Boxster V8

[Timco]

For the cost of this swap, it will need to go into an s to have the brakes and other offerings the s has like 6sp trans.

[Ford68xl]

I don't ususally post, but this topic is one I have been researching for some time. If you were to come up with V8 solution for the base model 986's for less cost than Renegade, then I would be very interested since I already own a base model. For me, 350 HP would be more than enough. Heck, 300 hp with reliability would do just fine. Please keep us posted as to your progress.

[CJ_Boxster]

I think Nerv wants to know what we would look for in a kit such as the one hes developing.... Hes not asking you guys to give your 2 cents on engineering....

He probably would like to hear things like, I want it to be affordable from x dollars to x dollars, i would like better low end torque or good linear torque, easy access to common wear items like spark plugs and certain sensors for repair/replacement later down the road.

Dont squander your chance to give valuable suggestions.

[flaps10]

350hp is plenty in my book if it runs every day. In fact it sounds damn fun.

Just a few days ago I was pondering the concept of putting the Porsche 4.2 V8 from the Cayenne in there. Any chance that would fit?

[jaykay]

Well I know an exasperated Cayman racer who would be very interested in this. I think he is on his tenth engine, might try a 3.8 next because he can't keep up with the mustangs and camaros...but will the 3.8 just become another engine with scored cylinders

[bc993]

I have been interested in this solution since driving my gf's boxster in 1999. Look forward to seeing photos of real progress. Will you be at SEMA? Show us something to keep our interest.

[BoxsterLS376]

Interesting choice on the Audi motor! I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread as I am about to do my first conversion using a Renegade kit but if you come up with a better solution I'd be interested to learn more about it!

I decided to go with a GM crate motor and total conversion cost is about $16K right now not including the car, just posted an introduction here: BoxsterLS376 introduction - LS3 conversion :)

Good luck!
J

[Asmooh]

Originally Posted by Nerv

Hello everyone.

We are designing a prototype kit for an engine swap into the 986 Boxster.

As of right now we are orienting the kit toward the 2.5L (non S) models as they are the cheapest to source and are starting to become more and more common with damaged engines. Even without damage the OEM engine is less reliable than other engines, requiring expensive parts and aftermarket attention just to make them reasonably reliable.

As has been seen online, a few V8 engines have been put in this car with varied degrees of success. The kit we are building uses an Audi 4.2L all aluminum V8 from the same period as the vehicle.

This engine will have a CNC machined custom oil pan designed for drysump with integrated bosses for a mount functionally similar to the OEM Boxster engine mount. We are still figuring out the details for the kit as we produce it, but at this point we wanted to get some feedback from Boxster owners as to whether or not anyone would be interested in this package.

The package will include everything it will require to install the engine in the vehicle with no fabrication or modification required to the OEM vehicle. In this respect, the entire swap can be reversed if desired. The engine will produce around 350HP as a target for the first kit, depending on testing with the 5 speed transmission's strength. The engine kit will have a standalone ECU with programming and wiring designed to interface with the OEM VME so that gauges and all vehicle systems will operate as normal. A/C will be retained, as will power steering, with suitable lines and fittings as required.

From our initial calculations, this configuration should weigh very close to the same weight as the OEM engine.

The Audi 4.2L Engine was selected due to it's light weight, short overall length, matching transmission housing bolt pattern and low cost. By replacing the large cast intake of the Audi engine with independent throttle body assemblies, we hope to lower the weight of the engine further and improve throttle response as well as maximum engine output. The dry sump system will also improve engine output and make the package more suitable for serious track use.

We will be posting photos of the test vehicle as we progress. Any feedback is always welcome!

Nerv

when will it be availible?

[Luv2Box]

Will it adapt to a Tiptronic?

[Gelbster]

Nerv,
Here is a different angle on the market prospects for your conversion. My bias is the huge cost/complexity/uncertainty/time of rebuilding a 3.2l M96 +6 speed.I am doing the huge rebuild now. It is way more than the car is worth when I am done. And the performance upgrade -zero !
If your V8 is Calif Smog-legal, easy to fit and less than a rebuild -it is an irresistible option when the M96 dies.
As long as it makes a bit more power and torque ,I would be happy. Be serious ,where on the street can you sensibly/legaly use much more power than a 3.2l M96 ? I would rather improve my driving skills than chase 400hp objectives.
Renegade -look at one -closely & talk to an owner.I did. It is a hack job.
Nerv, thanks for discussing this,it could save many otherwise excellent cars from the M96 disaster heap.

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Nerv,
Here is a different angle on the market prospects for your conversion. My bias is the huge cost/complexity/uncertainty/time of rebuilding a 3.2l M96 +6 speed.I am doing the huge rebuild now. It is way more than the car is worth when I am done. And the performance upgrade -zero !
If your V8 is Calif Smog-legal, easy to fit and less than a rebuild -it is an irresistible option when the M96 dies.
As long as it makes a bit more power and torque ,I would be happy. Be serious ,where on the street can you sensibly/legaly use much more power than a 3.2l M96 ? I would rather improve my driving skills than chase 400hp objectives.
Renegade -look at one -closely & talk to an owner.I did. It is a hack job.
Nerv, thanks for discussing this,it could save many otherwise excellent cars from the M96 disaster heap.

Fully agree. In a drag race my '99 Tip won't beat many cars but drag racing on the street is a risky proposition. Put me in the twisties and I'll keep right up with the 911's and sometimes lead them. If I had 300 hp I might really get into trouble and a new crate 2.5L installed is around $15K so an alternative with more hp around that price is tempting and you don't have any of the IMS, RMS, D-chunk, rod bolt and etc. issues.

[Dlirium]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Nerv,
Here is a different angle on the market prospects for your conversion. My bias is the huge cost/complexity/uncertainty/time of rebuilding a 3.2l M96 +6 speed.I am doing the huge rebuild now. It is way more than the car is worth when I am done. And the performance upgrade -zero !
If your V8 is Calif Smog-legal, easy to fit and less than a rebuild -it is an irresistible option when the M96 dies.
As long as it makes a bit more power and torque ,I would be happy. Be serious ,where on the street can you sensibly/legaly use much more power than a 3.2l M96 ? I would rather improve my driving skills than chase 400hp objectives.
Renegade -look at one -closely & talk to an owner.I did. It is a hack job.
Nerv, thanks for discussing this,it could save many otherwise excellent cars from the M96 disaster heap.

Yes, perhaps that works for you, but I don't think you are in the middle of the bell curve on this one. I'm guessing that folks that are contemplating the idea of a V8 in their boxster are DEFINITELY looking for an HP gain. I have ridden in a 500 hp boxster, and it IS AMAZING! Yes, would be worth every penny of $20k. No, i don't need 500, but as stated elsewhere, 400 seems like a reasonable minimum. Honestly, if there is no HP gain, it's a lot cheaper to surf craigs list and just buy a different used boxster.

I also doubt there is any realistic way to get this to work in CA, so it is mostly academic anyway :-(

[KRAM36]

You guys should work the Boxster S angel first. Those cars are worth more money and are ready to handle that amount of HP. If I had a base Boxster and the motor went on it, I'd just part it out.

[Gelbster]

But the Nerv Audi V8 conversion makes a huge difference to the 2.5/2.7 Boxster. Those are the most inexpensive cars as rollers. 3.2l S is much more.
It is very attractive to find a $3k salvage title roller 2.5 ,put Nervs V8 in it and it will be way better than any 3.2l Boxster S for a reasonable price.
Just a suggestion.
Without the Nerv V8 ,who wants a roller 2.5 Boxster -nobody- they just get parted out.
But if the Nerv v8 is not California Smog legal - the market size/opportunity is chopped in half ?
Some weeks ago I posted a link to a local Craigs List Boxster with an incomplete Audi V8 conversion.Nobody seemed interested.

[coreseller]

I worked the SCCA Booth at this past week's Auto Expo, one of the members also working was a mechanic for a German specialty shop and another crew chiefed for a team running BMW's. I learned quite a bit talking with them, one of the tidbits concerned the Audi 4.2 V-8. The mechanic said the timing chain often needs attention between 75 and 100k miles even though it was supposed to last the life of the car. Since it is located at the back of the engine it is an "engine out" deal, 35 plus hours and around $10k cost............ If contemplating an Audi motor I'd deal with this before installing it into anything.

Then they got started on the BMW 4.4 V8....................:ah:

Audi Info:

Audi V8 Timing Chain Service: The Real Story - Redline Speed Worx (RSW) : Redline Speed Worx (RSW)

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

But the Nerv Audi V8 conversion makes a huge difference to the 2.5/2.7 Boxster. Those are the most inexpensive cars as rollers. 3.2l S is much more.
It is very attractive to find a $3k salvage title roller 2.5 ,put Nervs V8 in it and it will be way better than any 3.2l Boxster S for a reasonable price.
Just a suggestion.
Without the Nerv V8 ,who wants a roller 2.5 Boxster -nobody- they just get parted out.
But if the Nerv v8 is not California Smog legal - the market size/opportunity is chopped in half ?
Some weeks ago I posted a link to a local Craigs List Boxster with an incomplete Audi V8 conversion.Nobody seemed interested.

Then you end up with an est. $18,000 salvaged title car. I think some insurance companies won't even insure salvaged cars.

Plus modifying the brakes and suspension cost too.

When my motor goes, I'm dropping a V8 in it. I want min 400 HP too.

[Dlirium]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

...

When my motor goes, I'm dropping a V8 in it. I want min 400 HP too.

Amen........

[Gelbster]

I have had many salvage title cars.Have 2 now.Never had a problem with insurance. Title is a piece of paper with one different word on it. I buy cars,not paper. There are lots of badly repaired clear title cars out there and ones with 'washed' titles.
Usually Salvage title cars are 1/2 KBB. That is a lot of spare change for the modification budget.
Never had a problem selling them.Keep in touch with the buyers.Obviously you have to know what you are doing.

[KRAM36]

Go here and read about the Boxster V8 conversion kit. Even they say forget the base model.

Renegade Hybrids

"50 state smog legal emissions options while still enhancing performance!"

[Dlirium]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

Go here and read about the Boxster V8 conversion kit. Even they say forget the base model.

Renegade Hybrids

"50 state smog legal emissions options while still enhancing performance!"

Yeah, nice guys over there, but I'd take what they print with an entire salt lick. They, when pushed, couldn't point to one successful CA smog legal car. If there is one, it's news to me...

That said - does ANYONE know of a CA smog legal Boxster that has had a non-stock engine swap? Now THAT would be an interesting conversation...