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YOUR RESEARCHGT3 engine swap for 996 C2, has it been done?
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Replace wiring harness, ecu, motor, trans, cooling system etc
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I havnt heard of anyone attempting to swap motors but for starters you would replace wiring harness, ECU, motor, trans, cooling system etc.
Leading evidence: 'Replace wiring harness, ecu, motor, trans, cooling system etc' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace wiring harness, ecu, motor, trans, cooling system etc' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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A new GT3 motor is about $45K. I believe the motronic brain is different than that used in a C2 so that may have to be swapped out. The transmission in the GT3 is a much stronger unit than in a C2 so you'd want to change that. Even if you already had the AeroKit the plumbing on the underside is different for the GT3 and would have to be changed. In short, unless you happened to find a wrecked GT3 to salvage an engine and transmission from, "upgrading" a standard C2 really isn't practical.
I think the handling nut has been cracked between C2 and GT3 versions. I am interested in switching to something other than the M96 engine. It looks like the GT3 engine is fairly strong, reliable, and fun. I have an 01 C2 with high mileage and would look at building a GT3 engine/trans set to install in the C2.
I'm hearing that the routing for the coolant is different... what else would have to be integrated electronics/fuel etc. I would just like to see how deep the rabbit hole goes.
I havnt heard of anyone attempting to swap motors but for starters you would replace wiring harness, ECU, motor, trans, cooling system etc. Seems like a huge amount of work but if you could do it for a reasonable price you would have a nice dry sump mezger motor conversion to brag about. 2 things to consider.... The 996 gt3 was only made till 2005 so any donor motor will be at least 8 years old. Before You attempt this swap you may want to consider a LN rebore which would give you a 3.6 with a nice bump in power but you will also have a refreshed motor with new cylinders, bearings, pistons, gaskets, Aos, water pump, rods, bolts and whatever mods necessary at the time. Big question, what's your budget?
Note: The original thread is really old, Feb 2004. Im sure you could do it a little cheaper now as I have seen salvage GT3's for sale but the price of a used GT3 has also come down since this thread started.
It would seem more practicle to sell yours and buy a real GT3. JMHO because I have thought about it too while looking at wrecked GT3's.
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