Porsche Cayman S Engine - Gen 1 987.1 M97 vs Gen 2 987.2 MA1 (9A1) Why is the Gen 2 so much better??

In this video I talk about the differences between the Porsche Cayman S Gen 1 987.1 engine M97.21 and the Gen 2 987.2 MA121c (9A1). The M97 engine is well known and has been around for a long time with different variants being used in the Boxster, Cayman and the 911 Carrera 996 and early 997. The M97 is know for having some common issues such as the IMS bearing failure and bore scoring. The newer variant of the flat 6 engine, the MA1 or 9A1 series was a complete new design and the intermediate shaft was no longer used. As well as direct fuel injection, DFI, the cylinder block was also redesigned to give it more strength with a closed deck, which reduces cylinder deformation which, among other things, contributes to reducing bore scoring. The MA1 (9A1) series engine was used between approximately 2009-2017, in the Boxster and Cayman 987.2 and 981, the 911 Carrera 997.2 and 991.1, in a variation of engine sizes from the 2.9 non direct injection, to the DFI 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8. There's a significant price difference between the gen 1 and gen 2 boxster and cayman and the engine variant is the number one contributing factor for that. Its more reliable, it has more power and its more fuel efficient. Winning...

#porsche
#Cayman
#CaymanS
#CaymanR
#987
#987.1
#987.2
#gen2
#engine
#9A1
#MA12
#M97
#manual
#PDK
#3.4
#flat6
#watercooled
#difference
#vs
#whatwouldyouchose
#garagetech
#PorscheCayman

[HellaRandomVideos]

Can you please make a video regarding carbon buildup on the DFI engines? Thank you 🙏

[andrewradford]

I didn't realise that the engines were so different between the generations - I always thought it was just the management of oil being pumped "better" and the IMS bearing was redesigned!! Great, informative video. Nicely done chap.

[theawakenment]

I have a 2006 987.1 and it has the stronger ims bearing fitted as (factory) standard. The weaker ims bearing was discontinued in 2005. Saying all gen 1’s have the weaker ims bearing isn’t true.

[sanjinuravic]

In your review you should have pointed out that updated M97 engine has very improved IMS bearings.
I'm the first owner of 2007 Cayman S (90 000 km) and I didn't have IMS failure or any other serious issues but at this moment my car is at service and I'm waiting for the following parts to be replaced: AOS, alternator, belt, belt pulleys and tensioners, water pump, coil plugs, spark plugs, rear brakes (1st time change). This is the biggest maintenance so far but after 90 000 km and 14 years it's to be expected.

[NewArt]

Having done many mods on the m96 engine followed by a couple of teardowns of the same blown up ones, I skipped the m97 series and went straight to the 987.2 3.4 DFI engine (which I haven't touched!). Thanks for this clear and well illustrated comparison! 😎

[lifutian]

thank u very much, love from china boy. wish i own a 987.2 in 2025

[alanw]

my car have noise, so I give it to Porsche to see they can find the problem, when they testing and acc the engine high rpm, the engine suddenly big bend and lock up, they said the IMS just gone, want me to pay A$30000 to repair. I did it myself, but it still cost me A$10000.

[profnano]

Great video! Since you asked ... how about a deep dive on all the differences between the 4.0L NA engine in the 982 GT4 and the 9A2 EVO engine on which it is based? Differences between the former and the 3.8L NA in the 981 GT4 would also be interesting. Thanks!

[delfly]

Decent review, nice to hear about the engine's rather than the usual Cayman reviews 🤙

[swimmer]

Great video! Please can you do a video on the differences between the 987.1 2.7 engine and the 987.1 3.4?

[madihismail]

I have a 2007 cayman s 987.1 with 92 000 miles with the original ims bearing, i drove it for 7 years no problem at all. I live in Morocco there is no possibility to get the ims bearing changed...

[flatcroc]

Water pump on the M96/7 is not on the timing chain. It's on the belt, just like the 9A1.

[kevinsamuels]

Great video ! Just over the moon I have the gen 2 Cayman 2.9 six speed box. Without doubt the best car I will ever own ❤️

[MowSow]

This is such an amazing video !! Good job .. that is some epic knowledge and detailed explanation

[viperrt]

Nice video very useful information. I own a base 987.2 Cayman love it.

[richfixescars]

Thanks great video, makes me pleased I have a 2.9 Cayman.

[markdavids]

Love the details and the diagrams. Always wanted to know more about the MA1 and Auto Journalist never get into details like you have here. Great video! Great topic. (I've had my MA1 for 9 years and love every minute behind the wheel!)

[jongib]

The 987.2 definitely carries a premium over the 987.1 but I sleep easier at night ;) Great video sir, thank you!

[jonathanland]

I have a Gen 2 Boxster - no IMS Bearing to worry about; more power and lower emissions = lower Road tax! Happy.

[yoyoman]

Absolutely brilliant video, thank you