IMS Failed => 997 Engine into 987?

[sjlee001]

Hello everybody, I've got a 2005 Boxster S and recently had my check engine light come on. Took it into the dealer and it turns out a IMS related failed; ball bearings rolled out when they took the IMS cover off. So my Lexus extended warranty (I bought it used in 2007 from a Lexus dealer) initially offered to replace the engine with a used engine with 20,000 miles and I refused. But I looked around and it seems there are a couple 997 engines floating around and saw a couple posts that claim the engine would drop in a 987 very easily. Does anybody have any direct experience or knowledge about this? Thanks guys, Stephen

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[notquitefob]

i wouldn't say "easy" but there has been a number of 3.8 transplants over the past few years for both road and race versions of the 987. you may want to contact one of our board sponsors who have done the transplant to see if this is something you want your Lexus dealership to embark upon.

I know Mind Over Motorsport down here in San Diego did it on their shop Cayman S, but unfortunately they're no longer in business. From what I've heard, while the engine will drop in place, there's quite a bit of electronics to work out.

I think Farnbacherloles has done it before when building the Cayman GTR, and Sharkwerks/EVO/RSS are known to get their hands wet on the Cayman may be able to share some of their thoughts.

[teoh2005]

IMS failures are common with 2005 and early 2006 model engines. In 2006 Porsche beefed up the IMS bolt and that prevented IMS failures. However if you heavily track your car, it will fail due to oil starvation. Mine failed last month at Blackhawk. Porsche covered part of a new engine and I am adding a an oil safe kit from TTP as well as an extended oil pan to help prevent another failure. I would say just go with another 3.4 engine unless you want to shell out 25K for a 3.8 swap. But if you can get your extended warranty to cover a 3.8 go for it. I was contemplating doing the 3.8 if Porsche did not cover a new 3.4.

-Kevin

[txhokie4life]

how hard would it be to put a Cayman 3.4S into a
986 or 987?

easier than a 996 engine in a 986/987?

m

[Josh@TPCRACING]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

As far as swapping a 997 motor into a 987 goes, we do not recommend it. One reason we don't recommend it is because, while the engines are very similar, the are minor differences that can be expensive differences to fix. Also it is not just the motor, it's the harness and tuning. The harness from the 997 engine will not directly swap, so there is a lot of custom wiring to be done. In the end these swaps often cost 2-3 times more than the buyer originally thought. 997 engines also cost quite a bit more than a 987 engine.

As a general rule, we like to leave the car with the motor it started life with. 986 motor in a 986...997 motor in a 997. These vehicles were designed to work best with the motor they came with. If more power is something you are interested in, there are plenty of more cost effective options rather than an engine swap. You can do the small things like plenum or exhaust or ECU tune. Or if serious power is what you're looking for, we do produce a Turbo kit for the Boxster that should provide more than enough power, about +400BHP out of a BoxsterS.

Good luck with you repair!