Transition from 987.1 to 981
05-06-2019, 05:28 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Transition from 987.1 to 981
I'm seriously thinking of moving from my loved 987.1 to a 2014 981. While the 987.1 has been a great car, the 981 represents to me an evolution in design and an increase in reliability. Try as I will, I can hardly find any major complaints about the 981s. Only thing that seems to be bothersome to current owners is the dreaded door panel warping, which the car I am looking at seems to be safe from so far. Things like sagging headliners, shift cable failures, bore scoring seemed to be remedied in the 981s.
As I consider transition, I do have a few questions I'd like answered:
1. Is the shift cable failure on manual transmissions a 987 only problem?
2. I have a great extra set of 18" wheels that I use as a summer set on the 987. I just recently replaced TPMS on them. Is it likely they will work with a 2014 Cayman S?
3. I'm using Suncoast supplied spacers on the 987 (7mm/15mm) and they really enhanced the look of the car. I assume these would be transferable to the 981 as well. Are 981 users fond of this spacer set up?
4. Any issues or annoyances with the 981s? Like I said, tough to find much out there in the searches I have done, so I am assuming most folks are real happy with the 981.
The car I am considering is a 2014 six speed with PTV, PSE, PASM, and Sport Chrono. Any other helpful tips appreciated.
Thanks.
As I consider transition, I do have a few questions I'd like answered:
1. Is the shift cable failure on manual transmissions a 987 only problem?
2. I have a great extra set of 18" wheels that I use as a summer set on the 987. I just recently replaced TPMS on them. Is it likely they will work with a 2014 Cayman S?
3. I'm using Suncoast supplied spacers on the 987 (7mm/15mm) and they really enhanced the look of the car. I assume these would be transferable to the 981 as well. Are 981 users fond of this spacer set up?
4. Any issues or annoyances with the 981s? Like I said, tough to find much out there in the searches I have done, so I am assuming most folks are real happy with the 981.
The car I am considering is a 2014 six speed with PTV, PSE, PASM, and Sport Chrono. Any other helpful tips appreciated.
Thanks.
05-06-2019, 08:34 PM
#2
The steering feel on 981s is very different. Drive one and see how you feel about it before committing.
The TPMS is probably not transferable. I know that the 987.1 and .2 are not compatible with each other's sensors even though both are 433hz.
I personally think the shifter cable malfunction stuff is a bit overblown. My 981 certainly shifted more crisply than my 987.1 but I like my earlier car shifter just fine.
The TPMS is probably not transferable. I know that the 987.1 and .2 are not compatible with each other's sensors even though both are 433hz.
I personally think the shifter cable malfunction stuff is a bit overblown. My 981 certainly shifted more crisply than my 987.1 but I like my earlier car shifter just fine.
05-06-2019, 08:50 PM
#3
Advanced
Thread Starter
The steering feel on 981s is very different. Drive one and see how you feel about it before committing.
The TPMS is probably not transferable. I know that the 987.1 and .2 are not compatible with each other's sensors even though both are 433hz.
I personally think the shifter cable malfunction stuff is a bit overblown. My 981 certainly shifted more crisply than my 987.1 but I like my earlier car shifter just fine.
The TPMS is probably not transferable. I know that the 987.1 and .2 are not compatible with each other's sensors even though both are 433hz.
I personally think the shifter cable malfunction stuff is a bit overblown. My 981 certainly shifted more crisply than my 987.1 but I like my earlier car shifter just fine.
I've read so many stories about shifter cable malfunctions, that it is beginning to sound inevitable. And the idea of where and when one might have to deal with it bothers me. I take the car into some remote parts of the SW, and I'm not sure long term I want to risk it.
Thanks again!
05-06-2019, 11:52 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
There have been a few reports of sagging headliners in 981 Caymans over on Planet-9. It's not as serious a problem as the door panels, though. That can reportedly cost thousands to fix, especially if it happens in a leather-equipped car. You want to inspect this area in any prospective purchase carefully. It's safe to say most 981 owners are very happy with their cars except for the ones this has happened to. Those folks are pissed, and they should be. It's not much of an exaggeration to call those door panels the IMS bearing of the 981/991 generation.
Shifter cable problems are not unheard-of in the 981s. There have also been a few cases of stuck clutch pedals.
Serious engine and transmission problems have been rare on the base cars, but supposedly the GT4s have had a lot of transmission issues. A lot of coil pack failures have happened, especially on cars with aftermarket headers that may lack adequate heat shielding. Something else to ask the seller about that you might not consider at first.
Shifter cable problems are not unheard-of in the 981s. There have also been a few cases of stuck clutch pedals.
Serious engine and transmission problems have been rare on the base cars, but supposedly the GT4s have had a lot of transmission issues. A lot of coil pack failures have happened, especially on cars with aftermarket headers that may lack adequate heat shielding. Something else to ask the seller about that you might not consider at first.
05-07-2019, 12:18 AM
#5
Advanced
Thread Starter
There have been a few reports of sagging headliners in 981 Caymans over on Planet-9. It's not as serious a problem as the door panels, though. That can reportedly cost thousands to fix, especially if it happens in a leather-equipped car. You want to inspect this area in any prospective purchase carefully. It's safe to say most 981 owners are very happy with their cars except for the ones this has happened to. Those folks are pissed, and they should be. It's not much of an exaggeration to call those door panels the IMS bearing of the 981/991 generation.
Shifter cable problems are not unheard-of in the 981s. There have also been a few cases of stuck clutch pedals.
Serious engine and transmission problems have been rare on the base cars, but supposedly the GT4s have had a lot of transmission issues. A lot of coil pack failures have happened, especially on cars with aftermarket headers that may lack adequate heat shielding. Something else to ask the seller about that you might not consider at first.
Shifter cable problems are not unheard-of in the 981s. There have also been a few cases of stuck clutch pedals.
Serious engine and transmission problems have been rare on the base cars, but supposedly the GT4s have had a lot of transmission issues. A lot of coil pack failures have happened, especially on cars with aftermarket headers that may lack adequate heat shielding. Something else to ask the seller about that you might not consider at first.
05-07-2019, 01:23 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
05-07-2019, 01:27 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
The car I am looking at is an S. The door panel issue is a big concern for me, but this one is a southwest car and the panels are straight as an arrow. Not sure how true it is, but I've heard that door panel issues seem to affect cars in humid climates more so than dry climates.
Trending Topics
05-07-2019, 06:48 AM
#8
For item 2 no. We went from a '07 to our '15 this fall, and I ordered correct TPMS from TItan to install as I also installed new tires for my cold season wheel set. The 981 has slightly different tire sizes and running the old 18" tires from the 987 would have put the car another .5" lower, which on an already low car, is not a good plan.
- b
- b
05-07-2019, 07:45 AM
#9
Three Wheelin'
PASM is fine, but if you can find one with X73 that is the best representation of these cars. You'll also probably be happier with the stance, as the PASM cars exhibit a fair amount of wheel gap compared to the X73.
I think the consensus is that X73 > PTV as far as desired option heirarchy goes.
I think the consensus is that X73 > PTV as far as desired option heirarchy goes.
05-07-2019, 08:18 AM
#10
Rennlist Member
My 987.2 Cayman R is the only car I’ve regretted selling. I actually miss it and think of it often
The GT4 is a great car and superior in almost every way.
The steering feel on the R was far better. And the car was smaller and felt lighter and more nimble.
The shifter FEEL in the GT4 is superb and probably my favorite thing about the car.
The GT4 transmissions have been recalled worldwide for third gear failure. Go to the GT4 subsection and you’ll find the sticky threads.
Mine was replaced last week. The original gearbox had almost 16000 miles and many track days with zero issue. The new box feels identical to the original.
There was a faulty weld in the third gear ring that was breaking.
Otherwise so far the car is problem free and I did the transmission replacement so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.
On the R I had a shifter cable break (happened while hubby was driving it) and the AOS failed and was easily/quickly replaced.
Sold it with 26000 miles after 3 glorious years (was second owner at 6000)
The 981 is a great car but so is the 987. Just depends on what you love. Can’t go wrong either way.
Drive the 981 if possible. As others have said - the steering feels very different.
The GT4 is a great car and superior in almost every way.
The steering feel on the R was far better. And the car was smaller and felt lighter and more nimble.
The shifter FEEL in the GT4 is superb and probably my favorite thing about the car.
The GT4 transmissions have been recalled worldwide for third gear failure. Go to the GT4 subsection and you’ll find the sticky threads.
Mine was replaced last week. The original gearbox had almost 16000 miles and many track days with zero issue. The new box feels identical to the original.
There was a faulty weld in the third gear ring that was breaking.
Otherwise so far the car is problem free and I did the transmission replacement so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.
On the R I had a shifter cable break (happened while hubby was driving it) and the AOS failed and was easily/quickly replaced.
Sold it with 26000 miles after 3 glorious years (was second owner at 6000)
The 981 is a great car but so is the 987. Just depends on what you love. Can’t go wrong either way.
Drive the 981 if possible. As others have said - the steering feels very different.
05-07-2019, 10:26 AM
#11
Instructor
Captain O says a PPI with DME overrev printout is a must for any manual transmission pcar.
Bought new 987 base and new 987 S before ordering 981 GTS. 987 steering has a more direct feel, 981 more comfortable and faster. Just like comparing 987 to 981 steering, drive a PDK version if possible. If you can get over not rowing your own, PDK is faster, zero overrevs, blah blah blah. Honestly it's superior.
Bought new 987 base and new 987 S before ordering 981 GTS. 987 steering has a more direct feel, 981 more comfortable and faster. Just like comparing 987 to 981 steering, drive a PDK version if possible. If you can get over not rowing your own, PDK is faster, zero overrevs, blah blah blah. Honestly it's superior.
05-07-2019, 10:32 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
Captain O says a PPI with DME overrev printout is a must for any manual transmission pcar.
Bought new 987 base and new 987 S before ordering 981 GTS. 987 steering has a more direct feel, 981 more comfortable and faster. Just like comparing 987 to 981 steering, drive a PDK version if possible. If you can get over not rowing your own, PDK is faster, zero overrevs, blah blah blah. Honestly it's superior.
Bought new 987 base and new 987 S before ordering 981 GTS. 987 steering has a more direct feel, 981 more comfortable and faster. Just like comparing 987 to 981 steering, drive a PDK version if possible. If you can get over not rowing your own, PDK is faster, zero overrevs, blah blah blah. Honestly it's superior.
+1 for DME (over-rev) report when buying used
05-07-2019, 08:43 PM
#13
Advanced
Thread Starter
For item 2 no. We went from a '07 to our '15 this fall, and I ordered correct TPMS from TItan to install as I also installed new tires for my cold season wheel set. The 981 has slightly different tire sizes and running the old 18" tires from the 987 would have put the car another .5" lower, which on an already low car, is not a good plan.
- b
- b
Thanks.
05-10-2019, 04:52 PM
#14
Burning Brakes
My 987.2 Cayman R is the only car I’ve regretted selling. I actually miss it and think of it often
The GT4 is a great car and superior in almost every way.
The steering feel on the R was far better. And the car was smaller and felt lighter and more nimble.
The shifter FEEL in the GT4 is superb and probably my favorite thing about the car.
The GT4 transmissions have been recalled worldwide for third gear failure. Go to the GT4 subsection and you’ll find the sticky threads.
Mine was replaced last week. The original gearbox had almost 16000 miles and many track days with zero issue. The new box feels identical to the original.
There was a faulty weld in the third gear ring that was breaking.
Otherwise so far the car is problem free and I did the transmission replacement so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.
On the R I had a shifter cable break (happened while hubby was driving it) and the AOS failed and was easily/quickly replaced.
Sold it with 26000 miles after 3 glorious years (was second owner at 6000)
The 981 is a great car but so is the 987. Just depends on what you love. Can’t go wrong either way.
Drive the 981 if possible. As others have said - the steering feels very different.
The GT4 is a great car and superior in almost every way.
The steering feel on the R was far better. And the car was smaller and felt lighter and more nimble.
The shifter FEEL in the GT4 is superb and probably my favorite thing about the car.
The GT4 transmissions have been recalled worldwide for third gear failure. Go to the GT4 subsection and you’ll find the sticky threads.
Mine was replaced last week. The original gearbox had almost 16000 miles and many track days with zero issue. The new box feels identical to the original.
There was a faulty weld in the third gear ring that was breaking.
Otherwise so far the car is problem free and I did the transmission replacement so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.
On the R I had a shifter cable break (happened while hubby was driving it) and the AOS failed and was easily/quickly replaced.
Sold it with 26000 miles after 3 glorious years (was second owner at 6000)
The 981 is a great car but so is the 987. Just depends on what you love. Can’t go wrong either way.
Drive the 981 if possible. As others have said - the steering feels very different.
The only failure I had with my R after 2 years as a daily driver was a clutch pedal sensor. The sensor ensured the clutch was engaged during ignition. I also just got my GT4 back this week with its new gearbox. Never had any issues with the old one, but now I expect trouble free miles ahead.