New to 996/7

[Shelby 5.8]

So what's all the hoopla about this bearing that goes bad and at what mileage does it happen, does it absolutely need to be done, mine has 127000 and runs super

[JFP in PA]

First of all, "SEARCH" is your best friend on all subjects, including this one, which has been beaten to death for nearly a decade on every Porsche website out there. By Porsche's own records, over 10% of some model years suffered catastrophic engine failures as a result of IMS bearing failures. There are proven, high quality retrofit kits available, as well as very questionable "me too" knock offs that can leave you in worse shape than you were with the factory bearing.

Secondly, it all depends upon the year of the car; those built after 2004, including most but not all 2005's, carry an oversized IMS bearing that cannot be retrofitted without a total engine tear down. So read up on the subject, there is more info out there than you can possibly digest.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

We have some really good info and insight on the IMS bearing here: Porsche 911 Carrera IMS Bearing Replacement - 996 (1998-2005) - 997 (2005-2012) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

[Derek Zoolander]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

First of all, "SEARCH" is your best friend on all subjects, including this one, which has been beaten to death for nearly a decade on every Porsche website out there. By Porsche's own records, over 10% of some model years suffered catastrophic engine failures as a result of IMS bearing failures. There are proven, high quality retrofit kits available, as well as very questionable "me too" knock offs that can leave you in worse shape than you were with the factory bearing.

Secondly, it all depends upon the year of the car; those built after 2004, including most but not all 2005's, carry an oversized IMS bearing that cannot be retrofitted without a total engine tear down. So read up on the subject, there is more info out there than you can possibly digest.

Incorrect.. 2006+ got the redesigned, larger IMS bearing.

Welcome - I work in Oakton/Vienna - hope to see you around.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Derek Zoolander

Incorrect.. 2006+ got the redesigned, larger IMS bearing.

Welcome - I work in Oakton/Vienna - hope to see you around.

Sorry, but YOU are incorrect. Nearly half the 2005 cars we have pulled the flywheels off of have had the 22MM center bolt of the overiszed bearings (the only IMS bearing that used that large a center bolt). And taking the car apart is the only known way to know which 2005 cars have it.

[Derek Zoolander]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Soory, but YOU are incorrect. Nearly half the 2005 cars we have pulled the flywheels off of have had the 22MM cneter bolt of the overiszed bearings (the only IMS bearing that used that large a center bolt). And taking the car apart is the only known way to know which 2005 cars have it.

Talking model year, not production date. I should have said 2005.5+. I wouldn't say most MY2005 have the larger IMS.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Derek Zoolander

Talking model year, not production date. I should have said 2005.5+. I wouldn't say most MY2005 have the larger IMS.

I am refering to all 2005 model year vehicles as well. Many of them carry the oversized, non serviceable bearings, precluding retrofits without a complete engine teardown. LN Engineering even had a tech breif out on this point, warning owners to be sure which bearing is actually in a 2005 vehicle before ordering parts as they are non returnable.

We have found oversized IMS bearings in early 2005 production cars, and the smaller removable IMS in late production date cars. This is why the only proven way to know which version is in a 2005 car is to take it apart and look.