Porsche Boxster 986.2 2.7
Discussion
Nice car, we have an almost identical one in guards red.
Ours has done 93k, wants for nothing & the missus is happily pootling about in it on its winter wheels.
As you said, straight line speed is nothing special (my 911 obliterates it) but put it on a nice twisty dry road with the roof down & it's just about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
We're never selling ours.
TR4man said:
I don't think I've seen many garages with a link of ammo hanging on the wall!
ah yea they're fake, prob not the best idea to have a live ammo clip on the property 
sounds good Sunnysider! yea pretty underwhelming for outright pace (it's still quick of course). I haven't really had a chance to get up to a good pace on a twisty road yet, or even the roof down given the weather but soon hopefully.
I really shouldn't say I'll never sell this one given my previous but I really do hope I can hold onto it for the foreseeable future. I can't see me wanting to change particularly, I can't afford anything else now anyway
Busy day. Was in Glastonbury this morning at 9 (from Cardiff) to collect my mates R26 Megane which has had a new clutch, SM flywheel and Quaife atb diff fitted. He's very happy and the car now drives much more nicely apparently. Then it was off to Prospeed in Cardiff to have the 1" bypass pipes fitted to the Boxster. The only thing I really wanted to do with the boxster is make it slightly louder as after the m3 the very quiet standard system was somewhat lacking. Boy has it woken the thing up!
The Boxster now sounds incredible. The YT vid doesn't really do it justice as it was recorded on an iPhone but oh wow it sounds superb. Not too loud while driving but a stunning bark now exists on acceleration and the pops on over run are music to the ears. I wouldn't say subtle or savage, somewhere in between, prefect. Extremely happy with Prospeeds work once again.
https://youtu.be/F9cxhhpov6c
The Boxster now sounds incredible. The YT vid doesn't really do it justice as it was recorded on an iPhone but oh wow it sounds superb. Not too loud while driving but a stunning bark now exists on acceleration and the pops on over run are music to the ears. I wouldn't say subtle or savage, somewhere in between, prefect. Extremely happy with Prospeeds work once again.
https://youtu.be/F9cxhhpov6c
That does sound superb.
I had, what was know back then as the Ottles mod done to my old 986S some years back, I assume this is what you've had done?
If it is, then it's produces the perfect amount of noise on WOT with the exact same noise level on partial throttle openings, and, without a single hint of droning.
Hearing your car really makes me miss the 986, great little cars.
I had, what was know back then as the Ottles mod done to my old 986S some years back, I assume this is what you've had done?
If it is, then it's produces the perfect amount of noise on WOT with the exact same noise level on partial throttle openings, and, without a single hint of droning.
Hearing your car really makes me miss the 986, great little cars.
Edited by Drew986 on Saturday 18th February 19:07
Cheers bud! I'm really pleased with it. Yea I believe it is the same as the oettle(sp?) mod, pipes are welded in from each side of the silencer (pre-silencer) and brought around to the tail pipe. I'll get some pictures of it tomorrow when the light is better. You are correct though, no droning on a run/partial throttle but WO and boy does it sound purposeful.
986s great little cars indeed, but now with big bore Porsche sound!
986s great little cars indeed, but now with big bore Porsche sound!
few more snaps of the work done
At Prospeed, Wentloog Road, Cardiff
being worked on
and today showing the route of the pipes
near side pipe
tail pipe with a lick of black paint on both bypass pipes to soften the look
off side pipe
Went for a drive today, no less awesome
Cars pretty filthy at the moment but will give it a good wash next weekend and clean the tail pipe up a little etc.
At Prospeed, Wentloog Road, Cardiff
being worked on
and today showing the route of the pipes
near side pipe
tail pipe with a lick of black paint on both bypass pipes to soften the look
off side pipe
Went for a drive today, no less awesome
Cars pretty filthy at the moment but will give it a good wash next weekend and clean the tail pipe up a little etc.
Total transformation on the exhaust note
I had a 986S and for some reason I never gelled with it, it did everything I expected it to do but never fell in love with it all. I had a GTV V6 at the same time and on all measurable parameters the Boxster was the superior car but the Alfa always felt more special and more involving - I'm definitely in the minority though
I had a 986S and for some reason I never gelled with it, it did everything I expected it to do but never fell in love with it all. I had a GTV V6 at the same time and on all measurable parameters the Boxster was the superior car but the Alfa always felt more special and more involving - I'm definitely in the minority though
I think they should have put a slip joint or something in the middle of those pipes so they are removable. If you ever need to take the exhaust off, to replace a catalytic converter for example or to remove the exhaust for a clutch change you now have a problem as you've had 3 sections of the exhaust welded together. I'm suprised they do it like that.
Escy said:
I think they should have put a slip joint or something in the middle of those pipes so they are removable. If you ever need to take the exhaust off, to replace a catalytic converter for example or to remove the exhaust for a clutch change you now have a problem as you've had 3 sections of the exhaust welded together. I'm suprised they do it like that.
The other more 'normal' route for the bypass mod is to tee off from the inlet pipe to the exhaust box and go to the tailpipe. SebringMan said:
Do you still have this or have you got the MX-5 only now?
I ask as I debate about getting a Boxster now and again. But I am liking my M3. I am still a little surprised that you sold it!
Still have the boxster SM. The MX-5 was to replace the low mileage CVT Micra the missus was driving. Her job changed which equaled more motorway miles etc so she really wanted something with a bit more poke. I ask as I debate about getting a Boxster now and again. But I am liking my M3. I am still a little surprised that you sold it!
I loved, and still do love the m3. It was an odd choice I'll totally admit; but not one I regrat. The m3 was an amazing machine but running costs long term were a little daunting, I could have done it but it wouldn't have been the car I ideally wanted, sacrifices would have to have been made and I don't like to compromise; too much. The boxster is a surprisingly economical car to run in comparison. I'd say drive one, spiritedly if you can. On paper (and in the real word) it has no where near as much pace ad the M, but that doesn't translate to 'slower' when driving the boxster. Point to point it's an incredibly capable car and would chase the m3 down a b-road I'd wager, I'll maybe find out when the new owner of my m3 and I go on a jaunt to Brecon to watch the Gremlin rally sat night. Good roads, late at night, hopefully dry.
It really does feel more special when you're in it too. Well; it does to me this is all rather subjective.
If you're local have a go in mine, bin it you buy it
Has been a while since the last update as not much has happened with the boxster over the last few months. It's actually been slightly forlorn lately as with the house move the new garage hasn't been up to storing it, (update on the garage on my Rover thread if anyone's interested) so it's been outside which irks me but needs must. Can start going back in the garage soon.
This is more a pre update as I don't have a huge amount of info to go into however the Porsche has just failed the MOT. It failed on emissions, front pads (although these could have been an advisory I forget right now) and passenger side sidelights not working. The emissions (thankfully) stems from broken exhaust hangers from cats to u bend and u bends to silencer. I've ordered 4 replacement clamps which should seal the system up, that's a job I'll be doing on Saturday. I've ordered front Pagid pads and rear Pagid discs (rear discs were an advisory too but looking at them on the ramp they need replacing really so got them as a 'why not') so the Boxster will be getting a bit of a pampering this weekend ready for the re-test. The only worry are the sidelights. This issue could either be a 15p fuse oorrrr the lights switch in the cabin - £120
we'll know more in a few days. It needs a good clean inside and out and a service wouldn't go amiss either, all will be done in the next few weeks; potentially with a view to selling in the early summer 
not essential to sell but I'm going to see if I can be a 1 car man for a while ha
Pics to follow in a few days
This is more a pre update as I don't have a huge amount of info to go into however the Porsche has just failed the MOT. It failed on emissions, front pads (although these could have been an advisory I forget right now) and passenger side sidelights not working. The emissions (thankfully) stems from broken exhaust hangers from cats to u bend and u bends to silencer. I've ordered 4 replacement clamps which should seal the system up, that's a job I'll be doing on Saturday. I've ordered front Pagid pads and rear Pagid discs (rear discs were an advisory too but looking at them on the ramp they need replacing really so got them as a 'why not') so the Boxster will be getting a bit of a pampering this weekend ready for the re-test. The only worry are the sidelights. This issue could either be a 15p fuse oorrrr the lights switch in the cabin - £120
we'll know more in a few days. It needs a good clean inside and out and a service wouldn't go amiss either, all will be done in the next few weeks; potentially with a view to selling in the early summer not essential to sell but I'm going to see if I can be a 1 car man for a while ha Pics to follow in a few days
Edited by squareflops on Friday 29th December 07:45
On the subject of sorting the exhaust, a mixed bag today...
Ease and a straightforward job turned to frustration. A friend offered to help a few nights ago at one of the boys birthday dos and I was happy to take him up on the offer. Was helpful as he had a grinder which I don't have atm, I was hoping not to need a grinder but
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
More of that in a minute. With the car on ramps I started on the the NS first, it couldn't have gone more straightforwardly
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Having sprayed the joints in penetrating fluid things started to come (break) apart easily enough. You'll see the 'double' clamp on bend-to-silencer missing it's retaining bolts, that's how it's been for some time presumably and the cat-to-bend clamp being a cheap after market replacement, partly responsible for the emissions issue on the MOT. These were purchased to to do the job correctly
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
This was the u bracket after some finagling
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
And the double after some grinding with the u bend removed
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Some exhaust putty applied and everything went together beautifully
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Note the position of the bypass pipe, this will become important in a moment. So onto the OS. Same process right? Wrong... The company that fitted the bypass pipes made 2 errors when doing so on the RHS of the car. Spot the first one
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Pretty obvious right? The bypass had been welded to the double clamp! Quite comprehensively too. Well, out came the grinder again to remove the excess weld. Now at this point I said to my mate "Jim, whatever you do, do not cut into the exhaust pipe" in my sternest tone. I would have been happier doing this part of the process as I'm very cautious however Jim was all "I got this" OK. unfortunately he did not "have this" and promptly cut a 1" slice clean through the cat pipe where it joined the u bend pipe
Now this in itself isn't a big issue, it will need welding back up but 5 mins with any competent welder will have it sealed again as if it hand't happened. What is more frustrating is the second problem with the bypass pipe, it's much closer to the double clamp on this side than the other, so close that; given the way the u bend operates when being moved and the length of the double clamp the clamp won't slide down the pipe toward the cat enough to allow the u bend to be refitted. Essentially the exhaust fitter should have put another slight bend in the bypass pipe to move it closer to the cat. I'll be on the phone to them first thing Tuesday morning to book in and rectify the situation. So ended the day with one side complete and the other half put back together pending a fix.
Cars
Ease and a straightforward job turned to frustration. A friend offered to help a few nights ago at one of the boys birthday dos and I was happy to take him up on the offer. Was helpful as he had a grinder which I don't have atm, I was hoping not to need a grinder but
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrMore of that in a minute. With the car on ramps I started on the the NS first, it couldn't have gone more straightforwardly
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrHaving sprayed the joints in penetrating fluid things started to come (break) apart easily enough. You'll see the 'double' clamp on bend-to-silencer missing it's retaining bolts, that's how it's been for some time presumably and the cat-to-bend clamp being a cheap after market replacement, partly responsible for the emissions issue on the MOT. These were purchased to to do the job correctly
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThis was the u bracket after some finagling
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrAnd the double after some grinding with the u bend removed
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrSome exhaust putty applied and everything went together beautifully
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrNote the position of the bypass pipe, this will become important in a moment. So onto the OS. Same process right? Wrong... The company that fitted the bypass pipes made 2 errors when doing so on the RHS of the car. Spot the first one
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrPretty obvious right? The bypass had been welded to the double clamp! Quite comprehensively too. Well, out came the grinder again to remove the excess weld. Now at this point I said to my mate "Jim, whatever you do, do not cut into the exhaust pipe" in my sternest tone. I would have been happier doing this part of the process as I'm very cautious however Jim was all "I got this" OK. unfortunately he did not "have this" and promptly cut a 1" slice clean through the cat pipe where it joined the u bend pipe
Now this in itself isn't a big issue, it will need welding back up but 5 mins with any competent welder will have it sealed again as if it hand't happened. What is more frustrating is the second problem with the bypass pipe, it's much closer to the double clamp on this side than the other, so close that; given the way the u bend operates when being moved and the length of the double clamp the clamp won't slide down the pipe toward the cat enough to allow the u bend to be refitted. Essentially the exhaust fitter should have put another slight bend in the bypass pipe to move it closer to the cat. I'll be on the phone to them first thing Tuesday morning to book in and rectify the situation. So ended the day with one side complete and the other half put back together pending a fix. Cars
Edited by squareflops on Saturday 30th December 21:04
Well round 2 with the Boxster. The return to Prospeed didn't got exactly to plan. Was there for two days and when I returned the only difference was the small knick that the grinder caused had been welded up. Some discussion later and the double clamp was ground down on the ends slightly which allowed easier fitment. Unfortunately Prospeed didn't have any exhaust sealant other than silicone 
so I had to strip the drivers side down today and seal it all up properly. Thankfully all done now properly, air tight and ready for the MOT. The sidelight issue has been solved also by replacing the 7.5amp fuse plus one side light bulb / number plate bulb.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
This was it as it came from Prospeed, looks kosher but still an ever so slight blow due to no sealant
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
I took this opportunity to clean the u pipes up with some sandpaper to ensure the best fitment and sealing
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
So that's that all done. MOT Monday morning I'm slightly 
by some of the advisories on the MOT- stone chips in windscreen, where?! Show me a 14 yr old car (especially German) with a perfect windsreen, I certainly can't see any imperfections in it other than very minor marks from 14 years of normal driving .
Under trays fitted was another one, really
Tyre valves cracking - good lord! When did I sleep with the MOT testers wifeI pay quite a lot of attention to previous MOT history when looking to buy a new car and some of these are irrelevant/unwarranted IMO and may effect a potential buyers opinion of the car. Oh well..
To address the advisories that I do agree with
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
new rear discs and front pads that I'll get around to fitting either tomorrow or next weekend. Will keep me busy
so I had to strip the drivers side down today and seal it all up properly. Thankfully all done now properly, air tight and ready for the MOT. The sidelight issue has been solved also by replacing the 7.5amp fuse plus one side light bulb / number plate bulb. Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThis was it as it came from Prospeed, looks kosher but still an ever so slight blow due to no sealant
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrI took this opportunity to clean the u pipes up with some sandpaper to ensure the best fitment and sealing
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrSo that's that all done. MOT Monday morning
I'm slightly by some of the advisories on the MOT- stone chips in windscreen, where?! Show me a 14 yr old car (especially German) with a perfect windsreen, I certainly can't see any imperfections in it other than very minor marks from 14 years of normal driving . Under trays fitted was another one, really
Tyre valves cracking - good lord! When did I sleep with the MOT testers wife
I pay quite a lot of attention to previous MOT history when looking to buy a new car and some of these are irrelevant/unwarranted IMO and may effect a potential buyers opinion of the car. Oh well.. To address the advisories that I do agree with
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrnew rear discs and front pads that I'll get around to fitting either tomorrow or next weekend. Will keep me busy
squareflops said:
Tyre valves cracking - good lord! When did I sleep with the MOT testers wife
Sorry, I shouldn't laugh at your frustration but that comment had me laughing out loud!Sometimes I think the MOT testers pick up on the most trivial points just to prove that they are being fastidious and efficient. For me, it just guarantees that I won't be returning.
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