2.5 to 3.2 swap

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by 78F350

Here's a thread I remember discussing replacing a 2.5L engine with a 2.7L:
1998 Boxster 2.5 To 2001 2.7 Engine Swap Upgrade

I think that what 'Erlinrys' did covers a lot of what you would do to swap a 3.2L in. I didn't think that the intake from a 2.5L would fit and seal to the 2.7L block, but he said that it worked.

Here's a pic I posted a while back comparing the 2.5L with the 2.7L. To put a 2.7L intake on a 1997 engine, I just had to drill a couple holes for the bolts to line up. In the parts catalog looks like the 2.7L and 3.2L use the same intake parts.


Also note that 2003 - 2004 engines will bring more complications. If you do it, stick with a 2000 - 2002 3.2L or do some serious rewiring to change to a DME 7.8.

I just remembered that 'truegearhead' swapped a 2.7L engine into his 1997 before he got into the twin-turbo 4.2L V8. In his, he simply swapped the cable throttle body onto the 2.7L intake (with some adaptation). That is probably the best and simplest way to go with the 3.2L except I'd want to look at a cable throttle body from a '99 3.4L 996.

PM truegearhead.... I'm bet he'd be happy to give some input.

Thanks, lots of great info in a very entertaining thread

I remember that picture of yours. I was going to use the 3.2 intake though with the 3.4 cable operated throttle body with an added wire for the flap and a reflash of the DME. This was at least described in a post that I read on Renntech, but the site is no longer available.

Btw, I vaguely remember you said somewhere you like the old 2.5 engines the most, now that I`m thinking swapping that out I wonder what you meant by that.

[78F350]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

... I was going to use the 3.2 intake though with the 3.4 cable operated throttle body with an added wire for the flap and a reflash of the DME. ...

That sounds like the best way to do it.

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

Btw, I vaguely remember you said somewhere you like the old 2.5 engines the most, now that I`m thinking swapping that out I wonder what you meant by that.

I enjoy both base and S, but for driving twisty back roads I don't need the added power of the 3.2. Just going out for the fun of driving - running through the gears and hearing the engine sounds from 4,000 rpm up - my 1997 2.5L was the best. For a long drive to get somewhere, I choose the '04 S.

[Gilles]

Not mine, just sharing..
https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1321639

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Gilles

Not mine, just sharing..
https://rennlist.com/forums/market/1321639

Thanks, not bad, indeed...

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by 78F350

That sounds like the best way to do it.



I enjoy both base and S, but for driving twisty back roads I don't need the added power of the 3.2. Just going out for the fun of driving - running through the gears and hearing the engine sounds from 4,000 rpm up - my 1997 2.5L was the best. For a long drive to get somewhere, I choose the '04 S.

That makes sense. The 2.5 has the great Porsche sound while staying quite docile. I assume the 3.2 is harder to make it stay on the road on the twisties when it starts screaming.

[Quadcammer]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

That makes sense. The 2.5 has the great Porsche sound while staying quite docile. I assume the 3.2 is harder to make it stay on the road on the twisties when it starts screaming.

not really. My personal opinion is that the 2.5 is just a bit gutless. The extra grunt of the 3.2 makes the 986 really enjoyable. Its still not a "fast" car, but it really just feels much better with the additional power. I don't think I could go back to a base model. When you combine the 3.2 with several hundred lbs of weight reduction, you get a car that will surprise quite a few people.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Quadcammer

not really. My personal opinion is that the 2.5 is just a bit gutless. The extra grunt of the 3.2 makes the 986 really enjoyable. Its still not a "fast" car, but it really just feels much better with the additional power. I don't think I could go back to a base model. When you combine the 3.2 with several hundred lbs of weight reduction, you get a car that will surprise quite a few people.

I guess I should try one and see what difference that makes. I also found the 2.5 sluggish when I tried for the first time but I got used to it.