"I appreciate that folks are trying to reduce 996-related hysteria, but just making sh*t up isn't the way to go about it."


I started this thread not to suggest the IMSB wasn't an issue but that taken on a case by case basis I personally in my case don't think doing it immediately was absolutely necessary. With oil changes every 3k and examining my filter I'll monitor it closely. I have every intention of changing the bearing in the very near future. Just not today.

 

Just like to say IF and its a big IF I put my car up for sale at my price, I will stick at my price. If the prospective purchaser complains because I have the original IMSB in the car, and he wants to haggle, then I will kick him in the **** and send him on his way to look for another 996 that has had the IMSB done. Just saying. But 'meaning' my statement. Clutch or not being changed, my IMSB stays original. There is NO PROOF that the replacement IMSB are Bullet proof. I would like to know the highest milage done from our posters since the replacement of an IMSB.

 

Are there any actual reports of the LN IMSB failing? This is pure curiosity as I don't care whether people replace their's or not.

 

I have no reason to doubt LN when they say a few single rows have failed. Cars with the single row outnumber the double rows by a large number. And the small bearing's lower load rating probably leaves less to spare if it gets compromised. That said, with 92% of the OEM bearings not failing, and the LN being better suited to minimal lubricatiion, my intuition says to suspect ham-fisted installation, and/or placement in cars whose original bearings have already deposited swarf in the crackcase as plausible factors in at least a portion if not the majority of those that have failed.

 

That seems like a reasonable assessment. I have also noticed dealers installing who are not on their site's approved list.

 

Guys, perhaps we are approaching this incorrectly. Maybe the right question to ask is: How many people have upgraded to the LN IMSB including number of miles on the new bearing and how many failures after upgrade? This is the poll numbers I want to see!

 

This is a moot point if a "certified" installer didn't do the work and also didn't perform a pre-inspection as this has to be done and pass before a LN IMSB retrofit can be carried out according to Jake. Plus the older versions of the bearing didn't have LN stamping on it making it hard to prove whether it's genuine LN bearing or not. Then pre-"faultless" installation tool, you could always blame it on installation error. Oh and don't forget that now the IMSB has a service interval and those numbers only apply if you are using JG DT40 oil and sticking to their OCI'S. Also forget about tracking it. Lot of caveats and asterisks is the bottom line to make the kind if poll you're suggesting pretty much worthless, playing devil's advocate.

 

Alpine003, I completely understand your point and yes - absolutely - there are a lot of variables. But based on the IMS poll numbers on Rennlist, 9.x% have experienced failures. If after upgrade that number changes to - for the sake of argument - 3%, then there is no argument.

 

People shouldnt take my or anybody elses' opinion as a technical resource. Im not telling anybody to do it or not. If its gona help you sleep better then thats your choice, and for the price of the work its not worth loosing sleep over. I sleep like a baby with the original bearing in there. Just sayin that it doesnt bother me a bit.

 

For the record, I had never even heard of an IMSB before I bought my car, so it had zero influence on what I paid for the car or on my decision to buy it. I suspect there are many similar buyers out there. But, I did replace it with the LN bearing, just for fun, thanks to RL forums. My Mastercard thanks you all.

 

I guess I should've just said all polls like this, especially on Rennlist is utter crap and hold no kind of merit or validity IMO. I don't expect the kind of poll you want to do will either. My $.02

Also remember that IMS is the scapegoat whenever something fails. In most of these cases, people have assumed the IMS was at fault without properly tearing it down and diagnosing the part. Most dealers will just replace the motor without ever tearing into the original motor and doing a proper diagnosis. So in reality, even that 10% figure us even further skewed. I think you know where I'm going with this...

 

Haven't read the thread as I have been busy driving my car. Can I safely assume that the IMSB issue has been resolved by this thread? Awesome.

 

DTM: Here's a summary:
Some people: I replaced the bearing.
Other people: Pff. Stupid.

So endeth the summary.

 

The replacement bearings are not advertised as being bullet proof - you're looking for proof to support an assertion that nobody is making.

Belligerence doesn't really affect the bearing's necessity or longevity...

 

I think the good news on the 996 front is that the M96 paranoia/mania/silliness has blown itself out. These motors, like pretty much all Porsche powerplants from any era, have their problems. But they are also compact, light and very powerful as well as tractable and dependable when compared to other 300 HP sports car motors. The market is reflecting this attitude adjustment and 996 prices are stabilizing, pulled upward by the higher prices being commanded by newer Carreras. I chose to update my bearing but I also have modified other parts of the motor. I like the fact that 996s will likely never be "collectible" since it allows me to guiltlessly mod my way to nirvana. Make my burnout extra smoky please.