IMS Retrofit / Upgrade Products

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

If you're needing to upgrade or repair your IMS, check out these products below.

Please let us know if you have any questions!


- Pelican M96 Intermediate Shaft Bearing (IMS) Update Kit, for either Single or Dual Row IMS

- LN Engineering IMS Bearing Single Row PRO Retrofit Kit. Fits 2000-05 M96 Engines. Integrates dual-row bearing in place of single-row bearing.

- LN Engineering IMS Bearing Upgrade Kit for M96 2006-08. Engine disassembly required.

- LN Engineering Dual Row IMS Bearing Retrofit Kit for M96 1997-01 (inc. hub, retainer, and bearing)

- LN Engineering IMS PRO TOOL KIT. Everything you need to install a classic Single or Dual Row IMS Bearing Retrofit. Includes: Bearing Installation Tool, 5 Chain and 3 Chain Engine Cam Locks, TDC Lock Pin, and Broken Stud Easy-Out

[Jim & Kim 986]

I'm happy to see that Pelican is offering options to resolve this ongoing issue. My local Porsche dealer offers a part number and refers me to Pelican Parts to buy the bearing, which they are willing to install for about $1,200.00 (about a year ago). That is the ONLY part they will install. Unfortunately, all of these options just restart the clock. They are limited wear solutions and will have to be repeated again in several years.

However, what I do not see is one of the many Direct Oil Feed replacement bearing assemblies. They all have pros and cons. I like the DOF idea but do not like the oil source for the LN Engineering option. I like the oil feed source for the Pedro's Garage solution but I don't care for his bearing choice. My preference would be the LN bearing combined with Pedro's oil source!

Unfortunately, that would require me to buy two complete bearing replacement assemblies and dispose of part of each one. It would be nice if Pelican could find a way to provide individual components of different assemblies so customers could "build a bear(ing)". You know, like the place at the mall!

Signed - Loyal continuous customer!

Jim

[mikefocke]

LN cautions that their ball bearing IMS kits are not designed to be used with any direct feed oil as that much oil is too much for that type of bearing. The oil mist within the crankcase is enough.

The Flat6/LN oil fed bearing is "The Solution". It has no replacement time or miles limit.

All these kits have many successful installs and had testing prior to their public offering. I would suggest not mixing and matching parts that have not been exhaustively tested together.

[Jim & Kim 986]

Extensive testing, especially at the risk of a new engine is always a good idea. However, the difference between the oil feed source of the LN "Solution" and Pedro's Garage IMS resolution is infinitesimal. Both rely upon standard oil pressure. Both supply a force-fed oil bath directly upon the bearing contact surfaces.

The differences - There are no parts to fail with the LN "Solution". It is a time-proven Porsche concept/design. However, it requires modification of the oil filter assembly and suspends the oil feed hose between the oil filter adapter and the bottom of the engine where it connects to the bearing retainer assembly. I happen to like the factory oil filter assembly and don't like having a hose that spans the distance. Some people prefer the spin-on adapter configuration. As far as I know, both do the job effectively.

The Pedro's Garage resolution supplies cooled oil from an unused oil sending unit (for a pressure gauge) port that exists on the block. It is a braided stainless steel hose that is protected by it's path along the block surface. However, Pedro uses a ball bearing as his replacement. I'm certain it does the job without difficulty but it still has moving parts, which will wear.

My preference is to use the LN Engineering "Solution" fixed bearing and Pedro's Oil Supply Hose. Since Pedro is unwilling to sell just the hose, I am seriously considering having a hydraulic hose custom made to do the job. By the way, yes, I have discussed this with Pedro (via email).

If you are unfamiliar with Pedro's resolution do some research and you will see the advantages/disadvantages of both.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Jim & Kim 986

Extensive testing, especially at the risk of a new engine is always a good idea. However, the difference between the oil feed source of the LN "Solution" and Pedro's Garage IMS resolution is infinitesimal. Both rely upon standard oil pressure. Both supply a force-fed oil bath directly upon the bearing contact surfaces.

The differences - There are no parts to fail with the LN "Solution". It is a time-proven Porsche concept/design. However, it requires modification of the oil filter assembly and suspends the oil feed hose between the oil filter adapter and the bottom of the engine where it connects to the bearing retainer assembly. I happen to like the factory oil filter assembly and don't like having a hose that spans the distance. Some people prefer the spin-on adapter configuration. As far as I know, both do the job effectively.

The Pedro's Garage resolution supplies cooled oil from an unused oil sending unit (for a pressure gauge) port that exists on the block. It is a braided stainless steel hose that is protected by it's path along the block surface. However, Pedro uses a ball bearing as his replacement. I'm certain it does the job without difficulty but it still has moving parts, which will wear.

My preference is to use the LN Engineering "Solution" fixed bearing and Pedro's Oil Supply Hose. Since Pedro is unwilling to sell just the hose, I am seriously considering having a hydraulic hose custom made to do the job. By the way, yes, I have discussed this with Pedro (via email).

If you are unfamiliar with Pedro's resolution do some research and you will see the advantages/disadvantages of both.

The line Pedro uses feeds oil from one of the hottest and dirtiest oil area of the engine: the cylinder heads. It is also well know for causing issues ranging from noise to VarioCam problems. The IMS solution system does not do this.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The line Pedro uses feeds oil from one of the hottest and dirtiest oil area of the engine: the cylinder heads. It is also well know for causing issues ranging from noise to VarioCam problems. The IMS solution system does not do this.

Hi JFP, if you ever run out of things to do I would like your opinion of all the replacement IMSB's available since you don't have a dog in the fight.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Hi JFP, if you ever run out of things to do I would like your opinion of all the replacement IMSB's available since you don't have a dog in the fight.

I prefer the IMS Solution, I run them in my own cars (2) and have many customer installations. It is the ONLY "once and done, forever" retrofit, never had a problem or even heard of one involving the Solution.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

I prefer the IMS Solution, I run them in my own cars (2) and have many customer installations. It is the ONLY "once and done, forever" retrofit, never had a problem or even heard of one involving the Solution.

Yeah I know that, just wondered if you would install anything else. I imagine you did before the Solution was available.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by BYprodriver

Yeah I know that, just wondered if you would install anything else. I imagine you did before the Solution was available.

Oh, sure, we installed a ton of the LN single and dual row ceramic hybrids, and they all worked very well too. But when the Solution was released to shops, it became the unit of choice because it eliminated bearing life span as a factor. All of the other "me too" retrofits (roller bearings, Pedro's direct oil thing, etc.) each have their own set of issues or problems, which eliminate them from serious consideration.

But as soon as you say something like that, somebody will chime in that they have one of the "other" retrofits, and it is perfect; to which I would respond, "I really don't care. We only used proven systems with large bases of successful installations. It is my shop's name and my name attached to the retrofit, I want what has been tested and proven in my customer's cars, as well as my own. I actually removed LN ceramic hybrids from my own cars to install the Solution."

[ASD]

well stated.is it your opinion that any early 2000s boxster shoulfd get the ims done as preventive application?I am looking for a 200-2004 or so S and would have to add a chunk to my budget, or is it enough to check for metal shavings in the oil?Thanks.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by ASD

well stated.is it your opinion that any early 2000s boxster shoulfd get the ims done as preventive application?I am looking for a 200-2004 or so S and would have to add a chunk to my budget, or is it enough to check for metal shavings in the oil?Thanks.

Once the metal starts to show up in the oil, it is too late to do a retrofit; you need to do it proactively before any problems start.

[ASD]

all thins considered and it being a 60000 mile 2000, I think ill roll the dice.

[CaracasBBq]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Once the metal starts to show up in the oil, it is too late to do a retrofit; you need to do it proactively before any problems start.

How much metal is TOO much? I have read conflicting opinions, even some say tiny flakes are normal.

[mikefocke]

You wouldn't want even small metal particles circulating in your oil. Lots of oil lubed surfaces in these engines. Think piston rings and cylinder walls, rod bearings, crankshaft bearings, even the IMS bearings themselves as the seals fail over time. Imagine even dust sized metal grinding on those surfaces.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by CaracasBBq

How much metal is TOO much? I have read conflicting opinions, even some say tiny flakes are normal.

When you start to see accumulated ferrous material on a magnetic drain plug or Filter Mag surface that is more than a thin film of black carbon like dust, it should be of concern. If you are seeing shiny ferrous flakes, it is time to drop the sump cover and take a good look.

[djnolan]

What does all of this equate to in terms of engine oil analysis?

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Take 10% OFF Select LN Engineering IMS Bearing Kits!

Offer valid through 9/8

https://www.pelicanparts.com/promos/1LNEng912021/

[mcfcinusa]

I own a 97 Boxster with dual row ball bearing and made my own complete IMS assembly with a navy bronze sleeve bearing that was oil fed from a spin on oil filter adapter. All from my OWN design and tolerances.It's been in the car for at least 10 thousand miles with no trouble. I'm a machinist with over 50 years experience and was going to sell them on Ebay till Jake Raby from Flat 6 Innovations set his lawyer on me with a cease and desist order. I didn't go any further with selling them. I didn't get a patent either as this was just something i wanted to do for myself. My design was different from his in many ways and i noticed that some of his later styles looked similar to MY OWN design, not knowing anything about patent rights i stopped immediately.
Draw your own conclusions from this, i'm not a business man just a damn good master machinist. With 51 years under my belt i take pride in my work and expertise.

Desmond Young blymeylymey@gmail.com

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mcfcinusa

I own a 97 Boxster with dual row ball bearing and made my own complete IMS assembly with a navy bronze sleeve bearing that was oil fed from a spin on oil filter adapter. All from my OWN design and tolerances.It's been in the car for at least 10 thousand miles with no trouble. I'm a machinist with over 50 years experience and was going to sell them on Ebay till Jake Raby from Flat 6 Innovations set his lawyer on me with a cease and desist order. I didn't go any further with selling them. I didn't get a patent either as this was just something i wanted to do for myself. My design was different from his in many ways and i noticed that some of his later styles looked similar to MY OWN design, not knowing anything about patent rights i stopped immediately.
Draw your own conclusions from this, i'm not a business man just a damn good master machinist. With 51 years under my belt i take pride in my work and expertise.

Desmond Young blymeylymey@gmail.com

The conclusion drawn is that anyone can make anything for their own use, but if they then intend to start selling them, they really ought to do a patent search first or risk getting their feelings hurt, or worse.........

[mikefocke]

Another is that this individual uses a screen name, apparently a name and an email address that are all different. And appears to be inviting someone to contact him so he can sell them something. I sure hope it isn't a PI or a patent lawyer he responds to.

Having gone through the patent process myself for a product that took 10 years and tens of millions of dollars to develop, having the patent initially denied, then written a patent appeal and finally after 2 years won, I appreciate the effort to protect your work via a patent. And the $ it takes.

Having been privy to the work that went into developing and testing the design of "The Solution", I also believe the patent system is there to help reward first movers and their investment. Not people who copy elements of the design that made it unique and thus able to be patented.