You might be able to find a lower mileage engine for less money. You can check out
www.pcar.com and see lower mileage 986 engines going for $4000-$5000. Los Angeles Dismantlers is on the West Coast so shipping might get pricey. Any one know of a good source of used Porsche engines on the East Coast? Earlier this year I was doing some research on the 3.4L conversion and labor quoted was $1500.00. So I estimate best case for Boxster engine replacement is $4000 (motor) + $1000 (for shipping, taxes, misc) + $1500 (labor) = $6500. Overall cost for your quote doesn't sound outrageous but maybe a motor with less mileage can be found. I imagine the shop isn't too happy at receiving the Boxster in pieces. A low mileage '99 engine may be risky if it happens to be one of the infamous sleeved ones. I know your plight has been going on for some time and hope that it can be happily resolved soon. Good luck!