Porsche has long been synonymous with performance, ever since the original Porsche 356 - opens in new window or tab. was developed as a hot version of a Volkswagen Beetle - opens in new window or tab.. Due to this legacy of speed, it’s no surprise that the value of both classic and late-model Porsches remain high. But what if certain Porsche models could be purchased inexpensively due to a serious—but fixable—flaw?
2006 Porsche Cayman S
As Porsche transitioned to water-cooling in the late 1990s (due to impending emissions regulations that meant doom for the classic air-cooled engines), it took efficiency lessons from Toyota to help build more cars more profitably. This ensured the company, once known for making a relatively small number of cars each year, could remain viable for decades.
But one of the engineering changes proved troublesome, and this has kept the values of these Porsches at a reasonable level. With planning and research, you can buy a now-classic Porsche 911 or Boxster for the price of a used family car and enjoy membership in the family of Porsche owners. Here’s what you need to know.
IMS Bearing: What Is It?
Porsche redesigned the flat-six engine for the 996-chassis 911, as well as the Boxster - opens in new window or tab. and eventually the Cayman - opens in new window or tab., finally moving the engine from air cooling to modern water cooling. In the classic Porsche flat-six engine, the camshafts have been driven not by a chain running from the crankshaft, as in most cars, but from an intermediate shaft that transmits power through the engine block. Like any other moving part in an engine, this shaft rides on a bearing.
M96 Porsche Engine
However, on the model M96 and M97 engines in these cars, Porsche used an inferior bearing design that proved to be failure-prone, and the engine’s oiling system made it possible for the bearing to run without sufficient lubrication.
A class-action lawsuit was filed, as it’s been reported that up to eight percent of all Porsche flat-six non-turbo engines from 1997 through 2008 are likely to fail. When these engines fail, the bearing components can work their way through the engine, leaving debris and a hefty repair bill. A failed IMS bearing likely requires a total engine rebuild or replacement, which can be pricey.
Live With a Failure-Prone IMS Bearing or Not?
There are a few options when encountering an M96- or M97-powered Porsche. First, you could do nothing and take the risk. All things considered, eight percent isn’t that high a chance. If you want to get into a Porsche for a low cost and are willing to spend the money to possibly replace an engine someday, by all means, take the risk. It’s likely worth being incredibly diligent about changing the oil and watching for any signs of metal in the oil pan or filter.
Scraplife Garage's turbo LS-swapped Porsche 911 install is neat and tidy.
Another option is an engine swap. The Chevrolet LS-series V-8 - opens in new window or tab. is a common swap. It takes some fabrication work, but a number of enthusiasts have repowered their Porsches with Corvette power.
This beast pumps out 945 horsepower to the wheels on 15 psi of boost and 93-octane pump gas.
A third option is to prophylactically replace the IMS bearing - opens in new window or tab. with an improved design. Several enthusiast shops have developed replacement kits that can be retrofit, improving both the bearing itself and how the oil gets to the bearing. They are typically installed by authorized agents who have done these repairs hundreds of times. For less than a quarter of the cost of a replacement engine, you can get the engine your Porsche deserved from the beginning.
European Parts Solutions "Eternal Fix" IMS Bearing Upgrade kit.
Show Me the Bargains
Considering how pricey the repair bills can be for a failed IMS bearing, it’s no surprise that values of these models are depressed. Classic.com tracks sales of classic and enthusiast cars, and their data bears this out.
1998 Porsche 993 4 Carrera Gemballa
The 993-generation Porsche 911, which ran immediately before the affected 996 generation, has an average selling price of around $126,000. The 996-generation 911? Its value is roughly a third of the average selling price, around $45,000. eBay often has these 996-generation 911s for much less as well. The Porsche Boxster - opens in new window or tab., too, can be quite a value—some of these can be had for under $12,000.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.