Hi all - I just purchased a 2000 996 with 33K miles. The car has no mods and is in a great condition, but its need a new RMS and potentially a new clutch. I checked with our local dealer and he recommends replacing the RMS and the IMS mounting, but not the IMS bearing. He claimed that they can't replace the bearing unless they remove and disassemble the engine, which will be a much bigger job. The IMS mounting replacement will be done as a preventative measure (which doesn’t make sense because I believe the problem is with the seal, not the mounting). They will also replace the clutch and the flywheel as needed.

I've been reading posts on here and elsewhere and I see that many recommend an LN retrofitting for the IMS (which will include be a bearing replacement). From their website, they mention that the bearing can be removed without removing the engine using a special tool, but it may not be a straightforward job. I'd like to avoid future problems by going the retrofit path now, so my question is, assuming my understanding of the IMS is correct, was anyone successful in retrofitting their IMS at an independent shop in the Seattle. Bellevue, or Redmond areas? Please PM me if you can’t post recommendation on here. I’d like to take my car to a shop that is already familiar with these cars and with the LN components.

Other than that, the car has been running great and has been a joy to drive for the last couple of months.

Thanks,
Sam

 

I posted essentially this question in the Northwest forum several weeks ago -- no one responded with personal experience with the LN IMS upgrade.

Talked to Gary Caitlin at Barrier. He's interested. But they haven't done one yet. However, based on what others have said, although the first one takes a bit longer to do, it is straightforward for a good mechanic.

Would be nice if there's a shop with experience.

 

Can you get some specifics and/or the parts listing for the "mounting" replacement parts they want to change out and post it? I have never heard of this. Thanks!

 

I've done the complete upgrade myself, not too difficult.

 

My understanding is that this is the part they replace:
http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/996rms/pics/rms112.jpg
It's possible that they replace only the three mounting bolts seen in this photo. He mentioned that the bolts are now different than the originals.
Hazard, did you use a lift or did you put the car up on jack stands? I've been thinking about doing it myself too, but I'm concerned that I may not have enough space underneath the car if I use jack stands along with a low-profile transmission jack.

 

Yes, but the most important part that gets replaced is the bearing behind it. http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html explains the proceedure.

Yes, you'll have enough space under the car with just jack stands. Be VERY mindful of the clutch slave cylinder, as the line can break if you drop the tranny without disconnecting it first.

There is a bolt at the very top of the transmission and engine, that will be very tough to remove if you don't lower the engine as well. Although if the engine has been previously worked on, or the clutch getting repaced, hopefully it's not there.

 

Thanks Hazard. I'll post updates as I start working on this project.