Astro

So I need to replace my AOS. Will have my local indy do it. They're suggesting while ithe engine is out to do the IMS as well due to the labor savings. Of course this also increases the bill substantially. The issue I have is with mine being an early 98 dual row build, is this really necessary ? The failure rate for the early 99's are very low. I'm just turning 95,000 miles and you get to a point where you wonder how much makes sense to spend on a car that's 20 years old. Probably no one good answer here but thought I would throw it out there.

MattBurns

I think I would probably do it while it is out if for no other reason than the bump in resale value should you decide to sell. It's way easier to say it's been done than try to explain why it doesn't need to be done. Also, have your indy check your cam deviations, it may also be a great time to do the timing chain guides while the engine is out. Spec is +or- 6 degrees. I have one out of spec and plan to do them next winter with the AOS, IMS, RMS, and anything else I see.

HoustonCgrBkr

I thought the AOS could be done with out dropping the engine?

e90steve

Yeah no need to drop engine for AOS. Takes more time and way more room but more expensive too.

tom__w

Before I bought my car I had an indy look it over. Half way into his drive the thing started smoking like mad.

Brought it back to the car lot and they replaced the AOS without dropping the engine. They said it took well into a full day to replace it. Dropping the engine might be quicker .. and doing those other things becomes infinitely easier.

Astro

I did read about DIY'ng the AOS on Pelican Parts, but it seems like one of those projects that could quickly get away from me resulting in a flatbed tow...

HoustonCgrBkr

I thought I was nuts..lol. I am having the AOS replaced by my Indy and he never mentioned dropping the engine. But he said it would take some time. Cost 900 I believe. Though he is going to do a few other projects too.

Astro

$900 is better than the $1300 I need to spend. Throw in the IMS/RMS and it goes to $4100.

motoo344

I am in a similar boat. I know my AOS needs replacing as well as the RMS and at that point, with 51k miles, I might as well do the clutch and while it is all out I might as well do the IMS. I am just going to do it all because if something breaks I don't have to pay for double labor. Additionally, if I need or want to sell it at some points, its addressed and I will have proof of it. As for is it necessary? That is a tough question to answer, the failure rate seems much lower for the dual rows but the reality it is a blown engine makes all of this chump change.

HoustonCgrBkr

I have 103k on the car. I am doing the AOS but the clutch is good but I will likely do it at the end of the year. At that point I will have the RMS done as well with the clutch.

9964runner

Just finished an AOS install today, it can be done with floor jack, stands, a large assortment of wrenches sockets and a lot of patience. While your in there included AOS coolant hoses, oil fill pipe and the coolant line fitting beside the alternator.

Porschetech3

Geezus, these shops are gouging !! I never charged over 3 hours labor for AOS on manual 996 or any 986.. The 986 was much easier and almost felt guilty charging 3 hours labor on them.

996 Tiptronic is a different story, requires the intake manifold bank 1 removal and is almost easier to drop the engine..

But a 996 manual is not that bad for a pro Technician, I have never wrestled with one more than 3 hours. BTW there is no book time on this procedure, so the price" is what it is" ...If they actually remove the engine/transmission unit, then by all means address whatever needs attention..

808Bill

I'd be tempted to leave the IMSB if cam deviation and UOA all check out.

HoustonCgrBkr

Porschetech, what is reasonable? 900 seemed like a good price.

Porschetech3

Any pro Technician should be happy with 5 hours pay for replacing an AOS on a 996 manual..(labor rate per hour varies by location)