Meares

not even sure i want to post this, but.......i DID search; however, i couldn't find what i'm looking for...

i'm new to H2O cooled porsches. just bought my first porsche....'03 coupe

it has the original clutch, RMS and IMS; and it has 108,500 miles on it.

obviously, i'm doing the clutch, RMS and the IMS with in the next 2 wks

so...the question is.. does porsche offer a replacement for the IMS or should i buy the LN bearing? if the factory one lasted 100,000; it sounds like a good replacement to me. Of course, i did see an 02 boxster with 18,000 miles on it with a complete bearing failure....looks just like the pictures....thx in advance

dennis hiip

IMO, LN is superior to the factory and others out there. I've read where the factory bearing is supplied by a variety of makers from different countries of origin. Besides the LN is high grade ceramic and more resistant to wear with an updated race.

rpm's S2

Welcome the water world!

I'm assuming that the clutch is in bad shape and the RMS is leaking... Otherwise you would not be having this work done. If so, and since you are only another hour or two of additional labor + parts for an IMS upgrade, it is a good idea. General consensus is LN is the way to go... Though no doubt some will disagree. LN avoids the factory bearing's potential to lose internal lubrication. Not sure Porsche ever solved this completely, as some early 997s suffered IMS failure.

And take a ride up to Cary's Waverly Place shopping center on the first of the month for Cars and Coffee. Right off 64 and US 1. Great turnout.

Meares

clutch seems EASY TO ME to engage and disengage....it's silky smooth pushing it in and VERY grainy when it's coming out...the gentleman at leith porsche said it's hard to push in and is probably going to go soon....i don't have any idea how easy the clutch actuation should be, but apparently it's hard...so, i'm going to change it anyway....it's got 108,000 miles on it....i have no oil leaks at all, so i don't know if the RMS leaks or not...but why not replace both of them while i'm in there...looks like the RMS and IMS kit from suncoast comes with the 3 pronged bearing cover and not the actual bearing...could be wrong...thanks for info!

fpb111

Lots of good info in this discussion. Read this thread on renntech.org.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...s-ims-kit.html

Imo000

The IMS bearims is pretty much a standard size bearing and they are available in a ceramic hybrid configuration. It's up to you if you want to use one, I did, or pay the premium for an LN unit.

Byprodriver

Suncoast's "kit" has a new IMSB cover plate with the updated seal which your car may already have. Porsche only sells the IMSB installed in a new IMS (Intermediate shaft) requiring engine disassembly to install. The LN IMSB is much stronger & comes with a billet IMSB cover plate.

babylonboots

LN is supposed to be releasing a new replacement for the IMSB in the next couple of months. You may want to hold tight till they release it. They said there will be details in next month's Panorama.

perfectlap

I'd make sure your mechanic has done these before or is very experienced with Porsche in general.
While the job is straightforward and can be done in a day, it has to be done competently or it can end in disaster.

I believe I read somewher that one Porsche dealer was NOT using the factory IMSB and going with the LN upgrade.

street rod

I believe Jake said they would only be installing this new IMS solution in their shop at the beginning to make sure its being done correctly and monitor it until releasing it to other shops down the road.

jordanturbo

I personally went with a factory IMS replacement when I did my clutch, flywheel, RMS, and assorted junk. But I will say the only reason I went with factory is because it was available same day, and LN was not. I didn't want my P-car in my shop for too long. This way I was able to do everything overnight the same day I blew my clutch and had it back on the road the next morning

NZ951

If your IMS has lasted 108k miles, and still has not failed, I wouldnt see any use to replace it with a non Porsche part. Seems to last extremely well!

Meares

just did A LOT of talking to Leith Porsche in Cary...they explained the differences, took time with me and i'm going with the LN...they have it, the clutch and all the other ancillary items that i need in stock...they also explained that, if i wished to get the porsche bearing; i'd have to buy the whole intermediate shaft....give them a day's notice, drop off my car and they'll have a loaner for me! I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER!! THEY HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND MY GREATEST EXPECTATIONS! i took my car in for an air filter last saturday and they treated me like i've bought a turbo S cab from them for the past 10 yrs!! i won't go ANYWHERE else!

Hurdigurdiman

Yes I expect that they would treat you like royalty when you took your car in for an air filter. They saw $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ signs there alright.

Imo000

Took it to the dealer for an airfilter?!?!? Time to hand in your mancard.