OK, I May Be Dreaming Again - 986/996 Engine, with 986 5 or 6 speed trans Options

[seanery]

I haven't committed to anything on whitey's conversion yet...and my mind started to wonder. How 'bout a water-cooled Porsche motor? I've looked, there are a lot of choices available right now.

- 0 mile 2004 911 3.6 replacement motor (315hp)
- 18k mile 2002 911 3.6 (320hp)
- 34k mile Boxster S 3.2 (250 hp)
- 39k mile Boxster 2.7 (217 hp)
(prices vary from 4000 - 12000) *hp numbers from Kelly Bluebook dot com

also

- Boxster S 6 speed trans (bad 3rd gear)
- Boxster 2.7 5 speed trans (40k ish miles?)

I know we've discussed this before - and I KNOW there are issues. Something about rear suspension relocation...but can't remember the details.

What about computer issues?
Heat? I should be able to do modern heat, right?
Exhaust - A Cayman or Boxster muffler?
Custom headers (probably a must?) or maybe Cayman/Boxster headers? with some tweeking?

I know there are more issues, and definitely don't know the answers...can we get a good discussion going on this topic?

TIA
-the dreamer (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[rhodyguy]

after reading bruce anderson's write up in the june excellence tech notes regarding the potential probs with the 986 and the 996, i doubt i would even purchase a boxster, let alone stick an engine out of one in a 914.

k

[horizontally-opposed]

after reading bruce anderson's write up in the june excellence tech notes regarding the potential probs with the 986 and the 996, i doubt i would even purchase a boxster, let alone stick an engine out of one in a 914.

k

A fair comment, maybe, but it's kinda like saying you wouldn't buy a Carrera 3.2 because it could develop premature valve-guide wear, or a 911 SC because the studs might fail, or a 993 because a SAI failure could force you into a top-end rebuild, or any 1974-77 2.7 because the studs could pull out.

Or a 914 because it *might* get rusty... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Funny how different people read the same thing differently. I've gotten other responses from readers saying they feel a lot better about buying a 986 or 996 -- even though we laid out the ugly possibilities.

Me? I took a gamble 2.5 years ago on a 60,000-mile 986 2.5. It's got 97,000 miles now and, while I've had some niggles (MAF and coolant tank), it's been a great car and a really, really fun one. Could it blow up tomorrow? Yes, I suppose it could, but then I guess life does involve risk...

pete