2003 boxster blown engine :( $6500 ca

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Tarek,
I share your pain. I had a similar situation and decided to rebuild the engine. You have a smarter approach! My conclusion after well over $5000 is parts,tools,materials and many ,many months of study,labor and determination is =bad idea. Yes it is fascinating for a geekish engineer. But it is financially foolish for the average diy Forum member.
For someone who has done all the study,has all the tools and experience, it may be very attractive.
To help your prospective buyer who will need to replace all the lifters - there have been several discussions on the usual Forums about using a BMW interchange part for the 24 lifters. The saving is huge.
You may be able to buy the cam cover and cams from local Forum members. That may make it easier to sell.
BTW I went to school in Ismalia-briefly !
ma'a as-salaama
I hope this helps.

Thanks for the info man- i'm so disappointed, specially that whenever anyone would say a word about a boxster or a 911 regarding ims i would tell them the cars are bullet proof lol... i bought this one and had total peace of mind that the IMS was done in it- lol...then this happens-

i am now convinced these cars are POS.

ps: i 've never been to ismailia- i think not many people go there unless they are from there or army training - but i hear its beautiful

[Gelbster]

JFP,
Thanks for reminding me of that gotcha- I had forgotten it. This is not like a Miata is it?
Tarek,
We are the only two people here who even know about Ismalia and the sunrise over the Great Bitter Lake.

[Jake Raby]

Originally Posted by Tarek307

Thanks for the info man- i'm so disappointed, specially that whenever anyone would say a word about a boxster or a 911 regarding ims i would tell them the cars are bullet proof lol... i bought this one and had total peace of mind that the IMS was done in it- lol...then this happens-

i am now convinced these cars are POS.

ps: i 've never been to ismailia- i think not many people go there unless they are from there or army training - but i hear its beautiful

Your issue is NOT IMS related. You've lost a camshaft or lifter, and I'd bet on that. The car is an 03, which is the worst in regard to cam and lifter issues. These symptoms match a failed cam and lifter perfectly. I see about 30 a year.

[Tarek307]

Ok guys so engine isn't "blown" but lost cam shaft - lifter- still an expensive repair

[seningen]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

Your issue is NOT IMS related. You've lost a camshaft or lifter, and I'd bet on that. The car is an 03, which is the worst in regard to cam and lifter issues. These symptoms match a failed cam and lifter perfectly. I see about 30 a year.

Did they change the lifter tray when they added the hydraulic variocam?

Did they change after 03?

Thx,

Mike

[Xcellr8]

Back to the sale,
Yes, sorry to say, $6500 is too much. I've purchased a couple of these for 3-4.5K depending upon other condition issues. My bid to you would be in that neighborhood. You might be able to attract a bid close to $5000 from eBay, but be prepared for at least one high bidder to flake on you. If the bidder doesn't ask several questions before/while bidding, it is doubtful the bidder is real. I'm for real. Send me a PM if interested. Thanks, Joe

[Jake Raby]

I told him it was worth 3K as it is, guess he didn't believe me.

The 3 chain engine uses a completely different lifter carrier than the 5 chain, along with all other components of the head being altered as well. None of the parts are interchangeable.

This is why 03 and 04 models eat lifters and cams, usually bank 1, cylinder 1, outer intake valve.

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

I told him it was worth 3K as it is, guess he didn't believe me.

The 3 chain engine uses a completely different lifter carrier than the 5 chain, along with all other components of the head being altered as well. None of the parts are interchangeable.

This is why 03 and 04 models eat lifters and cams, usually bank 1, cylinder 1, outer intake valve.

So how does one prevent this from happening?

[seningen]

Originally Posted by KRAM36

So how does one prevent this from happening?

Good question -- I would think clean oil is your only defense.

Maybe there is a way to modify the carrier or the head to provide better oiling
to the lifter area Jake pointed out.

Unless Jake can describe his interpretation of the exact failure mechanism
who knows as he's likely the only one that has seen enough of these to comment.

Mike

[Tarek307]

Originally Posted by Jake Raby

I told him it was worth 3K as it is, guess he didn't believe me.

The 3 chain engine uses a completely different lifter carrier than the 5 chain, along with all other components of the head being altered as well. None of the parts are interchangeable.

This is why 03 and 04 models eat lifters and cams, usually bank 1, cylinder 1, outer intake valve.

Jake i def believe you- i just dont want to throw it away for 3, would much rather buy another one thats wrecked maybe and swap engines- or see what it would take to just fix this one if i can stay around 4k max

[KRAM36]

Originally Posted by Tarek307

Jake i def believe you- i just dont want to throw it away for 3, would much rather buy another one thats wrecked maybe and swap engines- or see what it would take to just fix this one if i can stay around 4k max

You could part it out and get way more the 3k for it. The trans alone can net you 2K, wheels and tires if in good shape $1k, then you have many parts that you could sell off the motor like the A/C unit, starter, Throttle body, alternator, air box, the interior parts and exterior parts. You could get back a lot more parting it out.