When I pulled mine the bearing looked to be good shape. My clutch was shot though (70000). All good now.

 

anyone have any idea how this thing actually works? i'm a skeptic..

 

"Utilizing technology developed by Jake Raby of Flat 6 Innovations this system alerts the driver of any M96 engined Porsche of engine failures and issues that are imminent. "

Does the light just stay on all the time then?
http://www.ilovewavs.com/Effects/Mus...%20Rimshot.wav

 

Im crious how this works too but would rather not waste his time and call. I have already had mine replaced and just want to know because im skeptical too.

Maybe it captures all timing related codes and turns on when a combination of them are triggered??? HHMMMMMM

 

Mine Just Went right after I bought the car...

I haven't even had time to take pics of the car to post up here but the dealer is going half with me on replacing the engine with one that has the IMS upgrade installed...

Do it. Very worth it. Especially because it will fail at the worst possible time like 3 blocks from work, the second time you drive the car to work, in front of all of your coworkers who have been giving you **** for buying the car, when you are late for a class. At least it wasn't raining which is strange for Washington.

 

Oh thats brutal, sorry for your first post w\ an IMS failure. Get pics when shes back up and running!

 

To xXx Porsche, So it was a '99 but could you supply model and mileage ?

 

Yea it is just a base model c2 no options besides sport seats, I liked this because I thought there wouldn't be much to go wrong. (lol) anyway it only had 58k on the clock

 

I wanted to find out too when I should do a replacement of IMS/RMS upgrade and retrofit. I only have 60k on the clock now and mine is a 01 tiptronic. Is there any difference on symptoms manuals vs. tips? Do I need the single row or double row bearing?
Who has tiptronic here who has done RMS/IMS?

 

when i bought my 996 i called the dealership that serviced it last and they said that they've never had a tiptronic have an IMS bearing failure..however, i know PasPar2 on th is board has a tiptronic and his did fail. Maybe the chances are just lower?

 

This is reasonable thinking... as long as your m96 has the IMSB with 13mm center nut. If your engine was replaced by Porsche (not uncommon) it is likely the reman version with 22mm IMSB center nut--and your engine is not a candidate for the low cost LN Eng retrofit. Many used MkI buyers view a reman engine as a bonus. Might want to check with LN Eng about that.

 

^ for us tiptronic users, unless the transmission is being rebuilt, there isnt a circumstance where the IMS is easily replacable when coupled with other work.

 

Generally speaking there are no obvious symptoms other than severe bearing noise right before the engine stops and you coast to the side of the road. Some people claim to be able to hear a failing IMSB with a stethoscope. Some people claim that the color of the leaking oil is different for RMS versus IMSB.

The LN Eng retrofit is not a "fix". It replaces the stock sealed bearing with a high grade ceramic "open" bearing. The retrofit does not address the fundmental issue which is inadequate oil supply to the IMSB. This is likely why Porsche used a sealed bearing. Given the choice between an "open" bearing with inadequate oil supply and a sealed (permanently lubed) bearing, which would you choose? If the bearing could be easily inspected/replaced, I would choose the sealed bearing. I asked for wear data versus hours/miles for the LN Eng bearing and was basically told that I was out of line for asking. Maybe so... It seems that many 996 owners are upgrading IMS and buying the "Guardian" with no science, no data, not even understanding what it is or does.

 

If you already have a diagnosis of a leaking RMS I think the incremental cost to do IMS retrofit would be $600-900, i.e. the cost of the kit from LN Eng and the IMSB puller.

 

Since it is required for new members to post pics I will post the only one I took before the IMS went.