Wanted: Valve Cover 2003 2.7L Cyl 1-3

[jgonzalez114]

I'm in need of the passenger side valve cover for a 2003 Boxster 2.7L. I saw on ebay for a 2001 for $100 but it does not fit. Needs to be for the 3 timing chain engine. As you can see by the photo, on the upper left side of the cover there is a huge hold from the cam chain forcing a broken bolt out of the cover. If anyone can help locate a used or new please let me know.

Thanks,

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jgonzalez114

I'm in need of the passenger side valve cover for a 2003 Boxster 2.7L. I saw on ebay for a 2001 for $100 but it does not fit. Needs to be for the 3 timing chain engine. As you can see by the photo, on the upper left side of the cover there is a huge hold from the cam chain forcing a broken bolt out of the cover. If anyone can help locate a used or new please let me know.

Thanks,

You do realize that the cam cover is 1/2 of the cam support saddles, and that the head and the cam cover are machined for the cam saddles center line while bolted together as a unit, which means you cannot change cam covers without also using the matching cylinder head. Sorry.....................

[jgonzalez114]

I did not know that, thank you for the info. That may explain why everything I'm finding is the entire head assembly. It looks like this may be too big a job for me if I need to remove the entire head assembly. Will need to get it to the shop.

[jgonzalez114]

JFP do you know if the head can be installed with the engine still in the car? I know the timing will need to be set by a pro just wondering if this is something that I could do.

Thank,

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by jgonzalez114

JFP do you know if the head can be installed with the engine still in the car? I know the timing will need to be set by a pro just wondering if this is something that I could do.

Thank,

It can be done, but it is no fun. Vastly easier, and quicker, if you drop the engine. This would also be an excellent time to do some other updates (RMS, IMS, AOS, etc.).

[Jake Raby]

Be concerned about collateral damage to that chain and the future of it in service.
I have cam covers, the reality is that it will need to be fit to the cylinder head.

[jgonzalez114]

I think I found an entire head assembly near by. Should a head from a low miles donor car be okay to inspect, clean, and install as is or should the entire head be rebuilt?

[jgonzalez114]

Jake do you recommend that a new chain be used when installing the replacement head? I looked at the chain and saw no damage but will inspect again after the head is pulled. Still trying to figure out if I'm going to do this on my own or take it to an expert. I don't mind getting my hands dirty but this engine seems more complicated than what I'm used to.

[jgonzalez114]

Hey guys, looking for your opinions on this repair. So I found the head assembled with cams. The seller mentioned the possibility of using the original head and using the new cams and cam cover. Is the cam cover machined to fit the cams, the head block, or both? Would replacing the cams and the cover only have any adverse effects?

Thanks,

[Jake Raby]

Your engine is a 3 chain, ensure the head that you buy is also a 3 chain.

Timing chains cannot be replaced without full engine teardown- they attach to the IMS and have no master links.

You can try to swap the cam covers only, but its risky. Everything with this engine is risky!