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Well it has been 10 years since my last Porsche LS swap and glad to see the popularity of these swap progress and guys like 1DirtyZ, Fierofly, 4LUX, WhiteOut and Txstormtrooper taking it to the next level with 996 bodied cars. I had originally planned on picking up a 996 but came across a 997 locally that was the perfect candidate. I am debating if I will do build post on the Porsche forums but if I do and before anyone starts flaming or questioning the decision 1st understand I paid only $5K for the car and already have an LS1 engine…. So for $5K I got a 2006 salvage title C4S with every available option except an engine. Car has the Trans, PASM, Sport Chrono+, Alcantara headliner, leather… The build sheet from Suncoast was $99K so for $5K I think I did alright regardless of the fabrication and modification I throw at it.
Now for the build plan:
- Fresh LS1 + Heads + CAM + ARP’s
- LS3 Mechanical water pump with adapters
- ¼” 6061-T6 engine mounting plates
- G97.31 engine to trans adapter, speaking with Eric at A&E on specification and clutch
- Piggyback DME for dash control with LS1 PCM
- DBW
With business travel, the family and other projects going on my plan to have this done will be around 1 year but hopefully towards the end of this year things will slow down and during the holidays I will get the engine build completed, mounted to the trans and put up in the car.
Last edited by shanghai_todd; 09-24-2016 at 11:48 AM.
Here is the latest status on the engine before I left to India for work. Bottom end was hot tanked, honed and new cam bearings + polished the crank. Also had gotten my main and crank bearings delivered.
Hopefully that's the AWD setup like the 997 turbo has and not the 996 turbo mechanical style. The 997 turbo is off/on but doesn't require goofy tire sizes like the 996 does. I believe the later setup to be stronger too!
Yes, the plan is to retain the AWD. I hopefully will be ordering the adapter plate in about 2 weeks. Agree Porsche purest are the biggest haters even with all the known M96/M97 engine issues with IMS, Overheating, Cracked Heads.
Originally Posted by S2KIWI
Oh hell yeah! So you're using the original drivetrain with an adaptor?
Can't wait to see how this evolves, seems Porsche swaps get almost more hate than the R35 LS swap. Love it Good luck!
Short block done and still on the search for 243 heads, hope to have the engine completed before the end of the month and then will be ordering the adapter kit.
I did manage to start pulling out the rear carpet to cut out the access opening and unfortunately discovered my DME is missing and must of been pulled out and paired with the engine. This is a setback as I have planned on piggyback the DME with the LS1 PCM for the CANBUS gauges.
Since I need a 7.8 DME version and have to match the DME, Key Unit and immobilizer control unit I have found a couple on Fleabay for 987 Boxsters for much cheaper. Correct me if I am wrong but if I get a matched set from a 987 with version 7.8 shouldn't that work? I really will only be using the inputs/outputs and sensors for the tach, temp, oil pressure, starter, alternator so assuming I Still need the DME for the CANBUS
This guy knows the DME very well and is generally helpful. I don't know for sure how well he knows the NA versions but does a great deal of turbo work.
Are you specifically looking for 243's? And how do you feel about 799's heads? (Essentially the same as 243's) Never been milled or violated in anyway shape or form.
I have thought the same thing if this was really needed and what benifit it would bring other than accessing the oil pressure sensors the back coils.
Any other guys who cut the access opening finding it useful after the install is done?
QUOTE=White Out;19425820]No clue about the DME.
Just as an FYI, you don't need to cut an access hole, there really isn't much at the back of the motor/engine bay.
[/QUOTE]
The access panel was a no brainer for me, I had access to the metal and minimum time to do. It made wiring so much easier and I did have a few oil pressure switch issues. But, once I got all the bugs worked out , I haven't opened it since, think I'm close to 9k miles so far.
frontend removed and finally finished rebuilding the front suspension. Replaced the shocks, driver side lower control arm, new tie rods and ball joints. Good new is no sub frame damage and tub is perfectly straight. So straight I decided it was missing something and added a 3rd radiator
Parts starting to arrive and received new fenders and rockers.
243 heads should arrive this week with other goodies..
Another one of those " while you're in there " projects, I have started sanding down the pealing and faded clear coat on the calipers and will be recovering with VHT ceramic caliper paint topped with Brembo decals and clear coat. Tedious job and can't emphasize enough on preparation. Did my 1st Porsche calipers 10 years ago and they held up great.