981 Cayman Gets 4.2L Swap For Ludicrous Speed

Power Infusion

There certainly aren't many folks out there in the world that don't love the Porsche Cayman, a truly fantastic-driving machine that handles like few other cars out there on the road today. That's true of the 981-gen model, which was fantastic in almost every way - however, Porsche, not wanting to cannibalize 911 sales - seemingly held back a bit in the power department, though that's something the folks at BGB Motorsports set out to rectify.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

Healthy Upgrade

To unlock the full potential of the 981-generation Porsche Cayman, BGB blesses it with a bored and stroked 4.2-liter swap complete with forged Mahle pistons and Carrillo rods, as well as the 911 GT3's cams and crankshaft. The result is a healthy 500 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

Power Band

Mated to a PDK gearbox, the larger powerplant offers up far more low-end torque than a 911 GT3, making it truly fun to drive on the street. In fact, peak torque is readily available between 4,000-6,500 rpm, making it a true blast to tool around in on some canyon roads.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

Other Upgrades

Of course, BGB doesn't just bless the 981 Cayman with more power and call it a day. Rather, they also replace the car's PASM dampers with Tractive Suspension coilovers and a DSC controller, while the stock brakes are ditched in favor of PFC discs with a Clubsport dual master cylinder.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

Other Tweaks

Those that like to hit the track can easily swap between forged wheels wrapped with Michelin Cup 2 tires for Clubsport wheels and slicks, while the rear wing sits on far larger uprights than the stock GT4 for more downforce. 

Photos: BGB Motorsports

Weight Reduction

From there, BGB strips as much weight as possible from the Cayman without sacrificing comfort, ditching its insulation, carpet, and the radio, but not air conditioning or traditional glass roll-up windows or door panels. To us, we'd prefer to listen to the 4.2 sing than any recording artist, anyway.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

No Sacrifices

The result is undoubtedly impressive - an ultra-quick, high-performing mid-engine sports car that's far less expensive and faster than, say, a brand-new Cayman GT4. Personally, we have to imagine there are more than a few folks that would love to have such a machine, one that doesn't sacrifice what we love about the 981 in the first place for raw speed.

Photos: BGB Motorsports

>>Join the conversation about the 4.2-swapped Cayman right here at Rennlist.com.

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