If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Luv2Box

I would drive it until failure and look at a low mileage 2.7L Metzgar motor which can now be picked up for around $2,500

Please let me know where such an engine can be found. Thanks.

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by clickman

Please let me know where such an engine can be found. Thanks.

If you look around on eBay there were three, as I recall, that were low miles (less than 50K) and two were priced less than $2,500 and one at $2,700. Two of them had Utube videos showing the motors running. A little leg work on your part will eventually produce one. If you are seriously in the market for one I will be happy to email you a notice and link when I next come across one.

[clickman]

Yeah, standard M96, right. It's the Mezger part I was interested in.

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by clickman

Yeah, standard M96, right. It's the Mezger part I was interested in.

What I've read (and I'm not saying it is correct) is that Mezger (Metzger, Metsger) designed the 2.7L motor and there are two versions of it, a three chain and a five chain. I have not been able to find out how to tell the difference. I recall that I heard about the motors and how hardy they are from a post I read from Jake Raby. Perhaps he can enlighten us on the 2.7L.
I've seen the prices on used low miles ones drop because no one wants them they all seem to prefer an upgrade to the 3.2 or 3.4. It's the same with the 2.5L, used ones are appearing for under $2K.
I've also wondered if the 2.9 would fit in an early Boxster, what is involved in the install, how much a used one is going for and how well they are built.
I would be looking for a plug and play swap.

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Luv2Box

Mezger (Metzger, Metsger) designed the 2.7L motor and there are two versions of it, a three chain and a five chain.

The Boxster (and 996) M96 was either a 5 chain (1997-2002) or 3 chain (2003-04). The Mezger engine is a whole different animal, from the TT or GT2:

Technology explained:

Think race car engine (i.e. $$$$$$$$).

[Luv2Box]

Originally Posted by clickman

The Boxster (and 996) M96 was either a 5 chain (1997-2002) or 3 chain (2003-04). The Mezger engine is a whole different animal, from the TT or GT2:

Technology explained:

Think race car engine (i.e. $$$$$$$$).

Thanks Norm, excellent information and clears up my confusion. I would still opt for a 2.7L as a replacement for a 2.5L or paying $4K for an IMS upgrade. I'd drive the 2.5 until it died then pick up a low mileage 2.7L and had a few hp to boot.