Boxster V8 project log

[Marc_986]

I do have a M96 engine with flywheel attached, but the issue is that it is currently in the car, fitted with a clutch and bolted to the G87.21 gearbox. I don't plan to take that apart for the coming year as I will be building up my V8 swap in a spare tub.

There seem to be quite a few people on the forum working on their engines at the moment, so I would suggest to look around the recent post and see if someone is willing to take measurements. Otherwise I can do that in a few weeks time when I pick up the tub. That company always has a few engines around.

[cooler]

Originally Posted by Marc_986

I do have a M96 engine with flywheel attached, but the issue is that it is currently in the car, fitted with a clutch and bolted to the G87.21 gearbox. I don't plan to take that apart for the coming year as I will be building up my V8 swap in a spare tub.

There seem to be quite a few people on the forum working on their engines at the moment, so I would suggest to look around the recent post and see if someone is willing to take measurements. Otherwise I can do that in a few weeks time when I pick up the tub. That company always has a few engines around.

Thanks so much Mark
Please do measure for me when you get the opportunity. I have tried to urge others to do so without success. My adapter development depends on that measurement.
My adapter will result in a adapter that is about 30mm thinner which should interest those performing swaps that are longitudinally challenged for space.

[Marc_986]

The measurement should come any time soon, hopefully this week. I was there today to pick up the carcas, but the only engines with flywheel where high up. So he will pick one down and measure.

So, on to the carcas. As said, I was able to pick it up today. It was a 03 S, so has the right wiring loom and ABS unit for me to use. Also all cooling pipes (thicker than base) and radiators are on. Brake system is complete (I have the calipers as separate parts with me).

Some parts will go back in a few weeks and will be replaced with my own. Having them on the car now was easier for transportation and ensures no hoses are cut etc.

Rough plan is to transplant ABS and all associated parts coming winter. I might put the S brakes on as well. In parallel I intend to source my V8 and start the mechanical fitting part. Also I could move to electro hydraulic power steering.

For now I am finishing the car as it is. Final wires for the radio etc. will be soldered tomorrow so I can put the interior back together.

Picture to show what I picked up:

[cooler]

Hi Marc,
It's great to see you moving forward on your project. Are you still planning to use an Audi V8?

[Marc_986]

Yes, plan is still to source an Audi V8 for this project. With this scrap car I likely have all the parts needed from the Porsche side (just checked that it also has the DBW 'sensor' for example).

Just was able to confirm the ABS unit it has is the correct one for my needs, so all green lights so far.

Little set back on the radio though, the little harness I soldered works fine, but the Porsche microphone doesn't work on the radio. So I need to mount the new microphone in place of the old Porsche one.

[cooler]

So there are many variants of the Audi v8. I posses an ABZ I can provide information if you would like. I have also decided not to use it in favor of an Chev LS4.

Funny, I had a dream last night of a guy that was trying to sell me an air cooled 911 engine. One which he developed a fix for cracks in the heads (even though this is not an issue with those engines).

This reminded me of an air cooled 2.7 that I rebuilt 15 years ago. I spent 10K then, on parts alone for an engine that make only 200hp weighed 500lb and continued to cost thousand on fuel injection part to keep running. I spent more time working on it than driving it.

That said, this is why we swap out Porsche engines. I do not know from experience but it seams the M96 also is plagued with issues.

The Audi V8 appeared to be a natural for rear mid-engine swaps. They are very compact longitudinally, bolt directly to many Porsche and Audi gearboxes and are relatively light weight (340lb bare).

I hope I'm wrong but unfortunately it appears that many parts are no longer available and on line talk of working on them has fallen silent 15-20 years ago. I am not a machinist and can't make my own parts so I have moved on to the LS engine which will be a more difficult swap but it will always have parts availability and serviceability at least in North America.

You can have mine if you pay shipping.

[Marc_986]

Yes, fortunately here in Western Europe there is a good supply of Audi V8 engines, so it is the logical choice for me. I am strongly leaning towards the engine from the VW Phaeton. It seems mechanically the best fit, has good power and is a bit more modern than the ABZ (which is a great engine, but difficult to find with reasonable mileage). Also this era of Audi V8 runs on DME7.1.1 which is close to the ECUs used in the Boxster. It shouldn't be hard to get it to run in a Boxster.

Do you have a build log of the LS4 swap? Always interested to see what others are up to. What I have seen so far on Chevy swaps is that they do require more modifications to the car....

Still hoping someone is working on an Audi V10 swap, should be possible to get it to fit with the right gearbox. Too big of a step for me now.

[cooler]

Hi Mark,
Compatibility of electronics definitely deserves careful consideration. My project car is a 914 so no electronics interface to speak of.

I do not have a build log but will, when I've developed a solid plan for the engine conversion. There are several kits available but all of them add about 50mm longitudinally to the assembly. My plan is much simpler and adds only 6mm longitudinally. Popular longitudinally challenged LS swaps like the 996, 986 and A4 should require little if any body modifications.

I have seen others online working on V10 and W12 conversions using the G86.20 and the newer Audi transaxle that has the axle through the bellhousing, I think on the GT40 Forum.