IMS Guardian

Protect your Porsche 996 or 997 engine with an IMS Guardian.

Intermediate shaft failure (IMS) is a rare problem with Porsche 996, 997 and Boxster engines, but if it happens, the engine can be destroyed. And there’s usually no warning that the shaft (or rather the bearing at the end of the shaft) is about to fail until it is to late.

It’s unlikely to happen to you but, even so, if you drive a 996 or 997, it’s easy to worry about IMS failure and that can spoil the enjoyment of what is otherwise a great Porsche.

Now, though, there’s a solution that gives peace of mind. Developed by Jake Raby (no relation!) of Flat Six Innovations in the USA, the IMS Guardian is a simple but effective device that warns of swarf in in the engine oil, allowing you to stop the engine before any major damage is done.

IMS Guardian consists of a magnetic sump plug with two terminals. Steel swarf is attracted to the plug and, when it shorts the terminals, an alarm sounds in the cockpit. A discrete switch on the dash blends in with the existing switchgear.

We are stockists of IMS Guardian, and can fit one to your Porsche 996, 997 or Boxster in about two hours at our Chichester, West Sussex workshops in southern England, UK.

IMS Guardian costs £300 (plus VAT) and fitting is £120 (plus VAT and engine oil and filter). Because the oil has to be drained before fitting the new sump plug, it makes sense to incorporate the work into a routine service.

Please get in touch to book a fitting.

For more information, watch this short video from Flat6 Innovations.