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

[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

[rhodyguy]

any rear engine oil leaks pete? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) when craig (camp914) told me about the failure of one of the items for the power top on his boxster and the resulting $$$ associated with that. it alone was enough.

k

[horizontally-opposed]

any rear engine oil leaks pete? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) when craig (camp914) told me about the failure of one of the items for the power top on his boxster and the resulting $$$ associated with that. it alone was enough.

k

Nope. Car had one at ca. 29,000 miles or so, IIRC, then never again. There's a little weepage here and there by the cylinder heads (had it when I got it, has not gotten worse), but show me a Porsche that doesn't leak... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Top problems are a scary idea, as are any potential repair on these cars... What year was Craig's 986? The early cars were a work in progress on this front, with the top continuously improving from 1997-98 and then again in 1999 and then finally stabilizing and getting pretty good by 2000-2001. Not to say perfect, though....

Anyway, now we're getting off point. Let's get back to 986 engines, and I'll say that, despite their flaws, they are wonderful engines. If a 2.5 was a (really) easy swap into the 914 chassis, I would seriously consider it. 201 hp, fantastic sounds, 901-friendly torqueband, 986 transmission possibities... the list goes on.

But it's not. And another downside: losing the front trunk and maybe more, as (just about) always with water-cooler conversions...

pete

[seanery]

you know, when I started this thread, I hoped that there would have been some real world solutions since the last thread I started regarding this same topic about 3 years ago. It seems that it's really very tough or just not worth it to attempt the conversion for most of us. I really wish I had the time and the fab skills to engineer it myself, because I think it would be a blast to drive, and to show, too. But, alas, I don't, and it seems like even if I found a shop willing to take it on, it's gonna be a lot more time and a ton more moolah than a simple aircooled 6 conversion.

Well, maybe in another three years I'll bring it up again and we'll see where we are then. Or maybe I'll buy a used Cayman then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[horizontally-opposed]

you know, when I started this thread, I hoped that there would have been some real world solutions since the last thread I started regarding this same topic about 3 years ago. It seems that it's really very tough or just not worth it to attempt the conversion for most of us. I really wish I had the time and the fab skills to engineer it myself, because I think it would be a blast to drive, and to show, too. But, alas, I don't, and it seems like even if I found a shop willing to take it on, it's gonna be a lot more time and a ton more moolah than a simple aircooled 6 conversion.

Well, maybe in another three years I'll bring it up again and we'll see where we are then. Or maybe I'll buy a used Cayman then (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

The only logical conclusion.

But who said logic was any fun? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)

pete

[McMark]

even if I found a shop willing to take it on

I would.

and a ton more moolah

Yep. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)