Thank you for making your videos! No updates in a long time, so I was curious if you still have the car, and if you still are happy with it. I have a blown motor 987 Boxster S and am strongly considering doing this swap. My main two concerns are cooling, and how the steering feels with the electronic rack. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Micah and that you for watching my videos and your nice comments! Sorry for the lack of videos, and to hear about your Boxster! I've been wanting to make more as I'm doing another conversion right now on a 911 cab for someone. I no longer have the boxster though :( I didn't have any cooling problems once all the kinks were worked out, but I also upgraded all of my radiators to CSF. The steering took a bit to get used to but felt good! The system is from a toyota MR2 Spyder so they did a good job developing it. Let me know if I can help with anything else! I think i'll make a quick video tonight and see if anyone is still interested in the things I do :) Good luck with your car!
random816 Thanks for the quick reply man! I had heard somewhere that the steering rack was from a Prius which had me worried! I guess maybe Toyota used it in multiple vehicles. I loved the hydraulic feel of the car so I’m a little reticent to lose that. Why did you sell the Boxster if you don’t mind my asking?
@@micahstory Na it is just a electric steering pump and controller an you modify and just make new hydraulic lines with your stock steering fittings and plug it directly into your steering rack, so just an electric pump that powers the steering - it worked good. Unfortunately I had just spent to much money on the car and was time to move on~ Good luck!
random816 gotcha...that makes sense. The money is another concern! I’m wondering if it’s worth putting in that kind of money into the car...it’s hard to let go of it as I loved driving it, but unless BTC goes to the moon I probably shouldn’t spend 30k+ on something that is just for fun. Anyway, thanks for answering my questions! I’d definitely like to see more videos from you if you decide to do more projects in the future! 👍😊
@@micahstory Haha i'm hoping for the moon on BTC too! Sounds like you are a smart person! :) Yeah the money is tough - There are certain things you're not going to be able to avoid unless you have the parts already or are really handy such as the engine mounting system, clutch/adapter setup, water/steering pumps etc. Trust me it all starts to add up! I've wanted to do a "budget" build but I don't know if it can be done for less than $15K... not impossible, but to make it a safe car $15K+ I can be pretty handy so i'm gonna see if a $10K build is possible - I really loved that car and wouldn't mind having another one :) I'll try to post a quick update video with my current cars/projects soon! THANKS! J
Wow incredible build! true craftsmanship, was the transaxle able to handle all that power well? I have a 914 with a stock ls1 and 901 trans, feels like the trans going to grenade at any moment
Thanks for the kind words, it was a lot of fun! We had a few LS 914s come through our old shop, mostly for transmission upgrades... Unfortunately the 901 was just not meant to handle the torque an LS can put out. I've seen several grenaded BUILT 901s. Swapping to a Boxster transmission is definitely the way to go. not cheap but will not leave you stranded like the 901 eventually will~. Boxster box is strong, my car had 480~ HP and never had an issue... Good luck!
@@random816 So if Boxster transmissions can handle that much power why dont more people use them in like Gt40 replicas, why do people use G50 and then complain? This is INSANE
How did it handle in comparison to stock? I know LS engines are known for being lightweight for their size but I have to imagine it would be at least a little heavier.
With the stock suspension you could definitely feel the car was overpowering the tired stock suspension. Once I upgraded to coil overs car handled amazingly!!
Hi Craig, thanks for your question~ As long as you are starting with a Boxster S 6 speed transmission you should be fine. It is a transaxle so you basically have to rebuild the gearbox to change out the final drive... plus it is expensive/rare/hard to find upgraded ring/pinions for these cars. I believe a company in Australia makes one but it is like $3500 and they only make them in batches on 10 or something like that. Stock gearbox will be fine unless you are 500++ HP I think~ Good Luck!! J
Looking at a 986 S with blown 3.2, made an offer today. Was considering 3.4 swap. Didn't realize people were slamming LS3s in them. Possibly one of the best V8s Ever! I live near twisty two lane unmarked black top roads where the Boxsters, z3s, and MX5s excell. Not interested in drag racing for seconds, losing to Corvettes and Mustangs, and burning up clutches and transmissions. I'll take one of my above mentioned babies out for an afternoon of mountain road carving for my kicks. How do LS3 Boxster S models handle on twisty roads? How much more (or less) does the car weigh with the LS3 than with the 2.7 or 3.2 boxer engines? How many dollars and how many hours for the entire build?
Greetings, I think you would be quite pleased with an LS3 Boxster, mine was done right with suspension and brake upgrades - very awesome car. I covered most of these things in my previous videos, weight on track scales with the quiet exhaust system was right at 3000 pounds - about the same as the 3.2 although I didn't weigh the stock car. Dollars and hours are up to you, there are a lot of ways to build these. I bought most all of the parts at shop cost and still spent over $30K, I probably had 300+ hours in building the finished product you see here. If you want just the basics done of getting a LS3 in it probably 110-120 hours. Good luck!
random816 Would you still have used the renegade kit or would you attempt to fabricate your own and potentially align the engine/tranny better to avoid the axle issue?
Most of the mounting bits were purchased through Renegade Hybrids... Lots of good info throughout my videos and on the 986forums.com where I did the documentation for it... should be a direct link in the info section of some of the build videos... Good luck!
Hello, I know this is an old video, but maybe you'll see this, I've been thinking about doing this swap, but I'm wondering how it's going to do on the long term, if you can enlighten me. Otherwise, I love the build, cheers
Thanks Killian I appreciate the kind words. You will be happy with the swap! I did sell the car but overall the biggest worry was the axles. I made some corrections with spacers and was using cheap aftermarket units so if I were to do it again I would cough up the extra coin and do the axles right which would cost between $2500 and $4500. It is a lot of money, but having the peace of mind that I could really flog on the car without worrying about them is worth it. Good luck!
@random816 do you have time to connect with me and talk about your experience with this build? I just lost another motor while racing this week, I'm thinking about going this direction.
Hi Edagar, yes they are pretty sweet! They are BBS SR wheels which you can get through Tire Rack - www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=BBS&wheelModel=SR&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted Good luck with your swap! J
THANKS! Unfortunately never ran it in the 1/4, just the 1/2 and it was mostly for top speed not times~ I'm certain with a bit of practice mid 11's easy... probably faster with some drag radials!
Love this! Honestly, germany should just do what bristol did. Build the chassis and body and put an american driveline in it with american electrical system. German cars aren't so good anymore.
Hey Tim, thanks a lot, I appreciate it! I've been working this year opening my own shop and are currently working by appointment only. Shoot me an email at John@9XXGuys.com and I'll be glad to chat with you about your project. Thanks!
Did you sell it? EDIT just saw you did. What kind of top speed did you get with this setup? I'm actually building a mid-engine turbo LS with the Renegade adapter to a 6 spd Boxster manual transmission. Really nice work on your build!
Thank you, yes unfortunately I did sell it. I would estimate the top speed at around 155-160 before it runs out of gear. I think you can see the tach in one of the 1/2 mile runs and I believe the car was running about 5500RPM at 142MPH. I think the motor would rev to 6500~ before it hit the limiter. Only way together more speed from it is to put a taller final drive in it which is just about impossible to find. Stock is a 3.33 ratio I believe and although I can't remember the name of the company a well known crank manufacturer made some but they only do batches on like 20+ and last time I checked they hadn't made a batch in over 3 years. Even then not sure how much more you would get from it, I think 180+ if you wanted. Good luck on your build!
Yeah it was great once I sorted out the axle issues! Car has been sold few a few years now but new owner had a few thousand miles on it after I sold and no issues i'm aware of~
don't recall exactly but around 2500 or so. I know 80 mph was right around 3000. Always wanted to get a taller ratio but it adds up fast if you can even get your hands on the stuff.
Hi Robert, hope you've been well! I'm starting to get back into the swing of things and am overdue in announcing my current car/project - I hope to have some extra time this week to make a video... but since you asked it starts with a 996 and ends with an oooooooooooooooooooooo! ;) Thanks!
Seems like such an affordable,fun, great looking and amazing handling build. Porsche boxster with a affordable lightly modified 4.8 ls, 5.3 ls (for affordability) or if wanna spend more id love to swap a 4g63 turbo, bmw twin turbo inline 6, vw golf R turbo 4cyl or maybe even a stock mark 4 Vw Gti Vr6 engine.
What kind of gas mileage did you get? You mentioned on the highway it turned pretty slowly in top gear, so I imagine it's not bad if you can keep your foot out of it.
Well actually with the stock transmission it turned a bit higher then I wanted, I think around 3K RPMs @ 80 MPH. Mileage was decent but never tracked it really, I'd say 25MPG+... if you could keep your foot out of it ;)
@@zachlaraquel796 It might, but without seeing it I have no idea. It is a very tight fit to get the motor to fit into the car so it just depends on how you want it to look in the end. I wanted mine to look stock so it took a lot of work. If you want to Cleetus McFarland it then i'm sure it will fit! Good luck!
Hi Edwin, sorry I missed your comment - Trying to get back into the swing of things and currently finishing up a 911 conversion for someone. Let me know if you are still interested in doing a project!
lol are you talking about the mustang? The 700+HP stage 3 Roush racing with drag tires? Best race was with the yellow Corvette which was neck and neck... that car made 500 RWHP.
Those are BBS SR's - www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=BBS&wheelModel=SR&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted&tab=wheels
How did you connect the engine to the trans axle? What type of flywheel did you use? I have a lot of questions for this build do you know of someone who sells a kit for this? Thanks and a very professional job.
You did such an incredible job on this build.
Thank you very much Dwight!
I followed your build on the forum, top notch!!! This guy gives a damn about doing it right, someone is going to get an incredible car.
Thank you Mark, I definitely appreciate it!
Mark, random. Very interesting. Which forum please?
How, where, when.......
Never why...... that's obvious.
Incredible ride. A true hot rod
oh great! Another car to add to.my "when I hit the jackpot" list...
Nice to see u runnin it against other cars. Big props for that.
Love the car man
You inspired me and planning to do an budget LS 5.3 turbo on a boxster frame lambo replica
That sounds awesome! Good luck!
Very creative engineering 💰💰💰💰🔥🔥🔥🔥
Damn.. I want that thing.
Heavens landing...wish they still held it
Wow that is very tight
Thank you for making your videos! No updates in a long time, so I was curious if you still have the car, and if you still are happy with it. I have a blown motor 987 Boxster S and am strongly considering doing this swap. My main two concerns are cooling, and how the steering feels with the electronic rack. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Hi Micah and that you for watching my videos and your nice comments! Sorry for the lack of videos, and to hear about your Boxster! I've been wanting to make more as I'm doing another conversion right now on a 911 cab for someone. I no longer have the boxster though :( I didn't have any cooling problems once all the kinks were worked out, but I also upgraded all of my radiators to CSF. The steering took a bit to get used to but felt good! The system is from a toyota MR2 Spyder so they did a good job developing it. Let me know if I can help with anything else! I think i'll make a quick video tonight and see if anyone is still interested in the things I do :) Good luck with your car!
random816 Thanks for the quick reply man! I had heard somewhere that the steering rack was from a Prius which had me worried! I guess maybe Toyota used it in multiple vehicles. I loved the hydraulic feel of the car so I’m a little reticent to lose that. Why did you sell the Boxster if you don’t mind my asking?
@@micahstory Na it is just a electric steering pump and controller an you modify and just make new hydraulic lines with your stock steering fittings and plug it directly into your steering rack, so just an electric pump that powers the steering - it worked good. Unfortunately I had just spent to much money on the car and was time to move on~ Good luck!
random816 gotcha...that makes sense. The money is another concern! I’m wondering if it’s worth putting in that kind of money into the car...it’s hard to let go of it as I loved driving it, but unless BTC goes to the moon I probably shouldn’t spend 30k+ on something that is just for fun. Anyway, thanks for answering my questions! I’d definitely like to see more videos from you if you decide to do more projects in the future! 👍😊
@@micahstory Haha i'm hoping for the moon on BTC too! Sounds like you are a smart person! :) Yeah the money is tough - There are certain things you're not going to be able to avoid unless you have the parts already or are really handy such as the engine mounting system, clutch/adapter setup, water/steering pumps etc. Trust me it all starts to add up! I've wanted to do a "budget" build but I don't know if it can be done for less than $15K... not impossible, but to make it a safe car $15K+ I can be pretty handy so i'm gonna see if a $10K build is possible - I really loved that car and wouldn't mind having another one :)
I'll try to post a quick update video with my current cars/projects soon! THANKS! J
How much did it sell for?
Wow incredible build! true craftsmanship, was the transaxle able to handle all that power well? I have a 914 with a stock ls1 and 901 trans, feels like the trans going to grenade at any moment
Thanks for the kind words, it was a lot of fun! We had a few LS 914s come through our old shop, mostly for transmission upgrades... Unfortunately the 901 was just not meant to handle the torque an LS can put out. I've seen several grenaded BUILT 901s. Swapping to a Boxster transmission is definitely the way to go. not cheap but will not leave you stranded like the 901 eventually will~. Boxster box is strong, my car had 480~ HP and never had an issue... Good luck!
@@random816 So if Boxster transmissions can handle that much power why dont more people use them in like Gt40 replicas, why do people use G50 and then complain? This is INSANE
What model are those wheels? Sick. Rest of the car is badass too, of course.
Thanks!! They are BBS RS wheels available through Tire rack for about $400 each~
How did it handle in comparison to stock? I know LS engines are known for being lightweight for their size but I have to imagine it would be at least a little heavier.
With the stock suspension you could definitely feel the car was overpowering the tired stock suspension. Once I upgraded to coil overs car handled amazingly!!
Is it the same rear or u change it to I'm thinking of going v8 with my boxster any information I would definitely appreciate it
Hi Craig, thanks for your question~ As long as you are starting with a Boxster S 6 speed transmission you should be fine. It is a transaxle so you basically have to rebuild the gearbox to change out the final drive... plus it is expensive/rare/hard to find upgraded ring/pinions for these cars. I believe a company in Australia makes one but it is like $3500 and they only make them in batches on 10 or something like that. Stock gearbox will be fine unless you are 500++ HP I think~ Good Luck!! J
Looking at a 986 S with blown 3.2, made an offer today. Was considering 3.4 swap. Didn't realize people were slamming LS3s in them. Possibly one of the best V8s Ever! I live near twisty two lane unmarked black top roads where the Boxsters, z3s, and MX5s excell. Not interested in drag racing for seconds, losing to Corvettes and Mustangs, and burning up clutches and transmissions. I'll take one of my above mentioned babies out for an afternoon of mountain road carving for my kicks. How do LS3 Boxster S models handle on twisty roads? How much more (or less) does the car weigh with the LS3 than with the 2.7 or 3.2 boxer engines? How many dollars and how many hours for the entire build?
Greetings, I think you would be quite pleased with an LS3 Boxster, mine was done right with suspension and brake upgrades - very awesome car. I covered most of these things in my previous videos, weight on track scales with the quiet exhaust system was right at 3000 pounds - about the same as the 3.2 although I didn't weigh the stock car. Dollars and hours are up to you, there are a lot of ways to build these. I bought most all of the parts at shop cost and still spent over $30K, I probably had 300+ hours in building the finished product you see here. If you want just the basics done of getting a LS3 in it probably 110-120 hours. Good luck!
@@random816 Thank you, very thoughtful and complete response.
random816
Would you still have used the renegade kit or would you attempt to fabricate your own and potentially align the engine/tranny better to avoid the axle issue?
I have a 2002 Boxster S. I now know what I’m going to do if my engine decides to fail… any kit info or?
Most of the mounting bits were purchased through Renegade Hybrids... Lots of good info throughout my videos and on the 986forums.com where I did the documentation for it... should be a direct link in the info section of some of the build videos... Good luck!
what's its drag time?
Hello, I know this is an old video, but maybe you'll see this, I've been thinking about doing this swap, but I'm wondering how it's going to do on the long term, if you can enlighten me. Otherwise, I love the build, cheers
Thanks Killian I appreciate the kind words. You will be happy with the swap! I did sell the car but overall the biggest worry was the axles. I made some corrections with spacers and was using cheap aftermarket units so if I were to do it again I would cough up the extra coin and do the axles right which would cost between $2500 and $4500. It is a lot of money, but having the peace of mind that I could really flog on the car without worrying about them is worth it. Good luck!
@random816 do you have time to connect with me and talk about your experience with this build? I just lost another motor while racing this week, I'm thinking about going this direction.
Hey Beau, Sorry to hear about your motor~. Always glad to chat - send me a message at BoxsterV8 at Gmail with your details, thanks~
What model are those bbs they are beautiful currently doing a swap on my cayman theses rims would make it perfect
Hi Edagar, yes they are pretty sweet! They are BBS SR wheels which you can get through Tire Rack - www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=BBS&wheelModel=SR&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted
Good luck with your swap!
J
this is a super cool build. At the end, do you think it was worth it?
Thanks! ABSOLUTELY! Probably one of the most awesome cars I've ever had, I will build another!!
@@random816 I was wondering, how is the alternator charged? I did not see a belt. This video makes me wanna build one too lol
Nice car..
Just curious... What jas your car clocked in the 1/4 mile?
THANKS! Unfortunately never ran it in the 1/4, just the 1/2 and it was mostly for top speed not times~ I'm certain with a bit of practice mid 11's easy... probably faster with some drag radials!
Love this! Honestly, germany should just do what bristol did. Build the chassis and body and put an american driveline in it with american electrical system. German cars aren't so good anymore.
I just saw your video. You did an awesome job on the Boxster engine swap. Do you do mechanic work for individuals?
Hey Tim, thanks a lot, I appreciate it! I've been working this year opening my own shop and are currently working by appointment only. Shoot me an email at John@9XXGuys.com and I'll be glad to chat with you about your project. Thanks!
Did you sell it? EDIT just saw you did. What kind of top speed did you get with this setup? I'm actually building a mid-engine turbo LS with the Renegade adapter to a 6 spd Boxster manual transmission. Really nice work on your build!
Thank you, yes unfortunately I did sell it. I would estimate the top speed at around 155-160 before it runs out of gear. I think you can see the tach in one of the 1/2 mile runs and I believe the car was running about 5500RPM at 142MPH. I think the motor would rev to 6500~ before it hit the limiter. Only way together more speed from it is to put a taller final drive in it which is just about impossible to find. Stock is a 3.33 ratio I believe and although I can't remember the name of the company a well known crank manufacturer made some but they only do batches on like 20+ and last time I checked they hadn't made a batch in over 3 years. Even then not sure how much more you would get from it, I think 180+ if you wanted. Good luck on your build!
Nice!
nice build!!! so much hard work paid off! is ur abs still working ?
Thanks Paul! Yes all of the factory components worked on my car - the only exception was traction control as that was controlled by the throttle body!
But how does it turn in while doing 80.
It did extremely well! Had coil overs and weighed in at 2950 pounds~
is it reliable
Yeah it was great once I sorted out the axle issues! Car has been sold few a few years now but new owner had a few thousand miles on it after I sold and no issues i'm aware of~
@@random816 I thinking about doing it
What was your cruising RPM at 65? Considering doing a build like this myself.
don't recall exactly but around 2500 or so. I know 80 mph was right around 3000. Always wanted to get a taller ratio but it adds up fast if you can even get your hands on the stuff.
do you think it drives the same?what about balance have you noticed anything?
The car drives amazingly... brake and suspension upgrades were necessary but very well balanced. I highly recommend you build one!
@@random816 thanks for the answer .my only "fear" was this! i hope you are enjoying the beast!! be safe take care !
What new projects?
Hi Robert, hope you've been well! I'm starting to get back into the swing of things and am overdue in announcing my current car/project - I hope to have some extra time this week to make a video... but since you asked it starts with a 996 and ends with an oooooooooooooooooooooo! ;)
Thanks!
random816 Whoa, outstanding man. Thanks for the update.
Hey man, you still há e this car? I'm gonna be swapping mine soon, wanted to touch base with you.
Hi Eric, Unfortunately I sold the car but am still glad to help if you have any questions! Good luck with your project, you'll love it!
@@random816 how much did it sell for? Just curious
How is the transmission holding up today?
Not sure as car has been sold for a few years now, although to my knowledge the stock gearbox has no problem handling the LS power~
@@random816
I am planning a mid engine project of my own, stuck on which transaxle to go with, 986 6 speed or 987 6 speed.
Thoughts?
Seems like such an affordable,fun, great looking and amazing handling build. Porsche boxster with a affordable lightly modified 4.8 ls, 5.3 ls (for affordability) or if wanna spend more id love to swap a 4g63 turbo, bmw twin turbo inline 6, vw golf R turbo 4cyl or maybe even a stock mark 4 Vw Gti Vr6 engine.
How much for a swap to mine?
What kind of gas mileage did you get? You mentioned on the highway it turned pretty slowly in top gear, so I imagine it's not bad if you can keep your foot out of it.
Well actually with the stock transmission it turned a bit higher then I wanted, I think around 3K RPMs @ 80 MPH. Mileage was decent but never tracked it really, I'd say 25MPG+... if you could keep your foot out of it ;)
Sounds like it's missing on half the cylinders at idle, like its barely running.
and that'swhy the Rousch Mustang left you in the weeds at the drag strip.
Porsche guy here. Im cool with it! The exhaust though? Not for me. But i love it. Total cost to transform minus the car itself???
Porsche Boxsters are not real Porsches, This is not a Real Porsche, It is badass though
I think he said it was 36k USD for everything....boxster is usually 7k.
@@donttreadonusdotgov2086 So what makes a boxster not a real Porsche?
So wait, the engine is in the car with you ?? Thats gotta be LOUD..
Just over your right shoulder... actually was fairly quiet with the muffled exhaust, but the straight pipes were definitely rowdy! :)
Who needs ear drums
Looks like a Renegade conversion
Will a chevy v8 350 from a chevy van 1996 fit into this car?
I don't see why not?
Mostly depends on the intake setup - it will definitely fit, but making it all work is another challenge!
@@random816 wont a stock intake work?
@@zachlaraquel796 It might, but without seeing it I have no idea. It is a very tight fit to get the motor to fit into the car so it just depends on how you want it to look in the end. I wanted mine to look stock so it took a lot of work. If you want to Cleetus McFarland it then i'm sure it will fit! Good luck!
@@random816 thanks for the advice i appreciate it keep up the good work
Hey are you on Instagram, did you ever do a budget swap and would you do a swap for me?
Hi Edwin, sorry I missed your comment - Trying to get back into the swing of things and currently finishing up a 911 conversion for someone. Let me know if you are still interested in doing a project!
finally a german car worth owning!
Fuck... the cabin must get hot as fuck...
I'm a little confused you got smoked by that other car
lol are you talking about the mustang? The 700+HP stage 3 Roush racing with drag tires? Best race was with the yellow Corvette which was neck and neck... that car made 500 RWHP.
What rims are those
Those are BBS SR's - www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=wheelCloseUp&wheelMake=BBS&wheelModel=SR&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted&tab=wheels
Is this for sale?
Car was for sale but is now sold and just waiting to complete the deal next week. thanks.
How did you connect the engine to the trans axle? What type of flywheel did you use? I have a lot of questions for this build do you know of someone who sells a kit for this? Thanks and a very professional job.
@@richardcorn5998 Renegade performance makes a kit...
How much for her 😫
Sounds like an older corvette
the neon green vinyl "Boxter V8" looks like ass. so do the brake calipers. otherwise, awesome.
What's the horsepower?
480HP~
Holy shit. How much do you want for her?
Sorry car has been sold~
sacrilegy!!!!
And a more reliable engine over that trash porsche boxer engine
@tuner_garaje