Novice wants more horsepower

[PJA]

Have a question I'm looking for guidance on. I have a 2004 996 C4S. I've had the ECU upgrade done, and can definately feel the mild HP increase. I'd like a decent amount more (40hp - 60hp more), but don't want to move into a 997 or 996 turbo (like this car a lot, interior, etc., and have put in a big sound system). It's been suggested to me that I can switch out my 3.6L engine and upgrade into a 997 3.8L X51 engine very "easily" (fyi, at a cost of around 12k - 15k, but that's not what the questions' about).

My question is: is this really an "easy" engine change. I understand the platforms b/t 997 and 996 are different, but am being told this only requires mild modifications to the current chassis. If so, I'll do it. But I would like to know specifically what modifications will need to be done, and if these will result in problems that will plague the car going forward. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[White987S]

PJA, congrats on the car!

I got to believe that an engine swap like that is going to cost much more than the price you stated. A new crated motor will cost at least that amount.

My suggestion would be to learn how to become a better driver. Please don't take this the wrong way. We could all learn to drive our cars better and get the max performance out of them, myself included. Join groups like the PCA and enter into DE Events and AutoX's.

:)

[White987S]

PJA, here is an interesting link for a motor:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-997...sspagenameZWDVW

[PJA]

White987S, thanks very much for your response. I take no offense, and very much agree that I need to learn how to really drive that car. Just a bit more background info though to better explain. I've actually had the car for almost 3 years. I belong to PCA, but getting into one of my regions DE events has been very difficult. I've actually joined a private track to get this more hands-on experience.

But my issue here is much more specific: one of the best aspects of the car to me is the 10 - 60mph "rush", and the 30-90mph rush (I can't imagine what that must sound like to an experienced driver, but anyway, that's why I used the title Novice to head this post).

Anyway, this is the reason I want the power. I don't want to supercharge or turbo the car (the latter is not feasible), just looking for the extra 40 - 60+ hp. I've already put in the F1 air filter, put in FVD mufflers (which I later removed - too loud), and had the ECU programmed (this made some difference). But I do like that acceleration, and want more of it, with this specific car. This engine replacement seems like a very good idea at face, but I want to know practically what other know about it and if it's "easy" and what will be any issues I may have with the car later.