IMS bearing replacement options

[Mikomotor]

Hi. With a new clutch required for my 03 Boxster S, I'll be purchasing an IMS bearing solution at the same time. From extensive reading on the subject, it seems that the highest level of 'insurance' (if you like) comes in the form of the 'IMS Solution'. Several firms offer the 'IMS Retrofit' option, but can anyone recommend a firm from which they've purchased the Solution? Any other observations welcomed!

Cheers,
Mike.

 

[C2dweller]

There is so much written on the subject of IMS, that it can be a minefield to a new keeper.

Some simple facts are that your car has the single race bearing and is more susceptible. To put this in context the chance of failure is still very low. I believe the analysis which predicts 9% by 90k miles is flawed and pessimistic.

I do think it is wise to replace this bearing every 4-6 years and definitely when changing the clutch.

So to reduce risk of IMS failure I advocate replacement with a like for like bearing. I believe the act of replacement, which involves hoovering the resident oil from the cavity is as important as replacing the bearing. If you want to reduce risk even further, you can replace with a ceramic bearing (extra cost). If you want to reduce risk further still you can look at Direct-oil-feed solutions.

So it becomes a risk versus cost trade off, but I believe you get most of the benefit with stage 1, without much of the cost.

KR Lee

 

[Mikomotor]

Many thanks for that (I've actually had her since new, so this is an issue I've been trying to prepare for! With car worth c £9K, need to get this purchase right).

As I understand it, Retrofit comes with the need to replace every 4 - 6 years, whereas Solution is marketed as a 'permanent' fix on account of the oil feed. The other advantage touted by the makers (which as a lay person I can't challenge - but seems reasonable) is that ball bearings are responsible for potential catastrophic engine damage when the bearing fails - and Solution contains no ball bearings. As such it would be great to hear from anyone who has decided on Solution and where they had job carried out.

Cheers.

 

[Pieman7]

I'm thinking of getting mine changed on my c4s, I believe some models have one or two ball race bearings. I spoke to HP Motorsport in Essex who were recommended to me by design 911 they like to use the LN bearing only problem was that mine is tiptronic and they told me that engine and gearbox has to be removed to change the bearing. Apparently if there a manual car they only have to remove the gearbox thus being cheaper. I was quoted around 1500.00 it's a pitty that with all these clever engineers can't design a more than adequate needle bearing type.

 

[Mikomotor]

Pieman7 - with you re. LN Engineering: seems like a good place to start as this company appears to be the 'go to' place for IMS products / expertise. To help with your garage discussions, you may find their product list helpful:

http://lnengineering.com/products/ims.html

 

[Pieman7]

Thanks for this I wonder if any body can enlighten on the bearing for the life of your engine? A big commitment

 

[chrishak]

There is so much written on the subject of IMS, that it can be a minefield to a new keeper.

Some simple facts are that your car has the single race bearing and is more susceptible. To put this in context the chance of failure is still very low. I believe the analysis which predicts 9% by 90k miles is flawed and pessimistic.

I do think it is wise to replace this bearing every 4-6 years and definitely when changing the clutch.

So to reduce risk of IMS failure I advocate replacement with a like for like bearing. I believe the act of replacement, which involves hoovering the resident oil from the cavity is as important as replacing the bearing. If you want to reduce risk even further, you can replace with a ceramic bearing (extra cost). If you want to reduce risk further still you can look at Direct-oil-feed solutions.

So it becomes a risk versus cost trade off, but I believe you get most of the benefit with stage 1, without much of the cost.

KR Lee

A refreshingly honest and welcome appraisal from a Porsche Indy!