TheChunkNorris

No I absolutely agree with you but sometimes when people talk about the LS swap, I feel they overlook a lot of other variables for the sake of saying the swap is superior to a rebuilt M96 in every aspect. There is no argument to the instant power upgrade you gain with the LS. Your numbers for engines is way more accurate than $6k especially since you're probably going to rebuild/replace serviceable components that add to the price. Not to mention labor IF you're not doing it yourself. We're also not including the unknown longterm factors of heat in that engine bay, some unbreakable engines have been broken in Porsches(K-Series Honda without a dry sump).

Marv

I don't know about that. Ring times seem to favor power. Guys are even bumping displacement in their 6-GT3 motors. The real reasons have more to do with increased torque.

For street it's more about bragging rights.

EVOMMM

I’m not a fan of conversions of the different brands
but if they want to waste their time do it
and like GC996 said earlier lmk what it’s worth in 10 years from now
Conversions are nothing new but who can recite the most famous converted cars of the past???

TheChunkNorris

There's one swap that really gets my attention and it's a 9A1 991S engine in our cars... there's a dude who has a 991 GT3 engine in a 996 too.

GC996

Agreed. No question the Ring is a different animal. Nothing like it in the US. Someday I will drive it.

Yep, we all like bragging rights, especially with HP. Unfortunately, most havent mastered the driving skills to fully use their 325 hp, let alone boosting it to 450. But for the few that have mastered the skills, and they want more power in their 996, they should go for it.

The million dollar question for the 996 that i have been trying to solve over the past two years is how much power do i really need in my 996.2 to continue to compete on the track in the fastest PCA run group with the power and techno wizardry of new 911s and Caymans.

My conclusion is 385 hp on a typical 2 mile long track and 420-450 on a 4 mile long track. Anything more than 420-450 in our cars without the modern nanny electronics to control the dynamics would make the car uncontrollable on the track.

Then the next set of questions materialize which are:
(1) how are you going to get the power (swap or rebuild), and
(2) what do you have to do with your aero, suspension, brake and tire set-up to be able to fully use it without finding yourself pancaked to the track wall.

Nevertheless, the 996 LS is pretty interesting. But I would prefer a rebuilt M96 engine. Call me a traditionalist. Been called worse.

motoo344

Good points. I mean you could grab any sort of LSX out of a junkyard for a few bucks and swap it, the swap parts might cost more than the engine itself but why would you? If you are going through that trouble might as well do heads, cam, fresh valvetrain and any other while you are in theres. They would be totally different driving experiences. I am fortunate enough to have an 03 Cobra now as well so I would lean more towards rebuilding my M96 or just selling it as a roller if the engine blew, only downside is it being a cab would make that harder.

Marv

Yes, and this is where upgrading to a newer track car can make more long term financial sense. And I know it is not popular in some circles, but the Cayman GT4 or better yet, GT4 RS looks like an amazing choice if you want to stay in the Porsche fold.

Everything is already in there and tuned to current state of the art. Take as an example the air-cooled 911s at our autocross. They sound great, but they are difficult to drive and even with a good driver they are still slow compared to cars with even slightly more modern suspensions and additional horsepower. More horsepower isn't really the answer, as you pointed out, and you can quickly reach a point of diminished returns trying to upgrade a chassis that is decades behind the technology curve. Soon you are simply racing in a vintage motor class.

GC996

Yep. While i will never get rid of my 996, if I was going to get another street/track car it would be one of the GT4s.

TheChunkNorris

I get you and don’t disagree.

wdb

Back to 6-cylinder topics. Generally speaking my impression is that the tightening economy is impacting Cars&Bids a heck of a lot more than BaT. Loads of cars on there with sluggish bidding.

Extensively modified 996.1, nearly track ready: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3OV...-carrera-coupe

Another candidate for 996 low water mark? .1 cab that doesn't appear to be pulling bids: https://carsandbids.com/auctions/Km1...rera-cabriolet

3/98 911 coupe

what you guys think. $10k for the convertible.

Corso

No they are not. One LS model, the LS7, has a documented valve guide issue that has been known to cause premature wear on the valves causing them to break, The majority of documented cases are on engines that have had installation of a high-lift cam. Two things; I've never seen an LS7 used in a 911 swap, and if someone was going to (that would be insane...in a good way!), the heads could be easily remedied on the doner engine before it was installed in the car.

Modern LS engines are very stout motors. I currently own an LS7 & LS3, and have owned an LS2 and LS6 in the past. Great motors.

3/98 911 coupe

I know there are issues with the M96/97 engines. Try a Mezger and you’ll be
in a totally different world.

Corso

We are not talking about Mezgers, are we?

3/98 911 coupe

I love my 99 but I had test driven turbos. Now that I have one and have driven it 3000 miles these things are
awesone, an LS is always going to be a Chevrolet Corvette engine a Mezger is an engineering wonder.