Pablo

I am thinking about upgrading my 1998 C2S to a 3.8, does anyone have a COMPLETE list of parts needed to do this. It would be a nice thing to have for other Rennlisters thinking about doing it!! Thanks, Pablo

Phil

3.8 kit

Its not a very cost effective thing to do. If it were, most here would have done it already.

TheOtherEric

Pablo,
You do know that this will cost like $20,000 right? Just making sure. Where do you plan on having the work done here in Chicago? I assume Perfect Power or Midwest Eurosport. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd trust anyone around here with that job, but that's just me...

Dan V

I have seen complete "new with warranty" 3.8 engines for 993 on eBay for $19K.

Geoffrey

The answer depends on what your definition of 3.8 is. If you use all of the parts from a factory 3.8RS as the kit from Gert implies, then it will be expensive. However, if you install the factory RS 3.8 P&C, RS Camshafts, Mechanical rockers and have someone reprogram your ECU to match, you will save some cost.

The 3.8l engines you see vary widely at to the configuration. Some use JE pistons at various compression, some use factory Mahle pistons at 11.3:1 and all have different cams, intake and exhaust. You nee to be able to understand if the engine configuration will work for your application.

Ben in Plano, TX

Pablo,

If you are not doing the work yourself figure 50-60 hours of shop labor to do the job right. Depending on your local labor rates that will be $4k - $7k right there. 3.8 P/C are going to run you $5k if you get a set that has all the rings, pins, etc. with it. ECU reflash will be $1k - $1.5k. Top end work will probably run $2k - $3k assuming you do valve guides, replace lifters (hydraulic or mechanical), bore out the SAI passages, and change cams. You probably also want to free up exhaust flow with a 100 cell cat - another $1.5k. Then there is the muffler question....

So even a non-factory 3.8 is likely to cost $15k..... If you do the work yourself you are still looking at $10k.

Ben

DCLee

I have done it using the factory 3.8 power kit, and if you have the money for this admitedly very luxurious conversion, it's a nice modification that will definitely give the car more punch-- especially in combination with a LWF. I would only do this if you are planning on keeping the car for a l-oooong time.

Lee in D.C.
'04 GT3 RS Clone

Bill Verburg

I did a 3.8 conversion using the coated Mahle RS pistons, 109mm cylinders, RS cams(hydraulic), RS valves, etc. The main missing pieces are the mg lower RS intake tracts. It is expensive but a very nice flexible package when done. The hp isn't the big thing, the torque is, it is just always there. $15 -20k is right in the ballpark.

Get a very competant shop to do the work, there are several gotyas that will be encountered. The hardest part will probably be finding a shop to burn a chip for it on a dyno.

mborkow

(n/a) 993 + $20k = 993TT
if i were going to spend another $20k on my 993, i would just get a TT :-)

Ben in Plano, TX

Of course if you don't know that car (the TT) you could be purchasing some nasty surprises....

When I decided to rebuild my engine (back to 3.6 stock - not to 3.8) I thought about it for a moment - but I will end up with a car that has had everything gone through very thoroughly and should be a reliable car for another 10 years.

97Targa

Me too. 1k per cc? AHH NO.

ZombiePorsche44

Chip, Exhaust & sport airbox = 300 reliable HP! at maybe $2500.00 tops.....hummm $20K ? or $2.5K ?.........new car Reliable ? or lots of variables to create problems ?

My money is always on KISS, "keep it simple stupid!" or it could be "keep it stupid simple!" Take your pick.

my 02c

ZP44 out.....

David in LA

if you really want to spend $20k then get protomotive's stage 2 turbo conversion. otherwise I think you'd get more bang for the buck with b&b, mild headwork, chip and regearing the tranny.

Carrera GT

The 3.8 kit is one of the lowest bang-for-the-buck options for a 993.

Instead, drop dead weight around the car, rebuild the trans with close ratios and slide in a lightweight flywheel. Keep in mind the various emissions issues with Euro kits that don't have all the US-Spec fixtures and fittings.

That said, I'd like to build a 3.8, but I'd just take the car to an engine builder of merit and give them a budget ... US$20K will take you a long way up the HP (or down the slippery slope as it were ...)

UPDATE: I'd rather get a local engine builder of merit and have him (her) install the ninemeister 4.0 kit.

993RS

I did it on my previous 993. I would not do it again.