Engine swap- labour??? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

batmanboxster · 05-09-2007, 12:17 AM

I just had a quick question. How long does it usually take to swap an engine out of a '99 boxster and replace it with a 03 2.7L engine??

I just need a quick estimate because Im trying to find a reputable shop to do the swap.

cheers.

2000SoCalBoxsterS · 05-09-2007, 04:32 AM

The Porsche Boxster service manual has a detailed explanation of how to remove and reinstall the engine. Unfortunately it doesn't specify an amount of time. I'm sure it's between a 4 & 6 hour job to remove and then another 4 -6 hrs for someone with the right tools and who knows what they are doing. At $110/hr you're looking at $1,320. Then add the new engine fluids which are very expensive (oil $60+, filter $20+, Antifreeze 5.5 gals @ $50/gal = $275, then there's trany oil, power steering fluid...)

But I would submitt this question to the resident Boxster expert mechanic in the Tech Q & A section at PCA.org

Bottom line, not cheap

der Geist · 05-09-2007, 04:39 AM

I think most shops will charge 2K to 3K US which is like 15K Canadian. Ok Just kidding... but seriously-whats the point of going from a 2.5 to a 2.7? You can get a 3.2 or 3.4 for just a bit more and it will give you loads more enjoyment.

2000SoCalBoxsterS · 05-09-2007, 04:44 AM

Scott Slauson is one of the Porsche mechanics who answers questions for PCA members. With regard to engine swap:

There is actually a company that is just starting to do this called SOFTRONIC Inc.. They will be going to offer detailed instructions and parts to do these conversions. The company will also be including a USB to OBD2 cable that will allow you to flash the car to the proper MAP in the DME. Bassically everything except the engine will be in the package for the DIY or shop. You can reach them at Info@SOFTRONIC.US or go to any of the .COM's like PorscheConversion.com,996Conversion.com or in this case BoxsterConversion.com for the contact information.

Scott Slauson - PCA Website - 3/4/2007

Brucelee · 05-09-2007, 05:38 AM

As has been pointed out, the engine swap itself is pretty clean. It is the computer electronics that can cause a real time issue.

blinkwatt · 05-09-2007, 05:47 AM

Don't put any other engine besides the 3.4L non e-gas from a 996 in your 2.5L Boxster. It going to be close to twice as much and not worth the extra cost compared to installing the 3.4L.

MNBoxster · 05-09-2007, 05:59 AM

Hi,

As stated, the 2.7 is an eGas motor. This involves waay more than just reflashing the DME. It involves a new Accelerator Mechanism, new Throttle Body, new fuel Tank, Filter and Pump, Fuel Lines, and several other extra bits. These alone will amount to several thousand $$, with installation, probably as much as the motor itself...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

eric95 · 05-09-2007, 09:25 AM

If your in Toronto, G-TEK quoted me $2K CND for a 3.4L swap.

To install that 03 2.7L, I'd convert the engine to non-egas. Pick up a nice 3.4L throttle body also. :]

batmanboxster · 05-09-2007, 04:19 PM

hmmm..so what do you all think is the cheapest, least troublesome and most rewarding engine swap to do?? 3.2? 3.4? etc

I was only considering the 2.7L because I thought it would be least troublesome compared to a 3.2L....I reealllly DO NOT want to go back to a 2.5L....not enough umph for me.

tholyoak · 05-10-2007, 01:45 PM

Just do the 3.4 swap. It is well documented and basically plug and play.

Todd

LuisR · 05-11-2007, 09:55 AM

and what engine swap would you recommend for a 2002 Boxster S?
Would a 3.4L swap feel any better??? I mean from 3.2L to 3.4L there is not much displacement difference.

Besides I have heard that these engines swaps from 996 into the boxster are some what restricted, as the intake has to be changed from the original 996 car to the boxster (look at the air intake filter on a 996 and compare that to the boxster filter. The boxster filter is a lot smaller than the 996 filter, this means that less air will go through the engine, therefore less HP or at least a few less Hp than the 996).

So, it would make sense to me that if you are spending already a lot of money, you might as well get the best out of it, like a 3.6L swap from a late 996.

I know there are some issues with the e-gas and non e-gas engines.

Which cars are again e-gas and non-egas???

So back to my original question, what engine would you recommend for the 2002 boxster S???

and like I said, batmanboxster, I would recommend the biggest engine displacement you can afford!!! Remember there is no compromise for displacement!!!!!!

tholyoak · 05-11-2007, 10:54 AM

A 3.6 into a 2002 S is just as plug and play as the 3.4 into the pre-2002 cars.

I don't know who you were talking to about the larger motors being 'restricted'. My 3.4 put down 280hp at the wheels, where 3.4L 996s were putting down 10-15hp less on the same dyno the same day.

Todd