Adding 3rd rad(GT3) to a 2.7 Boxster(01), 5sp

[por911]

Anybody ever attempt this on a standard 2.7 Boxster? It could be either adding an "S" radiator or the GT3 type 3rd radiator to a standard 2.7 model? I've found a "s" front bumper cover with the extra opening for the 3rd radiator for our std 01. Was looking to upgrade for the hotter climates. Thanks. :cheers:

[Loren]

According to the parts list the part numbers are the same as the 996. My 996 DIY is here

[por911]

Thanks Loren, I read that, nice write up. It did not look terribly difficult, other then a ton of bolts and what not. The only thing that made me a tade leary is the carnewal site indicated that it would work with the 3.4 motor , no mention of the 2.7.

I just have to give it a try and take a ton of pics.

[ar38070]

A friend of mine did this upgrade on his 2000 2.7. Works fine. Had some minor installation quibbles but otherwise no issues.

[Tool Pants]

Jinster put a 996 tip bumper cover on his 1997. The tip cover has an opening in the middle for the transmission cooler, not used on a Boxster. Now he has the choice of adding a third engine coolant radiator. When I had the bumper cover off my 1997 it had mounting lugs for a radiator. I used 2 of the mounts for my air horns.

[Jinster]

Yeah, a 996 bumper fits without any trouble and gives the option to fit a third radiator in the middle using 996 parts. In retrospect, I should've bought the radiator assembly from the shop that sold me the bumper. Was cheap. Anyway.

There is a concern though.

I have read that the Boxster engine, like all alloy engines, expands under heat. It is meant to reach a certain operating temperature at which point all components of the engine is "expanded" correctly so that all "holes and pokes" in the engine are at an optimal operating parameter. Adding a 3rd radiator may cool the engine too much to cause it to not reach this optimum temperature.

I don't know if this is true. It's just something I have been thinking about.

[Loren]

There is a concern though.

I have read that the Boxster engine, like all alloy engines, expands under heat. It is meant to reach a certain operating temperature at which point all components of the engine is "expanded" correctly so that all "holes and pokes" in the engine are at an optimal operating parameter. Adding a 3rd radiator may cool the engine too much to cause it to not reach this optimum temperature.

I don't know if this is true. It's just something I have been thinking about.

This should not be a problem. A third radiator adds only a couple extra liters of coolant and there is no fan so it only cools when the car is moving. It does add more surface cooling area - but remember these cars are water cooled and there is a thermostat that should not open until the engine needs cooling. At that point all the radiators and extra coolant kick in. Boxster S, and 996 X51 and GT3 all get the third radiator as standard.