Watercooled Porsche dirvetrain into air-cooled 911

[Tremelune]

Yup, I'm ruminating from the couch. I haven't seen much discussion about this, so it seems like it's probably Hard, but I figured I'd throw a thread out there.

I have an '84 M491 with a '95 3.6 in it. One day it will need a rebuild, and they are on their way to being $20k affairs. I'm wondering what alternatives might exist in the modern era. First thought is LS swap, but that would need to retain the 915 transmission, which I'm not a huge fan of. It's plenty fun, but I have a '65 Austin Healey to drive if I want something to dance around with. An STi swap would also retain the 915, I believe.

Has anyone documented a build in which they used a motor from a later 911 or Cayman/Boxster? The key bit (for me, anyway), would be getting both the motor and transmission in the car.

I've read about 915 to G50 swaps, and they are a bear due to the size and hydraulics, but hey—it has been done. I'm curious to know what is involved with swaps like these. A Cayman transmission in an old 911 would be a dream (even though I'd probably have to cut out the rear seats, which is, of course, prohibitive).

The 718 motor is putting out over 300hp from a light four. That's amazing. Is there any chance these turbos are more compact than a 3.6/915 combination? I'm sure there are plenty of wrecks by now...

[jadewombat]

What are your goals for the car? In the arms race of hp, yes there's a lot out there now. 718 motor is a possibility, but then you get into direct injection and some quite involved electronics. I still like the Singer Porsche "method". A little more hp out of the 993 motor and a lot of lightening of the car to keep a streetable car.

s engine in 1999 boxster

[Tremelune]

I mostly want to get rid of the 915, and maybe getter a cheaper and better motor in the process, as opposed to rebuilding the 3.6. Power isn't a huge concern, though it's always welcome.

The complex electronics I don't really understand. If you get the engine and the computer, what's the problem? A lack of dozens of sensors that it is expecting elsewhere on the car? What do people do when they pull LS3s out of wrecks for use in some other car?

Depending on when this motor needs a full rebuild, maybe Tesla drivetrains will be going for cheap...

[jadewombat]

Most everything VAG is tied to the gauge cluster and in turn several, several speed and other sensors (door chime, etc.). You'll get a constant stream of error codes from all of those open circuits from what I understand of it. It'd probably be worth calling APR or someplace like that if they can do a reflash and delete a lot of those inputs.

The LSx one-wire hookups in comparison are much easier for swaps, but most GMs are still running indirect injection systems, along with Dodge, etc. Dare I say it, Subaru swaps are pretty straightforward also.

http://www.build-threads.com/build-threads/subaru-powered-porsche-boxster/

[MrRPJ]

go Ls and change box as well. Keep an eye on my build im going LS with a custom Box. Also for for your watercooled question the Bisimoto 911 is a 996 swapped 911

[Tremelune]

This is that build (using a modified Subaru transmission): 1976 911 with 993 GT2 Widebody and LS1 Build