The product of a Type A Engineer, a very talented mechanic, and a Star in the Making...
In the summer of 2008 oil prices spiked to record levels. I found myself fixated on the concept of building an electric car. I didn't want just any electric car -- it had to be something worthy of the investment, and thrilling to drive. I didn't have $100K lying around to drop on a Tesla Roadster, so I had to dream up something that I could cobble together on my own.
I wanted to have a hot little roadster that could get me 50-60 miles between charges and achieve performance levels the original ICE (internal combustion engine) could belt out. My research landed me on a Boxster. Dual trunks, great performance, decent weight profile, a good coefficient of drag, and eternal looks. I could justify dropping money into a ten year old car because it could nearly be mistaken for one puling off the showroom lot today.
While researching the Boxster, I literally stumbled across the incredible number of M96 engine issues. I saw this as Nirvanna, a blessing in disguise. I could get a hot sled and not have to pay for the engine. My search was on. It took me a little over a month to find my project car.
However, while I was closing on negotiations for my donor vehicle, the price of conversion was just soaring. I quickly realized that my dreams of building a electric sports car was a fantasy. However I had already committed to purchasing a 2000 Boxster S with a blown motor diagnosed with a cracker cylinder liner. I had to change game plans.
My internet search went into overdrive. A few keystrokes later -- things were coming into place.I found a solution to cracked cylinder liners via LnEngineering. I found a cool video on Youtube that walked you through rebuilding an M96 engine. Lastly, and most importantly, during my search for a donor car, I found a Porsche nut with a Co-op garage, and an eager young mechanic anxious to work on a Wasserboxer!
Yeah it all seemed a little crazy, but I figured what have I got to lose but money and even at its worst -- it was a heck of a lot cheaper than converting to electric -- and being a co-op garage -- I was welcome to come learn.
I couldn't resist.
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