JOL

I'm considering having installed a x51 Porsche remanufactured engine to replace a "regular" engine that recently died.

Does anyone know what additional parts and procedures are required to do this?

I assume a stronger clutch, a third radiator, reflashing the chip, anything else?

Dharn55

If it is a 3.6 to 3.6 swap, not much at all. Clutches are the same, 3rd radiator is a good idea, not sure about the chip, I think the OEM DME is the same.

JOL

Thanks. Yes it is a 3.6.

Has anyone actually had the swap performed?

seanmcr6

Can I ask where you sourced that engine and how much you paid?

I'm thinking about doing the same thing....

sean

Ubermensch

There was just a thread about the dyno of an x51 engine. I believe the OP did the swap from a standard 3.6. Do a quick search and you'll kick it up.

-Shawn

Zookie

i have been told no need to swap the ECU aswell, they just Reprogam it... I have also read X51 is Under-Rated, performance comparable to GT3... Engine Performance only, not Handling....

JOL

I was told that the price for a X51 is the same as a regular 3.6L.
The only thing you need to add is the sport exhaust and that is listed for $6k. However, I was told you don't really need it.

garrett376

I've done this myself, so here are the facts vs the above speculation:
x51 engine price is the same, the core is $600 more (but you must have an x51 to get the x51 core price applied so if you don't, the engine is really $3659.50 more than the non-x51). You need two things to get an x51 engine to go into a normal 996: the special A/C line at the compressor due to the much wider/taller aluminum manifold, and second, the proper software flashed onto the engine computer. The software is hard to get because the Porsche computer limits the "flash" only to VIN numbers that have been authorized (by PMNA?) to have an x51 engine. My dealer did the flash for $70 - much cheaper than an aftermarket tuner which is around $1000+. If I didn't have an authorized VIN, they could not do the flash - their computer won't let them release the software to the car. Otherwise the A/C line is a $60 part and requires refilling/recharging of the system after changing. After that, the engine plugs right in. It does not require sport exhaust, either.

garrett376

JOL - what kind of car is this going into? If it's a C4S, the third radiator is not part of the entire x51 kit.

Dharn55

If you don't have the engine check with Suncoast. When I was considering a reman engine they would take a 3.4 core for a 3.6, maybe a 3.6 for a 3.6 X51. They were the only source I found that would/could do an apples to oranges core. Don't know if they still will.

Zookie

do you mean not all 996 can be flashed with the Software? What makes it Authorized"?

Todd Holyoak

Sorry, that simply isn't true. As long as you have the IPAS codes and a PIWIS or PST2, the 7.8 DME of any car can be flashed with the X51 software.

-Todd

B r i a n

How much are we talking about (parts/engine & Labor) for a 996 MK II (3.6) to a X51?

garrett376

Todd, have you done this before? Yes, it CAN be done on any 996 so what you say is correct... I'm not sure what part of what I said isn't true?! I don't know what an IPAS code is... but the software on the dealer's PIWIS requires a VIN that is authorized to have an x51. This is as of August 2010. I'm just reporting how it went down in my case, which I did every part of the swap except the software upload, in which case I stood and watched while it was performed (and paid the $70).

JOL

I'm assuming that the dealer "borrowed" another's car's vin number?