3.2L Swap into base model 986

[Joe Forti]

Hello All,

I have a 2001 Base 986 that has a cylinder with low compression (bad intake valve). I really dont feel like going thru the hassle of having the engine rebuilt, and since I am fairly mechanically inclined I was considering just swapping in a new engine. There is a local salvage yard with a 2.7L with 50k miles on it that is in good shape, but I figured if I was going thru the trouble of doing a swap, why not put a 3.2L from the S model in. 

Heres my question: if I get a 3.2L from a 2000-2002 S, is it a direct swap into the base model outside of reflashing the DME? I have been searching the forums and Pelican Parts DIY articles and could not come to a conclusive answer. I was planning on doing the clutch/IMS while I was at it. 

Thanks!

[JFP in PA]

3 hours ago, Joe Forti said:

Hello All,

I have a 2001 Base 986 that has a cylinder with low compression (bad intake valve). I really dont feel like going thru the hassle of having the engine rebuilt, and since I am fairly mechanically inclined I was considering just swapping in a new engine. There is a local salvage yard with a 2.7L with 50k miles on it that is in good shape, but I figured if I was going thru the trouble of doing a swap, why not put a 3.2L from the S model in. 

Heres my question: if I get a 3.2L from a 2000-2002 S, is it a direct swap into the base model outside of reflashing the DME? I have been searching the forums and Pelican Parts DIY articles and could not come to a conclusive answer. I was planning on doing the clutch/IMS while I was at it. 

Thanks!

 

"The Boxster 2001 cars are by far the most flexible in which engine you can install in them. The 2001 cars still have the 7.2 DME installed, but most of the other systems of the car were upgraded in anticipation of moving towards the 2002 CAN bus system that integrates various electronic systems on the car. With the exception of the anti-lock braking system, the proper CAN bus systems are integrated into the 2001 chassis and allow the easy installation of the later 7.8 DME. As a result, you can install any 1997-08 Boxster or 996 Carrera motor into these cars without too much difficulty. You can swap in any replacement engine of the same displacement from 2000-02 without having to remap the DME. (for example, a 2001 3.2L Boxster with a blown motor can accept a 2002 3.2L engine with no remapping needed).
 

These cars ran the Bosch Motronic 7.2 system, which uses an electronic throttle body, linked to an electronic gas pedal (also known as drive-by-wire). When installing an engine into one of these cars, you need to use an electronic throttle body and corresponding crossover tube that matches that engine. (I.E. use the electronic throttle body from a 2000 or later 996 Carrera when installing a 3.4 engine)."