About to change clutch- might not replace IMS!
Like most of you I'm very worried about the IMS problem. However with even the new ceramic units failing (which % failures is probably greater then the factory unit) I might choose to keep my 100,000 mile unit in. I subscribe to the theory that if a boxster survives to the 80,000 or so mile mark the inner seal has failed sufficiently for engine oil to start lubricating the bearing. As long as the engine sees high revs and keeps the oil pressure up the bearing will be ok. So if I change my bearing I might be removing a bearing thats in a good spot. Am I completely foolish? It just doesn't seem like you hear about a lot of high milage boxsters with failed IMS bearings.
Side note. I spoke with the owner of Luftechnic(a porsche only race and repair shop) here in Richmond and he told me that he does frequently replace failing IMS bearings but the failure is rarely catastrophic. Normally the cars arrive running poorly or making a terrible noise. Everything you hear about these bearings is conflicting, its frustrating.
Cheers,
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1997 Boxster 4.2L Audi V8 Bi-Turbo
2003 911 C2
NASA HPDE Instructor
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