495 HP LS3 Engine Swapped 2006 Cayman
This LS3-swapped 2006 Porsche Cayman appeared on Bring a Trailer a while ago. Will it inspire more builds like it?
LS3 in a Cayman
LS-swapping Porsche 911s have been a prevalent and controversial topic for quite some time. But dropping the General Motors V8 into the mid-engine Cayman isn't something we see often. If you think about it, though, it actually makes more sense for the Cayman than it does for the 911. The mid-engine layout is an inherently more capable platform in terms of performance potential.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
Advantageous Swap
Surely, that's what the builder of this LS3-powered 2006 Porsche Cayman had in mind. The downside here is the fact that fitting the V8 within the tightly packaged engine compartment of the Cayman is no easy task. But it's one that had to be undertaken with extreme precision and meticulous planning. The most immediate advantage to the swap aside from the gains in power is a weight saving of about 40 pounds!
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Improved Drivetrain
Assisting in transferring the Porsche's newfound 495 horsepower and 473 lb-ft of torque is a well-built drivetrain. The system consists of a Kennedy Engineered clutch, a six-speed transaxle from a Boxster S, an OS Giken limited-slip differential, and custom-built axles. The LS3's need for more cooling is addressed by the addition of a third radiator.
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Issues to be Resolved
It's not all perfect though. Evidently, the LS3 was idling higher than expected, and the ECU was throwing out all sorts of codes, as it was not able to communicate properly with the new mill. Despite this, the Bring a Trailer auction was completed and the Porsche found a new owner for a sum of $36,500. At the time of sale, the chassis showed 89,000 miles and the engine about 1,500. A great deal for someone who's not afraid to get their hands dirty and complete the project.
>>Join the conversation about this LS3 swapped Cayman right here in the RennList Forum!
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