Engine swap. 2001 to 2004 2.7

[Russianman92]

Hello guys! New here.

I have a 2004 Boxster Base 2.7 manual with the M96.23 engine. Ah the good ol IMS bearing decided to go and skip timing.


I got a hold of a 2001 2.7 M96.22 engine fully dressed with harness, accessories, maf, etc...with only 45K miles. I noticed that the valve cover is shaped differently and the sensor for the cam timing is in a diff place. Doing more research i see there is a pretty good diff in between these 2 engines as far as cam chains, DME etc..

Question:
What would it take to install this engine (2001 M96.22) in to my 2004 which had the M96.23?
What do I need to modify, replace, purchase, or transfer?

Think you again for your time.

Added pics for flavor!

[JFP in PA]

This is going to be a nightmare; the 2004 engine is VarioCam+ and makes extensive use of CAN bus technology to communicate with sensors, the early engine is VarioCam only and uses different communications protocols; the engines use entirely different DME's (7.2 vs 7.8), etc. You need to find a later engine, or be prepared to Frankenstein the entire car.....

[Russianman92]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

This is going to be a nightmare; the 2004 engine is VarioCam+ and makes extensive use of CAN bus technology to communicate with sensors, the early engine is VarioCam only and uses different communications protocols; the engines use entirely different DME's (7.2 vs 7.8), etc. You need to find a later engine, or be prepared to Frankenstein the entire car.....

Daaangggg! That bad? I saw this in the comments on the Boxter Engine Swap write up.

stephers Comments: I have a 2003 2.7 Boxster that has blown out the IMS bearing and the only altertanive engine is a 2.7 2000 engine. I have completed the update, put a new clutch in and installed everything into the car but I am getting one trouble code that I cannot get rid of. P0349 is the code " cam position sensor 2-open circuit " I have checked all the wiring and actual rotor, all is OK.. What can I do to fix this. A newer engine right now is just not an option where I am.


Followup from the Pelican Staff: Have you confirmed the signal it present at the DME? Since this a circuit code it is pretty cut and dry. Tee DME expects to see a certain amount of voltage at the Camshaft sensor wiring and does not. I would suggest: working at the DME, KOEO (key on egine OFF) backprobe camshaft sensor 1 and see what you have for voltage on all 3 wires. Should be something like, 5 volts, 0.1 volts and 5 or 0.1 on the other (depending on shutter position). Then compare those values with the sensor that is giving you the problem. Use this test to track down what wire(s) is open or shorted. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Reference: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/11-ENGINE-911_Engine_Swap/11-ENGINE-911_Engine_Swap.htm


The above gives me some hope considering he swapped his 2003 to a 2000 lol.

[Brian in Tucson]

Yup. It would be easier to put an 04 3.2 in than to try to get the 2001 to work in your 04. Sorry fellah.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Russianman92

Daaangggg! That bad? I saw this in the comments on the Boxter Engine Swap write up.

stephers Comments: I have a 2003 2.7 Boxster that has blown out the IMS bearing and the only altertanive engine is a 2.7 2000 engine. I have completed the update, put a new clutch in and installed everything into the car but I am getting one trouble code that I cannot get rid of. P0349 is the code " cam position sensor 2-open circuit " I have checked all the wiring and actual rotor, all is OK.. What can I do to fix this. A newer engine right now is just not an option where I am.


Followup from the Pelican Staff: Have you confirmed the signal it present at the DME? Since this a circuit code it is pretty cut and dry. Tee DME expects to see a certain amount of voltage at the Camshaft sensor wiring and does not. I would suggest: working at the DME, KOEO (key on egine OFF) backprobe camshaft sensor 1 and see what you have for voltage on all 3 wires. Should be something like, 5 volts, 0.1 volts and 5 or 0.1 on the other (depending on shutter position). Then compare those values with the sensor that is giving you the problem. Use this test to track down what wire(s) is open or shorted. - Nick at Pelican Parts

Reference: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/11-ENGINE-911_Engine_Swap/11-ENGINE-911_Engine_Swap.htm


The above gives me some hope considering he swapped his 2003 to a 2000 lol.

Your hopes will soon be dashed, like many others that have tried this...….

[itsnotanova]

I have a great running 2003 2.7 with 53k for $3000+shipping. Don't try and putting a 5 chain motor in a 3 chain car. It's not worth the headaches.

[Russianman92]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

Yup. It would be easier to put an 04 3.2 in than to try to get the 2001 to work in your 04. Sorry fellah.

Guess I am gonna have to sell this one ASAP. Damn i feel like a moron.

[Russianman92]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

I have a great running 2003 2.7 with 53k for $3000+shipping. Don't try and putting a 5 chain motor in a 3 chain car. It's not worth the headaches.

Thanks. I will see what I can do about selling this one.

[mbswami]

I am curious what's the progress now?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by mbswami

I am curious what's the progress now?

Zero, he is selling the current engine and looking for one the will drop in without all the nonsense.

[flmont]

I wonder what he's selling the 2001 engine for,..

[Russianman92]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Zero, he is selling the current engine and looking for one the will drop in without all the nonsense.

Indeed! Thank you for the info.

Update: Talked to the guy I bought the engine from. I am eating the cost of shipping it back to him and he is willing to swap it for the one I need. No longer selling. Shipped it out yesterday.

I appreciate all the input.

[CarGuyNeil]

Originally Posted by Russianman92

Indeed! Thank you for the info.



Update: Talked to the guy I bought the engine from. I am eating the cost of shipping it back to him and he is willing to swap it for the one I need. No longer selling. Shipped it out yesterday.



I appreciate all the input.

That is some good news. Happy that you worked out a solution. Keep us posted.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk