mrfeh

You are describing something like this, correct?:

http://theimssolution.com/

Flat6 Innovations

One can Google "ball bearing" then "roller bearing" then "plain bearing" and end up with the differences in a few minutes. There's even images for those who don't understand technical terms.

See, the copy cats use the terms to make it appear as if what they have is like everything else that is held in higher regard than what they've imitated. That's the only angle they have. Its the only target they have other than the "fresh meat" that just bought a car, and buys the cheapest thing they can find to "fix" a problem they never knew existed.

This is the same way that the imitators try to use the word "solution" to describe their offering. "IMS Solution" is capitalized, because it is the actual name of a product. The imitators always target the originator, the people that did it first, did it best, and originated the whole thing. The people that answered the call first, developed the procedure, and invented tools, and procedures to actually perform the retrofit. If you Google "IMS Solution" you'll see that these imitators have worked hard with SEO and Google Adwords to spend money to try and nab the unknowing that are looking for a Solution to the problem.

I see that a Rennvision video on the topic of different bearing designs is necessary to help keep people from being tricked. I also see that its time we do a video on the true history of this development scenario, to help people understand how things have changed over the years. There's a lot more to all of this than any of you know, or would know, unless you were under the roof here at F6, or at LN during that period. The one and only person who inspired Charles and I to do what we have done was Bruce Anderson, and if you don't know who he was, well, you are likely not a very well educated Porsche enthusiast.

If you go back to the time around 2005-2008 you'll see that these posts were much different. They were more like "I have an IMS bearing failing, or something like that. The dealer says the bearing is impossible to change, and Porsche doesn't sell them, so I need a new engine."
It was during those days that our challenges were real, and it took 12 bucks worth of parts from a local hardware store, some junk in my scrap pile, and a Bridgeport milling machine that was originally used to build parts for WW2 B-24s to change it all. You don't see those questions about the 1997-mid 2005 bearings being impossible to replace anymore, and there's one reason why.

docmirror

Yes.

mrfeh

Allow me to start; please inform me of mistakes/clarifications and other entries to be added:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

charlieaf92

Just get the IMS Solution installed and enjoy your car. It's the first thing I did when I bought my 996 and I just shake my head whenever I see people debating whether or not its worth it. I could write an essay listing all of the reasons why it would be foolish to choose anything else at this point, but I'm too busy enjoying driving my car with 0 concern or worry about the IMS bearing because I know that mine is going to outlast every other part on the vehicle.

EDIT: Please don't take this personally, but your spreadsheet is a waste of time. The problem anyone new to the topic has, is that when you start doing research you're including TONS of outdated information about products that were developed, evaluated, and used, prior to the release of the IMS Solution. Jake Raby and LN Engineering have SOLVED the IMS bearing issue for 996 engines. ITS OVER. DONE. There is now a bulletproof bearing available that puts the issue to rest once and for all. The sooner everyone gets it through their heads the sooner the demand and sale price of these cars will get more in line with their actual values.

By the way, if the results and recommendations of other owners isn't enough to convince you - take a moment and just consider that the inventors/manufacturers of the product we're recommending are taking the time to respond to your concerns and answer questions that have already been asked and answered a thousand times. This isn't the LN Engineering and Flat 6 support page, these guys proactively provide their expertise and insights. To me, that carries a lot of weight and warrants respect - and when it comes time to choose what company to buy from, it makes it an easy choice.

cds72911

Charlieaf92, the one thing I would add to your statement above is that the LN Solution probably isn't a practical or cost effective upgrade for people with the large single row bearing engines. Splitting the cases is major work, and costly if you pay someone to do it (few of us here are qualified to do that kind of work ourselves, with exceptions of course). I have a newer AT engine that requires the cases to be split, and when I contacted LN tech support they recommended that the most I should do is remove the outer grease seal if I'm in there for some other reason.

I guess I'd also add that the LN Retrofit is a good option if you aren't flush with cash. The Solution, while awesome, is costly.

808Bill

Ditto!

Dr_Strangelove

This can't get more bold..

charlieaf92

Agreed, splitting the case doesn't sound like a lot of fun. But, I don't agree that the retrofit is a good option to save money, I believe the IMS Solution is about $1k more? If you're going to do it, do it right the first time. The problem with the retrofit is that it has a service interval, so you or the next owner is going to have to pay to have it done again - and now its cost more than the IMS Solution. And, just to clarify, I'm not knocking anyone that chose to go the retrofit route. A few years ago the IMS Solution was pretty new and a bit of an unknown, and I'm sure lots of folks decided to stick with something that had been proven in the market and reliable vs. trying something different. I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that after years of real world application, its pretty clear the the IMS Solution is the way to go and I don't think it makes sense financially (or from a risk standpoint) to consider any other products.

NuttyProfessor

I believe we all need to take a little break and stand up. Stand up children... stand up now. We're all in this class together.

We are one people!

Let's join hands and sing...

808Bill

I agree 100%
And if I was shopping for a 996 and see the IMSB SOLUTION" installed (by a certified shop), I would sleep like a baby!

NuttyProfessor

Supposed to be standing up joining hands and singing River of Jordan! (facepalm)

dak911

Well, I guess I won't be "sleeping like a baby" there is an L&N sticker on my drivers door, it was done 5 years ago, (but only 2000 miles!) so it was not the latest of the replacements....I am going to do it
again soon...but which?

808Bill

If the Solution was installed originally you wouldn't be doing it again, that the route I'd take...

cds72911

I totally see where you are coming from.

In my case, I'm not keeping the car ('00) and just wanted it done so the next person doesn't sweat it. Besides, I can install two, maybe three Retrofits before I get to the cost of the Solution, parts wise (and my labor is free, except opportunity cost).

I guess my point is that it is hard to speak in absolutes, but what you say makes sense for most people.