Draft:LN Engineering

LN Engineering

Company type	Private
Industry	Automobile
Founded	2002
Founder	Charles Navarro
Area served	Global
Key people	Charles Navarro, Jacob Dean Raby
Website	https://lnengineering.com/

LN Engineering is an American automotive engineering company specializing in the design and manufacture of high-performance engine components for Porsche vehicles. Founded in 2002, the company is renowned for its development of the IMS Solution, a patented fix for the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing issue prevalent in certain Porsche engines.

History

LN Engineering was founded in 2002 by engineer and performance automotive specialist Charles Navarro, who became widely recognized for addressing a critical weakness in Porsche’s M96 and M97 engines—specifically the failure-prone intermediate shaft (IMS) bearings. With a background in air-cooled and water-cooled Porsche engine performance and restoration, Raby collaborated with Charles Navarro, the founder of LN Engineering, to innovate precision-engineered solutions to this problem.

The company’s origins lie in the niche but technically demanding realm of Porsche engine development. LN Engineering's first major innovation was the IMS Retrofit Kit, which allowed Porsche owners to replace the factory IMS bearing with a more robust, serviceable bearing system. This breakthrough dramatically extended the reliability of the affected engines. However, recognizing that even the retrofit kits had limitations, LN Engineering later developed the IMS Solution, a permanent and fully lubricated bearing replacement that does not require ongoing service and virtually eliminates the risk of catastrophic engine failure.

Products and Services

IMS Solution

One of LN Engineering's most notable products is the IMS Solution, designed to rectify the IMS bearing failures in Porsche M96 and M97 engines. Unlike traditional ball or roller bearings, the IMS Solution employs a plain bearing design with external oil feed, eliminating moving parts and service intervals. This design aims to provide a permanent fix, enhancing engine reliability.

IMS Retrofit

The IMS Retrofit is patented product designed to replace the problematic intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing in Porsche engines. The IMS Retrofit is a bearing replacement kit, patented by Flat 6 Innovations and LN Engineering, with the IMS Solution granted US Patent 8,992,089.

Bore Scoring Solutions for Porsche Engines

LN Engineering, along with its founder Charles Navarro and technical collaborator Jake Raby, is known for its work in addressing cylinder bore scoring issues found in Porsche M96, M97, and 9A1 engines. One of the company’s key contributions is the development of Nickies™ sleeves, which provide a long-term solution by replacing the original Lokasil or Alusil cylinder bores with nickel-silicon-carbide plated aluminum liners. The company also utilizes a range of advanced materials and surface coating technologies, including Nikasil, SUMEbore, and Plasma Transferred Wire Arc (PTWA) systems, to enhance engine durability and performance. LN Engineering's work in this area includes collaborations with other engine rebuilders and specialists, such as Flat 6 Innovations and RND Engines. The company has supported these technical innovations with educational content through videos, webinars, and technical publications aimed at both professionals and enthusiasts.

Flat 6 Innovations Partnership

Flat 6 Innovations, founded by engine specialist Jake Raby, maintains a long-standing technical partnership with LN Engineering. Together, the two companies collaborate on the development and testing of engine components, with a particular focus on custom-built Porsche engines. Their joint efforts also include diagnostic procedures related to intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failures and cylinder bore scoring—common issues in certain Porsche engine models. This collaboration has contributed to the establishment of industry standards in preventive engine maintenance and high-performance engine rebuild techniques, widely referenced within the Porsche enthusiast and repair communities.

Educational and Technical Contributions

LN Engineering, through the work of Charles Navarro and in collaboration with Jake Raby, has played a significant role in advancing technical education within the automotive repair and performance industry. Both Navarro and Raby have contributed expertise to major organizations such as the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)/Performance Racing Industry (PRI), and the Porsche Club of America (PCA). Their involvement includes participation in webinars and technical discussions, such as “Looking Beneath the Surface,” hosted alongside industry figures like Lake Speed Jr. and Mark Malburg. They are regular contributors to AERA’s Engine Professional magazine targeted towards automotive professionals.

In addition to public speaking, the duo has developed a range of educational materials including do-it-yourself (DIY) guides, engine rebuild instructional DVDs, and diagnostic tools designed to support technicians and Porsche owners. They are also active contributors to The Knowledge Gruppe (TKG), a technical training initiative founded by Jake Raby. TKG specializes in delivering hands-on classes and advanced instructional content focused on Porsche and Volkswagen engine development, aimed at both professional mechanics and dedicated enthusiasts.

Aftermarket Performance Parts Development

LN Engineering is involved in the development of aftermarket performance parts for Porsche engines, offering both in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The company designs and produces custom components that support a wide range of Porsche powertrains, including both classic air-cooled and modern water-cooled engines. This includes specialized upgrades aimed at improving engine durability, performance, and reliability, particularly for high-stress applications. Through its technical innovations and tailored solutions, LN Engineering has become a recognized contributor to the Porsche aftermarket community.

Nickies Cylinders

LN Engineering also produces Nickies cylinders, which are aluminum alloy cylinders with nickel-silicon carbide plating. These cylinders are designed to improve heat dissipation and reduce engine weight, contributing to enhanced performance and longevity.

Eisen v. Porsche

The Eisen v. Porsche class action lawsuit brought attention to the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failures affecting certain Porsche models. LN Engineering’s aftermarket solutions, particularly its IMS Retrofit and IMS Solution products, have been cited in industry discussions as effective alternatives to the factory design. Although LN Engineering was not a party to the lawsuit, its products have gained recognition among independent repair professionals and enthusiasts as viable long-term fixes to the IMS bearing issue that was central to the litigation.

Involvement in Fuel and Oil Testing

LN Engineering has collaborated with industry professionals such as Lake Speed Jr., Speediagnostix, and Driven Racing Oil to conduct research and development related to fuel and lubrication systems. These partnerships have focused on used oil analysis (UOA) in Porsche engines, as well as the formulation and testing of engine oils tailored for high-performance and classic engines. Specific studies have examined the roles of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), molybdenum additives, and other anti-wear compounds. Notably, Charles Navarro and Jake Raby were among the first in the industry to identify reformulated motor oils as a contributing factor to premature engine failures in the early 2000s, prompting a wave of research and oil development tailored to the needs of flat-six engines.

Role in Shaping Porsche Aftermarket Best Practices

Jake Raby and Charles Navarro have played a significant role in defining industry best practices within the Porsche aftermarket community, particularly in the realm of engine maintenance and rebuild protocols. Their collaborative work has contributed to the establishment of standardized procedures for preventative maintenance intervals, pre-purchase inspection checklists, and diagnostic methodologies for identifying early signs of engine failure. Through their technical expertise and public education efforts, Raby and Navarro have helped shape widely accepted guidelines that are used by technicians and enthusiasts to enhance the longevity and performance of Porsche engines. Their influence is frequently cited in discussions of best practices within independent service networks and Porsche enthusiast communities.

Patents

Jacob Dean Raby, co-founder of LN Engineering, holds several patents related to engine technology. Many of these patents are assigned to IMS Solution, LLC, a company affiliated with LN Engineering. Notable patents include:

• Piston Wrist Pin Installation Tool and Method

Patent No. 10,267,419

This invention provides a tool and method for installing a piston wrist pin in an engine block while the corresponding piston rod is assembled to the crankshaft. It facilitates alignment and insertion through an access hole in the engine block, enhancing assembly efficiency.

• Oil Filter Adapter and Method for Obtaining Positive Oil Pressure External to Engine

Patent No. 9,909,469

This patent describes an oil filter adapter that supplies external lubrication to engine bearings, improving reliability through externally supplied oil pressure.

• Oversize Bearing Retrofit Using Internal Wire Lock and Installation Tool/Method for Installation

Patent No. 9,687,974

This invention details a tool and method for installing an oversize retrofit bearing into an engine shaft, utilizing an internal wire lock mechanism to secure the bearing in place.

• Engine Bearing Lubrication by External Positive Oil Pressure Delivery

Patent No. 9,416,697

This patent outlines a system for delivering external oil pressure to engine bearings, enhancing lubrication and reducing the risk of bearing failure.

• Layshaft End Bearing Retrofit with External Positive Oil Pressure Delivery

Patent No. 8,992,089

This invention provides a retrofit solution for layshaft end bearings, incorporating externally supplied lubrication to improve bearing reliability and load-carrying capacity.

Reception and Impact

LN Engineering's products, particularly the IMS Solution, have been widely adopted by Porsche enthusiasts and mechanics. The IMS Solution has been featured on automotive programs such as "Wheeler Dealers," highlighting its effectiveness in addressing common engine issues.

The company's innovations have contributed to increased awareness and solutions for engine reliability problems in certain Porsche models, solidifying its reputation in the automotive aftermarket industry.

See Also

• Porsche 996
• Porsche Boxster
• Automotive engineering
• Automotive industry in the United States
• Nikasil
• Alusil
• Porsche Boxster and Cayman
• Porsche V8 engine
• Porsche 911 (997)
• Porsche Cayenne
• Thermal spraying
• Plasma transferred wire arc thermal spraying