3.4 or 3.6 Conversions?

[Thumper]

There are 996's with 3.4's and a 5 speed tiptronic. So I don't think that a 6th gear is required.

[porsche986spyder]

Originally Posted by Thumper

There are 996's with 3.4's and a 5 speed tiptronic. So I don't think that a 6th gear is required.

If that is true, then you got me. Sounds like it's posible with your car to do then. I would definately upgrade the clutch, CPU and brakes then. Good luck if you decide to do this mod.

Tiptronic doesnt have a clutch though... Brakes are fine, suspension Id recommend upgrading, not because of the conversion, but because if its time for a conversion, its time for new springs and shocks. If you take the cpu from the car you got the engine from you shouldnt need reprogramming, youd be in line for a 3.6 conversion. Us 97-99 boxs can do the 3.4 no sweat without a bunch of jerry rigging.

[Bavarian Motorist]

I think you need to upgrade transmissions to handle all the new power. That's what I've heard anyhow.

[idheaton]

I have had a 3.4L conversion done in my 99MY and while 3.6 and 3.8 conversions can be done, imo, unless its a track car, the additional hp as well as the additional cost involved probably isnt worth it.

Some clarifying points:

• Part of the reason a 3.4L (e.g. '99 996) conversion is easier (and less expensive) other than the price of the engine is because the 97-99MY is non-eGas so no rigging is involved to make it work. 3.6/3.8 engine are eGas and have to be rigged which adds to cost.
• The old transmission can be used on 3.4 - 3.8 conversions, if it's a manual then a stronger sport clutch is used to handle the additional power and i was told a tip should handle it fine as well.
• Some parts were used as donor parts off of my 2.5, such as fuel rails (boxster and 996 are opposite of each other), old flywheel (996 flywheel was about 5-10mm thicker and would scrub the bellhousing if used), a few other small pieces i do not recall.
• My old ECU was used although it had to be sent out to be reprogrammed for the proper mapping of the 3.4, otherwise you end-up with a 3.4 that has approximately the same power as the old engine yet backfires like crazy under hard acceleration from incorrect oxygen/fuel mix. I am not sure whether the old ECU can be used regarding a 3.6/3.8 swap.
• New headers/cats are definitely required for the engine although you can get away with using your old muffler (that is what i am doing presently)
• Stock brakes are fine for daily street use. I'd consider upgrading if it were a dedicated track car.
• Downshifting in some instances becomes an option as opposed to a have-to...

hope this helps some.

[Thumper]

Originally Posted by idheaton

I have had a 3.4L conversion done in my 99MY and while 3.6 and 3.8 conversions can be done, imo, unless its a track car, the additional hp as well as the additional cost involved probably isnt worth it.

Some clarifying points:

• Part of the reason a 3.4L (e.g. '99 996) conversion is easier (and less expensive) other than the price of the engine is because the 97-99MY is non-eGas so no rigging is involved to make it work. 3.6/3.8 engine are eGas and have to be rigged which adds to cost.
• The old transmission can be used on 3.4 - 3.8 conversions, if it's a manual then a stronger sport clutch is used to handle the additional power and i was told a tip should handle it fine as well.
• Some parts were used as donor parts off of my 2.5, such as fuel rails (boxster and 996 are opposite of each other), old flywheel (996 flywheel was about 5-10mm thicker and would scrub the bellhousing if used), a few other small pieces i do not recall.
• My old ECU was used although it had to be sent out to be reprogrammed for the proper mapping of the 3.4, otherwise you end-up with a 3.4 that has approximately the same power as the old engine yet backfires like crazy under hard acceleration from incorrect oxygen/fuel mix. I am not sure whether the old ECU can be used regarding a 3.6/3.8 swap.
• New headers/cats are definitely required for the engine although you can get away with using your old muffler (that is what i am doing presently)
• Stock brakes are fine for daily street use. I'd consider upgrading if it were a dedicated track car.
• Downshifting in some instances becomes an option as opposed to a have-to...

hope this helps some.

Thanks! This is the type of info I was looking for. Who did your conversion?

[idheaton]

Roock Autosport in Atlanta Ga.

http://www.roockusa.com/products/boxster.htm

heres some pics of the 3.4 in my boxster

http://picasaweb.google.com/ian.heaton/99634LEngine