RMS Fix Permanent?

[lindbhr]

Are RMS repairs done correctly on a 996 considered to be permanent? Is a 996 GT3 any different? Are resale prices impacted by a replaced RMS?

Any help is appreciated as I have no experience with water cooled cars.

Thanks,

[txhokie4life]

My guess would be no. Although I think the seals are better now then
the originals and might last longer.

I'm not familiar with the GT3 RMS.

mike

[450knotOffice]

Rear Main Seal leaks are really only considered an annoyance by most. If one were to leak, it usually leaves a small drop on the floor, much like our air cooled cars have a tendency to do from their myriad oil leak areas. Most mechanics recommend that a leaking RMS be replaced only when the clutch is due to be replaced, since it'll be accessible at that time. The seal itself is only about $15 to $20.

I just had a good friend of mine (who happens to be a mechanic for a local Porsche dealership) replace my clutch, RMS and IMS. The Intermediate Shaft bearing and support flange are the items that really should be replaced during a clutch change. LN Engineering sells a re-engineered bearing and flange for about $600 that essentially solves the potential for the original poorly designed IMS bearing to fail and take the engine with it. Peace of mind.

Resale prices are not impacted whatsoever by the RMS seal replacement. IMS upgrade is actually a big plus for most educated buyers.

The GT3 uses a completely different engine. It's basically a water cooled version of your air cooled engine.

[Wheel Dynamics]

To answer your question, NO, the fix is not a permanent fix, as a matter of fact, a good majority of those who have had their RMS replaced have it done down the road. Sometimes a lack of actually driving the Porsche can play tricks on its return...

Resale in most cases are not effected as most buyers are not concerned, it doesn't mean you won't be questioned by someone but it's not a common buyers question. 450 is right though, the LN bearing and flange kit can be a great selling tool.

[lindbhr]

Thank you all for your responses.

[Wheel Dynamics]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

Thank you all for your responses.

Are you shopping?

[lindbhr]

Shopping? We'll I'm thinking about and 04/05 GT3. I called on a '04 GT3 and told the RMS was already replaced. I have read that it's more common issue in the 997 GT3.

[Wheel Dynamics]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

Shopping? We'll I'm thinking about and 04/05 GT3. I called on a '04 GT3 and told the RMS was already replaced. I have read that it's more common issue in the 997 GT3.

The GT3 doesn't have the issues that the common 996 does have, although the bodies are designed the same and use common off-sets the motors are completely different.

The RMS issues usually fall prey to the NA 996 C2 C4 C4S, not GT3, GT2 or Turbo cars. I'm not saying it's impossible, just not likely common.

[lindbhr]

Makes sense to me. Thanks for the feedback!

[Wheel Dynamics]

Good Luck, hope you'll find what you are looking for...

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by lindbhr

Are RMS repairs done correctly on a 996 considered to be permanent? Is a 996 GT3 any different? Are resale prices impacted by a replaced RMS?

Any help is appreciated as I have no experience with water cooled cars.

Thanks,

I consider a 997 style RMS installed with the correct Porsche tool "permanent" on a 996. As far as GT3's are concerned the 997 models have the Turbo seal installed backwards to reduce drag & thus increase high rpm power by 1 horsepower. Installing the RMS backwards requires the engine to be running to fully seal so a small leak is to be expected when the engine is not running for a long time. Some 997 GT3 owners have elected to have a new RMS installed facing the same way as the Turbo which usually cures the leak but costs the extra 1 horsepower.