Upgrading my 2.5 97 boxster engine to a 3.2 (2002 S)

[Kanin]

Hi All

I am in the process of starting my own project and going to swap my old 2.5 1997 boxster engine out with a 3.2 2002 Boxster S (including a manual-6 gearbox). Anyone done this before and can help with tips?

- Anything that needs changing that I specially need to pay attention to?

- How about ECU does that need a change? especially thinking about injection here?

- Brakes? will the old disks work? I have been told so but just want to make sure.

- Drive shafts as the gearbox is being changed?

- Does the exhaust need changing?

- Springs?

Any comments will be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

Kanin

[KevinC]

You might look into using an early 996 3.4L engine instead. It might actually be easier since, like your engine, the early 3.4L engines did not have "eGas". All the 3.2L Boxster S engines do have eGas ("drive by wire" throttle). It's possible to downgrade the 3.2L to a non eGas throttle body, but that's yet another complication to the conversion. 3.4L conversions are more common, so you should be able to get some good guidance for that job.

The ECU will need to be re-programmed, but not replaced.

Unless you plan to track the car, there is no need to upgrade the brakes and suspension any time soon.

[Kanin]

Thanks for the input. I already have a 3.2 boxster engine at hand so thought it may be a good option.

Anyone know about downgrading the 3.2L to a none "eGas" and can share the experience?

Both engines are complete so I can swap parts around if needed.

Also heard sometime ago that there are problems with reprograming of the 97 ECU's. Any experience with that?

Thanks,

Kanin

[jesthed]

Thanks for the input. I already have a 3.2 boxster engine at hand so thought it may be a good option.

Anyone know about downgrading the 3.2L to a none "eGas" and can share the experience?

Both engines are complete so I can swap parts around if needed.

Also heard sometime ago that there are problems with reprograming of the 97 ECU's. Any experience with that?

Thanks,

Kanin

Kanin, I don't know where you are located but check out my car in garage. We recently installed a 3.4l egas in non egas 97 986. From what i am told it was not that hard. So in your case using a 3.2l should work. JES

[Kanin]

Hi JES

I am located in the UK.

And thanks - I have now definitely decided to go ahead with the project.

Thanks for the picture. Wow does that look nice or what. How is the boxster with a 3.4l I guess really fast and a lot of fun :)

Kanin.

[jesthed]

Hi JES

I am located in the UK.

And thanks - I have now definitely decided to go ahead with the project.

Thanks for the picture. Wow does that look nice or what. How is the boxster with a 3.4l I guess really fast and a lot of fun :)

Kanin.

Kanin, thanks for the compliments! I have not had my car on the road yet because of weather in MN. I can not wait to get it on the track. Prior to the install of the 3.4l i had a TPC supercharger installed but my engine didn't last long. The car ran strong right up until it let go. I liked the SC but i think the 3.4l will be a better car. JES

[Kanin]

Ok - got my engine yesterday :) and starting the project next weekend. Including an egas downgrade on the 3.2l. Will keep you updated on how it progresses.

Let me know if there is anyone in the UK looking for a good 2.5l engine (50K) and gearbox. Should be available in 3 weeks time.

- Kanin

[box10k]

any engine conversions taking place in the SF Bay Area? you put on the show and i'll bring the pizza.