Replacement engine for 1999C4 needed

[Rickker]

I had posted this topic in the DIY forum, but now think that was the wrong forum, since there has been no response.

Anyway, my original 3.4 engine expired a few days ago. We were driving along at a leisurely 65 mph in 6th gear when there was a clattering noise, some vibration and smoke. After pulling over to the shoulder as quickly as possible, and looking underneath, this is what I saw (photo taken from driver's side). BTW, this is a 1999 C4 coupe, 6-speed with just over 100,000 miles on the odometer. I have owned the car for less than one year, and drove it over 6000 miles without any problems until now.

I believe the chain broke, and was thrashed around causing the hole in the cam cover casting. The amount of internal damage will only be known when the engine is disassembled. I am not keen with the repair option, since this is a high mileage engine, and, frankly, I have lost some confidence with these early 3.4 units.

I am now looking for a replacement engine. There is now the temptation to install a more powerful engine, if I can find and afford one. I'm looking for advice/suggestions on what is involved in swapping in a 3.6, GT3 or 996 Turbo.

Has anyone out there done this? I don't expect to do the work myself, but I would like to know what I would be getting into before purchasing another engine.

Thanks.

....Rickker

[Loren]

Installing a 3.6 would require a DME change. A GT3 or 996TT engine is not really feasible (IMHO) because the base engine for those cars is different (from the 964-993 engine base). That would require changing the oil system, transmission and engine mounts.

[Lee Quave]

Try the search feature. The question has been asked before but if memory serves me right the major challenge and expense has to do with electronics and/or the necessity of replacing the wiring harness.

GL and keep us posted on the progress.

[Rickker]

Installing a 3.6 would require a DME change. A GT3 or 996TT engine is not really feasible (IMHO) because the base engine for those cars is different (from the 964-993 engine base). That would require changing the oil system, transmission and engine mounts.

Thanks Loren. That's what I needed to know. Maybe it's just as well that the GT3 and TT engines aren't feasible, since they would likely be too expensive anyway. I am now down to two options.

....Rickker