Just replaced IMS, RMS, AOS, Plugs, Oil, Trans Fluid

[ttocs]

First of all, Thank You to all of you on this forum! It's because of the info I was able to scavenge from here that I was able to make a very informed purchase.

 

I bought a 2004 Boxster Tip w/30,000 miles on it a couple months ago. It had been sitting for about a year from the last owner to the dealer I bought it from. Had a PPI done by my local Porsche dealer which came up with some routine maintenance items that needed attention: battery was under-voltage (my second day with the car and this set the trans into one of the Limp Modes, hasn't happened since new battery), serpentine belt, cabin filter, air filter. After replacing those items I was able to enjoy that car for a while. The car ran great!

 

I knew that I wanted to replace the IMS for my own peace of mind, so I started with an oil change at a very respected and high priced independent shop. They didn't see anything in the oil, but they did recommend IMS replacement due to a tiny amount of oil "fuzz" that was evident on the bottom of the engine just below the IMS. I then found out a couple weeks later that some friends had used a different shop, also very respected in the Porsche community, that was more moderately priced. I went there to check it out and was happy to bring my car in.

 

The AOS wasn't in horrible shape but needed replacing, especially since we were "already there, so why not?". They cleaned the intakes and replaced the plugs.

 

The RMS wasn't leaking at all, replaced it also for the same reason.

 

The IMS was replaced, and after it was out I could see that the old bearing was starting to "wobble". If you put the bearing in a vise, the shaft can be tilted more than 1/16"! The seals "look" ok, but I don't know how the inside looks because I haven't taken it apart. Other than the wobble there is nothing that would indicate anything bad was going on. The old bearing turns just fine.

 

So after another oil change (I didn't mind doing it again because I wanted it flushed anyhow), and a trans filter and fluid change, I'm off to the races so to speak.

 

The car runs even better than before!! I think this is due to the intake cleaning and new plugs. The engine idles smoother, revs smoother, pulls more evenly through the entire rev range instead of being lumpy - even up to 4,000 rpm then a burst of power, then softens after 5,000. Now the power feels very consistent, and it's a little more than a tenth of a second quicker 0-60 (wristwatch chrono). The only thing I can even complain about is the fact that the tip now shifts into 2nd gear at about 6,700 rpm instead of about 7,100 like it did before service. 2nd-3rd gear happens closer to redline but not as close as before the service. Might it be a little quicker if it would shift closer to redline? Or is it maybe a little quicker shifting at a lower rpm? I don't know. Also, is it possible that the trans needs to "learn" to shift differently since it just had a major service? I've only driven less than 100 miles since getting the car back.

 

I just wanted to share my experience with any that might benefit from it.

Edited October 21, 2015 by ttocs