Buying a 981, red flags?

Buying a 981, red flags?

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Discussion

paulguitar

Original Poster:

23,782 posts

114 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
ATM said:
paulguitar said:
Latest news with mine, I have ordered the stalks for adding cruise control:





Looks like I will go to MLR Porsche in Stoke to get that fitted and coded, and while I am there I will have them look at the drain tubes and carry out the modification to remove the valves.
Never admit to 'cruising' in your Porsche. Not on PH anyway.
I did a speed awareness course this morning, so it will hopefully help to prevent further frustrations and also I consider cruise control to be a significant aid to safe driving when used properly. I started a thread about it here a few years ago and was quite taken aback by the ignorance about its use.


Aside from that, I am also intending to get CarPlay added to the PCM 3. Not sure what the latest is on that, does anyone have any recent advice, please?



Shaoxter

4,092 posts

125 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
ATM said:
paulguitar said:
Latest news with mine, I have ordered the stalks for adding cruise control:





Looks like I will go to MLR Porsche in Stoke to get that fitted and coded, and while I am there I will have them look at the drain tubes and carry out the modification to remove the valves.
Never admit to 'cruising' in your Porsche. Not on PH anyway.
I did a speed awareness course this morning, so it will hopefully help to prevent further frustrations and also I consider cruise control to be a significant aid to safe driving when used properly. I started a thread about it here a few years ago and was quite taken aback by the ignorance about its use.
You need a copy of the urban dictionary. And a parrot hehe

paulguitar

Original Poster:

23,782 posts

114 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
Shaoxter said:
You need a copy of the urban dictionary. And a parrot hehe
Ah, oh dear

getmecoat

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
I did a speed awareness course this morning, so it will hopefully help to prevent further frustrations and also I consider cruise control to be a significant aid to safe driving when used properly. I started a thread about it here a few years ago and was quite taken aback by the ignorance about its use.


Aside from that, I am also intending to get CarPlay added to the PCM 3. Not sure what the latest is on that, does anyone have any recent advice, please?
Hi Paul ,

To add a proper instal whilst keeping the original PCM unit I was quoted £950 including VAT . I'm not sure I'll bother just yet as for my usage it might not be worth it however, if you intend using your car as a daily I see why you'd want it .
There are cheaper options but I think that means doing away with the factory PCM unit .

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
Chaps quick question-

Will my GTS have PTV as standard ?

If so , how good is it and how can I check it has it ?

Tia

ATM

18,345 posts

220 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
GT3Manthey said:
Chaps quick question-

Will my GTS have PTV as standard ?

If so , how good is it and how can I check it has it ?

Tia
Simplest way is to check the option codes I think. Surely it will have its own code. Unless it is included in a bundle which has a code. There is a way to get all option codes from the VIN.

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
ATM said:
Simplest way is to check the option codes I think. Surely it will have its own code. Unless it is included in a bundle which has a code. There is a way to get all option codes from the VIN.
Tks I'll give it a go this weekend.

Didn't know if it was standard on the GTS cars

Royal Jelly

3,689 posts

199 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
Out of curiosity, were 981 GTSs available with standard suspension?

I don’t think I’ve ever known of one without x73 or PASM.

Having driven both of those (in Cayman format) they’re both excellent in their own right. My take on it was that in terms of stiffness, X73 sits between PASM’s normal and Sport mode. Beautifully judged, really. 981 PASM is also very well adapted. For the most part, Normal mode is ideal on a British road, but now and again, on a smooth road, the Sport is the order of the day.

Without sounding insulting - I assume you’re aware if yours has PASM or not?

Both excellent. Never driven a 981 on standard springs. I can’t imagine it would be bad.

My next piece of advice is to definitely take it for a full geo setup by someone who knows what they’re doing with a Hunter rig. It can make a HUGE difference to the handling. I had mine setup as ‘fast road’ nearly 3 years ago. It was pretty off at the time and it was transformative. It’s also worth noting that given the state of our roads, I’ve repeated this each year (about 3k miles) and interestingly, while still being significantly better than when I got it, it had been knocked appreciably away from the setup.

Edited to add; congrats on the purchase. You’re going to love it.

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
Royal Jelly said:
Out of curiosity, were 981 GTSs available with standard suspension?

I don’t think I’ve ever known of one without x73 or PASM.

Having driven both of those (in Cayman format) they’re both excellent in their own right. My take on it was that in terms of stiffness, X73 sits between PASM’s normal and Sport mode. Beautifully judged, really. 981 PASM is also very well adapted. For the most part, Normal mode is ideal on a British road, but now and again, on a smooth road, the Sport is the order of the day.

Without sounding insulting - I assume you’re aware if yours has PASM or not?

Both excellent. Never driven a 981 on standard springs. I can’t imagine it would be bad.

My next piece of advice is to definitely take it for a full geo setup by someone who knows what they’re doing with a Hunter rig. It can make a HUGE difference to the handling. I had mine setup as ‘fast road’ nearly 3 years ago. It was pretty off at the time and it was transformative. It’s also worth noting that given the state of our roads, I’ve repeated this each year (about 3k miles) and interestingly, while still being significantly better than when I got it, it had been knocked appreciably away from the setup.

Edited to add; congrats on the purchase. You’re going to love it.
Don't worry no insults taken .

Mine has PASM.

For context I've had many cars but technically I'm bloody useless ! Not just with cars but anytime practical.
My father would have been so disappointed!

I've owned many GT P cars including a 996RS, 2 997 GT3's, air cooled cars ( my first was a 930 turbo targa at 23), 987 Spyder, GT4, 355 Ferrari. The list goes on.

Oh , and I've had cars rebuild at the likes of 9E.

As over the years I've had no time I've just let the experts get on with my many cars needs.
At 55 this hasn't changed lol.

I feel my misgivings is that I've not learnt the inner workings of the many cars I've owned but I've just never had the time.

I've had cars set up by JZM and 9E so you're right, I might need to have that done although a road setup for me now with no plans for track days is all I'll need .
That , plus I'm now captain slow !

paulguitar

Original Poster:

23,782 posts

114 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
GT3Manthey said:
Hi Paul ,

To add a proper instal whilst keeping the original PCM unit I was quoted £950 including VAT . I'm not sure I'll bother just yet as for my usage it might not be worth it however, if you intend using your car as a daily I see why you'd want it .
There are cheaper options but I think that means doing away with the factory PCM unit .
Thanks for the info. That is indeed pretty expensive. It's currently my only car but a toy, basically. If I do go ahead and get Carplay, I'd rather keep the existing screen for the sake of originality,

paulguitar

Original Poster:

23,782 posts

114 months

Wednesday 10th April
quotequote all
ATM said:
GT3Manthey said:
Chaps quick question-

Will my GTS have PTV as standard ?

If so , how good is it and how can I check it has it ?

Tia
Simplest way is to check the option codes I think. Surely it will have its own code. Unless it is included in a bundle which has a code. There is a way to get all option codes from the VIN.
I've used this eBay seller's service for several cars. Full build sheet from the VIN for £2.99:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/296293726456

Royal Jelly

3,689 posts

199 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
GT3Manthey said:
Don't worry no insults taken .

Mine has PASM.

For context I've had many cars but technically I'm bloody useless ! Not just with cars but anytime practical.
My father would have been so disappointed!

I've owned many GT P cars including a 996RS, 2 997 GT3's, air cooled cars ( my first was a 930 turbo targa at 23), 987 Spyder, GT4, 355 Ferrari. The list goes on.

Oh , and I've had cars rebuild at the likes of 9E.

As over the years I've had no time I've just let the experts get on with my many cars needs.
At 55 this hasn't changed lol.

I feel my misgivings is that I've not learnt the inner workings of the many cars I've owned but I've just never had the time.

I've had cars set up by JZM and 9E so you're right, I might need to have that done although a road setup for me now with no plans for track days is all I'll need .
That , plus I'm now captain slow !
Apologies - I was hungover yesterday, which is my excuse for misreading PTV for x73.

You can find that in the VIN decode, or raise the rear wheels and turn one. If the other turns the same way, you’ve got a LSD (and therefore PTV/locking diff).

I have PTV and to be honest I’m not sure I would know on the road. You occasionally can detect the inside-rear application of braking, but it’s obviously pretty subtle. As far as the LSD - on the road I’ve never felt it struggle to put power down out of a corner, aside from the occasional squirm in the wet from my clumsiness..

I’m in the same boat as you regarding usage. Mine is set up for road enjoyment. I have no interest in compromising 99% of my use for a potential track day. Certainly the best investment in the car that I’ve made, though.

Edited by Royal Jelly on Thursday 11th April 06:41

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
Thanks for the info. That is indeed pretty expensive. It's currently my only car but a toy, basically. If I do go ahead and get Carplay, I'd rather keep the existing screen for the sake of originality,
That's my thinking especially as I'll likely go for a Porsche warranty at some stage.

The alternative is to get a cheap stand alone screen that hangs in the car somewhere.

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
Royal Jelly said:
Apologies - I was hungover yesterday, which is my excuse for misreading PTV for x73.

You can find that in the VIN decode, or raise the rear wheels and turn one. If the other turns the same way, you’ve got a LSD (and therefore PTV/locking diff).

I have PTV and to be honest I’m not sure I would know on the road. You occasionally can detect the inside-rear application of braking, but it’s obviously pretty subtle. As far as the LSD - on the road I’ve never felt it struggle to put power down out of a corner, aside from the occasional squirm in the wet from my clumsiness..

I’m in the same boat as you regarding usage. Mine is set up for road enjoyment. I have no interest in compromising 99% of my use for a potential track day. Certainly the best investment in the car that I’ve made, though.

Edited by Royal Jelly on Thursday 11th April 06:41
Lovely thank you .

I should have a little more time with the car this weekend so will investigate. I need to do things such as read through the manual , check the tyre temperatures when cold and play with the memory settings although I think I've got my seat set for me now.

I still can't believe the car is 10yrs old it's that good.



MrVert

4,399 posts

240 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
GT3Manthey said:
Lovely thank you .

I should have a little more time with the car this weekend so will investigate. I need to do things such as read through the manual , check the tyre temperatures when cold and play with the memory settings although I think I've got my seat set for me now.

I still can't believe the car is 10yrs old it's that good.
They’re rather good aren’t they!

Sounds like we have a similar ownership background (GT3’s, Ferrari etc etc) and honestly, the 981 GTS Boxster / Cayman are amongst the best sports cars I’ve had the pleasure of owning.

Handling, usable power, noise, quality, and grin factor are pretty much second to none.

Enjoy your car, you’re going to love owning it I reckon thumbup

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
MrVert said:
They’re rather good aren’t they!

Sounds like we have a similar ownership background (GT3’s, Ferrari etc etc) and honestly, the 981 GTS Boxster / Cayman are amongst the best sports cars I’ve had the pleasure of owning.

Handling, usable power, noise, quality, and grin factor are pretty much second to none.

Enjoy your car, you’re going to love owning it I reckon thumbup
Cheers MrVert I'm already smitten.

Can't see me wanting to part with this one.

Going to book tickets to Porsche Classics at the Castle with the wife . Hamper in the front, nice leisurely drive there with the roof off . Happy days

981Boxess

11,369 posts

259 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
paulguitar said:
GT3Manthey said:
Hi Paul ,

To add a proper instal whilst keeping the original PCM unit I was quoted £950 including VAT . I'm not sure I'll bother just yet as for my usage it might not be worth it however, if you intend using your car as a daily I see why you'd want it .
There are cheaper options but I think that means doing away with the factory PCM unit .
Thanks for the info. That is indeed pretty expensive. It's currently my only car but a toy, basically. If I do go ahead and get Carplay, I'd rather keep the existing screen for the sake of originality,
It is basically splitting the PCM and installing a PCB inside, visually you would never know it has been done.

I am not sure we are all thinking of the same mod?

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
981Boxess said:
It is basically splitting the PCM and installing a PCB inside, visually you would never know it has been done.

I am not sure we are all thinking of the same mod?
Hi mate , yes that's what I was quoted £950 for .

981Boxess

11,369 posts

259 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
GT3Manthey said:
981Boxess said:
It is basically splitting the PCM and installing a PCB inside, visually you would never know it has been done.

I am not sure we are all thinking of the same mod?
Hi mate , yes that's what I was quoted £950 for .
Someone on here ordered a kit direct from China and it cost around £200 all in delivered, obviously not fitted.

It seems like there is a lot of meat on the bone at £950 fitted.

GT3Manthey

4,554 posts

50 months

Thursday 11th April
quotequote all
981Boxess said:
Someone on here ordered a kit direct from China and it cost around £200 all in delivered, obviously not fitted.

It seems like there is a lot of meat on the bone at £950 fitted.
I tend to agree hence not rushing into it.

That quote was by a well known Indi