silverboy

Hi all,

Below is a link from Capricorn Automotive in Germany. Although the 3.9L kit is not featured in the link, they emailed saying they do have one for Euro 3,600. In the kit are liners, pistons + rings + clips+ pins, head gaskets. It looks very cheap reasonable compared to the others (Manthey, Cargraphic, Sharkwerks). Since I'm based in the Philippines I can't deal with the incumbents as it'll be difficult to ship my car or engine.

My question is would it be very tough to install assuming there is a tuner and machine shop that can do so. It seems like a straightforward bored kit like others we've seen with other cars. How difficult is the boxer engine to open up.

http://www.capricorngroup.net/no_cache/en.html

mobonic

Nothing straightforward about boring an engine, especially a GT3/GT1 engine.

$3600 is cheap, but if it fails a new engine at $40k is not cheap.. and I'm sure its more for a GT3 crate engine in the Philippines.

Just drive the RS and enjoy it or ship it to sharkwerks in California or to Manthey in Germany, as those seem to be the most reputable builders that have 10+ units that so far have had good results.

silverboy

Mobonic - you're right, the risk/reward ratio doesn't seem favourable. US$3.6K vs US$40K if it goes wrong. Sigh.

outline

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911SLOW

DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT unless you are sure you have a good mechanic that knows these engines and has clear instructions from the tuner and equivalent equipment.

Besides the price you quoted is normal not cheap
cargraphics/rs tuning 3.9 L nikasil coated piston and steel liner set costs 3500Euro

But then they go and charge you :
6000 for exhausts cats
1500 for the DME upgrade
and 12000Euros to install.
Success of the installation and life of the motor down the road comes from parts used inside but mostly from labor and equipment used during the conversion.

John

silverboy

Thanks Neil and John,

I didnt know Capricorn was a tier 1 player. Adds more credibility. But I'm really nervous about the whole assembly angle. I'm checking what the cost would be if they can assemble. I would imagine it would be close to what the incumbents are charging.

Snowboarder54

Just my 2 cents: there is much more for a 3.9 conversion to be successful then pistons and liners!!

MM3.9GT3

This is apples and oranges.

You are comparing a parts price to a turnkey install from Sharkwerks or Manthey. The labor costs are massive, and you get many other things with the Sharkwerks or Manthey conversions.

silverboy

I'm feeling both you MM3 and Snow...

Carrera GT

TB993tt

Looks cheap compared to turbocharged version, remember to add the 19% VAT

MM3.9GT3

How about a 2011 RS with GMG Exhaust? That is a strong car.

HHANS951

http://www.youtube.com/user/RACPerfo.../4/U0fI5kUfYYY

sin911

+1! It's not as easy as plug and play... Let alone taking the engine apart and putting it back together increasing the displacement is going to be a tough one. I'd suggest doing it at a dealer who knows how to.

Also you will need a custom ECU tune, which could take up to hours, even days for a custom engine.

So once you break it down it is not the parts that is expensive, it is the work that is involved with the project.

silverboy

Sadly I still have to trade in my car and add US$100K minimum for a '11 due to import taxes...etc. Although it's a better car, I don't think it's US$100K better.