The IMS Solution

[panda911]

In late Aug I bought a 2002 911/996C4 tip on 42k miles after doing
months of research, discounting many cars and seeing the few remaining.
Although there are other issues, my main concern is the well documented
occasional IMS bearing failure.
When in the US in Feb I spoke with Jake Raby of Flat six Innovations/LN
Engineering about his recent development (on youtube)
"The IMS Solution", which is a lifetime non ball bearing replacement for
the IMS original ball race in 996 engines, (as described a bit
like an oil pump fed main bearing).
As I understand it, he also came up with the earlier replacement,
ceramic ball bearing fix.
I trawled around some of the independent Porsche dealers in the north to
see if anyone would fit one of these new bearings.
Most were polite and showed mild interest
The last independent I tried was Revolution Porsche in Brighouse.
Their Technical director, Gareth, actually knew of this development, and
was keen to try it out
I told them that I would risk my engine if they would risk their time,
but I wanted to be present, take pix and see how they worked.
They agreed (good publicity if it works) and it was successfully
completed this week. Steep learning curve.
I also asked them to replace the thermostat with a lower temperature
version and fit a new water pump with a metal impeller.
I write this just in case anyone is thinking of having a permanent fix
to the IMS issue
Some of my pix on http://www.revolution-porsche.co.uk/the-ims-soluti...

[Paul O]

Nice one, Panda. I saw your car in the workshop whilst mine was in a few weeks ago. Russ mentioned you were piloting the new solution.

Hope this is the silver bullet to cure the problem! If it was such a simple solution, it does beg the question why didn't Porsche think of it in the first place?

Will read your updates with interest.

[mollytherocker]

Porsche could have fixed this problem properly at any point in the 10 years of manufacture.

[Trev450]

They would need to have a high regard for their customers to have done that.

[ellroy]

Hello neighbour and welcome to PH!

[Kenzle]

It's good to know that this bit of kit exists but is it easy to get hold of in the UK? Will LN Engineering ship it to anyone who wants one?

And dare I ask how much it cost you to have it installed OP?

Thanks

[M@1975]

Saw this on some US sites and looked at costs and it was prohibitive as nobody in the UK was willing to bring them over en masse.