure. Naturally, I considered buying an engine stand, which could provide all those qualities. I've used them and they're great. But I've decided a $212 half-ton hydraulic lift table would be a more versatile solution. Besides providing a platform for working on the engine, it might come in handy when dropping the old engine and raising the new one into place. The clincher: It has a Premium Integrated Hydraulic Pump! Top that.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1735351644.jpg

Sounds like a solid choice. An engine stand has its advantages, like being able to flip the engine over, but one big disadvantage: no access to the back of the motor (RMS, IMSB, etc.). But if you find a cheap one on Cragslist, they are still nice to have, especially if you think you'll doing other cars. If not, you could always resell it for the same amount you paid, if you get it at the right price. I've seen them sell for $10-$100. At those prices, why not have both? I think it's well-worth it.

Yes, I'd like to also have an engine stand for this project, but I'm pinching pennies so that I can buy all the parts I'll need to make the new engine run as smoothly and be as trouble free as possible. I haven't totaled up the expenditure yet, but I have a feeling it will make my hair stand on end.

The lift table is great, but a little awkward due to the handle. I had to detach it to clear the rear structure while setting the engine.

I watched a video in which the handle had to be detached due to the length of the engine and transmission. Not a big deal. The table is 30" long and 19" wide, so there's some overhang for sure.

-30-

Waiting for my 1100 lb. hydraulic lift table to arrive. Until then, the engine is dangling from the engine crane. I'm putting the time to good use, studying videos about replacing the IMS bearing, cam chain wear pads, etc. A kind and generous forum member loaned me his official LN Engineering bearing extractor kit, which arrived Friday, so I'm all set in that dept. The machining of the kit's components is impressive and reflects well on LN. I won't be able to buy the IMS bearing itself until next month due to budgetary constraints. I guess buying that Carrera GT will also have to wait.

The first order of business after I get the engine on the lift table will be to extract the IMS bearing, since I need to ascertain whether it's single or dual row before I can buy the replacement bearing. Chances are it's dual row, but I want to be sure. And my recent post announcing my decision to buy LN's ceramic-hybrid Retrofit notwithstanding, a change to my finances in a positive direction is shaking up my conviction about that decision, as are Jake Raby's videos about the IMS Solution. A bushing instead of a ball or roller bearing just makes so much sense.

You may be able to determine the type of bearing by looking at the cover to the bearing shaft. Look at picture #13 on this Pelican Parts discussion: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing/14-ENGINE-Intermediate_Shaft_Bearing.htm

I appreciate that it may be difficult to take a good photo until you have the engine on the table. If you can take a photo, someone with more expertise than me may be able to tell you which bearing you have before you remove it.

Good luck with your work.

Yup.............

You can easily ascertain which bearing it is by looking at the cover flange and comparing it to the photos on LN's website

https://lnengineering.com/media/wysi...-Do-I-Have.JPG

Thanks, JFP. After weeks of kicking, screaming, and rationalizing why I shouldn't, I'm going to heed your advice and order a Solution. I can't deny it; it's technically superior in all respects. Yes, it costs an arm and a leg, but it adds more than twice the cost to the value of the car. On carsandbids.com, Boxsters and 996s with the Solution are selling for five grand more than those without. That realization helped tip the scale. Thank you for your patience during the aforementioned kicking, screaming, and rationalizing phase.

So... are you building this gem to enjoy... or sell?

Both. I plan to drive the bejeezus out of it, secure in the knowledge I'll never have to fret about the IMS bearing, and eventually I'll sell it for top dollar to make room for a 959, Carrera GT, or 918. You see, I'm always realistic. Next question?

The IMS Solution does have limited warranty for 5-years... regardless that it is told to be a lifetime soluton for the Porsche engine:

This is from IMS Solution website re: warranty:
"MS Solution LLC warrants that parts purchased from an authorized IMS Solution dealer or distributor, that were installed by a qualified installer and that were installed in compliance with, and precisely following, all guidelines and procedures, to include registration, set forth in the product installation guide, are free from defects in materials and workmanship for five (5) years/unlimited miles from the date of part installation for the single or dual row IMS Solution (106-08.20 & 106-08.40). The Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit is covered for two (2) years/24,000 miles from the date of part installation."

And to my knowledge, and what I have seen or heard from both LN and Jake Raby, none has ever failed in service. If fact, a some engines equipped with the Solution have suffered other types of failures (rod bolt failure, spun bearings, broken crank, dropped valve, etc.) and the Solution was removed from the failed engine, cleaned up, and installed in the replacement engine; something you cannot do with any other style of IMS retrofits.

Yes, they are more expensive, but "speed costs money; how fast do you want to go?"

May your dreams become a reality :)

Boom. There are numerous events that can grenade an engine besides an IMSB failure. While The Solution may be a solid unit, the cost of the unit plus the cost to have it installed, because otherwise the warranty would be voided, is equal to or more than the cost of a replacement engine. And the engine could still blow up from other things, as you mentioned.

If "speed costs money" and someone wanted to go faster, they probably wouldn't buy a Boxster. :D :cheers: