mytime1

I know , generic title for first time poster. I am looking at 06-08 Cayman S, manual shift, models. Test drove a very nice one yesterday and am hooked. My question is how easy are these tow ork on for a DIY'er? I like working on cars, trucks, boats, etc. and this seems to be a good fit for me. I have done frame off restorations on classic broncos, CJ7's, rebuilt modern 4 stroke outboard engines from the bare block up, and work on my 97 F250 diesel regularly. I enjoy doing it and getting a job done right. Most of the more modern cars need specialty computers, tools, etc. to even be able to begin to work on them.

What is the case with these? I consider myself to be very handy especially if I have a good manual. I have read a ton on the IMS issue (doesn't appear to really be one) and the oiling issue (it seems there are kits to help correct that can be installed). Also read about the power steering pump issues. All of these seem relatively minor to me to resolve. Just wondering from those more experienced on here what your thoughts are on this.

Appreciate the feedback and hope to be a owner soon. Just keeping my eye out for the right deal.

400hp944

Basic maintenance can be performed in your garage on jack stands. I recently did my own 60k maintenance for $200 in parts. Dealer wanted $1200!
Oil change
Spark plugs
Filters
Serp Belt
Took about 1-1/2 hours and I'm OCD...lol

extanker

1 1/2 hours ? wow

mtbnutty

As stated above, simple and basic maintenance can be accomplished on jack stands. That being said, a scissor type lift makes makes since for these cars due to the mid engine platform. Any servicing from below will be an order of magnitude easier with this type of lift. With Porsche service rates what they are, a garage lift at a cost of around $2000 will pay for itself in no time.

newold_m

I have done engine/transmission mounts, fluid changes, spark plugs/coils, catback exhaust and complete suspension swap (coil overs and control arms/links) and getting ready to tackle water pump soon. To date I was able to do all the work myself on jack stands. These cars aren’t that hard to work on.
By far the most frustrating maintenance item was replacing the clutch assist ‘spring’ crammed under the days to fix a clutch squeak and that didn’t even fix the issue - stilll chasing that one.

mytime1

Sounds good. Appreciate the replies. Neighbor has a lift and if I get this car, I would definitely get one as well.

extanker

if you do not already have them.........snapon calls them triple square sockets,torx sockets and wrenches ,metric allens .po manuals ,scan tool /re set tool

mytime1

Check on all of above tools except manual. Waiting to see what car I end up with. Have upped budget a bit to include some nice 09-11 base models. Is there a large performance difference between the 09-11 base with the 2.9 and the 06-08 S? It just seems to me that having 5 oil pumps and eliminating the IMS is going to be ore reliable than the 1 with the IMS on 06-08.

extanker

the ims drama was enough to make me buy a new base in 09.......i road tested many and i felt [pun] most rode like a truck .....i am happy with my pdk 's ride although after 30 years of corvettes it was quite an adjustment to rev da snot outta every gear and hope you get to the turn first .....my vette buddies give me a head start . as for working on them i do not want to or thank goodness need to ....once a year i drop it off at the dealer and get a loaner for a couple of days

Fuggles

Bought an 06 Cayman last year with the same thoughts and reservations except that I do not consider myself to be that handy.

Still, I've done all the maintenance myself such as oil, spark plugs, brakes, pads, filter. Only thing I took it to the shop for was the water pump since it was a right pain to get to. Hardest part so far has been deciding how I wanted to jack the car up. In the end, I just bought four flat-top esco jack stands and used my old 2 ton jack and it's done the job just fine.

400hp944

I now have a lift in my warehouse for working on my race car and the restoration of my 968. Best money ever spent. Should have done it years ago. If you have the space, do it!

RWPinNC

Maybe somewhat off-topic, but pertinent. Since several folks have brought up scissor lifts (or other lifts), what do you have? I have an '06 Cayman S and a '99 Z3 both of which could benefit from a lift.

extanker

what size garage would set the specs of a lift for you

400hp944

I'm fortunate enough to have plenty of clear height in my warehouse so I went with a 9000lb 2 post.

RWPinNC

I would love to have a lift but I'm dealing with a double garage with a 9 foot ceiling. My thought is that my most practical move is a scissors lift. There are a number of makers and a couple of different styles so I'm interested in good or bad experiences. Thanks.