newbie question about IMS

[targaracer]

I'm looking at an 02 C4S and the seller has said it has the "OEM large style bearing like the 997". I speak British and Swedish when it comes to cars but not German (yet). Can someone fill me in a bit on what that means and whether or not it's ok?

Thanks

[Eat-um-up]

that comment is a bit misleading but take my comment with a grain of proverbial salt. I too am currently questioning my bearing as im new to the IMS world myself.

From what i think i understand the m97 (997) engine has a larger IMS, but its not removable without splitting the case. the 02 should have an m96 which is smaller in diameter and can be removed externally. The only way i would know to put a larger OEM 997 bearing in it would for it to have an engine transplant to an M97 engine.

[tonythetarga]

If the car has a factory replacement engine, then it does have the bigger bearing. Get the VIN. If it has an ‘A’ in the sequence, then it is a replacement engine.

[targaracer]

Thanks. That gives me a good line of questioning. I appreciate it.

[tonythetarga]

Sorry... meant to say get the engine serial number. Not VIN.

[targaracer]

I was going to ask for both. Thanks for clarifying

[bigtim01]

My understanding is that engine may have a single row bearing or a double row bearing,
My 2001 had a double row bearing.
HTH
Tim

[tonythetarga]

A normal ‘02 could have either possibly. The previous owner said it had the large, non-serviceable bearing. When Porsche warranty replaced the engines, they used the larger bearing motors.

[Paul C Roddy]

I agree with tonythetarga. I bought my one owner 2003 C4S in 2013. The very first thing I did was take it to Chris's German for the IMS retrofit. We were all surprised to find out the engine had the larger single row non- serviceable bearing. Chris's performed the "while your in there service". At my next oil change I took a photo of the engine serial number - M96/03AT66569204 and confirmed that my car has a 2005 factory rebuilt. The A designates factory rebuilt and the 5 indicates year 2005. One thing I can say is it's always been a marvelous runner motor. If the engine in the car you're looking at has this version of the IMS bearing then I think it's a positive thing.

[targaracer]

Thanks to all. The seller has been very forthcoming with info and it seems to mesh with what I’ve learned here. The engine VIN begins M96 T665 so it looks like I’m in good shape to proceed. Thanks again. I’m sure there will be more questions to come.