jamesjedi

I have searched and have not found a simple answer. What year of 3.2 engine will work? I will need an ECU as well. This is for a 2000 Boxster S that is NOT in pristine condition. Cheers for the answers/input.

As a side note, the K swap Honda idea get expensive quick, at least compared to a used 3.2.

ZuffenZeus

MY2000-2002
M96.21
5-chain Variocam engine.

jamesjedi

Thanks for the reply. Why cant I use a 2.9 from a 987.2? or at least the M96.26 (2005-06)?

ZuffenZeus

The 2.9L is a 9A1 - a radically different engine from the M96.21 and while the M96.26 is closer in design to your engine, it is still a very different from your Variocam 5 chain engine... it's a VarioCam Plus 3-chain engine. There are people that have swapped out harnesses and the DME to get it to work, but by that time you could just buy another Boxster S of the same year.

elgy

This article can help...
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...ngine_Swap.htm

jamesjedi

Thanks you for the help. Do you know if I can check the engine though the ECU? One engine I found is at the wreckers. from a 2003 Boxster S. Not sure I trust the history that was given. Dash cluster is out of the car. I may just part the car.Boxster 2000 (2.7L & 3.2 S)

• The Boxster 2000 chassis can accept any Carrera 996 3.4L engine, or can use any Boxster engine from 1997-2002. In 2003, Porsche switched to a vane-cell adjuster mechanism to control the variable camshaft timing, and this system requires the later DME running Motronic 7.8. Unless you upgrade the car to use the later DME (very difficult), you cannot use any 2002 or later 996 Carrera engine or any 2003 or later Boxster engine. You can swap in any replacement engine of the same displacement from 2000-02 without having to remap the DME. (I.E. a 2000 2.7L Boxster with a blown motor can accept a 2002 2.7L engine with no remapping needed). Installation of a 3.2 Boxster 'S' engine would be an easy installation, but would require an updated map for the DME.

Does this mean that if changed the ECU it would work with rest of the car, dash etc.? Or can I use the M96.26 and just remap the ECU?

jamesjedi

Why is it difficult to change the DME? Is this due to the ancillaries/dash etc?

Thanks for the advice!!!!

fazm

I believe the wiring harness is different, and swapping it is very extensive work/wise.

ER17

There are even variations in the wiring harnesses of different 5-chain years, so be careful!