Swapping engines

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I think I'll follow your lead and bolt the engine-mounting bracket to the engine before installing it. Thanks for the idea. In any case, there's a good chance I'll end up at least replacing the motor mount's bushing, since rubber deteriorates over time. While I'm at it, I might as well also replace the manual transmission's mounts, for the same reason. I want my 986 to be as vibration-free as possible. I once rode in one that almost vibrated the fillings out of my teeth.

7 pm addition: After reading about the travails of pressing a new rubber bushing into an existing engine mount, I think I'll just save time and grief by buying a whole new mount with bushing already installed, seeing as how they're fairly reasonably priced.

Yup. Been there, done that. Except I had to learn the hard way…

[LoneWolfGal]

Still haven't made a decision about which IMS bearing to install in the new engine, but I noted that LN's prices for their ceramic-bearing Retrofits have been reduced from $999 to $799. And apparently they supply new flanges with the bearings. Anyone know why this is? I had assumed the existing flange would be usable. At any rate, LN's pricing is headed in the right direction.

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Still haven't made a decision about which IMS bearing to install in the new engine, but I noted that LN's prices for their ceramic-bearing Retrofits have been reduced from $999 to $799. And apparently they supply new flanges with the bearings. Anyone know why this is? I had assumed the existing flange would be usable. At any rate, LN's pricing is headed in the right direction.

Currently at $495 for either single or double row on their sale page

https://lnengineering.com/sale.html

EDIT (can’t delete) - not the same items you are look8ng at.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Still haven't made a decision about which IMS bearing to install in the new engine, but I noted that LN's prices for their ceramic-bearing Retrofits have been reduced from $999 to $799. And apparently they supply new flanges with the bearings. Anyone know why this is? I had assumed the existing flange would be usable. At any rate, LN's pricing is headed in the right direction.

LN has always replaced the flange because they use a larger and stronger center bolt than the factory did. And LN always has a sale around Thanksgiving every year.

[Newsguy]

Well, JFP is a treasure!
Now if he could work his magic on my Cayenne Turbo...

[Newsguy]

LoneWolfGal, I think you misunderstand the Solution.
It is a plain bearing as those on your crankshaft, so it certainly needs an oil feed!
Any other replacement is still on the clock, and will need to be replaced periodically. I think LN even says this in the description.
The "Solution" is supposed to be a permanent fix, which is obviously cheaper if you keep the car for a long time.
I have purchased one, but my plan is to use the ball bearing version on the one I'm rebuilding now, and using the Solution for the next one which gets the Nickies treatment.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

LoneWolfGal, I think you misunderstand the Solution.
It is a plain bearing as those on your crankshaft, so it certainly needs an oil feed!
Any other replacement is still on the clock, and will need to be replaced periodically. I think LN even says this in the description.
The "Solution" is supposed to be a permanent fix, which is obviously cheaper if you keep the car for a long time.
I have purchased one, but my plan is to use the ball bearing version on the one I'm rebuilding now, and using the Solution for the next one which gets the Nickies treatment.

After researching them in depth, I believe I understand the options, including the Solution. If cost were no object, I would choose the Solution, based on respect for JFP's full-throated endorsement and for Jake Raby's technical prowess. But Raby also designed the ceramic-hybrid Retrofit, my second choice. At the very least, did you not find the excerpts I quoted from LN Engineering's website cause for thoughtful reflection? One would assume LN knows what they're talking about, don't you agree?

-30-

[Newsguy]

That is exactly the point.
They say the replacement is only good for a specific interval.
From LN:
Roller bearings, like ball bearings, will have service intervals, requiring future replacement, even if manufacturers claim otherwise. The only IMS replacement that is permanent and does not require future servicing is the IMS Solution which is based on the oil pressure fed plain bearing design used by Porsche for the Mezger engine's intermediate shaft.
And:
It is best practice to replace the IMS bearing as part of regular preventative maintenance. Depending on what bearing technology is used, service intervals can vary greatly, with the IMS Solution's oil fed plain IMS bearing is considered the best solution to prevent IMS bearing failures.
Personally, I prefer one and done.
I'm deep enough in this engine that I do not wish to be doing this work again on a regular basis.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

That is exactly the point.
They say the replacement is only good for a specific interval.
From LN:
Roller bearings, like ball bearings, will have service intervals, requiring future replacement, even if manufacturers claim otherwise. The only IMS replacement that is permanent and does not require future servicing is the IMS Solution which is based on the oil pressure fed plain bearing design used by Porsche for the Mezger engine's intermediate shaft.
And:
It is best practice to replace the IMS bearing as part of regular preventative maintenance. Depending on what bearing technology is used, service intervals can vary greatly, with the IMS Solution's oil fed plain IMS bearing is considered the best solution to prevent IMS bearing failures.
Personally, I prefer one and done.
I'm deep enough in this engine that I do not wish to be doing this work again on a regular basis.

LN guarantees the "solution" for 5 years, and that's only if you have it installed by one of their certified shops. You can find replacement engines for less than what that would cost. There are DIYers who will have no problem with replacing the bearing while they replace the clutch.

You say you put nickies and you have a lot invested in your engine so the solution is the perfect choice for you. But that doesn't mean it's the perfect choice for everybody.

I think LoneWolfGal did her research, she fully understands the options, and made the best choice for her. I will look forward to reading her updates on the project.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

That is exactly the point.
They say the replacement is only good for a specific interval.
From LN:
Roller bearings, like ball bearings, will have service intervals, requiring future replacement, even if manufacturers claim otherwise. The only IMS replacement that is permanent and does not require future servicing is the IMS Solution which is based on the oil pressure fed plain bearing design used by Porsche for the Mezger engine's intermediate shaft.
And:
It is best practice to replace the IMS bearing as part of regular preventative maintenance. Depending on what bearing technology is used, service intervals can vary greatly, with the IMS Solution's oil fed plain IMS bearing is considered the best solution to prevent IMS bearing failures.
Personally, I prefer one and done.
I'm deep enough in this engine that I do not wish to be doing this work again on a regular basis.

The dueling excerpts. At the very least, LN's website contains contradictory information. A person who does her own wrenching is in a different position than folks who have it done for them. PIper6909 made a telling point about LN's requirement that the Solution be installed by a certified Porsche shop to qualify for their limited, five-year warranty. That would cost probably three to four grand, parts and labor. An individual's financial means factors heavily into the equation. I shelled out $4200 (including shipping), for a low-miles engine. Am I going to blow almost another two grand on the Solution when I can't install it myself without voiding the warranty?! Not bloody likely! I've heard nothing but good things about ceramic-hybrid bearings. Even Porsche guru JFP, whose credibility is beyond reproach, has gone on record in this forum with his approval of LN's Retrofit. That's good enough for me.

-30-

[986RennWagen]

These guys have a great reputation for rebuilt engines.

https://www.amsporsche.com/

Looking at a 3.4 fully rebuilt. $13,300 shipped to the US

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by 986RennWagen

These guys have a great reputation for rebuilt engines.

https://www.amsporsche.com/

Looking at a 3.4 fully rebuilt. $13,300 shipped to the US

When price is no object...

Nevertheless, it'll be pretty great to have a zero-time engine behind you, so more power to you. Literally.

[JFP in PA]

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.

[Newsguy]

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.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

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-

[LoneWolfGal]

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.

[LoneWolfGal]

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.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

. A bushing instead of a ball or roller bearing just makes so much sense.

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

[KevinH1990]

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.

[JFP in PA]

The bolts came both ways, most were hex headed.

Your IMS Solution kit will include new bolts.