Esfoad

Thanks, the local specialty shop is a certified installer. I'm probably going with them, I was at the dealer yesterday and they wanted a chance to quote, but they use the LN version. That's why I was asking. Thanks for the confirmation of what my gut thought.

aviography

Without a doubt it would be the IMS solution, as it is a permanent solution (pun intended) vs. the standard LN bearing which still needs to be replaced at certain point in the future, as it is considers a serviceable item.

Esfoad

Agreed and Thanks.

jmj951

The answer is, it depends on how long you plan to keep it. The bearing replacement is considered a maintenance item that you should plan on replacing with each clutch job (or X number of years, whichever comes first), but it's far cheaper in the short term. The IMS Solution is considered to be a permanent fix, but is much more costly.

Esfoad

Well my thought is to keep this one a long time. Been a lifetime desire to own a 911 and I finally got one. I'm in love and I tend to keep things I like a long time. (Married 40 years LOL). So I think i'll stay with The Solution and do it once. Just the lack of anxiety should be worth the cost.

PeteMon

2000 Carrera 68k mi. Build date 2/21/2000.
Original double-row bearing was in perfect condition, replaced with EPS roller bearing kit and oil pump modification.

Esfoad

The IMS Solution turns out to be very expensive and though that's what I'd prefer the cost is just too much fior my wallet. So instead I'm going for the LN Ceramic bearing from a local Porsche Specialist who says they've done hundreds with 0 failures so far. That's good enough for me. I spoke with one of their clients and I'm confident this is a good alternative for me at about 1/3 the cost of The Solution. Wish me luck please!

Flat6 Innovations

Hundreds? Only one shop outside of Flat 6 Innovations has done more than 100 of these retrofit procedures, and thats Callas Rennsport in California.

If they've done "hundreds" they certainly haven't registered them.

PM me the name of this shop, this must be researched.

jhbrennan

Labor for install of Solution or LN Ceramic should be about the same. Solution part is about $1725 so you're getting the LN Ceramic bearing for about $575 - is that correct?

Esfoad

So I'm not 100% sure that this guy's labor is the amount you quoted, I was given a total cost quote part and labor included. I bring no it in next week. I can always back out when I get there if I'm spooked but the reviews on the place and the owners is really good, they were even recommended by the local Porsche dealer so I'm giving them a try. I will report back after I meet them and again if I decide to move forward with the project.

TonyTwoBags

Why not hold off on the preventative maintenance (IMSS) until you can afford it? You'll have to replace the retrofit bearing down the road whereas the IMSS is a permanent, non-wear part. It's designed to last the life of the engine.

1.7k today then another 1.7k in a few years + small risk of the bearing giving out (7-20k fix @ x% risk) = 3.4k for 2 retrofits + unknown risk of engine failure

versus

3.5k when you can afford it + eliminate risk of IMSb giving out + no replacement down the road = 3.5k for 1 IMSS install + eliminate IMS risk

If you truly understand risk I don't see how you can affirmatively choose the former.

Esfoad

I hear you Tony. I'm 63, the car is 15. In 6 years when the other bearing needs replacing I will be pushing 70 and the car will be over 20 and probably not worth much since the 996 is so "loved" by the community. So I believe I'm looking at 2.3k now instead of 5.6k now (these are the actual quotes I received) for a product that has a good reputation and a length of service that should suffice for the remainder of my ownership of this vehicle.

TonyTwoBags

fair enough - congrats on the car

5.6k sounds absurd for the job (unless it includes a bunch of other work). The part is 1.7k and requires a tranny drop. Before abandoning the IMSS plan I'd introduce a bit of competition. A nice benefit of spending a little extra on the solution is resale in my view.

Whatever you decide, good luck and enjoy your Carrera-

jhbrennan

I just gave you parts numbers - labor under either scenario should be 13 hours. Just points of reference for you in your decision process.

Esfoad

Ah yes thank you.