Big Power Upgrades - How Much?
08-20-2009, 03:03 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Big Power Upgrades - How Much?
Hi All,
I am thinking about adding some power to my 986 this winter. The suspensionw rocks (PSS9) but I would likely need to upgrade brakes (easy enough).
The two avenues I am considering are
1) Jake Raby. He can bore out a 2.5 to 2.9 and makeover the mechanicals of the motor to make it more robust. He gets about 260 hp in this fashion (200 stock). Add a turbo and it's about 300 hp.
2) Farnbacherloles engine swap. They can install 3.6, 3.6 X51 or 3.8 powerplants in a Boxster.
Has anyone here researched or gone either avenue? I'm wondering just what the cost is of these types of conversions and whether or not you would recommend doing it in hindsight.
I am thinking about adding some power to my 986 this winter. The suspensionw rocks (PSS9) but I would likely need to upgrade brakes (easy enough).
The two avenues I am considering are
1) Jake Raby. He can bore out a 2.5 to 2.9 and makeover the mechanicals of the motor to make it more robust. He gets about 260 hp in this fashion (200 stock). Add a turbo and it's about 300 hp.
2) Farnbacherloles engine swap. They can install 3.6, 3.6 X51 or 3.8 powerplants in a Boxster.
Has anyone here researched or gone either avenue? I'm wondering just what the cost is of these types of conversions and whether or not you would recommend doing it in hindsight.
08-20-2009, 05:38 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
The other one is TPC. They offer turbo kits.
Be careful with these, they are cheaper and easier but stress the motor more.
The Raby approach is the safest, smartest, but not the cheap way.
Be careful with these, they are cheaper and easier but stress the motor more.
The Raby approach is the safest, smartest, but not the cheap way.
08-20-2009, 09:50 PM
#4
Race Director
Hi All,
I am thinking about adding some power to my 986 this winter. The suspensionw rocks (PSS9) but I would likely need to upgrade brakes (easy enough).
The two avenues I am considering are
1) Jake Raby. He can bore out a 2.5 to 2.9 and makeover the mechanicals of the motor to make it more robust. He gets about 260 hp in this fashion (200 stock). Add a turbo and it's about 300 hp.
2) Farnbacherloles engine swap. They can install 3.6, 3.6 X51 or 3.8 powerplants in a Boxster.
Has anyone here researched or gone either avenue? I'm wondering just what the cost is of these types of conversions and whether or not you would recommend doing it in hindsight.
I am thinking about adding some power to my 986 this winter. The suspensionw rocks (PSS9) but I would likely need to upgrade brakes (easy enough).
The two avenues I am considering are
1) Jake Raby. He can bore out a 2.5 to 2.9 and makeover the mechanicals of the motor to make it more robust. He gets about 260 hp in this fashion (200 stock). Add a turbo and it's about 300 hp.
2) Farnbacherloles engine swap. They can install 3.6, 3.6 X51 or 3.8 powerplants in a Boxster.
Has anyone here researched or gone either avenue? I'm wondering just what the cost is of these types of conversions and whether or not you would recommend doing it in hindsight.
Turbo-chargers and superchargers have their place but car's engine compartment very cramped and unless engine built from ground up with super/turbo charging in mind the results can be less than satisfactory. Generally high compression engines like the Boxster engine do not like much boost and the amount one can safely run very limited.
Cost per unit of HP gained can be quite high.
A 3.6l or 3.8l engine in an early Boxster would be a killer car. I've toyed with idea of having a 3.2l or 3.6l engine put into my 02 when the time comes for a new engine vs. just buying another factory 2.7l engine.
Sincerely,
Macster.
08-21-2009, 08:52 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
I like the Raby approach as it eliminates some of the weak spots in the motor while adding power at the same time.
08-21-2009, 08:20 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Dave:
I feel your pain but if HP is what you are chasing get a 996 turbo they are way cheap and have lots of potential for boost upgrades to 700hp no big deal. If you are into project and dont mind spending more than what a cup car costs with the added benefit of not being able to sell it do what I did and build a outlaw boxster. Dont get me wrong I love the car and continue to tinker and build but the platform is just not suited for major HP. I will be looking at 3.8 in the near future......the sickness.
I feel your pain but if HP is what you are chasing get a 996 turbo they are way cheap and have lots of potential for boost upgrades to 700hp no big deal. If you are into project and dont mind spending more than what a cup car costs with the added benefit of not being able to sell it do what I did and build a outlaw boxster. Dont get me wrong I love the car and continue to tinker and build but the platform is just not suited for major HP. I will be looking at 3.8 in the near future......the sickness.
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08-22-2009, 12:34 AM
#8
An early Boxster with 325 HP sounds like the perfect car for me.
08-26-2009, 12:09 PM
#11
Pro
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Congrats on the car.
What do you think of it? I know he spent a bunch of time getting the details right.
It must be a rocket.
What do you think of it? I know he spent a bunch of time getting the details right.
It must be a rocket.
08-26-2009, 10:03 PM
#13
Drifting
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Worry about your clutch. A local guy had his 2.7 replaced with a 3.4 (iirc) by a shop in Atlanta. He's gone through several clutches in 2 years (yes, his drive style might be an issue). At least one was stock, and one was a "spec" brand, iirc. I think its just too much power for the 5 speed. Consider a 6 speed upgrade as well.. and yeah, brakes too.. and a 3rd radiator.. etc etc.
08-26-2009, 10:16 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Don't worry be happy and floor it.....
The car has about 30k on the motor and clutch, and it has the original 1998 90k 2.5 liter 5 speed. No center radiator.
No clutch, tranny, or over heating issues yet, and I drive the car hard.
The car has about 30k on the motor and clutch, and it has the original 1998 90k 2.5 liter 5 speed. No center radiator.
No clutch, tranny, or over heating issues yet, and I drive the car hard.
08-26-2009, 10:51 PM
#15
In addition to great taste in football teams Paul is right about the clutch. I have a stock clutch and 5-spd in my 99 with a 3.4. About 40,000 miles (with lots of track time prior to getting the race car) with no issues.
I hear Jake Raby does great work, but anything custom could pricey. The 3.4 swap is very straightforward and gets you 300HP, but you're still talking $10k. Those 2 would be my considerations if I were you.
Cheers
Randy
I hear Jake Raby does great work, but anything custom could pricey. The 3.4 swap is very straightforward and gets you 300HP, but you're still talking $10k. Those 2 would be my considerations if I were you.
Cheers
Randy