Boxster V8 project log

[Marc_986]

Till now most of my info and questions have been scattered across a number of posts, maybe it is time to create a project log to wrap it all together.

The start: A cheap-ish 1997 986 base model.
The goal: A good quality 986 V8

So I started with a 1997 Boxster because it is the only year where I can swap in a different engine and get it inspected cheaply and with minor requirements. Basically it should be technically sound, but not strict requirements on noise / emissions etc. 1998 and later require more paper work, inspection etc and I wanted to avoid that. This Boxster actually looks quite alright. It aint no beauty (but neither am I), but no big dents, tears or such. I now know that it has had a few incidents in it's life, hoping it is still straight and true but should find out in the coming months.

On to the goal. I've always wanted to have a mid engined car again (started my car career with a Pontiac Fiero) and a V8 is one of those engine you need to have had one of. So far I've only had a share of inline fours and various six cylinders (flat, V and inline). So there we have the Boxster which can combine both. And from what I have read is actually a pretty well handling car. On top of that I really engine working on cars and having a hobby car makes sense. I can work on it when it suits (many other things to do) as there is no need for the car. No stress, just enjoyment. For me working on the car and puzzling the right solution is as much fun as driving it. So I am fully aware that it makes no financial sense to do this project. It is just a hobby.

So on the list is an Audi V8, most likely coming from a VW actually, the Phaeton. Likely I'll use an Audi 0A2 gearbox as well, but the Porsche G87.21 is an option as well. Basically they are the same gearboxes, but the Audi has way taller gearing.