If you need piece-of-mind, buy an extended warranty. I always do and then never look back, worry, fret or get concerned about anything.

 

I just purchased my 99 C2 a few weeks ago. In the PPI found the RMS leaking. I split the cost of the work and had the RMS and the IMS as well as the clutch replaced. I have a 65k 99 that is solid in every other way. I'm happy.

 

Not sure all extended warranties would cover IMS. Is it a "Covered Part"? Is it a "lubricated part"? Is it specifcally excluded/included?

My warranty says, "Engine- Engine head(s), engine block, cylinder barrels, timing cover, valve cover(s), oil pan are covered ONLY if damaged by the failure of an internal, lubricated part. The following internal, lubricated parts: pistons, pins & rings; connecting rods & bearings; crankshaft and main bearings; camshaft, followers and cam bearings; push rods, valves, springs, replaceable guides, seats and lifters; rocker arms, shafts and bushings; timing gear, chain, tensioners & retainers; accentric shaft; oil pump. Also covered are the following: timing belt; serpentine belt; water pump; intake & exhaust manifolds; turbo charger; engine mounts & cushions; engine torque strut; harmonic balancer; flexplate; dipstick & tube; all pulleys."

I am certainly no expert but based on my previous experience with this warranty company (Protective), they always deny the claim and need to be fought (unless it is obvious like a window regulator). I did have a broken serpentine belt, well it wasn't all the way broken, just cracked, so they refused to fix that unless it was actually all the way broken. Based on this verbiage and how it is written (commas and semi-colons) I doubt they would cover the engine if the IMS failed. I hope I never have to find out.

 

I personally own a 99 996 and the IMS was replaced right before 80k miles and the shop said it was done right in the knick of time. The car was raced heavily before and after the shaft was replaced and still runs perfectly fine with absolutely no issues.

 

You would have to ask your company. I always ask specific questions and the IMS is an engine bearing and an internal engine part, both of which are covered. Warranty/Extended Service companies are completely aware of the IMS potential and have an answer to that question ready for you.

 

I had 106,000 on my 99 C4 when my head cracked but no IMS Issues ever. When I rebuilt my engine I went ahead with the LN Engineering Dual Row IMS Upgrade.

 

Bought my 996 with 86k miles. It's my DL now with 116k and no issues other than had to replace VOS and water pump.

 

My '99 has about 82k on it, I bought it 6 months or so ago, and knew about the issues that these cars/engines were susceptible to, and only looked for a dual row IMS. Jake's logic (it is twice as strong as a single row) made plenty of sense to me. While few of these cars are bulletproof, a little preventive maintenance and a lot of common sense can go a long way.

 

What is this: accentric shaft IMS ?