AZPPS

Recently lost my 98 Boxster to a bad head gasket and I'm looking to replace it with a 996. I'm most interested in the MKII engines and a 2002-2004 is in my price range.


How much should I expect to spend on an IMS retrofit for a 2002-2004 996?


Any difference in IMS price based on model year? I've been told that in mid-2003 there was a change made that makes the late-2003 and all 2004s more difficult to work on than the 2002s and early 2003s. Any truth to this?

dgjks6

No difference in price as far as I know. They did switch to a bearing that was not serviceable, but I don't think that was until 2004-05? Also, some cars have replacement engines that have the non serviceable bearing.

You have lots of options that will affect the price from the classic, roller bearing, single to double, or solution.

Spend some time reading the stickies, searching, and go the LN website. You will get it figured out.

Triple Black

MY 2002 to 2004 are essentially the same car. The IMSB was changed to a larger bearing after MY2005 (the engine I now have in my 2004) and is non-serviceable unless you split the case.

Dennis C

That's correct. Many early 997 cars have the smaller, serviceable bearing too.

The 2002 cars utilize an analog stereo system with copper wires to connect the head unit, amp(s) and CD changer. 2003 and later cars utilize the MOST fiber optic ring. Other than that, they are essentially identical. There were a few minor options available on later cars that weren't available on earlier MK II cars; I believe the Sport Techno wheel is one example.

joe-1972

You can also run slightly larger rims/tires on the front with little to no issues. I have a mark1, she's an 01 C2. Stock 18 inch rims are 7.5 inches. I can go to 8 with the right tire and correct backspace. I cannot use the 8.5/9 front rims unless I want to deal with a ton of headaches. If you can get a mark2 then get it.