Modification Ideas

Porsche IMS Bearing– to replace or not to replace…

April 20, 2022 by mr.

With the recent growth in desirability of the Porsche 996 and 986 Boxster we are witnessing more of these models changing hands. With this increase in appeal comes an increased sale price, and many buyers looking for the security of a vehicle with the IMS bearing replaced. As a result we are currently undertaking an IMS bearing replacement almost weekly in our workshop.
So how likely is it that your Porsche could experience a catastrophic engine failure due to your IMS Bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing) failing? There is differing opinions, but for the 1998– 2005 model 996 and Boxster 986 that are most susceptible to this issue, failure is estimated to be around 4%. On this basis Stu does advocate that for peace of mind the IMS bearing is replaced in these models. For other less susceptible models the call is a much tougher one.

The model that are susceptible to IMS failure are as follows:
– All 986 Boxster models.
– 987 Cayman & Boxster models up to engine number 61504715
– All 996 models (not including: GT and Turbo models)
– 997 3.6ltr with M96/05 up to engine number 6950745

Unfortunately, there is no pattern to when IMS failure occurs, and there are limited warning symptoms, which is another reason why many believe it’s better to be safe than sorry especially if you own one of these models. Failure can happen early in the vehicle’s life or much later after 100,000 kms. If you’re planning to buy or sell one of these models, in our experience, most buyers insist that the bearing has been replaced, or alternatively build its replacement cost into the purchase negotiations.

There are a couple of options for the replacing the IMS bearing. Costs vary depending on which replacement parts you choose and whether your car is a manual or auto. The costs below relate to the most susceptible 1998-2005 996 and Boxster models.

Option 1 – IMS Bearing Replacement (Single or Double Row – Model dependent) MANUAL Cost including fitting $3,390 inc. GST
AUTO Cost including fitting $4,186 inc. GST

Left – Old Single Row IMS Right – New Replacement IMS

Option 2 – Oil Fed Replacement (a more expensive option but with an infinite life)
MANUAL Cost including fitting $4,833 inc. GST
AUTO Cost including fitting $5,628 inc. GST

There are limited warning signs of IMS failure that can be picked up, and unfortunately the damage may already have been done once the symptoms become obvious. The best indicator that there is a problem is the detection of metal debris in your oil and filter. Another symptom is oil dripping near the back of the engine, and finally a knocking sound from your engine. However, once you get to the knocking engine phase, even if you immediately stop driving the vehicle, the engine damage may be irreversible!

If you are considering a new clutch and your IMS bearing hasn’t been replaced there are significant economies of scale in replacing the two simultaneously. Both of these replacements require the transmission to be removed, so there is a big saving in labour costs in you have them done together.

If you own 996 and are interested in other modifications recommended by Stuart, you might like to click on this link to a prior post. 996 – What’s on the menu?

Wevo Shifter – This month’s most popular mod

July 23, 2018 by mr.

In the last month we have installed a Wevo Short Shifter and PSJ Coupling to the following 3 cars: 1976 911 2.7,1980 911 SC and a 1984 911 3.2.

The primary motivation behind moving to a Wevo Shifter is to get a shorter and sharper gear change, as well as centralising the gear lever between 3rd and 4th gear- like you find in a G50 gearbox. This modification is especially popular in tracked Porsches as it can significantly reduce the risk of missing a gear or choosing the wrong one. However, interestingly only I of our 3 most recent Wevo Shifter converts was a track car.

The broad feedback we get from customers who have made the move, is the Wevo delivers a smoother more enjoyable gear change, especially if your gearbox is feeling a bit sloppy.

A Wevo Short Shifter can be fitted to 911 Porsches from 1976 – 1986 with 915 Gearboxes. The cost of fitting the Classic Wevo Shifter along with the compatible PSJ Coupling (this coupling replaces the original Porsche shift coupler) is $1,680 which includes both parts and labour.

Wevo Shifters are available in a black classic style or a sports style that comes in either silver or black. The Classic Wevo Shifter shown above has always proven the most popular option, it is also slightly cheaper than the sports option shown below.

SPORTS WEVO SHORT SHIFTER

10Khop Transformed! – The 5th Report

September 13, 2017 by mr.

It’s back.

After a month or so of me mucking about and trying to decide what I wanted to achieve and where I wanted to go the ever-patient Stuart has transformed the 10Khop from a cheap and cheery entrée to Porsche ownership to a pocket rocket that is raw, visceral and downright grin-inducing! Here’s what’s new…

• VERY healthy 3.4 911 motor with Gemballa exhaust

• New clutch

• New IMS bearing

• New short-shift kit

• Completely new full adjustable coil-over suspension

• New brakes with competition pads

• Refurbished 17×8 and 17×9 deep-dished Fuchs

• Bolt on flares

The photos tell a bit of the story.

BEFORE

AFTER

I seem to recall that my last missive suggested we were considering something different. I may have mentioned IROC. I had intended to have the car wrapped in a BRIGHT orange, but I might pause for a bit and see how I feel.

IROC 911

It has a lot more attitude than when we started but the fluro orange may be a step too far. I’m still up for it – I’d be happy to hear everyone’s opinion!!

So far I haven’t had the opportunity of getting it on the track (Phillip Island here we come) but the driving experience bears little resemblance to the former car. It’s a bit rowdy, the suspenders are quite firm and everything is tight and tidy.

I haven’t yet found a corner that poses any sort of challenge, although I have become far more aware of speed bumps and curbs! It certainly communicates each imperfection of the road’s surface, but the beauty of the new suspension is that, whilst you’re aware of what’s going on, it’s never uncomfortable and seldom jarring. The occasional “jiggling” sensation is a very small price to pay for the planted-ness!

A set of black wheels for the track will bring it back to 2017.

It now sounds like a “proper” Porsche (perhaps a bit too much … Mrs Robbo claims she can hear me double declutching two streets away from home, a full two minutes before I arrive!) At full noise it sounds sensational. It pops and crackles on the over-run and down shift and wails past 5,000. Trouble is, at freeway speeds the Gemballa does have a tendency to drone. There’s a specific rev range where it pounds away at the skull and blurs the vision! May have to look into that. It’d be a pain all the way to the Island or Winton or Broadford.

And guess what? It’s still warm and water tight. It’s still air conditioned. It still starts with the first twist of the key. I still don’t care where I park it. It has big enough boot(s) to carry the shopping. It’s cheaper to insure than my wife’s Lexus. And the roof comes off – I know that I have said that I am not a fan of soft tops, but I must admit that a blat up Mountain Highway to the Sky-High restaurant (or whatever it’s called) on a 14* day, with the roof off and the heater blasting warm air out through the dash vents was a hoot!

The down side…? It’s a bit rattly on corrugated dirt roads – but then again so are most cars with 170,000ks on the clock, let alone soft tops. There’s no rear window demister. Dark blue is a bugger to keep clean and hot in warm weather (for some reason 4 out of 7 cars we presently own are white, 2 silver, 1 dark blue).

And it hasn’t cost me a bomb.

Job done.

The next step is a proper competition seat, steering wheel and harness.

And maybe a wrap…

By Robbo (Ian Roberts)

UNIQUE CARS Magazine Article on our GT3 Conversion

September 22, 2016 by mr.

In this months UNIQUE CARS magazine the GT3 that we converted from left hand drive to right hand drive gets a 6 page spread… Stuart even gets a pic and an interview! Dino the owner of this 2007 997 GT3 teed up the article as he was passionate about sharing his journey.

Click the page 1 image above to download the complete article. (8 MB)

Due to a change in circumstances Dino is selling his beloved car, and is looking for $170K, which is 35-40K cheaper than a local car. If you are interested, please call Stuart on 03 9090 7522 or Tim on 0432 199 834. We can show you the car and put you in contact with Dino.

911 SC – What’s on the menu?

August 30, 2016 by mr.

We had such a great response from our first ‘What’s on the menu?’ post… we had to write another! If you have a model Porsche you’d like us to focus on next time, feel free to let us know.

The 911 SC was available from 1978 to 1983 and has a 3.0 litre engine. In 1984 the 911 Carrera 3.2 was released with a 3.2 engine, with the addition of oil fed cam chain tensioners.

So here’s Stuart’s upgrade options with approximate costings, these options are relevant for both the 911 SC, and the later model 911 Carrera 3.2 up until 1986.

Wevo Shifter
A great way to give your 915 gearbox the feel of a G50.
Cost including fitting $1,800 inc. GST

SSI Exhaust
For an awesome sound and increased power.
Cost including fitting $4,900 inc. GST

Sports Suspension
Delivers superb handling with easy height and corner weight adjustment.
Cost including fitting $4,000 inc. GST

Braided Brake Lines
For improved brake response and pedal feel.
Cost including brake fluid and fitting $650 inc. GST

Pop Off Valve
The addition of a Pop Off Valve prevents cracking in the airbox if the engine backfires.
Cost including fitting $200 inc. GST

Refurb Brake Calipers
Your brake calipers maybe old and sticking from limited use, this can be remedied with a refurb.
Refurb cost including fitting $650 inc. GST

996 – What’s on the menu?

July 21, 2016 by mr.

This post is the direct result of a customer request for a menu of upgrade options relevant to his 996, with ballpark costings. I’ve since spoken to a number of customers who’d like this info for their model Porsche… so this could be the first of many ‘What’s on the menu?’ posts.

The 996 Series 911 was available from 1999 to 2004 and is easily identifiable by its “fried egg” shaped headlights. There is really only one mechanical watch out with this car – the IMS Bearings, this issue is also relevant to the Boxster 986.

So here’s Stuart’s upgrade options menu for the 996, with approximate costings.

Headlight Polish
Given these cars are over 10 years old, their headlights can become dull and yellow with age. A much cheaper alternative to replacing the headlights is having them polished. (The pics below shows the comparison when we had just one of the headlights of our Boxster courtesy car polished.)
Cost for polishing both headlight $500 inc. GST

Without Polish

After Polish

Cold Air Intake System
A great way to gain some extra power.
Cost including fitting $1,150 inc. GST

Exhaust Modification
The addition of a free flowing exhaust without the drone. This modification works even better when combined with a Cold Air Intake System.
Cost including fitting $2,300 inc. GST

Adjustable Suspension
For a ride that’s comfortable on the road, and can be easily adjusted for the track.
Cost including fitting $4,300 inc. GST

IMS Bearing Replacement
For peace of mind it’s worth replacing the IMS bearing on this model. There are two recommended alternatives, the Double Row IMS Bearing or the ultimate solution an IMS Oil Feed Bearing.
Double Row Replacement
MANUAL Cost including fitting $2,900 inc. GST
AUTO Cost including fitting $3,550 inc. GST
Oil Feed Replacement
MANUAL Cost including fitting $4,300 inc. GST
AUTO Cost including fitting $4,950 inc. GST

All suspension kits are not created equal…

June 29, 2016 by mr.

This extract is taken from an article on suspension written by Peter Starr from Starr Technology, a Melbourne based automotive product development company. Peter is a suspension expert who manufactures and wholesales sports suspension packages for a wide range of sports and race cars. We’ve recently fitted Starr Technology suspension to one of our customer’s track cars, and he loves it! The suspension kit we fitted offers substantial set up and adjustment flexibility at a much cheaper price than the usual brands. If you fancy a suspension upgrade it’s definitely worth considering… To give you an idea of cost, the suspension kit below was $3,300 plus the cost of fitting.

STARR TECHNOLOGY TAILORMADE BOXSTER SUSPENSION

All suspension kits are not created equal…

When it’s time to replace suspension components, it’s always worth looking around at the various aftermarket options. Tailor made suspension packages are available that can “improve” or “personalise” a vehicle’s handling, performance and ride quality to match an owner’s requirements.

When it comes to performance suspension, some aftermarket suspension suppliers may simply stiffen up the suspension while still using the factory travel specifications. This may seem OK at the factory ride height, but many owners may lower their ride height to improve the centre of gravity and look. Unfortunately, this will reduce the suspension travel, often ending up with the suspension almost sitting on its bump stops. People often confuse this with stiffness stating that their car handles like it’s “on rails” when in truth it’s actually out of travel. Oh and by the way, both ADR and insurance requirements state that the vehicle must retain at least 2/3rds of its original suspension travel. Which is pretty hard to achieve if it only had 40mm to begin with and you lowered your car 30mm!!!

In order to achieve the best combination of ride and control without the harshness of some other suspension packages, Starr Technology engineer bespoke suspension packages. These tailored made suspension designs take into account your vehicle’s weight, purpose of use, working range, load rates, shock design, suspension travel, spring rates, gas pressure, etc.

Starr packages are designed using the highest quality parts, tolerances, finish and are a mono tube high pressure gas shock incorporating a 24-point adjustment from full hard to soft valving, cold wound oil tempered coils. To set up your Porsche simply use the locking spring seats to pre load the coils while desired ride height adjustment is achieved by simply winding up or down the lower foot mount on the shock’s all threaded tube. This has the added advantage of retaining the same (maximum) suspension travel at any ride height. So what does this all mean? In layman’s terms it simply means that our suspension packages are specifically designed with the correct spring rate for the weight and purpose of the vehicle, the shock absorber is valved accordingly to control both bump and re-bound movement and utilize all the available travel up in the wheel well to soak up the big impacts, whether they be pot holes in a corner on a back road or ripple strips on the race track. This not only ensured maximum grip but gives the driver the confidence to drive or push the car harder without the uncontrollable harsh bouncing or skipping. The result… a faster smoother more controlled car that will be a pleasure to drive!

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