Selo

So, if I found a 2005 that I really want, and everything is right about it other than the fact that it's a 2005, is the risk of engine failure so high that I shouldn't even consider it?

Edgy01

If it's been cared for and driven and not a 3.6 litre engine car (Carrera) then it's probably got a good chance of doing alright.

Selo

In researching this forum it looks as if I need to check build date and vin. Late '05 builds apparently have less risk fof IMS failure, and also probably play MP3s. As for the PASM issue, was that corrected in late '05 as well?
It's a low mileage car (about 9000 miles) and I might want to do some DE's - does the low mileage put the car at increased risk of IMS failure or simply make it more of an unknown as to whether or not it might fail?

Edgy01

Is it a 3.6 or 3.8?

Selo

3.8.

DHC

It's a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to IMS failure risk. The first 05s seem to be at the greater risk, but you can easily get the LN Engineering retro fit. Late production 05s through the end of the 997.1s apparently have a more-robust IMS but you'd have to split the case open to do the retro fit work.

My opinion is a properly maintained car, with good oil change intervals, should be a heck of a deal and give you a great car.

Selo

How expensive is the retrofit? Might be worth it to avoid failure and loss of engine.

sullivas

Anyone know how many 05's with 3.6 dual-row bearings were produced?
And how many failed? Low or high miles at failure?

soverystout

99 to sometime in 01 used dual row bearings
sometime in 01 to early 05 used single row bearings
sometime in 05 went from smaller single row to larger single row.

997driver

Definitely agree with that. Sometimes I think it's better to have the early 05 just to be able to get the IMS done easily and not worry about it again.


Retrofit is a 500.00 piece and labor is the same as a clutch replacement. I'm doing my during my clutch replacement so it's about 300.00 extra labor on top of the clutch labor.

Selo

What's typical mileage for clutch replacement in 997.1? They usually last me a really long time. I usually lease cars for 3 years and i've never had to replace a clutch. Had a 91 Nissan 240sx (great car) that I traded w 70k miles and original clutch.

997driver

The clutches on these cars last a long time if driven properly. I have 57k and my clutch still feels new. I may just replace it prematurely so that I can get the IMS retrofit done as well as the lightweight flywheel i've been wanting to get in there.

sullivas

Thanks for the heads up . Anyone know production numbers for the early 05's?

Taxi?

I'm planning to have the retrofit done on my early-production MY05 next month and I just got a quote today for about $1100 parts and labor.

Ynot

3.8 engines are no exception. CATTMAN's C2S had IMS issues. I would avoid an 05' just to make you sleep better at night.