Correct, with the early build 05' you can easily get the LN engineering retrofit done during an RMS change, or clutch/flywheel change. On the M97's with revised bearings, the only option for a retrofit requires teardown of the engine.

Helpful IMS Link:
http://www.lnengineering.com/ims.html

 

When I went through the threads regarding the ims issue, most recommended the motul 300v as the ideal engine oil to use.

They are in the expensive side but I'd do it just for the peace of mind

 

I used to use that in my Mustang running 600BHP, was great oil, so be happy to put it in the Porsche.

 

v35


I've just checked a 2005 car which definetely has the older IMS as it was built September 2004, so an early build, but on the link you provided it still says the engine is an M97:-

http://www.autoatlanta.com/life/vin/...ZZZ99Z5S731692


Based on this what is it thats determining whether or not you've got an updated IMS as the engine type seems the same on all?


Is it a case of the model year you go off to determine what IMS you have?

 

From my past research, I believe all of the 3.8 'S' cars have the M97 engine designation. It's the 3.6 non-S that started as M96's and then switched to M97 when they started building them with the revised bearing. The determining factor is model year, and more specifically build date. I can't think of ever seeing a set build date cutoff for the 05 models for when they switched to the revised bearing, so if you don't have an early 05' such September 2004-Feb/March 2005 build dates it's going to be very difficult to tell what bearing the car has until it is actually opened up. In those cases, it wouldn't be cost beneficial to go in there and pay for the labor just to open it up and check. It's usually done when an RMS needs to be changed or the clutch is ready for a change. That way, you're hardly paying for any labor at all to have the bearing checked for which version the car has, and if it is the older bearing, then you can have the retrofit done.

 

As mine is a 2006 model car means I definetely have the updated IMS then?

 

Yes, u shouldnt worry about the skinnier ims problem if you have an 06 build

 

My VIN search on my 05 997 yielded an M96.05 engine. Does this mean I'm the earlier build? As it stands, I use a magnetic drain plug and always check the oil filter for shavings.

 

I have 06 997 3.6L and mine also says M96.05. Build date Oct 05.

Wonder if mine is with the update or not?

 

Same here. I've read all sorts if conflicting info over the last year about this topic. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we probably do not have the update. If anyone can prove us wrong, please do!

 

Hope we are wrong! lol
Keep changing the oil and filter, pray for the best!

 

I think you go more of you cars model year than the engine type.

My car has the 3.8l engine so even the 2004 cars have the M97 engine but thats the engine designation, so all years say M97 until you get to the newer gen 2 DFI engines.

Its only 2006 model year cars that got the uprated IMS.

I would suspect that all 3.6l car have the M96 engine, even 2007/2008 cars, so again you need to go of the cars model year which again would be 2006 model year cars and later will have uprated IMS.

2005 model year cars, well thats harder to know without a visual inspection as it could be either as only later 2005 model year cars had the update I believe?

 

This is it!! I'm going to pull that engine out right now and take pictures of the damn thing! Will get back with you guys in 2.5 hours

 

A magnetic drain plug is nice, but not necessary. You can easily inspect the oil filter (cut it open and lay it out) with each oil change.

In my case, I did that with each change, as I do all my own oil changes. I used Mobil1 15W-50, and changed the oil every 4-5,000 miles. I never had any metal shavings whatsoever, and no "death rattle" either.

My IMS bearing failed without warning, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Not good, but other than a retro-fit there wasn't anything I could do.

Hope people take this seriously on the issue prone early '05 engines. Wish I had done the LN upgrade 2 weeks ago, hope not to hear of more people who have the same trouble I had.
CATTMAN

 

Thanks for the input buddy, the LN upgrade seriously jumped to the top of my to-do list. Please update us on your thread with your situation whenever you get news, i'm sure a lot of us are wondering if PCNA will come through for you.