The Porsche Boxster is a thrilling mid-engine sports car, but early models have been plagued by IMS bearing failure and other reliability concerns. As a result, first-generation Boxster prices have dropped significantly, making them an affordable entry into Porsche ownership—though with the risk of sudden engine failure. Enter Trent Bell from Project Six (@project_six), who has developed a solution to enhance reliability and elevate the driving experience beyond factory performance.

Trent’s breakthrough came when he discovered that the first-generation Porsche Boxster’s manual gearbox could bolt directly to the Audi 01E transmission, allowing for a seamless connection between the Boxster’s transaxle and longitudinally mounted Audi engines. This game-changing swap merges the high-revving power of Audi’s V8 with Porsche’s renowned mid-engine balance, creating a unique blend of performance, handling, and reliability that surpasses the factory setup.

By replacing the problematic M96 engine with a more durable and powerful Audi V8, this build eliminates concerns over IMS bearing failure while significantly increasing horsepower and torque. The result? A lightweight, high-performance sports car with explosive acceleration, smooth and responsive shifting, and razor-sharp cornering dynamics.

This swap transforms the Boxster into a true driver’s car, offering the exhilarating experience of a supercar without the sky-high price tag. It’s a cost-effective way to own a Porsche with supercar-level performance, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts seeking both reliability and adrenaline-pumping thrills. Whether on the track or the open road, this Audi V8-powered Boxster is a testament to smart engineering and high-performance innovation.

The Project Six Boxsters seamlessly blend the best of both worlds—the raw power of an Audi V8 with the balanced handling of a Porsche Boxster. What sets these builds apart is their ability to integrate flawlessly with factory components, including the stock gauges, air conditioning system, and other electronics. Even more impressive, the Audi 4.2L V8 is actually lighter than the original flat-six, shedding around 70 pounds and improving the car’s overall weight distribution and agility.

Despite the significant performance gains, the conversion remains relatively affordable. The full swap costs approximately $8,000, plus the price of an engine—many of which can be sourced for as little as $500 to $3,000 from a local salvage yard. Compared to other high-performance engine swaps, this makes the Project Six conversion one of the most cost-effective ways to dramatically enhance the power and reliability of a first-generation Boxster.

With improved acceleration, better handling, and a high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 soundtrack, the Project Six Boxster delivers an unmatched driving experience. It’s the perfect solution for enthusiasts looking to transform an affordable sports car into a true performance machine—without breaking the bank.

Watch more about the first completed Project Six Storm S below!