Blasphemy 986 swap with a cheaper VAG engine

[binsr]

A bit of blasphemy over here. I have a 2002 Boxster S 6 speed with an severely overheated engine. I am a graduate student and would like to embark on a budget yet fun swap.

I looked into the 996 vr6 swap and emailed the company about their adapters to the 996 6 speed since I know there are similarities in the transmissions.

I am researching what is the best pathway to go. If I had a 4 cyl I would just trop the 1.8t in. I'd prefer to keep the 6 speed and hopefully something that is a "plug and play" to the 6 speed trans rather than replacing the transmission as well. Not the end of the world but thinking about it.

I was also thinking 2.0T tdi cjaa swap. I think it would be a quirky unique build Not sure if I'd use the cjaa transmission or just try to mate it with the 6 speed. Looking at the gearing ratios. Whatever required less work. Currently looking at auctions and websites for crashed 1.8t, vr6, 2.0 tdi's and more.

I'd rather tackle a hard but cheap build than pay for a LS swap kit. Cheap in the sense I can get a decent engine out of a wrecked car. Looking forward to any input and ideas! Cheers

[ike84]

None of them are simple unless you can fab an engine cradle. If you can do that, an abz v8 is the most well documented. However, the 986 6 speed has a unique bell housing and it's not a direct bolt on for any vag engine (so I have read)

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[Stl-986]

Budget & swap are 2 things that dont go together. Cradle will be your biggest issue, followed by wiring. It's doable but make sure you set your expectations and desired outcome from the beginning.

[Qingdao]

Originally Posted by Stl-986

Budget & swap are 2 things that dont go together. Cradle will be your biggest issue, followed by wiring. It's doable but make sure you set your expectations and desired outcome from the beginning.

I did my swap for under $5k including the car and engine. Maybe I have a super high income but $5k for a cool swapped car isn't too bad.

Now that 5k would have landed me a terrible suspension and awful paint and body on a swapped car; So I did dunk almost $7k on paint, body, suspension, brakes, and tires.

[MrBen]

Mr q I think it really helps your case that you are one extremely talented guy. For most of us down to earth types an engine swap of any variety could turn into an expensive night mare

[Qingdao]

Originally Posted by MrBen

Mr q I think it really helps your case that you are one extremely talented guy. For most of us down to earth types an engine swap of any variety could turn into an expensive night mare

Don't sell yourself short or put me on a pedestal. All I did was make some scaffolding to fit an engine under a car. Simple as that.

I feel like the adaptor plate is the most expensive part and if you can get a bolt in engine; then the most expensive part is done.

The cradle or subframe is not really that hard for any engine type. Just two strait pieces of steel with a couple of bends in them. String them from the rear cast aluminum subframes on the car to the front where the OEM motor mount is. Run a cross member and there you have it easy as that.


Don't fear the reaper. If the engine is toast all you have to loose is time. And if you fail at least you had fun.

[faverymi]

I would go with a single piston single boiler steam engine

You can go full analog dash

Easy swap.

[binsr]

Originally Posted by Qingdao

I did my swap for under $5k including the car and engine. Maybe I have a super high income but $5k for a cool swapped car isn't too bad.

Now that 5k would have landed me a terrible suspension and awful paint and body on a swapped car; So I did dunk almost $7k on paint, body, suspension, brakes, and tires.

I think with proper planning it could be done with a reasonable budget. Now like you said "reasonable budget" is relative. I wouldn't take shortcuts but with smart decisions it could be done. The Porsche is free. I could also part out the donor and recuperate some money. I could also sell the 6 speed and use the existing drivetrain of the donor but I think that might complicate things or I'd rather keep it since it had the second gear upgrade and I think the gear ratios will actually work out. Funny enough I was directed to a guy that has experience with TDIs and Porsches so hopefully he gets back to me.

I will keep you all posted with any new development, good or bad!

[elgyqc]

Any progress on V8 engine swap options?
https://rennlist.com/forums/boxster-and-boxster-s-986-forum/1219639-the-ugliest-porsche-ever.html

[LincolnPeters]

@binsr: Drove our ‘14 Passat 2.0 TDI 500 miles the last three days...you’re probably familiar with the TDI already, but I’ve had this swap fantasy at least 100 times myself, but of course not talented enough yet to go for it. In a light and aero car that handles like the 986, maybe a Garret and ECU flash, unholy sticky tires to manage the torque...and 50 MPG. I’d throw money at your Go Fund Me pages. I’m in for $100.
Subscribed irregardless.

[binsr]

Originally Posted by LincolnPeters

@binsr: Drove our ‘14 Passat 2.0 TDI 500 miles the last three days...you’re probably familiar with the TDI already, but I’ve had this swap fantasy at least 100 times myself, but of course not talented enough yet to go for it. In a light and aero car that handles like the 986, maybe a Garret and ECU flash, unholy sticky tires to manage the torque...and 50 MPG. I’d throw money at your Go Fund Me pages. I’m in for $100.
Subscribed irregardless.

First thank you everyone for responding. It has been some time since I've used traditional forums, most of the general stuff has shifted to Facebook groups but the most in-depth and knowledgeable people are here.

Your post gave me more motivation than anything! I daily a '12 Golf TDI so I am looking for a crashed donor that is alike where I can use parts both for my car and the Porsche. Never even thought about Go Fund me. It would definitely raise the level of responsibility on my side to get this build done right when others people money is at stake. I was also thinking about video documenting the swap. One maybe two videos at most. I hate those build series on YouTube milking the projects.