IMS by LN Engineering

IMS by LN Engineering – Porsche IMS Bearing Upgrade Kits & Engine Rebuild Solutions

IMS kits from LN Engineering provide industry-leading solutions for the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing issue affecting many Porsche water-cooled engines. LN Engineering pioneered the IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution programs used to replace or permanently fix the original Porsche IMS bearing in Boxster, Cayman and 911 M96/M97 engines, helping prevent catastrophic engine failures and extending long-term reliability.

With tens of thousands of kits sold and installed worldwide, LN Engineering’s IMS bearing upgrades offer Porsche owners an engineered replacement that significantly improves durability, reduces failure risk and is backed by decades of practical application and technical support.

At Design911, we supply genuine LN Engineering IMS bearing solutions — from classic IMS Retrofit kits to the IMS Solution permanent fix — trusted by engine builders, Porsche specialists, and performance-focused enthusiasts.

What Do IMS Kits by LN Engineering Do?

Intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing kits from LN Engineering are engineered to replace or upgrade the factory intermediate shaft bearing in Porsche engines with a superior design that handles thrust and radial loads more reliably than the original.

The IMS bearing supports the intermediate shaft which drives camshafts in water-cooled Porsche engines (Boxster, Cayman and 911 models from 1997–2008). Porsche’s factory IMS bearings were not designed with a defined service interval or replacement procedure, and failure can lead to severe engine damage. LN Engineering’s solutions replace the original sealed bearing with upgraded hybrid ceramics, roller designs, or a plain bearing oil-fed solution.

Why Choose LN Engineering IMS Bearing Solutions?

Owners and rebuilders choose LN Engineering IMS kits because they provide:

• Proven replacement for problematic Porsche IMS bearings, reducing risk of failure in M96/M97 engines.
• Dual-row ceramic hybrid or cylindrical roller bearing options with higher load capacities than original factory bearings.
• The IMS Solution permanent fix, introducing an oil-fed plain bearing design that eliminates the IMS bearing as a wear item.
• Tens of thousands of installations worldwide, with technical support and documented performance history. Compatibility with Porsche 996, early 997, and 987 engines where IMS replacement is serviceable.

These engineered upgrades target the known weak point in water-cooled Porsche engines and are often recommended as part of an engine rebuild or preventative maintenance strategy.

When Should You Replace or Upgrade Your Porsche IMS Bearing?

IMS bearing replacement is recommended when:

• You are performing a major engine rebuild or overhaul.
• Your Porsche is a 996, 987 or early 997 with water-cooled M96/M97 engine prone to IMS issues.
• You want to prevent catastrophic engine failure due to IMS bearing wear.
• You are servicing a vehicle with high mileage or if preventative maintenance is a priority.

Replacing the IMS bearing with an upgraded solution improves engine reliability and protects your vehicle investment when rebuilding or maintaining classic Porsche water-cooled engines.