does this happen on tiptronic cars too?

 

If you get the LN engineering mod you may null and void the insurance policy (you would have to check with the insurance company) so its likely a one-or-the-other thing.

If you are willing to spend 3K on the insurance up front, why not have the IMS bearing replaced before your trip? (Get the RMS and clutch done at the same time).

 

Just as a data point: I bought my '99 in LA last fall. It had ~92k and was concerned about driving it 2k miles home. (I had read all the scare IMS posts) Records all checked out and the car ran fine and was no visible leaking from IMS/RMS. I figured just "enjoy" the car.

Drving around CA and then trip home was a blast. Car got ~ 28mpg and had it up to 150. Best way to enjoy a "new" car. Drove the car all thru winter and finally did the IMS upgrade recently @ 101k. My IMS looked like new. BTW I removed the engine and trans in order to upgrade all the parts that do wear and should be replaced ~100k. Runs better than ever.


http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...ed-engine.html

 

Spend the 2 grand for the updated LNE IMS. Have the clutch done and maybe a RMS while in there. We spend 3K for suspension, 3k+ for wheels and tires, 2K for a spoiler, 2K+ for aero kits, etc, etc. Then we fret all over this and every other blog about RMS and IMS failures. Just do it and get over it.

 

I was freaked out by the IMS threads on all 3 boards I am a member of but the articles in The May and June Excellence pushed me over the edge. I bought the warranty on June 2nd, coverage goes into effect on July 2nd. I put a few hundred down and I'm paying off the balance interest free over the next 18 months. Now I feel a lot better about the car. I copied this from another thread----
I bought the EFG Tech Choice Deluxe plan from Dominic at 480-816-3411. I researched the heck out of it and decided for my car a '99 with 48k miles it was the best value for 48 months 50K miles and had the most comprehensive coverage. I called EFG and found out they allow $124 per hour labor rate in my zip code and the limit of liability for the policy is equal to the NADA retail value for the car, that is a real plus. North Scottsdale Porsche told me they accept the warranty there and I'd have to pay $11 per hour because they charge $135 per hour, I can live with that and a $100 deductible. Do some research online. I have no connection to Dominic other than I used to work there. He sold me a good policy for a better price than I could find anywhere after I QUIT, I was very happy.

 

Spend the money on the LN Engineering bearing upgrade. If the clutch is being changed it is only an extra hour worth of labor (2 hours for the double row bearing). I tried to find a warranty for my 2000 C2 cab with 54K miles and could not find any reputable company to cover it. If in So Cal, have Tony at Callas Rennsport in Torrance do the work. Quality and a fair price.

 

Do not buy this car. Warranties will not cover a large portion of rebuilding an engine or replacing an engine.

Unless you are rich and want to throw money at this car. RUN LIKE THE WIND.

I wish someone would have given me this advice.

 

Please tell me what's IMS and RMS