Has anyone done a Porsche Boxster engine in an 818?

[dokujaryu]

There's a lot of build threads to wade through, a bit overwhelming for me, and the search system isn't really coming up with what I'm looking for. I saw several threads mentioning Subaru, Porsche, and some Audi engines can go into the 818, but is there a list?

I'm currently looking at the following cars as donors:

Cheaper:
2005-2012 Porsche Boxster 987 M97.2x 2.7L/3.XL (seems optimal for Porsche NA?)

Most Exciting
2016-now Porsche Boxster 982 MA2.2 - Seems perfect for turbo. 300HP, smallest, lightest weight

I found some MA2.2s wrecked for reasonable prices compared to running WRX donors these days. It seems to be the least desirable engine for Porsche as far as I can tell, but it seems relatively perfect for this application. The engine and especially the trans look quite small.

https://wsimgproky.car-part.com/8619/2021/V0399/8619_44864_03_web.jpg
https://wsimgproky.car-part.com/8619/2020/V0328/8619_40065_01_web.jpg
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2020-Porsche-718-Spyder-cutaway-1024x739.jpg

I'm not an expert on any of this by any means, but I assume the fabrication at best would be engine mounts that position the transmission axle holes at a decent position, a transmission mount that does the same, potentially custom axles, and all kinds of wiring harness joys, although, this may be easier than I think since everything is in relatively the same general position as in the Porsche.

In any case, anyone done this yet? Seems like going electric is easier.

[Ajzride]

I love the idea for the motor, but remember there is a ton of other Subaru stuff you will to finish the car. Suspension, steering, etc. I think coat wise it would be a wash at best.

[dokujaryu]

Yeah, you're probably right. I think I can get a JDM EJ207 and build it out as well to make more power...

[Hobby Racer]

Personally I would love the challenge of getting the Porsche engine / trans to work but it is going to be a lot more work than you imagine. Unless you get the entire car, cobbling together an ECU and wiring harness that works is going to be a huge task. And then there is the frame modifications that will be needed to fit the Porsche engine. The 818 engine bay is lot long enough for the Porsche 6 cylinder. I put in a Subaru 6 cylinder, which is shorter than the Porsche, and still needed to modify the frame for it to fit.

Other engines I know that have been used include:


VW VR6
Honda K24
Mazda Rotary
Ford EcoBoost 4 cylinder
Subaru H6 EZ30 & EZ36
All manor of Subaru H4 engines
Electric drivetrains

[dokujaryu]

Yeah, but I'm trying for the Porsche 4 Cyl Turbo? Maybe it is somewhat shorter? I don't want to modify the frame at all

[DSR-3]

this may be easier than I think... I don't want to modify the frame at all
You should probably get past these 2 ideas first. It won't be "easy", and trying to do it without frame mods will only make it less easy.

[dokujaryu]

Oh, I'm sure none of it is actually easy, but what I meant was the transmission is already setup for linkage to the rear, the wiring harness for a Porsche goes from back to front, the transmission doesn't have to be converted from 4wd front engine to 2wd mid engine, etc.