Swapping engines

[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!

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

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!

I have a base model. While I expect the vast majority of base models had black gauges, mine was equipped with aluminum gauge faces. (Most people think they are white, but if I look closely at the right angle, I can detect a silver tone.) I have the window sticker for my car, and the aluminum gauge faces are listed as a preferred option as part of the package with a silver gear shift lever.

The fried egg headlights didn't bother me at first, but the constant bombardment of fried-egg hate on this and other forums prompted me to consider other options. I eventually found some damaged litronic headlights at a good price and with the advice from folks on this forum rehabbed them. https://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/54697-advice-used-litronics.html

When you finish your engine rebuild, you can consider starting a "treasure hunt" for some used litronics. I had to replace the wiring harness in one of mine but compared to an engine swap that is a trivial task.

[LoneWolfGal]

I followed a 986 yesterday whose owner had installed a large carbon-fiber spoiler. He obviously liked how it looked, so more power to him. Me? I hated it. The outsized spoiler certainly spoiled the balance of the 986's lines. And what's with the popularity of carbon fiber? Perhaps, like the spoiler, it's an acquired taste, one I have yet to acquire. Carbon fiber always looks to me like a part that hasn't been painted yet. Diff'rent strokes.

[LoneWolfGal]

I drastically underestimated the time and effort and swearing required to set up a new house. I haven't even begun unpacking Porsche parts and tools and setting up the shop. After that's done I'll be back online chronicling the engine-swap saga.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I drastically underestimated the time and effort and swearing required to set up a new house. I haven't even begun unpacking Porsche parts and tools and setting up the shop. After that's done I'll be back online chronicling the engine-swap saga.

Thanks for checking in. I've been wondering if you were okay.

[LoneWolfGal]

Still working on getting the new house together, but the other day I ran into another woman mechanic. Like me, her experience is mostly with conventional engines, not flat sixes, but she's knowledgeable. She said to call her if I need help with tasks that are easier with two people. Actually, she's so fascinated by the engine swap (which she called "interesting and ambitious") she said she'd just enjoy hanging out and giving me a hand if I need it. So far I've done everything solo, but I won't turn down help. You know the old saying, "Wrenching loves company."