Installing a GT3 Engine into a Boxster?

Can you tell me anything about installing 2004 GT3 engine in a a 2003 Boxster S? I know the GT3 engine is not the same as the 996/997 engine. I raced a Porsche for 10 years but quit in the late 80's and have not kept up with things. I don't know what parts, engines, etc. can be interchanged like I did with the air cooled engines. If you know anything about this and could help me could I call you? If so give me a # and a good time to call.

Mark

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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Engine Conversion Project - 986 Boxster (1997-04) - 987 Boxster (2005-08)

[Wayne 962]

I've heard of someone who has done this, but I haven't seen the car, or heard the exact details. I did hear it cost them about $60K to do it, which is more than a used GT3 these days. The GT3 engine is a dry-sump engine, which means that you would need to find a spot for the external oil tank and then plumb the oil lines to it. The stacks are much higher - they would have to be redesigned or modified too. I'll copy this message to our forums, perhaps someone there has some additional input.

As for what engines fit what chassis, the information that I have is contained in this article here.

- Wayne

[s_wilwerding]

You essentially have to redesign the backend of the Boxster. Unlike the 996 engine (which is physically the same size as the Boxster engine, with a little higher intake stack), the GT3 engine is not even close. You'd have to fabricate new places to mount the engine, and when you're done, the back half of your Boxster looks like a tube-frame prototype.

Like Wayne said, either go with a 3.8 in your Boxster, or just buy a GT3.

[Thorshammer]

I am not sure what your overall goal is. However, it is possible to install a Cayman engine into a Boxster and the result is quite good. If you have a GT3 engine, I would understand this route, however, I think the hour limitations on the engine might make it something that reduces the fun factor, not to mention the custom fab issues (which can be overcome but $)

If you want to contact me off board via PM, I can go into some detail.

Best,


Erik Madsen
Race Sport inc

[mikefocke]

If you are looking for a reliable design with problems addressed, driveability, HP and torque, then browse on over to flat6innovations.com and you can have 450 HP unblown in a Boxster for $$$$.

[Aron in Toronto]

The 2008 May issue of Excellence magazine (#164) had an article titled "B Movie" were they showcased an Australian owner who had a GT3 motor installed in his Boxster. There weren't many technical details covered on the two year conversion project if I recall.

The end result was an incredible machine that cost more to build than a new GT3 at the time.

Excellence :: Back Issues

[BoxsterGT]

I believe the GT3 motors like the 996 Turbo motors have a self-contained oil tank mounted over the motor.

If the GT3 motor is from a 996 then the height of the intake is likely OK & compatible. If X51 motors will fit in a Cayman, then there should be a way the GT3 motor will fit as well.

However, oil cooler lines must be run up front along with the usual coolant pipes, and the dia of the Boxster pipes may be too small for this big motor, so new larger pipes are likely needed.

Not impossible and very expensive.

Len

[Matt Monson]

The bolt pattern of the GT3 engine is totally wrong. Installing a standard 996 engine is a much more straight forward affair. Most of the guys over in Europe who have installed GT3 engines into 986 and 987 chassis have also used an inverted GT3 gearbox at the same time. $50,000-75,000 sounds about right...