WAILN6

I spent a lot of time trying to research the first gen Spyder before I purchased one and found existing information to be a bit scattered with a fair bit of misinformation out there (and broken links). My goal with this thread is to eventually produce a go-to thread for all things first gen Spyder that have been 100% vetted.

Until then…… this thread will consist of a series of posts that will be edited and expanded as I have time to fill in the details, correct data, add photos, etc. I’ll try to leave asterisks next to any entry not yet 100% confirmed.

Feel free to post additional data or corrections, and I’ll go back in to edit the early posts. I’m not trying to be a one-man know it all here, so feedback appreciated!

Porsche Boxster Spyder 987.2

• 2011 models: Manufactured from X 2010 to February 2011 Base retail price ~$62,750
  • Estimated ~1451 units worldwide (X% PDK)*
  • 
• 2012 models: Manufactured from March 2011 to May 2012
  • Estimated ~493 units worldwide (X% PDK)*
    • In North America there were:
      
      55 Carrara White Spyders 22 of them with PDK
      30 Black Spyders 15 of them with PDK
      26 Platinum Silver Spyders 8 of them with PDK
      9 Basalt Black Spyders 3 of them with PDK
      9 Aqua Blue Spyders 3 of them with PDK
      8 Guards Red Spyders 5 of the with PDK
      3 Paint to Sample Spyders none with PDK (Speed Yellow, Riviera Blue, and a dark blue color) * the other PTS was MY 2011 Meteor Gray and done for the Detroit Auto Show
      1 Cream White Spyder no PDK
      
      Only two cars were ordered without Radio in 2012 and 4 cars were ordered without Air Conditioning
      
      The most expensive 2012 cars were VIN 45076 (Carrara White) at $97,750, VIN 45061 (Black) at $96,255, VIN 45202 (*last one produced, Platinum Silver) at $96,570, VIN 45201 (Guards Red) at $83,085, VIN 45176 (Basalt Black) at $80,630, VIN 45187 (Aqua Blue) at $84,770 (**see note below)
      *note the original silver was Arctic Silver but they switched to Platinum Silver towards the end of the 2011 model run
      
      The least expensive was VIN 45199 (Carrara White at $64,215)

Quirky fun facts:

• Early buyers received a hard back book in a sleeve made from the top material.
• Early Spyders still had a spoiler raise button, though it was non-functioning.
• Early Spyder stock steering wheel center spokes were silver, but were changed to black later in production.
• Porsche suggests you not drive over 120 mph with the top installed.
• The top can be both an open air sun shade and weather tight.
• Most people have no idea what you are driving or how much fun it is.

Specs:

Curb weight: 2,811 lbs* (what was the exact option configuration that supports this figure?)

• Assumes:
  • STD LWB Bucket seats
  • No A/C
  • No radio
  • No cup holders
  • Manual transmission
  • Spyder wheels
  • STD exhaust
  • STD headlights
  • PCCB?
  • Lithium battery?
• Common options weight:
  • PDK adds X lbs
  • 12 way seats add 26 lbs
  • PSE add X lbs
  • A/C add 35 lbs
  • Radio add 20* lbs

Dimensions:

• 172″ L x 71″ W x 49-51″ H

Wheelbase:

• 95.1″

Ground clearance:

• Front
• Middle: 4.3"

Track:

• 58.5-58.7″ front, 60.2-60.4″ rear

Alignment:

• Parameter MIN spec /MAX spec
• Front Total Toe 0 /0.16
• FL Toe 0 /0.08
• FR Toe 0 /0.08
• FL Camber -1/ -0.5
• FR Camber -1 /-0.5
• Rear Total Toe 0 /0.34
• RL Toe 0 /0.17
• RR Toe 0 /0.17
• RL Camber -2.08 /-1.58
• RR Camber -2.08 /-1.58
• Left Caster 7.25 /8.5
• Right Caster 7.25 /8.5

VEHICLE TYPE:

• mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door roadster.

ENGINE:

• DOHC 24-valve flat-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection.

Displacement:

• 210 cu in, 3436cc. Power: 320 bhp @ 7200 rpm. Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm.

Transmission:

• 6 speed manual ratios- I=3.308:1, II=1.950:1, III=1.407:1, IV=1.133:1, V=0.950:1, VI=0.081:1, Final drive = 3.889:1
• PDK ratios-I=3.909:1, II=2.292:1, III=1.654:1, IV=1.303:1, V=1.081:1, VI=0.881:1, VII=0.617:1, Final drive=3.250:1

Rear differential:

• mechanical limited slip

Brakes:

• Front:
  • STD-4 piston caliper w/318mm vented and cross drilled iron rotor
  • OPT-6 piston caliper w/350mm vented and cross drilled carbon rotor
• Rear:
  • STD-4 piston caliper w/299mm iron rotor
  • OPT- 4 piston caliper w/350mm carbon rotor

Wheels (stock):

• Front: 8½J x 19
• Rear: 10J x 19

Tires (stock):

• Front: Bridgestone Potenza RE050 235/35 ZR 19
• Rear: Bridgestone Potenza RE050 265/35 ZR 19

Suspension:

• Front: Modified MacPherson strut
• Rear: Modified MacPherson strut

Sway bars:

• Front: 26.8mm*
• Rear: 22.2mm*

Capacities:

• Oil:
  • with oil filter approx. 1.98 U.S.gallons/7.5 liters

1. Drain plug: 50Nm or 37ft-lb
2. Filter: 25Nm or 19ft-lb

• Coolant:
  • 6.13 - 6.61 U.S. gallons/23.3 - 25 liters
• Brake Fluid:
  • approx. 0.4 quarts/0.39 liters; use only Original Porsche brake fluid
• Transmission/Diff:
  • approx. 0.85 U.S. gallons/3.2 liters
• Porsche PDK Gear set
  • approx. 0.78 U.S. gallons/2.95 liters
• Porsche PDK Clutch/Hydraulic fluid
  • approx. 1.37 U.S. gallons/5.2 liters
• Power steering:
  • approx. 1.1 quarts/1 liter hydraulic fluid Pentosin CHF 11 S® or CHF 202 S®
• Washer:
  • approx. 0.66 U.S. gallons/2.5 liters without headlight washer
  • approx. 1.58 U.S. gallons/6 liters with headlight washer
• Fuel:
  • 14.3 gallons (this can vary if the larger fuel tank option was selected)
• Air pressures:
  • Front (29psi) Rear (31psi)

Performance:

• 0-60: PDK/Manual ~4.6sec/4.8sec (Not that it matters!)
• Top speed: 165mph
• Lateral grip: 1.01 G
• Stopping distance:From 60mph- 112 ft*
• MPG: STD 19/27 PDK 20/29

Handy link to owner's manual http://porscheownersmanuals.com/2011...le-of-contents

2011 article in Road & Track has some interesting data points

WAILN6

Standard features:*

• Colors:
  • Ext: Black, Carrera White, Gaurds Red.
  • Int: Black w/Alcantara
  • Wheels: Silver (Silver spokes & outer rim w/ gray barrels)

• Carbon fiber reinforced bucket seats

• 6 speed manual transmission
• 2-piece fabric convertible top
• Lightweight aluminum wheels (unique to Spyder and Cayman R)
• Tilt/telescope steering column

• Aluminum hood, doors, and rear deck lid
• Lightweight strap door handle pulls (red)
• ABS

• PSM- Stability control
• 4 wheel TPMS
• Halogen headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Cruise control
• Keyless entry

Available Options:* (insert photos of each? I know there are gobs more not listed yet)

• Ext:Special color: Cream White $3,500
• Ext optional colors: $710 Basalt Black, Aqua Blue, Arctic Silver, Platinum Silver.
• Ext: PTS (Confirmed colors: Speed Yellow, Riviera Blue, Navy Blue, Meteor grey, GT Silver)
• Int: Black leather, Sand Beige, Cocoa, Carrera Red, Color to sample
• PDK transmission $3420

• (PCCB) Ceramic brakes $8150
• (PSE) Sports Exhaust $2810
• Sport Chrono $1320
• Sport Chrono w/out PCM $1480
• Sport Chrono gauge face color $500

• Sports Plus (only with PDK)
• Short shifter
• Gear lever trim exterior color $295
• Bi-Xenon lights w/washers $1560
• Sport Design steering wheel
• Sport Design w/paddle shifters $490
• Larger fuel tank
• Radio/CD-R/Nav
• Sound package plus $700

• Universal audio interface $440
• Full Leather interior $3655
• Leather sunvisors $665
• 12-way power seats in leather
• Heated seats $525
• Porsche crest in headrest $285 (Only available with full leather option)
• Porsche crest in armrest
• Door pull fabric in Black or Silver
• Seat belts in Silver
• Body colored roll bars (XMK) $535
• Foot rest in aluminum $250
• EXC- options with deviations $290
• Seat stitching deviation $310
• Stitching at door trim deviation $310
• Stitching of center console deviation $310
• Stitching of dashboard deviation $310
• Stitching of door handle and armrest deviation $470
• Automatic A/C $1760
• Parking sensors
• Fire extinguisher
• Lithium battery
• Colored gauge faces (white, red) $690
• Self dimming mirrors $690
• Carrera wheels
• 5mm wheel spacers
• Painted wheels (Black)
• Painted wheel crests $185
• Decal delete
• Model delete

Center console button configurations can vary quite a bit (insert photos of variations)

WAILN6

Part numbers for common wear items: You should confirm all part numbers with your selling dealer prior to ordering any parts, especially any with an asterisk!

Brakes:

• Pads
  • Front pads: Part# 997-351-939-05-M100*
  • Rear pads: Part# 986-352-939-10*
• Rotors
  • Front rotors: Part# 997-351-406-01 right (405-01 left)*
  • Rear rotors: Part# 987-352-403-01*
• Caliper bolts
  • Front: 999-067-053-09*

Filters:

• Oil filter Part# 996-107-225-60
• Air filter Part# 987-110-133-01
• Fuel filter

• Cabin filter Part# 997-571-219-01

Sparks:

• Part# 999-170-151-90

Clutch

• Part#

Misc Mechanical:

• Coolant cap 996-106-447-04
• Coolant cap O-ring only 987-106-170-00

Wheels:

• Front wheels Part# 987-362-157-05
• Rear wheels Part# 987-362-161-00

Body:*

• Car cover Part# 987 044 000 14
• Front air dam (Spyder lips)
  • Left = Part# 987 505 527 08 01C
  • Right = Part# 987 505 528 08 01C
• Front bumper insert grilles
  • Large frame holding each side
    • Left 987.505.553.09
    • Right 987.505.554.09
  • Titanium colored outer frame
    • Left 987.505.563.00
    • Right 987.505.564.00
  • Cover for day running light
    • Left 987.505.525.02
    • Right 987.505.526.02
• Rear bumperettes
  • Left = Part# 987-505-845-01
  • Right = Part# 987-505-846-01
• Side gills
  • L Frame - 987.504.749.03.01C*
  • R Frame - 987.504.750.03.01C*
  • L Vent - 987.504.561.04.9B1*
  • R Vent - 987.504.562.04.9B1*
• Top
  • Cloth top- (no carbon fiber front) 987.567.107.00 A10
  • Tension cable - 987-567-771-01
  • End plugs at carbon fiber (part number to be confirmed, but this thread talks about it) https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...t-is-this.html
  • End plugs in aluminum tube over headrests- 987.567.721.00 You can also source the OEM : Kapsto GPN 320 GL20 1-2
• Rear window
  • Cloth with plexi window and plastic side clips- 987.567.119.00 A10
• Side windows
  • Left 987.542.511.04
  • Right
• Headlights
  • Left = STD Part # 987-631-165-21*
  • Left = Xenon Part # 987-631-169-22*
  • Right = STD Part # 987-631-166-21*
  • Right = Xenon Part # 987-631-170-22*
• Tail lights
  • Left = Part # 987-631-425-04
  • Right = Part # 987-631-426-04
• Side markers in clear
• Interior:*
  • Leather bolster covers
  • Door pull cover
  • Ignition cover
  • Visor bulbs
  • Map lights
  • Key ring cover
  • Window switch cover
  • Door micro switch

Suspension:

• Front sway bar Part# 997-343-701-08
• Front sway bushings Part# 996-343-792-17*
• Front strut Part# 987-343-042-08
• Front coil spring Part# 987-343-531-40-504
• Front stopper Part# 987-343-301-00
• Front shock boot Part# 996-343-505-00
• Rear strut Part# 987-333-051-18
• Rear coil spring Part# 987-333-531-95-504 (manual tran)
• Rear stopper Part# 987-333-301-01
• Rear shock boot Part# 986-333-505-01
• Rear sway bar Part# 987-333-701-05
• Rear sway bushings Part# 996-333-792-28*

WAILN6

Differences between the Spyder and a Boxster S.

• Weight: Up to 176 lbs less*
  • No door storage pockets
  • No plastic door sill covers
  • LWB seats std
  • Smaller fuel tank
  • Aluminum door skins
  • Aluminum twin hump rear deck w/unique hinge towers and manual prop
  • Carbon fiber and canvas manual top
  • Styrofoam top cradle/storage bin
  • Fewer horizontal dividers in front intakes
  • Fixed rear spoiler
  • LED spars/running lights
  • Lightweight wheels
  • Thinner side windows?*
  • Fabric loop door pulls
  • No gauge pod hood
• Performance changes:
  • Lowered ride height by 20mm (X73 or is this spyder specific?)
  • Thicker sway bars
  • Stiffer spring rates
  • Increased suspension rebound & compression damping
  • Altered alignment
  • Wheel backspacing ~+ 5mm
  • Front spoiler “lips”
  • +10 Horsepower & 7lb/ft of torque
  • Limited slip differential
  • Exhaust piping diameter*
  • Flux capacitor
• Cosmetic:
  • Side windows are angular instead of curved (unique to 987 Spyder)
  • Body decals “Porsche” on lower sill
  • Engine intake grill pattern has X grill instead of slats
  • Engine and cooling intake painted silver
  • Wheels are exclusive to Spyder and Cayman R
  • Logos in door sill, rear trunk and glove box “Boxster Spyder”
  • Dual exhaust tips in black
  • Driver’s seat lower than passenger (LWB)
  • Less sound insulation*
  • Painted glove box divider and center console in body color
  • Red seat belts
  • Unique shift ****
  • Cockpit Air vents in all Black (This could be ordered specially for a Boxster S but did not come standard in anything but the Spyder)

WAILN6

DIY thread links: (I don't seem to have the ability to embed links to threads so URL will be visible)

• Top folding https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...er+folding+top
• Brake maintenance
• Oil change
• Coolant change
• Water pump
• Thermostat https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...placement.html
• Shifter cables
• Short Shifter
• Roll bars & Harness info https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...ur-spyder.html

Upgrades: (Porsche)

• Brakes:
  • Ceramic Brakes: https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...cb-vs-red.html
  • GT3 Master cylinder: (Note Part # 99735591030 can be subbed for a TRW part number which is the OEM manufacturer) https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...-cayman-r.html
  • 911 calipers?

• Suspension:
  • GT3 Lower control arms
  • Chassis bracing:

• Cooling:
  • 3rd radiator (STD on PDK)
  • GT3 brake cooling ducts

• Exhaust:
  • Cayman R STD exhaust (55mm tubes)
  • PSE

• Throttle body
• Shifter cables
  • Updated factory cables
• Short Shifter
  • Factory GT3
  • Factory SSK

Aftermarket Upgrades (Best items under $XXX):

• Front license plate mount for tow hook
• Air intake grilles
• Brake pads
• Titanium wheel studs
• Shifter cables
  • Numeric
• Short Shifter
  • Numeric

Aftermarket Upgrades (Best items under $XXXX):

• Exhaust
• Tires (many up size one width)

WAILN6

In the media:

• Hardcover owner's book with case

• AutoWeek December 14, 2009

• Christophorus December 2009,pages 32-35

• Porsche Panorama January 2010, pages 2-10

• Excellence (cover shot) February 2010
  
• Motor Trend March 2010, page 30

• Motor Trend March 2010, page 75*

• Automobile March 2010, page 34

• Road & Track March 2010, pages 64-69

• Car and Driver April 2010, pages 110-111

• Motor Trend April 2010, pages 40-48

• Excellence May 2010, pages 50-56

• Wall street Journal July 2010
  
  
• Panorama(cover shot) March 2011
• Panorama (cover shot) October 2012

On the web:

• Los Angeles Times December 2, 2009

• Jalopnik "How the Porsch Boxster Spyder shed 176lbs and How it can lose more"

• Jalopnik "Porsche Boxster Spyder: The Lightest Porsche You Can Buy"

• May 2020 Panorama

-----Placeholder for images from the magazine-------

WAILN6

Models:
Hotwheels

Minichamps

Marine Blue

AWESOME!

PRODUCTION CLARIFICATIONS:
2011 Production ended in February 2011
2012 Production started in March 2011 and I believe it ended in May 2011.

I don’t think the 987.2 steering rack was different between the S and Spyder, the 981 did however have a faster steering rack from the 991 Turbo.

COLOR CLARIFICATIONS:
- Standard Colors: Carrara White, Black, Guards Red
- Optional Colors: Basalt Black, Platinum Silver, Arctic Silver, Aqua Blue
- Special Color: Cream White

There’s a Meteor Grey PTS Spyder out there too, it was a former press car IIRC.

WEIGHT CLARIFICATIONS:
I’m fairly certain that the weight reduction is based upon the following items only:
- LWB
- Wheels
- Aluminum Doors
- Door skins with fabric pull strap and no door pockets
- LED Light Spars
- Lightweight roof with aluminum rear lid
- No radio
- No A/C
- Manual transmission
- no cupholders

The other weight reduction was over and above what’s listed above.

grgallo

thank you oihammer this is great, hope it keeps going with info, maybe publish it someday in a handbook? Only had a few minutes to review, but note Excellence published an article with white Spyder on cover February 2010

WAILN6

Thanks for the feedback. As promised, edits have been flying.
Really, Cream white was not a PTS?

Marine Blue

This will be a great thread, we all need to add pictures of the various exterior and interior colors and some of the unique features of the Spyder. I’ll try to capture some this weekend as I prep for concours.

Cream White was definitely not PTS, it was considered a special color and had a price adder of $3,500 and Metallic colors were $710.

Full Leather Cost: $3,655

2XIPA

2011 Aqua Blue Metallic with light beige full leather.

John McM

Is the front hood Aluminum?

WAILN6

Yes, the doors, hood, and trunk are all aluminum skinned. I confirmed this with paint meters in BAT photos, as well as my own. I recall you have a meter so double check that yours will read the material on the display.

John McM

That may explain why the hood and rear deck readings were similar. Can you share the BAT and your readings?