Looking at a 981 Boxster with 2.7L - performance upgrade questions?
#31
Advanced
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https://www.softronicsoftware.com/98...ance-software/
I love their tune for my CS. If you pull the trigger on a 2.7 try them. They got rave reviews from the 987 crowd for their tunes years ago. I would not doubt the claimed HP and Torque after installing mine.
I love their tune for my CS. If you pull the trigger on a 2.7 try them. They got rave reviews from the 987 crowd for their tunes years ago. I would not doubt the claimed HP and Torque after installing mine.
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st981 (06-25-2020)
#32
Intermediate
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I put the Michelin PS4s on my Cayman and its a great tire. The dry grip is great, but the wet performance is what stood out to me the most especially in heavy rain. If you are going to upgrade your rims a lot of people go with a 9x19 in the front and 10.5x19 in the back and the Michelin PS4s fits those sizes.
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st981 (06-25-2020)
#33
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Another item for consideration is the suspension. The base suspension is good, but an excellent upgrade is the X73 Porsche Sport suspension, which can be added after the fact with parts from Suncoast. Or if you happen to have the PASM adjustable suspension, a highly recommended upgrade is the TPC Racing suspension controller.
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st981 (06-25-2020)
#34
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The X73 suspension looks like a nice kit...but for a more budget solution I've seen H&Rs though those have a bit of slammed look. I read Eibach's are a good compromise between stock and H&Rs? or is X73 worth the wait?
Another question...brake pads. The fronts are at 25% according to the inspection report. Can you guys recommend some decent brake pads that are street oriented but won't overheat from the occasional spirited driving on windy roads? I'm guessing the OEM pads are pretty good and best to stick with those?
My shopping list is getting longer and I haven't even picked up the car yet. So far I have the maintenance items, the Borla, may be 7mm spacers all around (stock lug bolts ok for that?), look for used 20" Carrera S wheels, lower the car about .75".
Another question...brake pads. The fronts are at 25% according to the inspection report. Can you guys recommend some decent brake pads that are street oriented but won't overheat from the occasional spirited driving on windy roads? I'm guessing the OEM pads are pretty good and best to stick with those?
My shopping list is getting longer and I haven't even picked up the car yet. So far I have the maintenance items, the Borla, may be 7mm spacers all around (stock lug bolts ok for that?), look for used 20" Carrera S wheels, lower the car about .75".
#35
Instructor
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The X73 suspension looks like a nice kit...but for a more budget solution I've seen H&Rs though those have a bit of slammed look. I read Eibach's are a good compromise between stock and H&Rs? or is X73 worth the wait?
Another question...brake pads. The fronts are at 25% according to the inspection report. Can you guys recommend some decent brake pads that are street oriented but won't overheat from the occasional spirited driving on windy roads? I'm guessing the OEM pads are pretty good and best to stick with those?
My shopping list is getting longer and I haven't even picked up the car yet. So far I have the maintenance items, the Borla, may be 7mm spacers all around (stock lug bolts ok for that?), look for used 20" Carrera S wheels, lower the car about .75".
Another question...brake pads. The fronts are at 25% according to the inspection report. Can you guys recommend some decent brake pads that are street oriented but won't overheat from the occasional spirited driving on windy roads? I'm guessing the OEM pads are pretty good and best to stick with those?
My shopping list is getting longer and I haven't even picked up the car yet. So far I have the maintenance items, the Borla, may be 7mm spacers all around (stock lug bolts ok for that?), look for used 20" Carrera S wheels, lower the car about .75".
#37
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IMO Porsche did such a good job with engine design and setup.. all the performance mods are somewhat marginal.
If you're still on the fence about the exhaust upgrade.. consider what's known as the GT Exhaust Mod.
Can save some coin$ for other mods.. It really wakes up the exhaust and just by looking at it, you cannot tell it was modded.
The change to the sound is night and day. Engine breathes much better so the whole system operates smoother.
Thread on my GT Exhaust Mod and install-experience: https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...l#post16299603
Video and Sound:
The IPD Plenum is my next mod plan: https://flat6motorsports.com/collections/981-intake/products/ipd-competition-intake-plenum-981-cayman-boxster
Then maybe one of the available tunes for the final touch.
Enjoy your new Boxster. She's a beauty.
One of the Car & Driver Best Cars of All Time!
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#39
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Hey guys -I picked up the car on Fri which is why I've been MIA. I've already got a major farmer's tan going on if that tells you anything lol Loving being back in a mid-engine car after 15 yrs (I used to track a MR2 and then an NSX), the car really hooks up mid-turn and encourages you to power out of a turn - if you hit the apex right. It's coming back to me lol
You guys were spot on -it's really wakes up after 4000rpm and imho sounds best around 4500rom at WOT where it growls...after that the note changes from a growl to a higher pitch but usually by that time I can't hear it as well over the wind noise. Anyway, to cure that I placed my order for the Borla exhaust from summitracing yesterday. I also have a few other parts coming in soon, gotta learn how to access the engine bay etc. Thinking I should probably do the intake cleaning it being a GDI motor?
Also, anyone know if the PAGID pads are better/worse? Otherwise it looks like Textar is the OEM supplier? if so, I'll just get those https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item1
You guys were spot on -it's really wakes up after 4000rpm and imho sounds best around 4500rom at WOT where it growls...after that the note changes from a growl to a higher pitch but usually by that time I can't hear it as well over the wind noise. Anyway, to cure that I placed my order for the Borla exhaust from summitracing yesterday. I also have a few other parts coming in soon, gotta learn how to access the engine bay etc. Thinking I should probably do the intake cleaning it being a GDI motor?
Also, anyone know if the PAGID pads are better/worse? Otherwise it looks like Textar is the OEM supplier? if so, I'll just get those https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item1
#40
Rennlist Member
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Hey guys -I picked up the car on Fri which is why I've been MIA. I've already got a major farmer's tan going on if that tells you anything lol Loving being back in a mid-engine car after 15 yrs (I used to track a MR2 and then an NSX), the car really hooks up mid-turn and encourages you to power out of a turn - if you hit the apex right. It's coming back to me lol
You guys were spot on -it's really wakes up after 4000rpm and imho sounds best around 4500rom at WOT where it growls...after that the note changes from a growl to a higher pitch but usually by that time I can't hear it as well over the wind noise. Anyway, to cure that I placed my order for the Borla exhaust from summitracing yesterday. I also have a few other parts coming in soon, gotta learn how to access the engine bay etc. Thinking I should probably do the intake cleaning it being a GDI motor?
Also, anyone know if the PAGID pads are better/worse? Otherwise it looks like Textar is the OEM supplier? if so, I'll just get those https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item1
You guys were spot on -it's really wakes up after 4000rpm and imho sounds best around 4500rom at WOT where it growls...after that the note changes from a growl to a higher pitch but usually by that time I can't hear it as well over the wind noise. Anyway, to cure that I placed my order for the Borla exhaust from summitracing yesterday. I also have a few other parts coming in soon, gotta learn how to access the engine bay etc. Thinking I should probably do the intake cleaning it being a GDI motor?
Also, anyone know if the PAGID pads are better/worse? Otherwise it looks like Textar is the OEM supplier? if so, I'll just get those https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog..._pg1.htm#item1
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st981 (06-28-2020)
#41
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Sorry, haven't taken any good pics yet but here it is in the garage.
![](https://i.ibb.co/F7PmX6w/home.jpg)
I've had the lift for over 13yrs and and have worked on many cars/suvs etc this is the first car I had trouble with. The lift's ramps are not long enough for the lifting spots on the car. I can only get either the front or the rear to line up above the lifting ramps. So one end of it would have to be lifted from the pinch-welded seams along the rocker panel but I wasn't comfortable with that as they can sometimes bend. So I decided to make some quick and dirty lifting blocks that will locate the pinch weld seam and also not put pressure on the flat panel covering the bottom of the car.
![](https://i.ibb.co/kmnLx0m/blocks.jpg)
So far so good.
![](https://i.ibb.co/TWH76Kz/lifted.jpg)
![](https://i.ibb.co/1qpHZbM/lifted2.jpg)
Got the air filters replaced with K&N as per EdMaverick and the old filters definitely looked like they needed to be replaced. Took a bit of head scratching to access the filters lol. Just folded the carpet back enough to access the filters. The driver's side was a pain to put back in for some reason but I got it done.
Also changed the pre and cabin air filters
Next will be the oil change.
![](https://i.ibb.co/F7PmX6w/home.jpg)
I've had the lift for over 13yrs and and have worked on many cars/suvs etc this is the first car I had trouble with. The lift's ramps are not long enough for the lifting spots on the car. I can only get either the front or the rear to line up above the lifting ramps. So one end of it would have to be lifted from the pinch-welded seams along the rocker panel but I wasn't comfortable with that as they can sometimes bend. So I decided to make some quick and dirty lifting blocks that will locate the pinch weld seam and also not put pressure on the flat panel covering the bottom of the car.
![](https://i.ibb.co/kmnLx0m/blocks.jpg)
So far so good.
![](https://i.ibb.co/TWH76Kz/lifted.jpg)
![](https://i.ibb.co/1qpHZbM/lifted2.jpg)
Got the air filters replaced with K&N as per EdMaverick and the old filters definitely looked like they needed to be replaced. Took a bit of head scratching to access the filters lol. Just folded the carpet back enough to access the filters. The driver's side was a pain to put back in for some reason but I got it done.
Also changed the pre and cabin air filters
Next will be the oil change.
#42
Instructor
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Sorry, haven't taken any good pics yet but here it is in the garage.
![](https://i.ibb.co/F7PmX6w/home.jpg)
I've had the lift for over 13yrs and and have worked on many cars/suvs etc this is the first car I had trouble with. The lift's ramps are not long enough for the lifting spots on the car. I can only get either the front or the rear to line up above the lifting ramps. So one end of it would have to be lifted from the pinch-welded seams along the rocker panel but I wasn't comfortable with that as they can sometimes bend. So I decided to make some quick and dirty lifting blocks that will locate the pinch weld seam and also not put pressure on the flat panel covering the bottom of the car.
![](https://i.ibb.co/kmnLx0m/blocks.jpg)
So far so good.
![](https://i.ibb.co/TWH76Kz/lifted.jpg)
![](https://i.ibb.co/1qpHZbM/lifted2.jpg)
Got the air filters replaced with K&N as per EdMaverick and the old filters definitely looked like they needed to be replaced. Took a bit of head scratching to access the filters lol. Just folded the carpet back enough to access the filters. The driver's side was a pain to put back in for some reason but I got it done.
Also changed the pre and cabin air filters
Next will be the oil change.
![](https://i.ibb.co/F7PmX6w/home.jpg)
I've had the lift for over 13yrs and and have worked on many cars/suvs etc this is the first car I had trouble with. The lift's ramps are not long enough for the lifting spots on the car. I can only get either the front or the rear to line up above the lifting ramps. So one end of it would have to be lifted from the pinch-welded seams along the rocker panel but I wasn't comfortable with that as they can sometimes bend. So I decided to make some quick and dirty lifting blocks that will locate the pinch weld seam and also not put pressure on the flat panel covering the bottom of the car.
![](https://i.ibb.co/kmnLx0m/blocks.jpg)
So far so good.
![](https://i.ibb.co/TWH76Kz/lifted.jpg)
![](https://i.ibb.co/1qpHZbM/lifted2.jpg)
Got the air filters replaced with K&N as per EdMaverick and the old filters definitely looked like they needed to be replaced. Took a bit of head scratching to access the filters lol. Just folded the carpet back enough to access the filters. The driver's side was a pain to put back in for some reason but I got it done.
Also changed the pre and cabin air filters
Next will be the oil change.
How do you like the K&N air filter?
#43
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By the seat of my pants I can't really tell any difference but I do hear the vacuum/sucking sound when I snap the throttle. Can't wait for the Borla now.
Also considering a tune but are tunes hard on the engines and affect the longevity/reliability?
#44
Instructor
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Based on my research, any reputable tune stage 1 or 2 will be fine. I won't dare to go with custom tunes at all and jeopardize my engine. I just want to remove the 25 HP removed by Porsche from the factory.
#45
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I noticed a difference in mine when immediately after I installed and went for a test drive. Perhaps, it is my engine only at 16,900 miles on the odometer. The Borla will shake things up.
Based on my research, any reputable tune stage 1 or 2 will be fine. I won't dare to go with custom tunes at all and jeopardize my engine. I just want to remove the 25 HP removed by Porsche from the factory.
Based on my research, any reputable tune stage 1 or 2 will be fine. I won't dare to go with custom tunes at all and jeopardize my engine. I just want to remove the 25 HP removed by Porsche from the factory.