2000 Porsche Boxster with 3.4L 996 Engine Conversion 315HP Wicked Quick

2000 Porsche Boxster SS 3.4ltr, 5-spd, 315 HP

This 2000 Boxster started life as base 2.7ltr from 2000, with a 5-speed manual transmission and an E-gas throttle. It is Alpine White with a blue top and interior. In 2005 (at 35k miles) the original engine was swapped out for the much more powerful Carrera 996 3.4ltr motor. The original programming of the DME for the upgrade was performed by FVD, with recent upgrades by Softronics. In 2005, this engine upgrade cost over $20k to have done, as it included the DME programming, engine, mounts, sport clutch, high flow intake, etc. It is, and always has been, a rust free vehicle., so when the factory engine no longer functioned this upgrade was the obvious way to go.

It currently has a full Cayman exhaust. it originally had Schnell headers on it, but had to remove them for the California visual part of the smog inspection. It had to have all 4 Cats. Previous owner purchased the car at 35k miles and it now has 92k. the engine is about the same. 11 years of faithful service as a regular commuter (60 miles round trip). Was just was offered a 997 Turbo at a deal I cannot refuse, so I need to make the room. The body is in excellent shape with only one small door ding in the rear fender and minor parking bumper ding on lower front spoiler. Rest of the body panels are great.

Overall, this is a rocket ship and BLAST to drive. The car is docile enough to drive everyday, yet put your foot down and it shoots forward with force. The mid-engine design makes this handle like a dream and the extra power just makes it that much more fun. I have owned a number of Porsches in my life, and this might be one of my favorites (ok, make that the best all around) I've owned.

Additional features

It has cruise control, but to be honest, I usually do not use it. Tested it the other day and does not seem to engage. Will leave it to next owner to repair or leave.

AC is ICE COLD!

Automatic Climate control

The wheels were a rare option at the time. They are Hockenhiem design, a 17" upgrade.

There is no smoke, ever, out the exhaust that I have seen.

Never raced, street or track.

High Flow Intake

New Optima battery installed, lighter and higher capacity than factory, with no acid or filling requirements.

Clean no-accident CarFax.

Maintenance:

No CEL lights have ever come on in the 11 years since the conversion.

The oil has always been changed every 5,000 miles with Mobil 1 and factory Mann filters.

New fuel pump, AOS (air-oil separator), oil filler tube,and coolant reservoir tank in 2016. (typical Boxster problems)

New front Metal Master brake pads.

New front hood release

Temp gauge reads actual temperature, not stuck at 180 until too late like factory. It now peaks out at about 200 when both fans are on.

New Sumitomo HTZ lll tires in the back (one month old) and fronts are Continental Extreme Contact and about 1/3 gone.

The serpentine belt and spark plugs were replaced at 80k.

What does it need?

Not much other than a driver!

The interior is in good condition except for the driver's seat which has some MINOR bolster leather cracking. (typical). Not torn, just cracked. See picture, not very bad, but there.

Never has had IMS issues, so never had any upgrades done.

It has the optional cup holder console, but the plastic hinge is broken.

The rear window is clouded up, so visibility through it is at times can be challenging. It is the second top the car has had in the 16 years of its life, so not surprising. Doesn't leak and looks decent overall.

Summary

Upgrading from a weak 217HP motor to the 3.4ltr 315HP version transformed the Boxster into what it should have been originally. It took Porsche over 10 years to realize this.

The Boxster is completely California legal and passes emissions so low they have trouble measuring it.

Previous owner was very happy with the conversion for over 11 years, and it was extremely well done conversion.

There have been no issues with it, not even a trouble light, during my ownership or prior owner's 11 years with it.