Swapping engines

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

Al, the problem is, I'm moving from Corbett, Oregon (on the Columbia River Gorge, east of Portland) to Eugene, about 140 miles south. so the mileage on the rental truck would probably add up to quite a sum. Also, I would face logistical problems picking up the truck and returning it, since U-Haul is 15 miles away, in Gresham, and it seems all my friends in the area are out of town this week. Otherwise, one of them could give me a lift..

I'm leaning toward renting U-Haul's auto transport, even though the combined weight of car and trailer approaches 5000 lbs. As I said, I once towed a 5000 lb. travel trailer for a friend with my 4WD Isuzu Rodeo without a problem, but it was only 30 miles; 140 miles could be a strain. Or not. The Isuzu is pretty beefy, and it would be a straight shot down I-5 on mostly flat pavement. As an alternative, I think I'll call some transport companies and find out how much they would charge to flatbed the car down there.

I had naively assumed the tow dolly was the perfect solution for towing the car. But nooo! That would be too simple and easy.

I didn't realize you were driving that far. The mileage will rack the rental price up quite a bit. Even more with a towing company. If you're not dealing with many hills, you should be fine with the Rodeo.

Another thought is to get an estimate from Uship. Can the car drive onto a trailer? Often times, if they can combine trips you can get a bit of a break.

[cooler]

hello.
I'm hoping that someone could measure the distance from the flywheel friction surface to the engine/bellhousing flange.
Thanks

[Gilles]

I would explore the possibility of the trailer dolly, but getting the Boxter rear axle on the dolly..
This way you will not damage the transmission and also (very important) you will have the heavier axle on the dolly.

PS: Of course, you will have to tell U-haul that you will be towing a VW Golf..

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Gilles

I would explore the possibility of the trailer dolly, but getting the Boxter rear axle on the dolly..
This way you will not damage the transmission and also (very important) you will have the heavier axle on the dolly.

PS: Of course, you will have to tell U-haul that you will be towing a VW Golf..

She could, but there's still the issue with ground clearance. I don't know how close the nose will be to the ground with the back wheels lifted up anywhere from 4 to 8 inches. Then the center of gravity will shift forward lowering the front even more. And on top of that there's the downward g-force when you come to a dip in the road which will further lower it. (Ever notice how the road is darker there? That's from all the passing cars that leak oil, where the droplets were clinging on for dear life to the bottom of the car until the downward g-force overwhelmed them. All at the exact same spot on the road.)

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

I didn't realize you were driving that far. The mileage will rack the rental price up quite a bit. Even more with a towing company. If you're not dealing with many hills, you should be fine with the Rodeo.

Another thought is to get an estimate from Uship. Can the car drive onto a trailer? Often times, if they can combine trips you can get a bit of a break.

UPDATE: I hired a local gyppo truckdriver to haul the car down on his tilting flatbed rig. Problem solved!

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

UPDATE: I hired a local gyppo truckdriver to haul the car down on his tilting flatbed rig. Problem solved!

Good call!

[LoneWolfGal]

The guy who hauled the car down said it was one of the easiest moves he's ever done. He particularly appreciated the tow hook on the front bumper. After I retrieve my furniture and other belongings from a local storage unit I will be completely and officially moved in. Then I'll have to unpack and set up my shop. I'm anxious to replace bank 2's cam chain tensioner pads (and a few other minor things) and then stick the engine in the car. If I hadn't had to move right smack in the middle of the project I would be close to finished. But again... adapt, improvise, overcome — oorah!

[Newsguy]

Just to clarify, the Boxster owner’s manual clearly states damage may occur if any method apart from flat bed towing is used.

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

Just to clarify, the Boxster owner’s manual clearly states damage may occur if any method apart from flat bed towing is used.

Correct. Actually, what it says is that all 4 wheels should be off the ground. It does not mention the transmission.

That all said, the OP has moved her vehicle, so all good.

[LoneWolfGal]

I've decided after I install the new engine I'm going to buy a flatbed trailer and just haul the car around instead of driving it. It will eliminate wear and tear on the car entirely!

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I've decided after I install the new engine I'm going to buy a flatbed trailer and just haul the car around instead of driving it. It will eliminate wear and tear on the car entirely!

Why bother installing the engine, then? I'll take that paperweight off you.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Why bother installing the engine, then? I'll take that paperweight off you.

Excellent point. I hadn't considered that. But if I don't see the project through to completion my OCD would probably kick in and start nagging me.

[LoneWolfGal]

An interlude to express my appreciation of the 986's design... Look at its beautiful lines, an auto-design symphony. Gotta hand it to Grant Larson; he nailed it. The design of the first series is aesthetically perfect. That said, my hands-down choice for most beautiful auto design has always been the series 1 E-type roadster. I wasn't alone in my opinion. Enzo Ferrari described the E-type as "the most beautiful car ever designed." I'll probably never own an E-type, but my unassuming little 986 definitely checks some of the same boxes for me.



NOTE: Personally, I prefer the base model to the S. I like the base's black instrumentation, front end treatment, and massive single tailpipe. Although I don't mind the much-maligned "fried egg" headlights, I have to admit that the clear headlights give it a very clean look. But man, are they pricey!

[Qingdao]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

Just to clarify, the Boxster owner’s manual clearly states damage may occur if any method apart from flat bed towing is used.

Opps... too late. I haven't had any problems. 4 on the floor like this boxster or my daily boxster got towed with a dolly from where I bought it to my house.

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by Qingdao

Opps... too late. I haven't had any problems. 4 on the floor like this boxster or my daily boxster got towed with a dolly from where I bought it to my house.

At first glance, that car seems to need a little attention. Or perhaps it's only lens distortion?

[Qingdao]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

At first glance, that car seems to need a little attention. Or perhaps it's only lens distortion?

A bit altered...

Its a boxster. Tubed out with an FD RX7 body on it.

Its got a rotary engine in the middle. (this car retained the factory firewall for the most part)


But back to towing. I've never had problems towing (granted I haven't towed 986's much) I can't see why it would be a problem flat towing.

The countershaft is on the bottom of the trans, and the lube is driving by that input from the wheels. For the same reason you can tow bugs in this way.

The only reason why I think the manual says you shouldn't is because of the floating steering wheel and keeping the key in the on position will kill the battery. I guess Porsche just didn't want to deal with a bunch of warranty claims for dead batteries.