Car: 1999 996 c2

Im getting my clutch replaced tomorrow, and the RMS for sure. But I'm still debating on whether I should also get the IMS retrofit done. My indy is quoting me like 900 more if i get the IMS done. I can probably bargain, but I was wondering if its worth getting the IMS done at 95k miles?

Im pretty sure Im not gonna keep the car for more than 2 more years. I would've upgraded when the clutch went out, but my insurance went up, so Im gonna keep the 996 for a while longer.

 

Yes. No doubt about that.

 

You're there, do it.

 

Just did mine at 118,000.

 

Hi, where in Florida are you? I'm in Brandon just outside Tampa.

 

I am in Gainesville. I try to get down to the Tampa area a few times a year.

 

It's insurance. Given your mileage, you're *probably* safe. BUT if it goes....well, you know.

The cost is minimal given that you're doing the clutch. Me, I would do it (did it actually).

 

If you do it please inspect IMS seal to see if its been compromised with oil, followed by IMS tear down for original grease and ball bearing inspection and report back.
TIA

 

I'd do it (done it). Just for peace of mind. Can't put a price on on that. My car had had/has 80k on it and I heard I was "probably" safe as well. That still didn't help me sleep at night knowing that there was still a chance of it failing. Since you're dropping everything to replace the clutch you should just bite the bullet. I could see debating it if you didn't need a clutch. However, after I bought my car I replaced everything even after a PPI. Needed to have that out of the way so I could enjoy my car without out worring about it. The only thing that stings a little is my clutch and IMS were fine. No slipping and no oil or signs of failing after removing and inspecting. Oh well at least I can address that "has the IMS been replaced" low ball question if I ever sell it.

 

OP, FWIW, there are members using off the shelf IMS Bearings other than LN branded bearings now for around $100. If you have it done by Porsche mechanic that have previously done IMS retrofit, they should have the tools already.

Some with double row IMS have elected to just get something like the IMS Guardian instead(shameless plug for sale in the classifieds now) which also alerts you to other modes of engine failure as well.

 

my car now has 130k miles and still on original clutch and so far no replacement on rms and ims...do you guys think i should get that changed when i change the clutch? mine is a 99...thanks..

 

Great to hear stories like yours about how durable a 996 can be.

 

He has a '99(= more robust double row IMS). With that said, I have 120k with single row original IMS with clutch changed 5k miles ago.

Estimations by many are placed around 10% of IMS failure rate. So you basically have 1 in 10 depending on if you're a gambler or not.

 

Thanks for the input guys, I decided to get it done. It will cost me around 2300 for the Clutch, IMS and RMS, plus tax.

I probably would've been safe with my stock double row IMS, but I figured Im getting a discount on the "better safe than sorry" piece of mind. And plus, It'll hopefully help me sell this will be high mileage 996 in the future.

Thanks again, I will try to take a picture of my stock IMS once its replaced.

 

You made the right call.. $900 insurance vs a possible replacement engine.