I'm in a bit of an 'unusual' situation as that I have a low mileage 03 996tt engine, Tial turbos, accessories/harness, etc laying around. I'm looking for something unique to do with it. Since I don't have the car yet, I have the luxury of finding the car that is best suited to the swap.
That said, I've searched and am either using the wrong search terms or can't find the facts for the noise. I've read Todd's 3.4 engine swap pdf (now out-dated) and have read most of Wayne's book via google-online. I'm currently waiting for a copy to arrive for the final reading.
Ideally, I'd like to use a 2005 car, but a 03-04 might be a better choice. This is where I need some help. I've done engine swaps similar to this (V6 in an MR2, GS400 engine in an IS300, Celica GTS engine into an MR2 spyder) However with some of the Porsche terminology and interchange I admit I'm a bit lost. I know the key to making this a street legal car and a *nice* driver will be the proper understanding of the electronics.
My questions are:
1. What is the best year model for this swap.
2. Will the Boxster 6 speed bolt to the 996tt block? (I know the flywheel is different) I've read conflicting data about the transmission bolting to the block in my searches.
3. Can the 2005 7.8.4 DME control the turbo engine with reflashing? (I know rewiring/modifying/adding to the boxster harness will be necessary)
a. If it can't, will the '05 chassis accept an earlier 7.8 996TT DME?
b. If not, would the 03/04 Chassis do it or accept the 996TT DME to the Chassis?
4. Who can I hire (local to Dallas TX or mail-order) to help with the programming? I wouldn't be opposed to purchasing or renting a PST2.
5. I'm assuming I can get IPAS codes for the car I purchase, but am unsure if I provide a dismantler's receipt for a DME if I can get the IPAS for the used parts.
6. Who can I hire for information/Parts? Having learned about late model engine swaps myself. I know this information and experience wasn't come by cheaply.
7. Air flow meter. Will it work with the TT unit or will I need to come up with some sort of AFM modifier?
Flow/problems of this project would be: (assuming the transmission bolts up) I do assume that I will lose most, if not all of the trunk.
1. Physically, bolt everything up, identify the sensors that will need to be changed/modified. Remove wires/pins from the 996tt harness and integrate them into the Boxster harness. Variocam/boost solenoids, etc.
2. Reverse intake manifolds. (I have 997GT2 manifolds that I can cut/modify a bit if necessary)
3. Oil cooler may get in the way of the reversed intake.
4. Oil tank is likely to be modified or relocated or all of the above.
5. Convert the chassis to a return style fuel pressure regulator or convert the engine to returnless fuel. (?)
6. Once bolted up and major items are 'in'. Start plumbing everything.
7. Cuss a bunch for how tight all the plumbing will need to be.
Clearly, this is a high overview of this project. But at this point, answers to the above questions will aid in my desire to go forward with this project. The only way I'm interested in seeing it through is if it's possible to make a nice car out of the project. From Todd, Wayne's and Brad's posts they all feel that the proper year car will aid in this equation.
For those of you curious, some of my projects are here: www.bedellracing.com Look under projects. They are a bit outdated, but show the work I've done.
Thanks in advance for any guidance!
-Brad