Any progress on V8 engine swap options?

[78F350]

I think that there just isn't a good enough pay-off for anyone looking to develop an actual kit. Most of the market to replace failed engines in an old Boxster is probably more of a budget buyer. Making it all well takes skill, time, and money.
Round up 30-50 buyers (investors) with $10K each and turn John (BoxsterLs376) loose with it. Check out what he said near the end of this post: BoxsterLS376 introduction - LS3 conversion :) I bet it would be 'bolt-in' within 6 months.
I'm muddling through my own Audi 4.2 swap, but like most of the swaps I've followed , it is a start and stop project and isn't going to produce step-by-step instructions.

Want easy? Bolt an ABZ to a 5-speed using an LS throttle body, custom intake, and aftermarket engine management. Porsche Boxster with an Audi V8 – Engine Swap Depot:

[10/10ths]

....just drop your Box off at Flat 6 and let Jake Raby build you an engine.

Simple.

[B6T]

I've been researching this swap for over a year now. My goal would be to achieve factory-like integration with no cutting or irreversible modifications done to the Boxster.

I think the minimum requirements to swap an Audi V8 into a non-S (5-speed) Boxster you could get away with would be an engine cradle, and a conversion harness between the Audi engine and the Boxster body harness. Obviously air, exhaust and coolant plumbing as well. You likely wouldn't need to cut up the car anywhere.

Based on the measurements I've seen the belt drive V8s aren't any longer than the M96s when measured from the crank pulley back to the transmission mounting flange. The chain drive V8s (i.e. B6 S4) would be less so (but there are issues with those engines). The issue is with the height of the engine which causes an interference between the engine cover and the throttle body... at least based on the pictures I've seen on the interweb.

There are probably communication issues between the body ECU and the engine ECU that would dictate the use of arduino based signal conversion modules to ensure functions like the PSM and the speedometer work. However, both are Motronic based to begin with at least, which is more that you can say for the LS engines, so there is a likelihood that these are non-issues depending on which year Boxster and year V8 you end up with (and what revision Motronic each has).

When I swapped a 2.7tt into my B6 A4 (2003) the engine and body ECUs were close enough in Motronic versions that all functions worked just like factory. The car was smogged through the OBD port, traction control and stability control worked and controlled engine output accordingly, all speed sensors from the engine controlled the tachometer and vehicle speed sensors fed into the engine ECU properly.. The only thing that didn't integrate properly was cruise control, but I could have wired in an older control stalk to fix that issue. But I sold the car. If the V8 swapped into the Boxster in the same way it would be a piece of cake, but from what I've seen online so far, this isn't the case.

If anyone in Ontario has a hoist and wants to do this to their car, I'll design the parts, get them fabricated, and do the wiring. You supply the V8 and the Boxster (preferably a later model 986).

Originally Posted by 10/10ths

....just drop your Box off at Flat 6 and let Jake Raby build you an engine.

Simple.

I can't afford to spend $20,000 to get 300hp out of my M96.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by B6T

I think the minimum requirements to swap an Audi V8 into a non-S (5-speed) Boxster you could get away with would be an engine cradle, and a conversion harness between the Audi engine and the Boxster body harness. Obviously air, exhaust and coolant plumbing as well. You likely wouldn't need to cut up the car anywhere.

Based on the measurements I've seen the belt drive V8s aren't any longer than the M96s when measured from the crank pulley back to the transmission mounting flange. The chain drive V8s (i.e. B6 S4) would be less so (but there are issues with those engines). The issue is with the height of the engine which causes an interference between the engine cover and the throttle body... at least based on the pictures I've seen on the interweb.

I've been working on a cradle/subframe lately. I'm not a good welder or engineer, so I have made a rough wooden model that I'm having a shop use for dimensions. To get an Audi V8 to fit with the stock intake it will need to have a little cutting around the engine cover. I'll post pics in a day or two. The throttle body is too high and too far back on both the ABZ and 40 valve engines. With mine there will be a little cutting and a custom fabricated all metal cover. The rest of the fit looks good. Unless I find problems as I progress I plan to keep the PS pump and AC compressor. Lots of room at the front firewall and a little play at the bottom end, oil pan, subframe.

[PlaneReflection]

Originally Posted by B6T

If anyone in Ontario has a hoist and wants to do this to their car, I'll design the parts, get them fabricated, and do the wiring. You supply the V8 and the Boxster (preferably a later model 986).

I know you've already started your build, but would you by chance want to so another one in parallel? Always wanted a V8 986, but don't have the space nor skills to make it happen. Would be happy to supply car, Audi front-cut/parts car and etc. Thanks!

[Bayley]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I think that there just isn't a good enough pay-off for anyone looking to develop an actual kit.

Exactly.

There simply isn't enough of a demand to supply a turn key "kit" for an LS-based conversion. Additionally, there's a significant amount of modifications to the body, wiring and cooling system that no kit would ever would ever be able to provide a true bolt-in solution.

Bottom line, if you're not comfortable cutting / welding / soldering, then the LS swap is not in your best interests.

The Audi V8 swap, however, could be a different story. This engine has the highest possibility of a bolt-in solution. I'm almost willing to bet it could be done without modifying the firewall.

However, you need to remember the audience in all this. The typical individual looking at performing a V8 swap is anticipating DOUBLE the power output of the original engine (500hp vs. 250hp) While the Audi "could" be a more simple swap procedure, it's simply not going to achieve the same power levels as the Chevrolet design... as least not at the same cost break.

Finally, I enjoy not having a good kit available. It makes my car a little more unique.