Which engine to replace 2003 2.7L?

[harrisracing]

As some of you may have read in another post that I had made previously, My mother-in-law's 2003 (non-S) Boxster died in a parking lot with only 24,8xx miles on it. After my research and after the dealer inspection we came to the conclusion that it's the dreaded IMS bearing failure which has cause catostrophic engine failure. The dealer quoted $24k to repair the car and she decided to go down the road with a new BMW instead.

Well I am now going to pick up the car at the shop and I am starting to look at options for getting it running again. I started looking around and I really need to know what engines can replace this setup.

I have found that they changed HP in 2003, so this one is at least one of the stronger 2.7L engines, but it appears that these are 1) hard to find, and 2) expensive when you DO find them. Are there any other options for longblock / etc that can be swapped on these cars? What model years and parts / DME's am I to be looking for specifically?

Could I swap in a newer longblock from an S or are the intakes / TB's / Injectors different as well?

Do I need a complete S engine dropout if I am going to do that swap, or simply a retune?

Is it worth my while to consider 996/997 swaps since the pricing really isn't that different?

Also where's the best place to get the replacement bearing (LN engineering I assume?), as this part would DEFINITELY be replaced if I replace the engine.

Thanks,
Patrick Harris

[Cajundaddy]

Jake Raby could probably shoehorn a 4.2L, 400hp motor in there for about the same price as a dealer 2.7L. That would be my choice funds permitting. Sounds like fun

[feelyx]

From the tech section....

The 2003 and later Boxster and Cayman cars can accept any 996/997 3.6 Carrera engine, and any Boxster or Cayman engine from 2003 and later. The best solution for more horsepower is to swap in a 3.6 or 3.8 996 or 997 engine. You can swap in any replacement engine of the same displacement from 2003-08 without having to remap the DME. (I.E. a 2003 Boxster 2.7L with a blown motor can accept a 2005 2.7L engine with no remapping needed).
Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)