996 C4 engine conversion

[Locosaki]

Hi guy's, a big hello from over in Scotland here. 

 

I've been reading this site since I've had my 996 but only joined this morning as there seems to be a wealth of knowledge, I realise this question has probably been asked over and over but I'm hoping for a definitive answer regarding my own car. 

 

It's a 1999 Carrera C4, the bottom end is done and requires and expensive rebuild, my thoughts are, if I'm spending quite a bit of money it would be nice to get some more power. 

 

As it stands I would like to go either 3.6 or ideally 3.8, how possible is this on my my 99 C4, the DME is the 7.2 variant and the car already has egas with it being the C4, any info or guides I would very grateful for. 

 

Thanks Craig

[Schnell Gelb]

Craig,

Suggest you tell us your budget,skill and equipment level and reason for wanting the larger displacement.

This has been done but the difficulty  depends on how you do it. If you go for any DME 7.8 engine ,you need some very sophisticated engine management manipulation skills. It is way more than just Vario-cam Plus issues. And would such modifications pass your Smog Tests?

So better to stay with  the DME 7.2 you have and consider enlarging the existing engine as part of your rebuild. Hartech and AutoFarm could advise you.

A rebuild with simple upgrades ( if diy) is well over $7,000. If you increase displacement or need professional services it would double.

Your roller C4 may be a better candidate for a 'good used' engine than a massive expense? Yemv

Edited October 30, 2016 by Schnell Gelb

[Locosaki]

Budget I'm thinking around 10k max, regarding skill level etc, pulling the engine out and refitting is no issue at all, my fabrication skills are next to nothing, I can't weld etc, I can work a multi meter but I don't think I'd manage to much loom adaptation.

 

Regarding smog test over here, that wouldn't be too much of an issue to be honest.

 

I have contacted Hartech but I got thinking about what else I could do if I'm gonna spend alot of cash anyway, a rebuild on my motor if the crank is shot is approx 9k, now that's alot of money to end up with a standard output engine all be it the engine should be bullet proof you would think. 

 

And lastly, your right regarding a used engine, I've priced this up and it is the cheapest option but my worry is that 6 month down the line the replacement engine go's bad then I'm back to square 1

[Schnell Gelb]

58 minutes ago, Locosaki said:

 

 "regarding a used engine, I've priced this up and it is the cheapest option but my worry is that 6 month down the line the replacement engine go's bad then I'm back to square 1"

But by then you will have rebuilt the original motor and can fit that - again & again & ..... !

That may sound factitious but it is probably closer to the reality of owning one of these cars than many will concede.  M96 ownership is a gamble and if you have $10K+ cash  and like playing the odds it is an exciting,high stakes game. Technically it is fascinating and if you have no other life it can be absorbing, even obsessional !

I suspect many of the cheaper 996 that are for sale  are what we call "flippers" - because the current owner looses their nerve for the gamble when they realize the  cars value vs repair cost is so unattractive. As soon as they get it running again, they sell quickly to avoid another big expense.