Had this little Boxster come in the other day to finish it’s 60k service which required changing the spark plugs and the accessory drive belt. Pretty straight forward repair. Opening the front up to get to the belt. Oil change with the obligatory magnetic drain plug installed. This will help us monitor the intermediate shaft bearing for debris. Pretty common issue with the 996/986/997/987 are the coilpack connector clip becoming brittle and breaking off. This one had a broken clip …

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Wes had this 996 come into the shop this weekend while we were at Daytona. The headlights weren’t working anymore, which is usually due to the headlight switch, which he was able to replace and fix the issue. Then it was time for an oil change today. I put the car up in the air and changed the oil, but I think we have a bigger issue brewing. Judging by reciepts, this car had a RMS/clutch replacement….but no IMS upgrade/seal …

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We’ve seen it time and time before, but odd electrical issues often point to a bad ignition switch in these cars. Up under the dash is the ignition switch, fairly straight forward replacement with the right tool. Old switch showed some sponginess in it, so this should solve the problem.

This is one I haven’t seen before actually. Customer came through with the complaint that the outer door handle wouldn’t open the door and felt crunchy. Typically we see the window drop issues or lack there of, but never a jammed door handle. I was eager to figure this one out. Once I got into the interior of the door, I immediately saw the issue. There is a retaining pin that attaches the door handle to an intermediate arm that …

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Brought this 996 in this week to start an intermediate shaft bearing upgrade as preventative maintenance. I wrote an article for the KCRPCA newsletter this past month, so here is the actual procedure in a little more depth. Up in the air ready to rock. Awolnation provided the beats, and I started tearing out the parts. A lot of stuff needs to be removed including the lower suspension carriers, transaxle, and clutch assembly. The side skirts have taken a little …

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Knocking out a little suspension upgrade on a 996C2 this week. We are installing Bilstein HD shocks/struts with Eibach lowering springs, which will give the car a little lower stance, and a firmer ride which will help in the corners. We got tied up slightly due to not having new bump stops/bellows for the fronts, so that has set us back slightly. Old front struts and springs Old rear struts and springs. After a little work, we have one rear …

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Parts came in this morning for the 996 project, so I was able to knock out quite a bit of work today. Started out by installing the secondary air valve, oil/air separator, oil cooler seals, waterpump, and also was able to button up the intake manifold. Water pump on, and the front engine carrier back in place. New LN Engineering ceramic IMS upgraded bearing and center shaft installed. And the bearing flange installed along with a new RMS. Then it …

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996 IMS Upgrade

Starting tearing into the 996 project today to see what we were looking at. The first thing was to go after the intermediate shaft bearing which is the weak part of these motors. Then was the waterpump and a few other misc. items while the engine is out. I had to get the exhaust out of the way, so I pulled the headers/mufflers/cats (pulling cam covers later). Someone had upgraded the headers at some point (and mufflers) and replaced the …

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996 Engine Time

This happy camper was dropped off this afternoon for a little internal work. Many are likely aware of the Intermediate Shaft Bearing issues in the 986 and 996. This car has about 60k miles and is a 1999, so that little mileage spells disaster for the bearing typically. It has a lot of oil weeping here and there that I will take care of once I crack it open. The plan is to replace the standard maintenance items while it …

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DE in 1 week! Our annual pilgrimage takes us to the Northstern Region’s HPDE at Road America. We have been doing this for many years, and wouldn’t miss it! We even talked a few people into heading up with us. This 996C4S needed a new set of brakes and a brake flush before heading north, but I knocked it out today and it is ready to roll. Front brakes coming apart. And some fresh pads 🙂 Repeat in the rear, …

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