You have no items in your shopping cart.

You have no items to compare.

IMS Retrofit

IMS Retrofit: The First and Original IMS Bearing Replacement Kit for Porsche Boxster and 911 Models

The IMS Retrofit Kit is the original replacement for the problematic intermediate shaft bearing in Porsche Boxster, 996, and early 997 models with the M96 engine. The IMS Retrofit intermediate shaft upgrade is to be used as part of preventative maintenance at recommended service intervals. The tools and procedure to replace the IMS bearing was developed and patented by Flat 6 Innovation's Jake Raby and LN Engineering's Charles Navarro, allowing owners of Porsche Boxster and 911 models to replace their IMS bearing before an intermediate shaft bearing failure that can be catastrophic to your Porsche engine.

Prior to the IMS Retrofit, the IMS bearing was a death sentence for most engines with no parts or procedure to service the factory sealed ball bearing. All Boxster and 996 vehicles from 1997 up to some early 2005 997.1 models can suffer from an IMS bearing failure, but good thing is that the bearing can be changed without engine disassembly. However, once the bearing fails, it's too late, requiring the engine to be torn down to be rebuilt and in some cases, replaced if the failure is catastrophic! Besides a loss of camshaft timing and valve to piston contact, resulting in bent valves, the debris generated by an IMS bearing failure can spread throughout the engine, causing collateral damage to other critical engine components. There is no way to ensure that there isn't damage to your engine after a failure without a complete teardown.

For more information on the IMS Retrofit, visit http://imsretrofit.com or read the LN Engineering Porsche IMS Bearing FAQ.

LN Engineering Single Row Pro and Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit Bearing Replacement Kit for Porsche Boxster and 911 Models


Why buy an IMS Retrofit Kit from LN Engineering?

LN IMS Retrofit kits feature custom-made, ceramic hybrid ball bearings made exclusively for LN Engineering LLC in the United States using Japanese races, ball separators, and Coors Tek Cerbec sintered silicon nitride balls. All other bearing replacements are just imitations. Only the IMS Retrofit's patented Single Row Pro and Faultless IMS Tool allow for the installation of a dual row bearing in the place of a single row bearing, doubling the strength with a plug and play solution that doesn't require any modifications to your engine.

Genuine LN IMS Retrofit kits come laser etched, engraved, and serial numbered to validate their authenticity. LN Engineering also maintains a bearing registry to help validate registered installations that helps increase your vehicle's resale value as the first question most buyers ask is if the IMS bearing has been done. Existing Retrofit customers looking to service their IMS or upgrade to an IMS Solution can also benefit from our trade-up program.

With 35,000+ IMS Retrofit and 3000+ IMS Solution installed since 2008 (as of Jan 2020), LN Engineering's IMS bearing solutions for Boxster and 996 models are trusted by industry professionals and discerning Porsche owners worldwide.

LN Engineering offers fast and free shipping and has industry leading technical support. We also offer an IMS bearing replacement tool rental program including the rear main seal tool, available exclusively to retail customers who purchase their IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution from the LN Engineering website.


What IMS Retrofit bearing does my Porsche Boxster, 996, or early 997 need?

* 1997-1999 engines are equipped with dual-row bearing. 2000-2001 models can have either single- or dual-row bearing. 2002-2005 engines have a single-row bearing. Early 997 models with 2005 build dates may have the serviceable single row bearing that can be fitted with the 106-08.2.2 Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit.

What IMS Retrofit bearing do I need for a 997 or 987 Boxster or Cayman?

*M97 engines found in model year 2006 through 2008 Porsche 997 and 987 Boxster and Cayman models have a non-serviceable IMS bearing. As full engine disassembly is required to correctly replace the bearing with an IMS Retrofit, we recommend removing the grease seal off the original bearing to allow the engine oil to properly lubricate the original bearing

SKU
Set Descending Direction

Grid List

10 per page

10 Item(s)

  1. Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit Kit for MY00-05 Porsche 986 Boxster and 996 911 Models

    SKU: 106-08.2.2

    $999.00

    The First. The Original. Patented. The IMS Retrofit. U.S. Patent 9,687,974 B2.

    Free 30-day IMS tool rental including RMS rear main seal installation tool is now included with purchase of IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution kits from LN Engineering! Be sure to review the terms and conditions for IMS tool rental before placing your order.

    The IMS Retrofit is a registered trademark of LN Engineering LLC and the original ceramic hybrid ball-bearing replacement for the M96/M97 engine.

    With half the load capacity of the early factory dual row bearing, it is clear to see that the reduced load capacity of the factory single row IMS bearing is a significant contributing factor to the increased number of failures.

    Logic would dictate the solution is to reduce the load or redesign using a bearing with more load capacity. Since we can’t lower the load capacity, installation of a dual row ball bearing is the logical evolution for the IMS Retrofit. Two rows are always better than one. What if you could put a dual row ball bearing in the place of a single row one? Now you can. Introducing the Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit Kit. Years in the making and developed simultaneously to the IMS Solution, the second generation, patented, Single-Row Pro IMS Retrofit provides an angular contact, dual row ceramic hybrid ball-bearing with 90% more load capacity and like all previous IMS Retrofit kits, additional benefits include reduced wear and longer service life provided by the ceramic hybrid bearing employed by the IMS Retrofit kit.

    Problem: IMS Failure. Solution: IMS Retrofit.

    Why buy an IMS Retrofit from LN Engineering?

    As of 2020, with 35,000 IMS Retrofit and 3000 IMS Solutions installed since 2008, our IMS bearing replacements are the most trusted and used by hundreds of independent mechanics and dealerships worldwide.

    LN Engineering offers fast and free shipping and has industry leading technical support. We also an IMS bearing replacement tool rental program, available exclusively to retail customers who purchase their IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution from the LN Engineering website.

    Why do IMS bearings fail?

    • Lack of lubrication as a sealed bearing was used by the factory. The IMS is submerged in engine oil, so elimination of the grease seal allows proper lubrication of the new bearing. No forced oiling is required!
    • Insufficient load capacity. The factory single row bearing had high failure rate of 8% according to the Eisen class action lawsuit compared to the factory dual row's 1% failure rate under warranty.
    • The factory did not supply a service interval, replacement, or tools and procedure for changing the original bearing out. The original bearing should have had a service interval!
    • The Single Row Pro has a 6 year or 75,000 mile service interval, whichever comes first.

    IMS Retrofit as preventative maintenance:

    • IMS replacement takes an average of 10-14 hours and requires the transmission to be removed. Tipronic 911 models require the engine and transmission to be removed as a complete unit to be able to separate engine and gearbox.
    • Typically coupled with clutch and other maintenance such as replacement of RMS, AOS, Water Pump, Dual Mass Flywheel, etc.
    • If an engine failure occurs, rebuilds take 60+ hours and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Once the IMS bearing has started to fail, it cannot be replaced safely as wear metal from the original bearing can damage the replacement bearing or other internal engine components.
    • Engines must be pre-qualified prior to bearing replacement. To learn more about pre-qualification, visit https://lnengineering.com/products/ims-bearing-installation-tools/ims-pre-qualification.html

    What is involved in replacing the intermediate shaft bearing?

    In this video, Bentley Publishers technical editor Nick Czerula and Rick Mikhail from Callas Rennsport show how to replace the Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing on a Porsche 911 (996) using an IMS Retrofit. Please refer to the instructions provided for the particlar kit to be installed for specifics. This video covering the removal and installation of the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing is provided by Bentley Publishers. For more information on Bentley Publishers line of Porsche technical manuals, visit http://www.bentleypublishers.com/

    Download Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit Installation Instructions.



    How is the Faultless IMS Tool used to install the Single Row Pro intermediate shaft bearing and internal wire lock?

    In this video, Jake Raby shows how the Single Row Pro IMS bearing is installed. This bearing is retained using an internal wire lock like the factory dual row, so a specialized tool and procedure is required to install the bearing and wire lock simultaneously.

    What factory bearing does my engine have?

    • 1997-1999: This engine featured a dual row bearing IMS.
    • 2000-2001: These engines came from the factory with either a dual row or a single row bearing IMS. A single row flange measures 19.27mm deep and a dual row flange measures 13.34mm deep.
    • 2002-2005: This engine featured a single row bearing IMS. Some late production 2005 models will have a non-servicable IMS.
    • 2006-2008: These engines were fitted with a larger bearing, readily identifiable by the 22mm center nut, that is not serviceable without a complete teardown of the engine. Removal of the IMS bearing grease seal will ensure proper lubrication of the original bearing.
    • If the engine in your car has been replaced, it will have whatever IMS bearing was in production for that model year of manufacture for the replacement engine.

    All other bearing replacements are just imitations.

    All genuine LN IMS Retrofit kits come laser etched, engraved, and serial numbered to validate their authenticity and feature custom-made, ceramic hybrid ball bearings made exclusively for LN Engineering. When it comes time to buy or sell your Boxster or 911, buyers and sellers both recognize the LN Engineering IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution as the first and original IMS bearing replacement for Porsche 986 Boxster and 996 911 models. LN Engineering maintains a database of all bearings sold and installations that are registered. Verify your installation at https://imsretrofit.com/ims-check/.

    2 YEAR / 24,000 MI LIMITED WARRANTY

    Warranty requires registration and compliance with program requirements. For more information and application guidelines please visit IMS Retrofit website


    Make sure you have proper tools for installation!

    This product requires: 106-08.13 IMS Pro Tool Kit and 106-08.22 Faultless Tools™ IMS Tool Kit

    Visit IMS Retrofit Installation Tools for more information on the tools required to carry out the IMS Retrofit procedure.

    Note: Free basic technical support is provided through our ticketing system. Assistance with the IMS procedure is not provided outside of directives and videos provided online. Advanced Technical Support (ATS) is a paid service where you can speak to an actual technician experienced with the IMS procedure and your vehicle to assist in case you run into a problem you cannot solve on your own.


    Need to have someone install your IMS bearing?

    If you aren't a do it yourselfer and are planning on having your IMS bearing changed professionally, we recommend checking out Certified Installers as your first resource for this work to be completed. We do not recommend purchasing an IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution intermediate shaft bearing kit from us unless you are doing the work yourself or the shop you are planning on using explicitly asks you to supply the parts. Most shops do not allow customers to bring in their own parts; shops need to make money on both the parts and labor to stay in business, so please purchase your LN products from the shop that is doing the work on your Boxster, Cayman, or 911 to support your local independent Porsche mechanic.

    If you are looking for the Classic Single Row IMS Retrofit 106-08.2 (10.0124.200), it has been superseded by the Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit as of 01/01/2014

    Learn More
  2. IMS Upgrade Kit for MY06-08. Engine disassembly required and tool kit 106-08.21.

    SKU: 106-08.30

    $999.00

    The First. The Original.

    The IMS Retrofit is a registered trademark of LN Engineering LLC and the original ceramic hybrid ball-bearing replacement for the M96/M97 engine - the only one trusted by hundreds of independent mechanics and used by dealerships worldwide.

    The IMS Upgrade for MY06-08 utilizes an adapter bushing that converts the larger bearing journal to accept the Single Row Pro IMS Retrofit (included) so that after engine re-assembly the IMS bearing can be serviced without future engine disassembly.

    Note: Under no circumstances do we recommend or advise boring out your engine block to allow extraction and replacement of the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing due to foreign object debris that will be generated and will compromise the engine, leading to premature bearing and engine failure. Complete engine disassembly is required to remove and replace the 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing. Warranty requires registration and compliance with program requirements. For more information and application guidelines please visit IMS Retrofit website. Free basic technical support is provided through our ticketing system. Assistance with the IMS procedure is not provided with installation of 06-08 IMS kits as these kits are intended for professional installation only. Advanced Technical Support (ATS) is a paid service where you can speak to an actual technician experienced with the IMS procedure and your vehicle to assist in case you run into a problem you cannot solve on your own.

    Learn More
  3. RND RS Roller IMS Upgrade Kit for MY06-08. Engine Disassembly Required.

    SKU: 106-08.30R

    $799.00

    The RND RS Roller IMS Upgrade for MY06-08 utilizes an adapter bushing that converts the larger bearing journal to accept the Single Row RND RS Roller IMS Retrofit 106-08.2R (included) so that after engine re-assembly the IMS bearing can be serviced without future engine disassembly.

    Note: Under no circumstances do we recommend or advise boring out your engine block to allow extraction and replacement of the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing due to foreign object debris that will be generated and will compromise the engine, leading to premature bearing and engine failure. Complete engine disassembly is required to remove and replace the 06-08 non-serviceable IMS bearing using the 106-08.21 Supplemental IMS Tool Kit (sold separately). Warranty requires registration and compliance with program requirements. For more information and application guidelines please visit IMS Retrofit website. Free basic technical support is provided through our ticketing system. Assistance with the IMS procedure is not provided with installation of 06-08 IMS kits as these kits are intended for professional installation only. Advanced Technical Support (ATS) is a paid service where you can speak to an actual technician experienced with the IMS procedure and your vehicle to assist in case you run into a problem you cannot solve on your own. Intermediate shaft as shown with the 106-08.30R installed is sold separately. Learn More

  4. Dual Row IMS Retrofit Kit for MY97-01 986 Boxster and 996 911 Models

    SKU: 106-08.4

    $999.00

    The First. The Original. The IMS Retrofit.

    Free 30-day IMS tool rental including RMS rear main seal installation tool is now included with purchase of IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution kits from LN Engineering! Be sure to review the terms and conditions for IMS tool rental before placing your order.

    The IMS Retrofit is a registered trademark of LN Engineering LLC and the original ceramic hybrid ball-bearing replacement for the M96/M97 engine.

    Problem: IMS Failure. Solution: IMS Retrofit.

    Why buy an IMS Retrofit from LN Engineering?

    As of 2020, with 35,000 IMS Retrofit and 3000 IMS Solutions installed since 2008, our IMS bearing replacements are the most trusted and used by hundreds of independent mechanics and dealerships worldwide.

    LN Engineering offers fast and free shipping and has industry leading technical support. We also an IMS bearing replacement tool rental program, available exclusively to retail customers who purchase their IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution from the LN Engineering website.

    Why do IMS bearings fail?

    • Lack of lubrication as a sealed bearing was used by the factory. The IMS is submerged in engine oil, so elimination of the grease seal allows proper lubrication of the new bearing. No forced oiling is required!
    • Insufficient load capacity. The factory single row bearing had high failure rate of 8% according to the Eisen class action lawsuit compared to the factory dual row's 1% failure rate under warranty.
    • The factory did not supply a service interval, replacement, or tools and procedure for changing the original bearing out. The original bearing should have had a service interval!
    • The Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit has a 6 year or 75,000 mile service interval, whichever comes first.

    IMS Retrofit as a preventative maintenance:

    • IMS replacement takes an average of 10-14 hours and requires the transmission to be removed. Tipronic 911 models require the engine and transmission to be removed as a complete unit to be able to separate engine and gearbox.
    • Typically coupled with clutch and other maintenance such as replacement of RMS, AOS, Water Pump, Dual Mass Flywheel, etc.
    • If an engine failure occurs, rebuilds take 60+ hours and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Once the IMS bearing has started to fail, it cannot be replaced safely as wear metal from the original bearing can damage the replacement bearing or other internal engine components.
    • Engines must be pre-qualified prior to bearing replacement. To learn more about pre-qualification, visit https://lnengineering.com/products/ims-bearing-installation-tools/ims-pre-qualification.html

    What is involved in replacing the intermediate shaft bearing?

    In this video, Bentley Publishers technical editor Nick Czerula and Rick Mikhail from Callas Rennsport show how to replace the Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing on a Porsche 911 (996) using an IMS Retrofit. Please refer to the instructions provided for the particlar kit to be installed for specifics. This video covering the removal and installation of the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing is provided by Bentley Publishers. For more information on Bentley Publishers line of Porsche technical manuals, visit http://www.bentleypublishers.com/

    Download Classic Dual Row IMS Retrofit Installation Instructions.



    What factory bearing does my engine have?

    • 1997-1999: This engine featured a dual row bearing IMS.
    • 2000-2001: These engines came from the factory with either a dual row or a single row bearing IMS. A single row flange measures 19.27mm deep and a dual row flange measures 13.34mm deep.
    • 2002-2005: This engine featured a single row bearing IMS. Some late production 2005 models will have a non-servicable IMS.
    • 2006-2008: These engines were fitted with a larger bearing, readiliy identifiable by the 22mm center nut, that is not serviceable without a complete teardown of the engine. Removal of the IMS bearing grease seal will ensure proper lubrication of the original bearing.
    • If the engine in your car has been replaced, it will have whatever IMS bearing was in production for that model year of manufacture for the replacement engine.

    All other bearing replacements are just imitations.

    All genuine LN IMS Retrofit kits come laser etched, engraved, and serial numbered to validate their authenticity and feature custom-made, ceramic hybrid ball bearings made exclusively for LN Engineering. When it comes time to buy or sell your Boxster or 911, buyers and sellers both recognize the LN Engineering IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution as the first and original IMS bearing replacement for Porsche 986 Boxster and 996 911 models. LN Engineering maintains a database of all bearings sold and installations that are registered. Verify your installation at https://imsretrofit.com/ims-check/.

    2 YEAR / 24,000 MI LIMITED WARRANTY

    Warranty requires registration and compliance with program requirements. For more information and application guidelines please visit IMS Retrofit website


    Make sure you have proper tools for installation!

    This product requires: 106-08.13 IMS Pro Tool Kit

    Visit IMS Retrofit Installation Tools for more information on the tools required to carry out the IMS Retrofit procedure.

    Note: Free basic technical support is provided through our ticketing system. Assistance with the IMS procedure is not provided outside of directives and videos provided online. Advanced Technical Support (ATS) is a paid service where you can speak to an actual technician experienced with the IMS procedure and your vehicle to assist in case you run into a problem you cannot solve on your own.


    Need to have someone install your IMS bearing?

    If you aren't a do it yourselfer and are planning on having your IMS bearing changed professionally, we recommend checking out Certified Installers as your first resource for this work to be completed. We do not recommend purchasing an IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution intermediate shaft bearing kit from us unless you are doing the work yourself or the shop you are planning on using explicitly asks you to supply the parts. Most shops do not allow customers to bring in their own parts; shops need to make money on both the parts and labor to stay in business, so please purchase your LN products from the shop that is doing the work on your Boxster, Cayman, or 911 to support your local independent Porsche mechanic.

    Learn More
  5. M96/M97 Camshaft Plug and Tensioner Seal Set

    SKU: 106-08.INSTALLKIT

    $30.00
    Pair of cylinder head camshaft end plugs and aluminum tensioner seals (crush ring/washer). Must be replaced when carrying out IMS Retrofit or IMS Solution procedure. Learn More
  6. Advanced Technical Support (ATS)

    SKU: 107-10

    $175.00
    If you require technical assistance while installing one of our products outside the scope of basic email-only technical support through our ticketing system, we offer our paid Advanced Technical Support (ATS) with one of our service technicians familiar with your Porsche model. ATS availability for phone support limited by technician availability and must be scheduled. Support outside of normal business hours is available. Price per hour, minimum one (1) hour. Learn More
  7. 5-Chain IWIS Timing Chain - Cam to Cam 97-01 Boxster 99-01 911

    SKU: 996-105-170-54

    $28.00
    Timing Chain (cam to cam) for 5-chain 97-02 Boxster (986) and 99-01 911 (996) models. These should be replaced whenever you are replacing the variocam wear pads. Qty 2 required (one per head). Learn More
  8. Genuine Porsche 5-Chain Variocam Wear Pads 97-01 Boxster 99-01 911

    SKU: 996-105-253-00

    $59.82
    When replacing your IMS bearing, it's a must to check your cam timing deviation while carrying out the pre-qualification procedure. Is the cam timing deviation on your 5-chain 97-02 Boxster (986) or 99-01 911 (996) over 4 degrees? It's time to change your variocam wear pads! Qty 2 Timing Chain Rail Set for Solenoid Actuated Chain Adjuster required (one per cylinder head). We also recommend changing the 4th and 5th timing chains while in there. Learn More
  9. Tiptronic Drive Plate Bolt to Crankshaft 10 X 1 X 25 mm (Set of 8) Porsche Boxster, Cayman, 911 1997-2008

    SKU: 999-073-091-01

    $36.00
    Anytime you remove the drive plate, you need to replace these bolts as they are torque to yield (TTY). Drive Plate Bolt - Drive Plate to Crankshaft (10 X 1 X 25 mm). Fits Porsche Boxster, Cayman, 911 1997-2008 All Tiptronic models. Sold as a set of 8. Learn More
  10. Porsche Boxster Cayman 911 M96/M97 Flywheel Bolt Crankshaft to Flywheel 10 X 50 mm (Set of 8)

    SKU: 999-073-092-02

    $16.00
    The stock flywheel bolts are torque to yield (TTY), so they need to be replaced every time they are removed. Part # 999 073 092 02 Cross Ref: 999-073-092-02 Set of 8 Flywheel Bolts Learn More
SKU
Set Descending Direction

Grid List

10 per page

10 Item(s)