neil_b

Thought I'd post a few videos on what I've done to my 2001 986 Boxster S after a year of ownership and what mods I've got lined up for the future.

Video is here:



Porsche Boxster S 3.2 Tiptronic (986)

I wanted an everyday car I could track occasionally.
She’s called Belle

Stats.
ˇ 252 Bhp, 305 Nm torque,
ˇ 0-60 takes 6.5 seconds, ,
ˇ In the owners handbook its states the Boxster S Tiptronic version should weigh between thirteen hundred and thirty five kilos (1335 kg) and fourteen hundred and fifteen kilos 1415 kg , so we’ll take an average of thirteen hundred and seventy five 1375 kg for now
ˇ Gives a power to weight ratio of 183 bhp/ton


ˇ Had car for 1 year and driven 6,000 miles

ˇ Real world mpg
17 mpg intown.
30 mph on motorway
Using Shell vPower petrol (99 RON)




Maintenance done
Engine Oil+Filter Twice
Brake Fluid Twice
Transmisson Fluid
Coffin Arms (bush in one place could see daylight though)
Air And Cabin Filters
Engine Serpentine Belt
Brake Pads – EBC Bluestuff
Fuel Filter
Aircon Topped Up
Spark Plugs



My mods
Bulbs – Phillips X-treme Vision
Custom Cup holder build
Tyres – was pirelli p-zero russo now Michelin ps2
CD player removed and iPhone auxillary fitted with holder
Spare tyre removed. I carry tyre weld for punctures.
GT3 brake ducts installed.
Four wheel laser alignment






Things to do
Refurbish complete braking system – the hoses, master cylinder, servo/booster and caliper rebuilds
Rear plastic window has a crack
Alloy wheels have some paint bubbles
Squeak from rear of car- could be engine mount, transmission mounts or suspension top mounts?
Coffin arm bushes upgrade to polyurethane (Powerflex)
Check and replace fluids – coolant, power steering and differential if needed

IMS Bearing repair – 1997 to 2004 and it affects all Boxster, Caymans and 911’s from that time period. The purpose of the intermediate shaft is to drive the camshafts indirectly off the crankshaft. If the bearing in shaft fails this can affect the valve timing causing massive engine damage. The fix itself is relatively straight forward you replace the bearing with a 3rd party version that doesn’t fail.

Performance
One thing I wanted to investigate is increasing the power of the engine. What intrigues me is that 2001 Boxster produces 252 bhp but the 2005 model has the same 3.2 litre M96 engine but produces 280 bhp which is 28 more. It would be interesting to find out what changes were made and seeing if I could get the same result.

Wheel Dynamics

Before you rebuild the calipers, consider having us refinish them for you...

GVA-SFO

@Wheel Dynamics : I love your 6 pistons caliper, ..big time ! (but want them red, with drilled rotors, no slots, ..to match my rears !)
Do you sell the the Brembo kit for Boxster S (2001 too !) with large rotor (yes, I'm on 18" wheels) and with the Brembo mounting kit/adapter ?
Would you accept the OEM 4 pistons caliper in trade in, (with my rotors, that are in perfect shape, no lip at all, 3'000 miles) ?

IMO going 6 pistons on the front is a SUPER improvement for this car, I plan to do that very soon !

Wheel Dynamics

Hi there,

We certainly can help you with the purchase on these items, I will send you a PM right after this post.

Unfortunately we don't accept trade-ins on brakes, only wheels.

Look out for a PM in a few minutes for the 6-pistion set-up with drilled rotors.

neil_b

Next, I used bathroom scales in an attempt to weigh her. Check out the results in this vid:

neil_b

Spent the weekend replacing the braking system. First up the brake master cylinder and booster.

Video here:

neil_b

now fitted - steel braided brake lines. Hmmmmm.

Video of all this is here:

Dan87951

Nice! Ball park how much is the refinish service?

neil_b

Next i rebuilt the brake calipers. Video is here:

neil_b

After 15 years and 50,000 miles how much horsepower has a 986 Boxster S Tiptronic got? We take her to the dyno and find out.

neil_b

So, am considering what mods to do next to my 986 Boxster, Belle. I've put together a list of options such as the 987 Cayman airbox, 996 throttle body etc and compared the bhp gains and cost. Check out the video here:

neil_b

After the disappointing results on the rolling road I was advised by a fellow forum member to check the ignition coils for any cracks or damage as this had been a cause of reduced power for him.

An ignition coil is an induction coil that transform the low voltage from the battery to the high voltage needed for the spark plugs. On the Boxster these are exposed to the elements so it’s prudent to check them for hairline cracks. As it’s very little additional effort and because spark plugs are cheap I’ll replace all six whilst I’m there.

neil_b

Air con wasn't working so I fixed it. The video shows you how I did it:

neil_b

Replaced the leaky ignition coil tube seals

neil_b