Have you ever got your engine replaced?
 

For 97/98 Boxster owners, have you ever got your engine replaced?

It appears that less than a month before the dealer in Miami purchased my car at auction, a brand new engine was installed. The car had 84k on it. My mechanic estimated it was replaced so recently because the motor was so very, very clean, even after I had driven it from Miami to Houston, Texas, a 2200+ mile trip.

Because it had an original 5 speed transmission in it, I believe the reason I developed a 1st gear "braaaap" sound and notches in the first gear upon inspection is due to the new engine's torque compared to the first one. Old trannys often have a hard time keeping up with new engines. I replaced it with another used one with 30k on it and it's running fine now.

BTW, the dealer I bought the car from had no idea it had a new engine. He never tore down the carpet and sheild to inspect the engine from the top. He sold me the car for $15,500. I think a brand new engine would have cost well over $10k.