Still trying to source an '03-05 3.2S motor for my Boxster
 

I would entertain a motor that can be combined with mine. Spun bearing.
Thanks! Live in Denver area.
Patrick

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05 Boxster s Complete Engine 3.2| eBay

Porsche Boxster S Parts Engine | eBay

Porsche Boxster S 3.2 Rebuilt Engine Years 00-04: Engine Mechanical &amp Rebuilt Engines

There seems to be several options (I did a 3 min search so there are sure to be many more).

Do you have specific criteria in terms of miles, price, location, short block only, long block, or ????

I repaired my engine after an gentle IMS failure. That was a great experience (but quite expensive, check out parts costs!) which is why I did it. If I were to do it again I'd be looking to upgrade the engine with something with a little more push. The handling is great, but I'd like to do a little better in a flat out footrace.

What is a gentle IMS failure?

Thanks for replies. To clarify I have 03 S engine which was replaced by reputable Denver area so due to IMS issues. Mileage was alleged to be under 100K with new dual ceramic LN preemptively installed with everything else fine. Car was tracked one time and we believe (despite deeper sump, modified baffles, no over heat/rev) it spun bearing. Initially no bad noises--just oil light and clear knowledge car had lost power before I shut it down for nearly two hours before trying again whereupon it started immediately and then died. , Towed to first shop and they pulled MAF, and basically tricked car to start. At this time very loud screeching sound eminated and car was shut off. Having never heard a M96 go bad, the screech is highly foreign sound vs. Knocks/knocking in earlier AC 911 motors. Towed to where purchased (lots of M96 experience) and they pulled oil filter which had many fine shiny parts. They believe a bearing failure which per the owner of the shop implies probable crank issue, thus in his opinion is better to source replacement engine even vs. Marrying two engines which he won't do. (And I find a mystery). I located an 03 S engine with bad cylinder head (bent valves) but otherwise low mileage with good psi in other cylinder bank at good price. (Under $1K) Thought we could use my top end and ims with the bottom end of the other engine. Shop won't do it, so back to square one. I initially bought this car to dip my toe in water on water cooled. Believed this car was decent basis. Am very bummed having owned 6 911's over 35 years. My current 2.4 E has 20 years of DE/ track mileage and never had a failure. It is now too valuable to keep on track which is why I thought I'd go boxster route and maybe even explore spec series.
Sorry long winded. Ideally I'd like to find replacement motor or a shop in Denver area willing to merge two engines. I think I can do that for less than entire engine since they are trending in the $5-6K range for 01-03 (min 03 obviously preference). Price vs cost. Thoughts?

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Is this a forever car? If it is and you have the funds put in a rebuilt motor with the appropriate mods so it will withstand years of track duty.

If not go the used motor route and just be patient until the right one comes along. By the time 03/04 rolled around they weren't selling like hotcakes anymore plus it's just a two year window so there aren't too many around.

Or, sell the 03 as a roller and find yourself a 00 - 02 S. Plenty of them around at reasonable prices.

Or, if you have the time and money have Jake Raby build you a motor to your needs and know you'll have one of the best if not the best motor that money can buy for your car.

Good luck.

Just wondering! Has anyone ever put a Mezger engine in a Boxster? Is it even possible even if you could find one?

Yes, I believe Excellence Magazine had a back issue where they put a 996 GT3 engine in a Boxster. Major headache.
Then they had to deal with overhauling the suspension to keep the car docile. Very costly project.

Hey folks just an update and now needing advice on putting 3.6L into my Boxster. Found a decent 03 996 motor for about what I would have paid for similar 3.2L. 70K, reasonable leakdown and IMS already done. Does anyone know of someone who has done this 03 to 03 swap? Both use 7.8 DME. Specifically, what issues tied to getting vario ram plus to work?
Any and all help appreciated.

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I think the issue is that the '03 996 motor has variocam+, but the '03 986 only has variocam. fortunately, the 7.8 dme in the '03 986 is up to the task - you just need to run some wires and reflash the dme with an oem '02+ 996 flash. info here ...

Porsche Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article

specifically:

"The 2007-08 Boxster engines were the first of the series to get Variocam Plus (variable valve lift). The Carrera 996 had Variocam Plus since the introduction of the 3.6L engine in 2002. The 7.8 DME used in the 2003-06 Boxster didn't control variable valve lift, and there are no pins or wires in the engine harness to control the mechanism. Therefore, you need to add the wires into the engine harness when performing this installation. Pins A1 on both valve lift controllers connect to a 12V source in the harness: use the 12V supply for the variable valve timing solenoid. Pins A2 on the controllers connect to DME connector pin C1 for cylinders 1-3 and pin C26 for cylinders 4-6."

PKP
Here is a 2003, 3.2 engine for you $3k 28k miles:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pts/5228626532.html
I found it while looking for a 200-2001 ,3.2 for mine.
Anyone know of a complete but kaput 3.2 in my year ?
Thanks

What a steal!!

Thank you! I wish I would have seen this a week ago! I only have the 03 3.2 with a spun bearing. Going to try and do the swap with the 3.6 at this point. Thanks again.

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You ARE the man. Thanks a ton for this info. Will keep you posted!

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