boxster engine swap options - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

evo3m3 · 07-04-2005, 05:07 AM

I was wondering if anybody knows what motors can be put into a 1998 boxster not s, My wifes boxster motor failed and porsche would not step up and take car of the motor because we were not the first owner. So I have to replace the motor and was just wondering if we can put in a 2.7 or 3.2 without major modifications? or has anyone done it before?
Thank you for any information!

Brucelee · 07-04-2005, 06:44 AM

Do a search here and you will find numerous threads that will help you.

Yes, this can be done and this is the time to check it out.

However, this is not like dropping an old time small block Chevy into a GM car. The issue is complex and you need some pros to do the work. This will not be cheap but since you are doing an engine anyway ..........

Largely, it is an issue of electronic compatibility but there are some mechanical issues to boot.

Good luck and keep the thread alive!!!!!

bigislandboxster · 07-04-2005, 12:32 PM

Good luck in your pursuit of a new engine for your Boxster

.....I have a '98 as well, not giving me any problems.....But I have to ask, what exactly happened to the motor?....and at what mileage did it happen?

evo3m3 · 07-05-2005, 04:24 AM

Hello,

Thank you for the information and insight. The motor had 59,991 miles on it when it expired. The number 5 cylinder wall let loose and coolant completly filled the left side of the motor and made the car look like an F1 car when the engine blows. It happened at highway speed and in fifith gear with no warning at all, just a big boom and smoke everywhere.

I hope this answers your question about the motor letting go?

RandallNeighbour · 07-05-2005, 05:37 AM

Yes, I believe you answered Lou's (bigislandboxster) question quite well...

Lou, I bet you're not going to sleep well tonight are you?

PS - The engine in my MY97 was replaced at 79k two weeks before I bought it.

acf53 · 07-05-2005, 06:40 AM

I was reading another Boxster forum and it appears that there's some failed engine problems. That gets me worrying a little. I have about 13600 miles on mine. How many of you have had engine failure problems here ?

Brucelee · 07-05-2005, 06:43 AM

The failed engines that you refer to happended back in 97 and early 98 I believe and were replaced underwarranty by Porsche.

This had to do with some failed castings that Porsche tried to save. They failed and it cost them.

Hard to believe that these are still around, as most let go very very early in their lives.

Now, back to my oil change thread .............!

bigislandboxster · 07-05-2005, 11:19 AM

Yes, that answered my question no doubt! I have an extended warranty which would cover that kind of unfortunate mishap tho.....I'm closing in on 51 K on mine, and no problems as of now......But thats not the norm I would hope....Sorry to hear of your problems tho......

evo3m3 · 08-15-2005, 06:27 PM

Hello again,

Thank you for all the insight, I just wanted to let people know that I have the Boxster back on the road. I ended up buying a motor on ebay from a damaged car and put the motor in. It is working well and can't wait to get to enjoy the rest of the summer with the car.

RandallNeighbour · 08-15-2005, 06:38 PM

So what did you put in? The same size engine as was in there before or larger?

Details my friend! We want details!!!

evo3m3 · 08-19-2005, 02:23 AM

Hello again,

I ended up having to put in the same 2.5 motor, but it did find that for around $7000 you can buy a complete motor and harness from a 3.2 and can install one in the "normal" boxster. I would normally have pushed for the larger motor as I have done on previous intentional engine projects but for the porsche my concern was resale value and I am concerned that the majority of porsche buyers want as close to original vehicles as possible. I might find another boxster with a blown engine and do the conversion because the engine removal and installation only took me 3 days from start to finish and the vehicles are engineered to not make it hard to do so we shall see. I am sorry that this might not be the info you might want but let me know if you have any more questions!