Boxster Subaru conversion interest? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

kcpaz · 08-07-2010, 10:07 PM

I'm doing a Boxster/Subaru engine conversion and I was wondering if there is an interest in a build thread here. Not sure what the demographic is here or whether most are purists, but if people are interested in watching, I'd be happy to post up some information/pictures as I go along.

roadracer311 · 08-07-2010, 10:35 PM

Boxster engine in a Subaru or Subaru engine in a Boxster?

986rgt · 08-08-2010, 02:36 AM

Sure, there's always SOMEONE interested. If you are talking a Subie engine in a Boxster, I'm sure there would be more interest than the other way around. Are you gonna try a WRX motor or a Legacy H6 motor? You would probably have less trouble with a 3.6R swap as you would not have to worry about intercooler placement. Either way, it sounds like it will be quite the project. Keep us informed.

Steve

jmatta · 08-08-2010, 04:42 AM

I'm a "purist", but I think a swap like this would appeal to a number of folks out there as an inexpensive alternative to a blown M96 engine. Plus it is a "boxer" configuration, so it's far better than some domestic transplant

AndyA6 · 08-08-2010, 05:21 AM

I'd like to see this!

blue2000s · 08-08-2010, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpaz

I'm doing a Boxster/Subaru engine conversion and I was wondering if there is an interest in a build thread here. Not sure what the demographic is here or whether most are purists, but if people are interested in watching, I'd be happy to post up some information/pictures as I go along.

If it's a Subaru engine in the Boxster, what engine are you using? I don't think I'd like the 2.0 turbo from my WRX in my Boxster as much as I like my 3.2. The Porsche engine has a much wider torque band and has so much more character. The Impreza engine, as fun as it is, is more like an on/off switch in comparison.

I'd also think the gearing of the Boxster would need to be altered. The WRX has short gearing and it's still easy to catch the engine off boost going around sharp corners. The Porsche has taller gearing in general.

kcpaz · 08-08-2010, 11:08 AM

Just to clearify, I will be putting an STI motor, into a Boxster S that I bought with a blown motor. Why anyone would go the other way around is beyond me...

sd_boxster · 08-08-2010, 03:46 PM

Interested. I look forward to seeing more.

RandallNeighbour · 08-08-2010, 04:17 PM

Yup. Interested!

The Radium King · 08-08-2010, 06:26 PM

fyi, there is a thread in another forum (914 i believe) where a capable-sounding fellow was looking into putting an ls1 v8 into the boxster. while that may sound a bit silly, the ls1 is about the same weight and dimesions as the m96. most of the thread goes on about all the work required to modify/fabricate bell housings and starter locations, but one of the interesting side notes of the whole thing is that the cayanne and audi v8's are both direct bolt-ons to the boxster transmissions. the author of the thread actually admits that an audi or cayanne conversion would be much simpler, but didn't pursue it as he couldn't afford to buy the engine (an ls1 is much cheaper). apparently the audi or cayanne would be less expensive in the long run given that transmission modifications are not required.

long story short, have a look at putting an audi v8 in there - might be easier.

pcw · 08-11-2010, 08:48 PM

Interesting discussion going on here. I have an 08 STI with a TBE and a stage 2 tune. It is putting down 340 HP to the wheels and 390tq. This is my second STI, started with an 06. I also just got a 2011 Spyder. The 2 cars are totally different, my STI is my DD and the Spyder spends most of the time in the garage covered. The STI is an in your face kinda car, it's ruff around the edges and just want to be driven hard all the time. It is the funniest cars I have ever driven, that is until the Spyder came along or along came the Spyder

. The STI handles very well and I love to drive it when the roads are wet, it slides through corners with total control.. IMO the high roof line makes it a little top heavy and at limit driving does under steel some. The Spyder on the other hand is the cut above the STI in every category , the most neutral, balanced, smooth car I have ever driven and that includes a GT3/RS. The handling is almost like the car reads your mind, it's like you move your eyes and it's there. Putting and STI motor in a boxster would be cool, you might have some fit issues with the motor and as you mentioned the trans, but I think the idea is a good one. That would be one bada$$ car. Good luck with it if you decide to do it.

pcw

kcpaz · 08-11-2010, 09:53 PM

It's not a question of whether or not I'm going to do it. It's already started. I have a donor car already (a 2000 "S" with a blown motor) and I already have the first adapter plate finished. Here are the initial pictures of the project...

JTP · 08-12-2010, 02:58 AM

Nice work! I didn't realize you were the guy that did the Subaru engine in a 911. I saw your site a few months ago and saw your videos on your exhaust also. Nice work on those as well. With a race prep shop at your disposal this conversion should move right along. Looking forward to see the progress.

The Radium King · 08-12-2010, 09:03 AM

ot - where did you find those rear flares?

kcpaz · 09-02-2010, 12:35 AM

Started on the wiring harness tonight. Here is the unmolested 2007 WRX harness ready to be "reduced" wire by wire...

RandallNeighbour · 09-02-2010, 09:02 AM

The only thing that makes me happy about seeing all those wires in this pic is the fact that if I pay your company to do this motor swap, you have to screw with it and make it work and not me!

More power to you, my friend. More power to YOU!

JoeFromPA · 08-12-2010, 09:52 AM

Ahh, look at those banjo bolts. Makes my eyes water.

Make sure to check the Banjo on the turbo side for a filter INSIDE the bolt. Remove it, if it's there. Subaru used it on some models, and has since regretted that decision.

2001boxsters · 08-12-2010, 11:16 AM

Wow this is an awesome custom Porcharu! That adapter plate is so clean! Did you make it yourself?

kcpaz · 08-12-2010, 11:28 AM

I have done some Subaru conversions in the past as you guys have stated. This one is going to be the newest, and I believe, the best. The adapter plate and flywheel are all my own design and the complete kits will be manufactured in-house. Basically, we will be making two forms of the Boxster conversion... a street version, and a race version. This first test car is going to be a race car so that the components and systems can be tested under the most severe conditions prior to being released to the public. I didn't want to come on here and start name dropping my business because I'm not a paid advertiser, so I figured I would just post this as an informational thread, however, I will answer as many questions as I can without giving away any proprietary information.

JTP · 08-12-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcpaz

I didn't want to come on here and start name dropping my business because I'm not a paid advertiser, so I figured I would just post this as an informational thread, however, I will answer as many questions as I can without giving away any proprietary information.

Sorry man, I didn't mean to expose you but the photo of the car in front of your shop window was a dead give away!