2001 C2 engine going - 3.2 swap
#1
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Thread Starter
2001 C2 engine going - 3.2 swap
Hello Rennlisters,
I have good and bad news.
I have a 2001 C2 996 with 153k mi.. ..well it wasn't the IMS that failed. I have it as my daily driver and it is now diagnosed with a rod bearing knock. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to drive it.
I have a low budget and plan on doing a proper rebuild but in the meantime I either have to get a beater to drive during the rebuild, or I was considering putting a boxster 3.2 S engine as they are cheaper than the 3.4 at least until the rebuild on the other engine is complete.
Here are my assumptions
1. 3.2S and 3.4 engines are the same block.
2. 3.2S and 3.4 engines are interchangable without fabrication. i.e bolt on swap.
3. no DME reprogram would be necessary if I used a 00-02 3.2S engine.
Am I correct? Are there any gotchas in doing this other than a bit of reduced HP?
I have good and bad news.
I have a 2001 C2 996 with 153k mi.. ..well it wasn't the IMS that failed. I have it as my daily driver and it is now diagnosed with a rod bearing knock. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to drive it.
I have a low budget and plan on doing a proper rebuild but in the meantime I either have to get a beater to drive during the rebuild, or I was considering putting a boxster 3.2 S engine as they are cheaper than the 3.4 at least until the rebuild on the other engine is complete.
Here are my assumptions
1. 3.2S and 3.4 engines are the same block.
2. 3.2S and 3.4 engines are interchangable without fabrication. i.e bolt on swap.
3. no DME reprogram would be necessary if I used a 00-02 3.2S engine.
Am I correct? Are there any gotchas in doing this other than a bit of reduced HP?
#3
Drifting
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ephrata, PA, USA now. Originally from the UK
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Maybe cheaper again if you ship your present one as core to the place that sells the Boxster 32 S. That's if you are keeping your car. Macster may advice you on the best move I think.
#4
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Thread Starter
White Out,
Thanks for the reply. You know, I was lurking your forum posts last night on that other site.
Thanks for the other suggestion to get a Boxter or another car during the rebuild. I really like driving my 996 and it is in great shape despite having 153k mi on the original engine.
I'm looking at this -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Porsche...ht_1172wt_1091
If I can install this low cost and just swap my 3.4 brackets/harness/accessories without expensive modifications or DME changes.
Once my original engine is then properly rebuilt I can resell or keep the 3.2 block.
Is this possible or is my line of thought incorrect?
Thanks for the reply. You know, I was lurking your forum posts last night on that other site.
Thanks for the other suggestion to get a Boxter or another car during the rebuild. I really like driving my 996 and it is in great shape despite having 153k mi on the original engine.
I'm looking at this -
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-Porsche...ht_1172wt_1091
If I can install this low cost and just swap my 3.4 brackets/harness/accessories without expensive modifications or DME changes.
Once my original engine is then properly rebuilt I can resell or keep the 3.2 block.
Is this possible or is my line of thought incorrect?
#7
Advanced
Thread Starter
Yes, I would be doing the swap myself. I've done a lot of work on my 996 and find it enjoyable to work on. 50% of the fun in owning a Porsche in my opinion is getting to work on such a great car yourself.
I've already had most of the intake manifold off to change the AOS. Dropping one engine and switching all the intake/fuel rails/accessories/ harness/ and sensors should be relatively straightforward.
I'm looking if there are those gotchas like... "hey the block on the 3.2 is the same but some of the holes aren't drilled and tapped for use in a 996 3.2" I don't think there are any.. but that is why I am asking now instead of waiting until I am 3k into an engine I can't utilize.
I've already had most of the intake manifold off to change the AOS. Dropping one engine and switching all the intake/fuel rails/accessories/ harness/ and sensors should be relatively straightforward.
I'm looking if there are those gotchas like... "hey the block on the 3.2 is the same but some of the holes aren't drilled and tapped for use in a 996 3.2" I don't think there are any.. but that is why I am asking now instead of waiting until I am 3k into an engine I can't utilize.
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#8
Rennlist Member
Search for 3.4L engine upgrades on Boxster threads. You would be doing it in reverse. I thought you had to swap out the DME in the Boxster during the upgrade but a few guys who have done it would know better..
#9
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Thread Starter
Yes, my understanding on the DME swap for a boxster is only required if you stay out of your year group.
Since I have a 2001 C2, with eGas I should be able to swap with a 2000-01 boxster 3.2 with motoronic 7.8 (non CANBUS) and electronic throttle without any changes.
If I were to go with a newer boxster, carrera 3.6, or 997 engine I would need to update the DME to the CANBUS (and all the required components) in order to be able to operate the VarioCam+ feature of the newer engines.
The long block I am looking at is a 2000 Boxster 3.2 with 64k mi.
Earlier engines may work but would have to use the correct throttle body.. electric vs cable driven, but the computer may use the electronic throttle position to manage the engine. I'm not completely sure.
Since I have a 2001 C2, with eGas I should be able to swap with a 2000-01 boxster 3.2 with motoronic 7.8 (non CANBUS) and electronic throttle without any changes.
If I were to go with a newer boxster, carrera 3.6, or 997 engine I would need to update the DME to the CANBUS (and all the required components) in order to be able to operate the VarioCam+ feature of the newer engines.
The long block I am looking at is a 2000 Boxster 3.2 with 64k mi.
Earlier engines may work but would have to use the correct throttle body.. electric vs cable driven, but the computer may use the electronic throttle position to manage the engine. I'm not completely sure.
#10
Rennlist Member
Yes, my understanding on the DME swap for a boxster is only required if you stay out of your year group.
Since I have a 2001 C2, with eGas I should be able to swap with a 2000-01 boxster 3.2 with motoronic 7.8 (non CANBUS) and electronic throttle without any changes.
If I were to go with a newer boxster, carrera 3.6, or 997 engine I would need to update the DME to the CANBUS (and all the required components) in order to be able to operate the VarioCam+ feature of the newer engines.
The long block I am looking at is a 2000 Boxster 3.2 with 64k mi.
Earlier engines may work but would have to use the correct throttle body.. electric vs cable driven, but the computer may use the electronic throttle position to manage the engine. I'm not completely sure.
Since I have a 2001 C2, with eGas I should be able to swap with a 2000-01 boxster 3.2 with motoronic 7.8 (non CANBUS) and electronic throttle without any changes.
If I were to go with a newer boxster, carrera 3.6, or 997 engine I would need to update the DME to the CANBUS (and all the required components) in order to be able to operate the VarioCam+ feature of the newer engines.
The long block I am looking at is a 2000 Boxster 3.2 with 64k mi.
Earlier engines may work but would have to use the correct throttle body.. electric vs cable driven, but the computer may use the electronic throttle position to manage the engine. I'm not completely sure.
#11
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
How will a weaker engine increase clutch wear? I say buy a cheap VW TDI and drive it until the rebuild id done. This way you'll have somethig to drive that costs next to nothing and saves you money to pay for the rebuild.
#12
Rennlist Member
#13
Three Wheelin'
ECU changes are going to be your biggest issue.
I totally understand your want to drive the 996 constantly. But financially, it might be a better option for you to drive something else for a few weeks/months. Try E30/E36, boxster, something to haul engines, etc.
Thanks for following the blog!
I totally understand your want to drive the 996 constantly. But financially, it might be a better option for you to drive something else for a few weeks/months. Try E30/E36, boxster, something to haul engines, etc.
Thanks for following the blog!
#14
Captain Obvious
Super User
Super User
#15
Rennlist Member