lowpue

So here is likely a stupid question but let me first explain my motivation. I have a teenage son who is starting to drive but I want him to learn to drive a manual and then track with me. However, I also want a detuned 911 to protect him with a roof (so boxster is not an option). So what I have started to think about is maybe buying a 996 with blown engine and installing a boxster engine in its place. Is this doable and if so what would I need to do? Or more importantly...is this just plain stupid?

Thoughts?

808Bill

You looking to adopt? I'm very well behaved...

Cuda911

Why not get a Cayman?

TonyTwoBags

^^ yes.

Cayman with a 2.7 is not fast, handles well. That type of power isn't crazy for a young one. Plus, you'd get to drive a Cayman if you get the itch.

docmirror

1) It's already been done putting a Box S engine in a 996 chassis. Needs some intake adjusting but it will work.

2) All Box engines are flat 6, and the 912 was a flat 4, so not an equivalence.

3) No matter what you do, any kid can get into trouble with a 40HP car.

4) If you are going to do the swap, your engine will be worth ~$8k. Of course, if you find a roller with a junk engine, it'll be worth f***all. Make sure you find a roller where there has been no intermix. If it's intermixed, all the coolant hoses have to be repl. Yuch.

5) While you are doing this, do the IMS on the Box engine, make it decently bulletproof(if there is such a word with the M96).

Appendix: My son learned to drive on a 90 928GT as it was a stick. We had to repl the clutch when he was done learning. Plan for it.

lowpue

You guys all have me laughing....so here is my response to all of you.
1) No adoption....my kids are already more than I can handle
2) Caymans are pretty much around 996 prices and would always prefer a 911 in that case
3) Good to know that it has been done
4) Yep I have a 912 so I know the cylinder counts :-) ...I was looking at it more as creating an underpowered 911 which the 912 is.
5) I assume your are talking about oil/coolant intermixing.
6) Totally agree on IMS

So to give you more of my thinking, I think I can find a car with a blown engine for about 6K and a boxster engine for about 2K...then 2K to install and I have a detuned 996 for 10K...Is that an unreasonable expectation?

TonyTwoBags

Could be cheaper than a base Cayman, resale will be a PITA. But who cares with that low cost of entry?

Volkert

Are you sure on that none-adoption policy? I will walk the dog daily AND do the occasional dishes...

Volkert

Cuda911

I think when all is said and done, you will exceed that 10K figure. Plus all the hassle. There's plenty of decent Caymans (Caymani?) out there for much less than an equivalent 996.

Or, get a Boxster, get the hard top for it, and put in a cage. I think these are better options than what you are proposing.

Or.... get him a Miata and cage it.

shneapfla

I totally agree with that - I'm quite sure that's the most cost-sensible options, as it would be easy to put that stuff off of the Boxster and sell all 3 "part" separately for reasonable money.

lowpue

Hmm...the cage in a boxster is a great suggestion...and also for what it is worth, I did miss out on a miata last week...Again a great suggestion.

808Bill

And the Boxter's are well balanced in the corners. Or you could build a "Porscharu" if set on the 911.

Quadcammer

Boxster with a cage or rollbar extension on the street is not a good idea.

Buy the cayman with the 2.7. it makes more sense

RDL

Buy a 944s2 or a 944 Turbo. Inexpensive, quick enough and very well balanced. Momentum cars by today's standard and an excellent platform to learn.

Dennis C

I'd go with a Cayman or a 944.