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The bold modification brings a Honda engine to the iconic sports car and raises questions about automotive customization
Recently, an owner of Porsche 911 996, Ben Sipson, decided to carry out an unusual engine swap, replacing the original six-cylinder engine with a VTEC K24 do Civic Si. This change surprised the automotive community and did not please the purists of the German brand, who consider such a modification heresy.
However, this practice of engine swap has been gaining popularity among enthusiasts looking for performance and reliability at an affordable cost.
Choosing Honda's K24 engine
O Honda K24, with 2.4 liters, is widely used in customization projects due to its reliability and cost-benefit.
This engine is known for its robustness and versatility, making it a popular choice not only for engine swap projects, but also for modifications to competition vehicles.
Sipson was inspired by friends who had performed a similar swap on a Smart and decided to replicate the idea on his own. Porsche.
Typically, engine swaps are motivated by problems with the original engine, but in the case of the 996, its 3.4-liter engine was in perfect condition and was sold to another owner who really needed a replacement.
Modification details
With the money from the sale of the original engine, Sipson financed the installation of the K24, which received several improvements to optimize its performance. Among the modifications are:
- Reworked block: This increases the durability of the engine and allows greater resistance to the stress generated by high powers.
- Turbo Pulsar 6262G twin-scroll: This turbocharger is known for its efficiency and responsiveness, allowing the engine to reach maximum power quickly.
- Haltech 1500 Elite ECU: An advanced electronic control unit that enables fine adjustments to fuel injection and ignition, optimizing engine performance.
- Racing ignition coils IGN-1a: These high-performance coils ensure stronger, more efficient ignition, crucial for modified engines.
- BMW 335i Intercoolers: Used to cool the intake air, increasing the density of the air entering the engine and, consequently, the power.
- Custom made intake manifold: A manifold designed specifically for this engine maximizes airflow, improving combustion efficiency.
- Reinforced fuel pumps: Ensure that the engine receives the right amount of fuel, even under extreme conditions.
These upgrades aim to maximize the power and efficiency of the Honda engine, which, after installation, saw its power jump from 256 cv from the original engine to impressive 507 cv. And there is potential for even more, making the Porsche a true performance machine.
Engine integration with Porsche
To couple the motor Honda to the Porsche transmission, a adapter plate da Kennedy Engineering Products, plus a clutch and flywheel kit.
Power is now transmitted to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential (LSD), ensuring that the extra power is utilized to its full potential.
This setup not only improves traction, but also provides a more dynamic and responsive driving experience.
The impact on the automotive community
Although the engine swap has generated controversy among Porsche fans, many enthusiasts appreciate the K24 for being an affordable, robust, and easy-to-modify machine.
The K24's popularity in the modding community is due to its ability to handle high levels of power and torque, as well as being relatively lightweight, which helps maintain the vehicle's balance.
Should something go wrong, the cost to replace or repair a K24 is much lower than that of a Porsche flat-six engine, which can be quite expensive to maintain and repair.
As Sipson is a parts manufacturer, he created many of the parts needed for the conversion and now even sells assembly kits to help other 996 owners perform the same swap.
This practical approach can be seen as an attractive solution for those seeking reliable performance without the high costs associated with original Porsche engines.
Additionally, Sipson sharing his experiences and kits can foster a community of enthusiasts willing to experiment and innovate.
The future of automotive customizations
The exchange of the original Porsche 911 996 for the VTEC K24 Honda's modification may be controversial, but for those who value affordable, reliable performance, this modification could be the perfect solution.
Automotive customization continues to challenge norms and open up new possibilities, and this project is a clear example of this trend.
As more owners look for ways to improve the performance of their vehicles without compromising reliability, the concept of engine swaps is likely to become increasingly common, even in cars from traditional brands like Porsche.
SOURCE: AUTOMOTIVE NEWS
He may understand engines, but he has no idea about the dynamic balance (ground) of a car.
One of the great virtues of the 911 is that despite having a rear engine, due to its configuration (6-cylinder boxer),
the mass has a very low center of gravity, because the cylinders, unlike the Vtec, are arranged horizontally, in the lower part of the engine.
Simple propaganda. LOL