True cost of conversion
 

I'm starting a new project and it got me to thinking. What is the true cost of converting a 911 or 930 or Boxster to V8 power. The answer is that it all depends on what vehicle that you start with.

The ideal vehicle, of course, is the 930. It's got the tranny, brakes, suspension, the look, fussy high performance turbo. That engine is practically begging to be swapped. Trouble is, as you're dropping that flat six, you're dropping the value of the car about $1,000 per inch.

About 10 years ago, you could get a pretty nice 930 for around $20,000. Now they start at upwards of $40,000. And they're not getting any cheaper! For some reason, the 1976-1978 are asking insane prices. 930's were produced from 1975 through 1989. Porsche made around 21,000. That's it! 930's will appreciate in value from now on.

So the ideal 930 swap would be to find a 1979 or later, numbers matching, clean specimen. Drop the engine and put it in a pressure vessel with a nitrogen purge. Make the swap - LS3, LS7, whatever. Drive it for 20 years like you stole it. When you're done having fun, restore the Porsche engine and put it back to stock. By then the car will probably be worth $200,000.

So you actually make money on what we call the TCO - total cost of ownership. But you need a lot of money to get that program up and running - $40k for the donor, $8k for the engine, $6-8k to Renegade for the bits and pieces. But in the long run you get a real machine and a great investment!

The middle of the road swap is the 911. You start with an SC or non-collectible 911. Rollers can be had for $2k - $6k. Put in a mild, 300-350 hp SBC ($4k) add $6k in Renegade gear and other swap parts, and pray the 915 doesn't grenade. So you're in for $12k - $20k, but you've got a real machine that's fun to drive. That car will never be worth more than you have into it. But hey, if you walk into a Toyota dealer and drive away in a Camry, you're worse off as far as depreciation.

The other end of the spectrum is the Boxster swap. Boxsters were made from 1996 through the present. I believe the total production number is around 160,000. So there are many Boxsters out there. The prices for these models are dropping to 928 levels. They over-produced them. They probably will never be collectible.

So they can be had for cheap, they already have a radiator, strong 6 speed tranny, really nice interior, AC, nice seats etc. Plus they are about the best handling Porsche ever produced.

The drawbacks are firewall surgery, and the stigma that Boxsters are typically associated with chicks, Dot-com nerds, and a-hole hedge fund managers. But maybe some fiberglass pieces could be added to wipe those stains away.;)

You start with a Boxster S because it has the good brakes, 6 speed trans, suspension etc. You can pick those up for around $10k. Sell the engine for say $2,000. Buy an LS3 ($7k), Renegade conversion parts ($6k) and you're rolling in a really nice, fast car! So you're $20k in, but you're smoking 99% of the cars on the road, both in a straight line and around corners.

Just my thoughts on the whole V8 conversion idea (I'm a fan btw). SmileWavy.

Did you search this forum already?? This topic has been covered several times already.

Craig,

I just finished a 996 C4S/LS3 conversion. One thing to consider is that the 911 cars are pretty straight forward, albeit no radiators, but the Boxsters and radiator cars have a ton of technical electrical to deal with. The entire car and it's systems are run by the Porsche ECU and a CAN wire system.

For me this was the most expensive and difficult part of the conversion. Now if you're just going to get the car to run and don't mind blinking icons on the dash then you're half way home. But I wanted a factory look and completion to my conversion. The electrical is not just pluses and minuses, but high tech computer stuff. Renegade doesn't have all the answers for this...

No matter what the conversion is a blast to drive...

I didn't realize that the boxster still had issues. If renegade or someone figures that out, I think the Boxster will be a favorite for the swap.

The main point I wanted to make is that some Porsches are "more equal" than others. Meaning no one is going to miss a Boxster or generic 911 years from now. But there are many many models that will be very valuable to collectors and enthusiasts.

I think that needs to be factored in to the true cost of the conversion. The 930's are an example of escalating value. So the conversion needs to be done in such a way as to allow for a return to stock and subsequently cash in on the value of the model.

Boxster Engine Swap...
 

Craig, The other point I might make on your research is that I think you're 930 suggests that you would or could put the car back to original at some later date. I think that's probably not realistic once you complete the swap. It's not that you couldn't do it, but you have to make too many changes to reverse the swap.

If you do the 911 swap I would really get into the cooling to be sure you come up with the best outcome.

Renegade's products are well done, they've done a lot of conversions so you should get some good support. Keep us updated on your decision. You might talk to the guy on this site that had Renegade do a Boxster conversion. I know he was very happy with the results. I think his only comment was the firewall was moved forward 2".

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1397396237.jpg

Thanks Mitch! for the advice.

I am actually really close to starting this project. Money has changed hands and I am dealing with some really nice people on this board. I don't want to jinx it though.

I originally thought that the Boxster S was the best option after seeing the Renegade video. That's what got me to looking. Now I have a good plan, but like I say, don't want to jinx it. I should have all the components in hand in a couple of weeks.

My son had a 912 with a 350 that he drove in high school. That was a fun car. But rust and cooling issues forced him to sell it for something more reliable.

I'll know more in a week and post some pictures when it all comes together.

Sooooo, first post. Hello. I am in the process of searching for info on 930's with a renegade conversion. Growing up, I always loved 911 turbos. They were my dream car.... Still are...but I want reliability and cheap hp :) Like any other man. So, I'm in for your ride sir

Big Merle,

Just a thought, instead of a 930 why not look for a Turbo Look? Be a lot cheaper... The Turbo Look has the suspension, brakes, and sheet metal of the Turbo for a lot less money. Also the Turbo Look has a 5 speed trans, not 4... However you need to look at which trans can take the horse power.

Taller gears with the added horse power is money well spent...

I should have added that I am also looking for a turbo look done with metal not fiberglass. Thank you

Hello Guys
 

I have a 76 911 slant nose all metal.Looking for a good 3 liter motor for a fair price.My 2.7 needs rebuilding.Good case,crank,cams,and heads are done.Need head bolts.Don't want to use it.I would pay a fair price for a good 3 liter motor.Need to be in the southwest.
Thank You
Rich