Newb with 2002 S blown engine questions

[fseater]

I picked up my first Porsche a 2002 S with a bad engine (broken rod at 70k) with the idea of replacing the motor. I found a very low mile (30k) 2006 S engine and have read pelican parts swap article but have questions. Besides the dme do I need the immobilizer and key or can I just reprogram with my vin? Why not use the 2006 engine harness instead of modifying the 2002? If anybody has done this particular swap I would love to hear from them. 

[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech 

 

This is going to be quite an undertaking.  The 02 used very little CAN Bus technology for its electronics to communicate, while the 06 was a fully CAN Bus vehicle; along with which the fuel cam timing systems were completely different.  In model year 2003, Porsche moved to a different VarioCam system (variable valve lift and timing) in the Boxster, which will require the later DME to function, which will also require the later wiring harness, but that later harness will not be a plug-in swap due to the CAN Bus and significant wiring differences that happened over time.  It is possible to remap your existing DME via the aftermarket, but there will still be a lot of mismatched items to create work arounds to get functional.  As the later DME is matched to the later immobilizer, you need the immobilizer as well, but due to wiring differences, the later DME will not be able to communicate with critical items like the dash cluster in the 02.  And making the later DME work with the older chassis will not be a simple matter.  Worse yet, if you did spend the time and considerable $ required to make this swap functional, you would have a one-off Frankenstein car which most buyers would (and should) run away from.

 

You would be better off both financially and work wise finding another suitable engine (2000-02) that would simply bolt in; and you need to be aware that the article source you referenced is famous for glossing over how easy these swaps can be.  Good luck with your project.

 

 

[fseater]

Thanks for all the info. I realized that the article was very slim on info that’s why the inquiry. Too bad, it was a great deal on the 06 motor. Regarding the 00-01 engines into the 02 are they plug and play? I know that they also have a different dme/can bus system than 02. Would just the engine harness / sensors need swapping or would it be more involved? Unfortunately I do know how to work on cars and seem to always get myself into these situations. On a side note if anyone has an 02 S engine they have no need for I have a home for it!

 

 

[JFP in PA]

You are always better to stay as close to the model year of the car when doing these swaps as Porsche likes to change things year to year.  00-02 engines should be a relatively easier candidate, with maybe a sensor or two that would need to be changed over. There are usually a fair number of engines for these cars running around at reasonable prices.