97 2.5 upgrade, what options do I have?

[drewbz818]

I got a 97 boxster, what year motor can I upgrade with? I hear you need to get something in similar years, but there was no 996 in 97 I have been told. Is there an option for me or out of luck?

[Doug&Julie]

Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by drewbz818

I got a 97 boxster, what year motor can I upgrade with? I hear you need to get something in similar years, but there was no 996 in 97 I have been told. Is there an option for me or out of luck?

Read this article it will give you the breakdown of what works with your car and what wont, you have lots of choices
Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

[Cajundaddy]

Or leave the motor alone and go Boxster spec racing instead.

[tdady]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

Or leave the motor alone and go Boxster spec racing instead.

+1000%

[drewbz818]

I like the element of suprise, into the sleeper cars.
Dont go to the track much, just local meets.
Exactly what is boxster spec, think I have an idea but not sure.

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by drewbz818

I like the element of suprise, into the sleeper cars.
Dont go to the track much, just local meets.
Exactly what is boxster spec, think I have an idea but not sure.

This will explain.. 986/Boxster Spec | The Official 986-Boxster Spec Site

[drewbz818]

Thanks for the info, seems cool, but looks like you leave everything pretty much stock. I like to upgrade and modify. Want the guys who look at the boxster and think its a girls car, jus see my rear end as I blow past them. Just my feeling, no disrespect to the spec racers.
This was my last project 2.7 stroker low psi turbo, one hell of a sleeper. Kills the ego of the guys in their stock mustangs.

[harryrcb]

I'm with you, I even put some muscels on my boxster body wise and wheel wise and now I'm in the middle of putting some muscle in the engine bay 400hp +

[drewbz818]

Wow, nice looking car!!! Hope to upgrade to a bigger motor by year end.

[Cajundaddy]

Hey no worries, just different strokes for different folks. Spec racing is not for everybody. Some do it with HP and some do it with setup. It is not unusual to see a well sorted Boxster spec race car with a stock 2.5L motor turning 997GT3 lap times at local SoCal race tracks on any given weekend. I'm just sayin'...

[Wayne 962]

The 1997 can be upgraded, as I mentioned in my article on the engine swaps. Early 97 cars didn't have a programmable DME, so if you're stuck with one of those cars, you might have to get a new DME if you want to preprogram it for the larger engine. Other than that, go for it!

-Wayne