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Technical Information => General Tech => Topic started by: 5.3_fc on February 08, 2015, 12:46:00 AM

Title: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: 5.3_fc on February 08, 2015, 12:46:00 AM
Has anyone looked into these very much? I've done an FC/LM7 swap where I had fabbed/built it all myself, and was going down the route of an RX8/LS swap when I came across a few examples of these over on LS1tech. The 996's have poor reliability as far as the motors go. I'm sourcing one now with a blown motor. There is a kit, but it is very pricey for what you get.

Difficulties include:

Needs an adapter plate to use the stock Porsche trans: KEP makes an adapter plate/flywheel for LS swaps, uses stock Porsche clutch/PP.
996 uses drive by wire pedal: Rig up a custom pedal/cable or use later model ECM/harness.
Rear crash bar means you can't run any accessories besides the AC, crank and alternator: Needs electric water pump.
Only solution for motor mounts is basically a 1/2" aluminum motor plate, which is similar to the stock Porsche mounting though, and you still mount to rubber mounts similar to the Porsche mounting locations. The kits I've seen mount on top of the frame, compressing the mounts, while the stock Porsche hangs below. I would mount mine to hang below to help drop the drive train out from below like Porsche intended.

Thoughts?

Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: 5.3_fc on February 08, 2015, 12:47:20 AM
I forgot the power steering, most of them seem to use the stock, 3rd gen MR2 electric/hydraulic power steering pump to plumb into the Porsche rack.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: Bowtie7 on February 08, 2015, 10:41:44 AM
Renegade Hybrids has a complete kit for the conversion. My neighbor is swapping a Boxster right not with LS3. I think it is a bigger job than RX7 swap but mainly because I am not familiar with Porsche.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: Bigblockquad on February 08, 2015, 11:38:57 AM
There's potential but I'm not a fan of how they pull in fresh air amongst other things.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: spacevomit on February 08, 2015, 12:14:03 PM
There's potential but I'm not a fan of how they pull in fresh air amongst other things.

Why not? You mean in the rear quarter scoop?
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 09, 2015, 12:24:20 AM
Very pricey swap. I just finished my RX8 and I'd rather have it over a swapped Porsche any day. They are getting more common though. I think there is half a dozen or so on tech right now
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: Classy on February 09, 2015, 08:27:49 AM
You can find a 996 pretty cheap, I have considered it multiple times, may be a cheaper route than a FD RX7 being that the FD goes for $8k in crappy condition.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: gnx7 on February 10, 2015, 03:30:33 PM
If that Porsche transaxle takes a dump.... They are $$$$ to rebuild.  Makes a $3K t56 Magnum look like chump change.

I think the Awd C4 would handle the power better since it's split.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 10, 2015, 04:59:11 PM
996 roller will run way more than 8k. I was bidding on one for 12k. And yes the trans is big bucks. Best bet is to find a.turbo but youre gonna spend the extra big bucks getting one of.thise rollers. Thats if you can get your hands on one.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: Bigblockquad on February 10, 2015, 10:52:49 PM
[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

This is what I'm referring to.  I'm sure the latest iterations have gotten better but I don't think they've solved the hot air problem.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 11, 2015, 12:32:12 AM
Man those must be old versions. Every swap I've seen for years has had the manifold turned around.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: crash on February 11, 2015, 01:09:09 AM
The N/A 996s are cheap enough, but the swap stuff isnt. Agree that the transmission taking a dump will murder your bank account.  You could always start with a 996TT model to get the stronger driveline, but honestly they are pretty good as setup and IMO not worth swapping to an LSx over. (Ive got a 996 Turbo as well as my FD)
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 11, 2015, 01:36:45 AM
Turbo cars didn't have the IMS failure. Unless I get find one for stupid cheap, I don't think I'll do one. Swap parts are very pricey and anything with Porsche on it is worth three times the normal price. Plus after you swap the porsche, the gray hairs will turn their nose and you'll have a hell of a time selling it.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: gc3 on February 11, 2015, 06:33:50 AM
guy i know recently picked up a 996 for 8500.
drove it home, but coolant was goo and teardown showed a cracked head.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 11, 2015, 09:24:50 AM
Damn he stole that car.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: mattster03 on February 11, 2015, 11:14:43 AM
I know nothing about this swap, but it seems a little forced to get it in there
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: digital_hoon on February 11, 2015, 04:00:19 PM
guy i know recently picked up a 996 for 8500.
drove it home, but coolant was goo and teardown showed a cracked head.

Everybody knows Steve-Speed in SE Michigan. lol. He took me for a ride in it before it blew the head gasket. Fun little car, for sure. Hopefully he'll have it back on the road soon.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: ncaudio on February 11, 2015, 05:05:22 PM
Damn he stole that car.
No kidding, that was a "cracked head" price   :D
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: hayabusa on February 12, 2015, 08:32:51 AM
The stock Trans can take 600hp and are pretty  reliable. They have some with ls7 motors in boxster s with no problem.
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: coltboostin on February 19, 2015, 06:19:50 PM
guy i know recently picked up a 996 for 8500.
drove it home, but coolant was goo and teardown showed a cracked head.

A running turbo car with a good title?

It was his dads, or I call serious BS!
Title: Re: 996 Porsche LS swaps
Post by: LSXREX on February 19, 2015, 10:35:48 PM
Stock trans can take a lot. However you are stuck with super low gearing or spend huge bucks regearing the rear. They have something like 5.50ish plus gearing a scream on the freeway. I have 4.44s and that's low enough