Better Engine; 3.6 or 3.8?! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 06:02 AM

Ok i know this is on my other thread but i wanted to make another post about it

So the shop said they can put in a 3.6 or 3.8 into my 2001 S no problem (I blew my 3.2). Question is which motor is more feasible?! Does the 3.8 have much more HP and torque, is it way more expensive, which one is more reliable in your opinion?!?! Thanks for your help guys! I'm excited. Reason why im putting one of these motors in is bc why would i put a reman motor in for the same price and have it blow again when i can have more of a piece of mind.

edevlin · 12-03-2008, 06:22 AM

For me, bigger is better, I would go for the 3.8L. BTW, my indi Porsche mechanic said there are deals to be found on these motors from time to time, he found a new 3.8L for 7,500.00.

Ed

ekam · 12-03-2008, 06:39 AM

Take a DEEP breath before clicking on this link on 3.8L conversion for 986.

http://shop.fvd.de/us/en/Porsche-0/Boxster-13/-/-/item/item_details/VID_2548535-VCD_51627197-gid_34-sort_3-display_5-item_FVD986100997/ENGINE-Tuning-TuningKits-FVD986100997-3.8L-997S-%26quot%3BExchange-Engine-Conversion%26quot%3B-Includes-Installation%21-355HP.html

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 07:00 AM

edevlin, can you guide me to where i can purchase one? I would buy one right now for that price!! Thanks so much for your help.

ekam, no way i can spend 26K on that lol : )

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 07:08 AM

Also, what is the name of the Porsches that the 3.8L and 3.6L engines come out of? Is it a 2005 carrara S or?

ekam · 12-03-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edevlin

For me, bigger is better, I would go for the 3.8L. BTW, my indi Porsche mechanic said there are deals to be found on these motors from time to time, he found a new 3.8L for 7,500.00.

Ed

Sure, but that doesn't include the ECU, harness, motor mounts, complete exhaust system, and custom fabracations to make everything fit.

The engine is just one piece of the puzzle.

You guys are in la-la land if you think the 3.8 conversion can be done for less than 25K.

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 07:32 AM

I bet you I can get it done for around 10K

What year 3.8 and 3.6's can i get that will fit my boxster???

Adam · 12-03-2008, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxsterLewis

Also, what is the name of the Porsches that the 3.8L and 3.6L engines come out of? Is it a 2005 carrara S or?

The 3.8L is in the S models, the 3.6 in the base.

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 07:41 AM

WOW just called http://www.gotengines.com/ and they have 3.8L with 3,000 miles shipped for $5,800 and 3.6L shipped for $5450. So with the shop charging prob around 2,000 for the swap thats a deal!! Or does this seem to go to be true. They are 2005 motors, will this fit?!

stephen wilson · 12-03-2008, 07:43 AM

Didn't the 3.6 have alot of failures also? (D-chunk)

timothy · 12-03-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxsterLewis

I bet you I can get it done for around 10K

If that's true you should go into the upgrade brokerage business. 12K for a 3.8L and you will have a mile long waiting list.

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 07:51 AM

K Am i missing something here? I can get a 3.8 w/ everything shipped for 5800 and installed for 750 (my boxster engine is already out), then I added $1250-3K for misc stuff I will prob need to buy. Tim and Ekam, why does this not seem feasible?

So can anyone confirm the 3.6 having chunck failure? If so I'm staying away from that one.

Topless · 12-03-2008, 08:03 AM

You guys are in la-la land if you think the 3.8 conversion can be done for less than 25K.[/QUOTE]

$25k is full pop retail with all new everything from RUF or FVD. Both excellent companies. Many used 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8 conversions have been done for a lot less. Tholyoak could probably give you an exact quote as he has done 1/2 dozen of them in his garage and solved many of the conversion issues regarding engine mounts, fuel rails, intake, headers, ecu tuning etc.

timothy · 12-03-2008, 08:32 AM

There is a better than average chance I have no idea what I'm talking about. Wouldn't be the first time. If you decide to go for the 3.8L install, educate the rest of us with a full cost breakdown including all the ancillaries.

ekam · 12-03-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topless

$25k is full pop retail with all new everything from RUF or FVD. Both excellent companies. Many used 3.4, 3.6 and 3.8 conversions have been done for a lot less. Tholyoak could probably give you an exact quote as he has done 1/2 dozen of them in his garage and solved many of the conversion issues regarding engine mounts, fuel rails, intake, headers, ecu tuning etc.

I specifically said 3.8 because you will not be able to get your 986 ECU to work with the 987 motor with variocam plus. Parts for 3.4 swap are readily available.

Tell me, where are you going to get an exhaust that has the correct size piping for the 3.8? You have to get one fabricated and that means $.

I bet someone here is going to say 997 exhaust drops right in.

Adam · 12-03-2008, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen wilson

Didn't the 3.6 have alot of failures also? (D-chunk)

It's the earlier 3.4L motors that are notorious for D-chuck failures, but none of the M-96 based engines are immune from that type of failure.

Topless · 12-03-2008, 09:14 AM

Ekam,

I have not done this conversion but I believe Todd reflashes the 986 7.2 DME to run variocam plus effectively, and 987 3.4L headers are a direct bolt on. So yes it is possible to do this for a lot less than 25K. Ask him. He has done all three conversions successfully. He has a 2001 986 3.8L available for sale now.
http://986forum.com/forums/members/tholyoak.html

jmatta · 12-03-2008, 09:31 AM

Quote:

"I bet someone here is going to say 997 exhaust drops right in"

It does if you want the exhaust exiting to the front of the car!

This going to be a fun post to watch and see if this really happens. My friend has a 3.8 in his Carrera S...lots of grunt. It sure would be fun in a Boxster. If my 3.2 ever blows, I'll get a Raby 3.6 to replace it; just hope it isn't for a long time since my kid's college expenses eat up most of my $.

BoxsterLewis · 12-03-2008, 09:35 AM

Why wouldnt the exhuast bolt up to mine from after the headers? It doesnt seem like much has to be done there but i can be ignorant on this since i'm new to Porsches..
The ECU i would just use the one coming with the motor or has the Porsche shop reflash. It is a pretty well known shop as they are sponsered by Porsche and race prestige Porsche's at high end events so I would see them not being able to do this. As long as the swap doesnt get over 11K i'll be fine, i'll educate you guys on the process. Check it out http://www.autometricsmotorsports.com/

stephen wilson · 12-03-2008, 10:53 AM

Oops, you're right Adam, the 3.6/3.8 are too new to have a good idea of failure rates.