Who is the most trusted engine swap shop / person - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

BTEMY · 01-24-2012, 10:31 AM

Hello,

I'm looking to swap 3.8 into my 1997 boxster. I do understand that is it not a straight forward swap, however it is doable. I'm looking for a shot / person who could do the swap flawlessly. I'm not interested in being a guine pig. (done that before, never really worked out)

I also believe a cheap man pays twice, but I also have done my homework and do know my cap for the project.

I'm interested in 3.8 X51 with 6-speed and some other goodies in my 1997.

(please do not suggest that I start with 2001 up as the base, I love my 1997, and its one of the early cars produced in 1996, and is the lightest of all the boxsters)

Thank you in advance

grtc68 · 01-24-2012, 10:47 AM

Google Jake Raby and Roock Porsche...they both offer packages and probably tell you if it's possible with your 1997 model and the cost. They are not cheap, and on the east coast, but from what I've read both know what they're doing very well.

I'm not familiar with the west coast although I'm sure there are a few.

Good luck and let us know what happens with a story and pics....

schnellman · 01-24-2012, 11:00 AM

Realizing that it's a long way from the left coast, I think you can't talk about retrofit without considering Steinel's Autowerks of Twinsburg, Ohio. Check out their website here: Steinel's Autowerks -- 25 years of excellence in Porsche repair, preparation and restoration

BTEMY · 01-24-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grtc68

Google Jake Raby and Roock Porsche...they both offer packages and probably tell you if it's possible with your 1997 model and the cost. They are not cheap, and on the east coast, but from what I've read both know what they're doing very well.

I'm not familiar with the west coast although I'm sure there are a few.

Good luck and let us know what happens with a story and pics....

I heard to stay way from Roock.

BTEMY · 01-24-2012, 04:30 PM

Any other suggestions?

I would also welcome an individual party that would like to get this project done.

grtc68 · 01-24-2012, 06:20 PM

I just browsed Jake Raby's site and he offers a 4.0L upgrade with 450HP...but not street legal, as stated. "Fits all Porsche Boxster and Boxster S models from 1997-2007." Pricing is expensive as you can imagine, but his reputation on this board and elsewhere seems to be solid, unlike Roock, as you mentioned. Good luck and I'm not associated with Jake Raby, just sharing the info.

landrovered · 01-24-2012, 06:26 PM

Autometrics in Charleston

unklekraker · 01-24-2012, 06:51 PM

Check out Alden and his crew at FLintworks. A lot of us guys from Bay Area and from other Babblers forum goes to his shop. He is highly recommended and real honest. As far as Atherton to Gilroy goes to his shop for service.

I refer to him as our family mechanic and tell him that Gerry suggested you to this shop. No worries, I don't get commission or discount if you mention my name.

FLINTWORKS - Home
Flintworks - Campbell, CA

Johnny Danger · 01-25-2012, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTEMY

I heard to stay way from Roock.

Stay as far away as you can from Roock !!

Earn · 01-25-2012, 06:40 AM

Roock has done good work on my Boxster as recently as last week. Are people speaking from first hand experience or Internet rumors? Just curious...

BTEMY · 02-21-2012, 12:59 PM

To the top. Any more suggestions?

Pat · 02-21-2012, 01:06 PM

Is this something Brad Roberts would take on? I think he's near you.
Otherwise Raby could probably recommend someone near you he has confidence it.

Perfectlap · 02-21-2012, 02:06 PM

going full boat with the 3.8 eh?

What sort of budget would that be?

BTEMY · 02-21-2012, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

going full boat with the 3.8 eh?

What sort of budget would that be?

Thats what I would like to find out. What I would like to is to try to score a good 3.8 engine for a fair price, and I'm looking for a fairly priced good installation.

Johnny Danger · 02-21-2012, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earn

Roock has done good work on my Boxster as recently as last week. Are people speaking from first hand experience or Internet rumors? Just curious...

I have first hand knowledge regarding one of Roock's engines conversions involving a friend's boxster . From the outset, the project partook of such ineptitude and dishonestly that it resulted in a legal battle. In addition, I made the mistake of consulting with Roock regarding a custom exhaust for my vehicle. Fortunately, I was sufficiently knowledgeable to realize that Roock was not only feeding me bad advice, but he was also lying about the origins of the system .

Paul · 02-21-2012, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BTEMY

Thats what I would like to find out. What I would like to is to try to score a good 3.8 engine for a fair price, and I'm looking for a fairly priced good installation.

tholyoke does a great job on these, but I doubt he is accepting any new work.

ChrisZang · 02-21-2012, 09:38 PM

And why not put a 6.2L V8 with 430 bhp In there?
Renegade Hybrids

JereyDave · 01-24-2013, 12:46 PM

I did a 3.8L upgrade about 5 or so years ago through FVD in Pompano Beach. Very professional. Not cheap, but they did with a new crate motor from Porsche, upgraded the electronics, and even sent it to Germany for final testing in a cold cell. Haven't had a problem and it is my daily driver with 113k miles!!

Dave

Perfectlap · 01-24-2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JereyDave

I did a 3.8L upgrade about 5 or so years ago through FVD in Pompano Beach. Very professional. Not cheap, but they did with a new crate motor from Porsche, upgraded the electronics, and even sent it to Germany for final testing in a cold cell. Haven't had a problem and it is my daily driver with 113k miles!!

Dave

what year is your Boxster? Dyno?