One of my 11-year olds got a copy of the latest GT Porsche mag (it's a British publication) and they have an interesting article on 996 engine failures, facts vs. myths.

Even though the article seems to focus on 996 and early Boxster engines, it is still pretty relevant for us 997.1 owners. Has some good stuff on preventive maintenance including oil changes, coolant flushes and routinely checking the radiators for debris.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

 

No one can document the IMS failure rate since Porsche isn't telling. I remember reading the article - it was a good summary of the issues. One thing that isn't mentioned or I don't remember it being mentioned is that up to a point in the 997.1 production cycle , the famous LN Engineering retrofit IMS bearing can be fitted without cracking the case, after a point, the only way to retrofit is to crack open the engine. Excellence had a great series on the M96 IMS issue and telltale signs to watch for when you cut open the oil filter.