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    Mar 26, 2005 5:45:36 PM

    F1freak
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    F1freak
    Loc: Naperville,IL,USA
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    Registered on: Mar 26, 2005

    I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S(2002-2003)
    and I have a couple of questions.

    1.Is there any quality issues I need to be concerned with?
    2.How much more power can I expect to squeeze out of the engine with a cam kit,all the external bolt ons(headers,ehaust,cold air intake etc..)and a tune? Also how much would this cost approximately?

    Thanks in advance.

    Mar 26, 2005 8:20:05 PM

    Dr. Phil Offline
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    Dr. Phil
    Loc: Denmark , Denmark
    Posts: 5864, Gallery
    Registered on: Nov 30, 2004
    Reply to: F1freak

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    1) Check for oil leaks (potential main seal problem) and general tear and wear. Get one that has been well taken care of and driven sensibly.

    According to a recent german survey the Boxster is the number ONE car, when it comes to lack of complaints and lack of technical problems.
    Apart from the mail seal issue the Boxster is generally a great car in that sense.


    2) Dont tune the car. Porsche has made an unbelieveably harmonious car, and changing its engine characteristics will in all likelihood only decrease your driving pleasure.
    If you want the power of a 911 - get a 911.
    If you want the 0-100 of a supercharged Impreza or some other Japanese pocket rocket - get one of those.
    Unless you have been driving a Boxster for quite some time, and really (and I mean REALLY) find it slow or under-powered DON't change a thing.
    The point of this car is not straight-line acceleration, but it's second-to-none superb handling and amazing engine flexibility.

    PLLEASE! Do not change a thing before you have gotten to know this car properly. This car's handling will rock your world...don't fubar the engine.
    Just my 2 cents.

    Let us jnow what you find

    Mar 27, 2005 5:17:49 AM

    ADias
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    ADias
    Loc: Southwest USA , United States
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    Registered on: Apr 9, 2004
    Reply to: Dr. Phil

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:2) Dont tune the car. Porsche has made an unbelieveably harmonious car, and changing its engine characteristics will in all likelihood only decrease your driving pleasure.
    If you want the power of a 911 - get a 911.



    So true. True also for the 911.

    Mar 27, 2005 5:34:33 PM

    Eurospeed
    Junior
    Eurospeed
    Loc: New York
    Posts: 101, Gallery
    Registered on: Oct 26, 2004
    Reply to: ADias

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    The Boxster S(2000-2004) is a detuned engine. Actually the 987 S uses the same engine. Some people don't like change but to the contrary the Boxster S is a great car to tune. Most people have found 285HP with intake, ECU upgrade, and headers. TTP headers are the best(Scargo are good as well), but some have used Danske. What is important is the header have the proper collector inside for proper airflow. TTP( German componay that does Work for FVD, Gembella, etc.) is a great ECU upgrade but expensive. If not TTP, go with GIAC ECU upgrade. With an addition of sports cats you are looking at about 291HP. Someone on Pete's Porsche Boxster Board (PPBB) just did a dyno with these results, so the results are genuine. Ive seen other dynos making real HP as well. When tuned the cars have shown to be reliable too.Hope this helps, good luck.

    Mar 28, 2005 12:47:25 AM

    Holminator
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    Holminator
    Loc: USA , United States
    Posts: 1041, Gallery
    Registered on: Sep 28, 2004
    Reply to: F1freak

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    Here's one for you. It's my trade-in. Found it on the lot when I went in for service last week. Comes with an MP3, DVD player, TV combo for your passenger (only way to keep my wife happy on long trips or so I thought). It's an awesome vehicle. No defects. "Porsche certified" now.

    Mar 28, 2005 12:52:45 AM

    RCA
    Rennteam Administrator
    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
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    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: F1freak

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    I wouldn't touch the Boxster's engine if you want to be happy with it. Unfortunately this is not the same engine we have on the 993/996 Turbo/GT3/GT2 and even not the same we have now on the 997 Carrera S.
    The only "upgrade" which makes sense is to implant a 996 engine into the Boxster. Not a cheap thing though. Also forget about turbo or supercharger upgrades, I heard a lot of desaster stories in the past.

    Get a MY2004 car if you can, at least avoid cars before the facelift (when the Boxster S got a power upgrade).
    But so far, the Boxster S has proved to be more reliable than the Boxster, maybe due to the fact that it's introduction has been delayed.

    Mar 31, 2005 2:22:38 AM

    F1freak
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    F1freak
    Loc: Naperville,IL,USA
    Posts: 2, Gallery
    Registered on: Mar 26, 2005
    Reply to: RCA

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    Thanks for all the helpful advise everyone. Anyone have any experience with cam kits for the Boxster S or know of anyone who has? What kits are the best and how much power can i expect to gain? Hey Eurospeed, is that 291 HP you qouted rear wheel or flywheel?

    Mar 31, 2005 10:37:34 AM

    Dr. Phil Offline
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    Dr. Phil
    Loc: Denmark , Denmark
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    Registered on: Nov 30, 2004
    Reply to: F1freak

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    F1freak, have you driven the Boxster S, and if so: For how long?
    You alone, of course, decide what to do with the car you buy, but I will strongly advice you to purchase a standard 986S and drive it for 2-3 months before even thinking about an upgrade.
    I'm telling you this because I myself had the idea of getting my Boxster tuned BEFORE I bought it.
    I thought 260BHP sounded like a fast GTI, but a slow sportscar.
    Trust me when I tell you that this car will grow on you, and that you most likely will be better off spending money on wheels, suspension etc instead if you want a more sporty car.
    The harmony of the gearbox and torque is simply perfect, and most upgrades are either too small to really be worth the $$$ or too over-the-top and hence destroying the fine balance of the engine/gearbox relation.

    I can understand if you want a small rocket, but you soon learn that the Boxster is so sublime in its handling, that if you want to shake off others in fast cars, just find a corner.
    If you just want power for the sake of power, I suggest you get the twinturbo option, and forget about the original harmony of the engine.

    Wait and see. I wouldn't consider tuning anything before you have gotten to know the car. Personally I probably driver slower and less full-throttle in my Boxey than any other car I've owned. The fun is in its handling - not its power.

    Mar 31, 2005 10:49:52 AM

    RCA
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    RC
    Loc: Rennteam HQ , Germany
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    Registered on: Mar 26, 2002
    Reply to: Dr. Phil

    Re: I'm thinking about buying a used Boxster S.

    Quote:
    Dr. Phil said:
    The fun is in its handling - not its power.




    Right.

    To F1freak: DO NOT tamper with the engine, there is not much power you can gain from cam kits, etc. but you're seriously asking for engine trouble by doing that.
    Of course this is your money but better invest it in a later MY to make sure you get a great car.
     
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