Is it possible to use an aftermarket ecu to run a boxster / 911 engine?

[Yuta]

So frustrated by Porsche's over complicated electronics.... I Like Porsche's handling , weight distribution and the look........but...Factory DME has a lot to do with other stuff... such as alarm brain which I am having trouble with...... Is it possible to wire the whole car in a simple way, like a civic? I am thinking of making it a track car....

[JFP in PA]

Interesting, as Porsche's electronics are not really that complicated, just very specific in how things have to be and what diagnostic systems can activate or make changes in the system. Once you take the time to both learn and understand their system logic, and spend the money to acquire the correct diagnostic tools, they are a snap to work on.

That said, with enough time and money, you could probably run any system in the car, but without diagnostic capabilities, and ending up with a car with absolutely no resale value.

[Yuta]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Interesting, as Porsche's electronics are not really that complicated, just very specific in how things have to be and what diagnostic systems can activate or make changes in the system. Once you take the time to both learn and understand their system logic, and spend the money to acquire the correct diagnostic tools, they are a snap to work on.

That said, with enough time and money, you could probably run any system in the car, but without diagnostic capabilities, and ending up with a car with absolutely no resale value.

Thanks JFP... What kind of diagnostic tool will I need? Will an generic obd2 scanner do the trick? Or do I need a special Porsche tool?

Thanks

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Yuta

Thanks JFP... What kind of diagnostic tool will I need? Will an generic obd2 scanner do the trick? Or do I need a special Porsche tool?

Thanks

Depends upon the year of the car, early cars are completely accessible and able to be coded by a PST II (old Porsche tool), later cars require the PIWIS II (current Porsche tool). The PST II pops up every so often for about $3-5K, the PIWIS is lease only and starts the first year at around $17K. Some Autologic tools can also do this, but one with all the Porsche add-on's will set you back around $11-12K.

[mikefocke]

I've heard of race Boxsters with non-Porsche ECUs. Never pass any but race inspections.

[Jeff Alton]

Autologic is a good tool, works very well, but like JFP says, not cheap. They have great tech support as well on the phone, but require and annual maintenance/update fee. We are very happy with ours.

A quality aftermarket ECU can run the motor and be custom tuned without issue. However, to get it installed and fully tuned would be big $$$. Yes, plenty of racecars running aftermarket ECU's....

Cheers