dave87's 987 Boxster
Discussion
Then got invited to an event organised by Porsche Colchester with an opportunity to drive whichever car from the Porsche range I wanted. There were a few options, but the 991 C2S Cabriolet caught my eye.
As you can see, I was rather impressed. Sadly a 991 is out of budget at least for the minute
Summary I put up on the Boxster forum:
As you can see, I was rather impressed. Sadly a 991 is out of budget at least for the minute
Summary I put up on the Boxster forum:dave87 said:
So I got an opportunity to drive whichever car out of the Porsche range I wanted, with a Porsche Driver Trainer encouraging me along the way. I chose a 991 C2S Convertible, which they had in the PDK variety....this one to be precise:
.....and what a machine!
This was one with all the options ticked....Sports Exhaust, Active Suspension, PDK, Sport Plus (including a lap timer...!) million way adjustable seats, navigation, BOSE, 20" wheels.....the list is extensive (and not to mention, expensive), and tbh, immaterial. Well maybe not the sports exhaust....and PDK.
PDK turns it into a Jekyll & Hyde machine - perfect cruiser one minute, savage, rip roaring, beast of a machine propelling you towards the horizon at an ever increasing rate, limited only by your ability to pull on the paddles quick enough and the road ahead. Sports Exhaust amplifies that character - in 'normal', quiet, refined, belying the true savagery of the engine but still tonal and enjoyable. In 'sports' it popped and cracked at every opportunity - and that refined sound becomes a meaty, throaty roar that sounds just right as you disappear down the road....oh, and the perfect blip on the down change as you line it up just right into a corner, ready to fire it out of the exit and down the next straight....manic, grin inducing, sheer pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIFNghMa5ns (shows the difference between the two modes!)
The 991 is an awesome piece of kit - straddling two different markets more successfully than many of its competitors - being a sports car and a GT - without the compromises one might expect being too readily apparent. The fact it was a convertible added to the experience, road manners were excellent, the turn in immediate and the ride compliant. Active Suspension seems wasted, but apparently comes alive on a track, the sound system didn't get switched on, neither did the nav.
The car is a million miles ahead of my 987 Boxster, the engine produces 400bhp vs 240 in mine, the 7 speed PDK changes gear quicker than I can blink, not to mention change gear. I guess you can tell I was impressed, majorly so in fact. But I got back into my Boxster, without any of the gadgets, without the sports exhaust or 400 bhp, and I enjoyed it just as much. 400bhp is brilliant fun, but you can't use it, you can't squeeze every last ounce of the car's performance on the road.
Blink and you are at 60, blink again.......well, you are going fast, very fast. The Boxster isn't that quick in the grand scheme of things, but it is so much more accessible in the real world - it remains a challenge to take the corner just so - and make the most of the revvy engine rather than relying on the surge of torque which was so ample in the 991. The sensation of speed as somewhat dampened in the 991, even with the roof down - 50 felt like 30. 987 you have a much greater sensation of not only speed, but everything - steering feel, road undulations, dents and scrapes in the road surface, all of which was missing or more remote in the 991. Perhaps that is just a sign of the times.
Suffice to say if the baby C2S Cabriolet is that good, I think they must really have nailed it with the newly released Turbo and GT3.
.....and what a machine!
This was one with all the options ticked....Sports Exhaust, Active Suspension, PDK, Sport Plus (including a lap timer...!) million way adjustable seats, navigation, BOSE, 20" wheels.....the list is extensive (and not to mention, expensive), and tbh, immaterial. Well maybe not the sports exhaust....and PDK.
PDK turns it into a Jekyll & Hyde machine - perfect cruiser one minute, savage, rip roaring, beast of a machine propelling you towards the horizon at an ever increasing rate, limited only by your ability to pull on the paddles quick enough and the road ahead. Sports Exhaust amplifies that character - in 'normal', quiet, refined, belying the true savagery of the engine but still tonal and enjoyable. In 'sports' it popped and cracked at every opportunity - and that refined sound becomes a meaty, throaty roar that sounds just right as you disappear down the road....oh, and the perfect blip on the down change as you line it up just right into a corner, ready to fire it out of the exit and down the next straight....manic, grin inducing, sheer pleasure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIFNghMa5ns (shows the difference between the two modes!)
The 991 is an awesome piece of kit - straddling two different markets more successfully than many of its competitors - being a sports car and a GT - without the compromises one might expect being too readily apparent. The fact it was a convertible added to the experience, road manners were excellent, the turn in immediate and the ride compliant. Active Suspension seems wasted, but apparently comes alive on a track, the sound system didn't get switched on, neither did the nav.
The car is a million miles ahead of my 987 Boxster, the engine produces 400bhp vs 240 in mine, the 7 speed PDK changes gear quicker than I can blink, not to mention change gear. I guess you can tell I was impressed, majorly so in fact. But I got back into my Boxster, without any of the gadgets, without the sports exhaust or 400 bhp, and I enjoyed it just as much. 400bhp is brilliant fun, but you can't use it, you can't squeeze every last ounce of the car's performance on the road.
Blink and you are at 60, blink again.......well, you are going fast, very fast. The Boxster isn't that quick in the grand scheme of things, but it is so much more accessible in the real world - it remains a challenge to take the corner just so - and make the most of the revvy engine rather than relying on the surge of torque which was so ample in the 991. The sensation of speed as somewhat dampened in the 991, even with the roof down - 50 felt like 30. 987 you have a much greater sensation of not only speed, but everything - steering feel, road undulations, dents and scrapes in the road surface, all of which was missing or more remote in the 991. Perhaps that is just a sign of the times.
Suffice to say if the baby C2S Cabriolet is that good, I think they must really have nailed it with the newly released Turbo and GT3.
Now I had a car worthy of a Pistonheads meet, I went for a run with them from Finchingfield to Cressing Temple Car show. Got a nice shot of my Boxster in action:
and a rather well shot video of the ride out (best viewed in 720p):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae1u6y1Rgck
The Pistonheads meet was brilliant - good mix of cars, great people, and a good run out. Thread with more info here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and a rather well shot video of the ride out (best viewed in 720p):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae1u6y1Rgck
The Pistonheads meet was brilliant - good mix of cars, great people, and a good run out. Thread with more info here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've now done over 4000 miles in the time I've owned the car, and it has been brilliant fun. So far, all it has required is fuel and washer fluid, having been serviced just before I bought it with new front tyres at the same time.
Unfortunately, 4000 miles of spirited driving have also given the rear tyres a workout. I knew when I bought the car that I would need to do them eventually, so I've been keeping an eye out for a decent deal.
In the meantime I was offered a free health check from Porsche Colchester - I thought after some spirited driving it would be worth getting the car checked over. I've got to say they are brilliant to deal with - the tech knew his stuff (and had a 997 3.6/3.8 engine on his work bench that was being stripped down) and ran round the car with me. He seemed impressed with the condition, which was a good sign, and after a quick drive with me in the passenger seat (I'd requested as I've not had a Boxer engine before and wasn't sure what is/isn't normal) given reassurance that it appears in good health.
The things picked up? Rear Tyres low - I knew and had requested a quote from them, and discs/pads all the way round. They provided a quote for each and without any pressure to authorise the work, ran me through what they had found.
As mine has the standard 17" wheels in odd sizes (205/55/17 and 235/50/17) there is a choice of about three brands of tyres (Michelin, Goodyear and Continental). As it already has Michelin PS2s on the front I went for the same again. Porsche originally came out at £449 fully fitted, however from Camskill they worked out about £315 for the pair (though I have to get them fitted) and I get a £50 fuel voucher. Not bad, Porsche weren't that far out against retail competitors, but Camskill have some stupidly good prices
They've arrived - now just need to get them fitted:
On the brakes Porsche came out a little on the high side, so I want to have a look around and see what options are available. I gather Textar/ATE pads and Sebro discs are the OEM kit?
Unfortunately, 4000 miles of spirited driving have also given the rear tyres a workout. I knew when I bought the car that I would need to do them eventually, so I've been keeping an eye out for a decent deal.
In the meantime I was offered a free health check from Porsche Colchester - I thought after some spirited driving it would be worth getting the car checked over. I've got to say they are brilliant to deal with - the tech knew his stuff (and had a 997 3.6/3.8 engine on his work bench that was being stripped down) and ran round the car with me. He seemed impressed with the condition, which was a good sign, and after a quick drive with me in the passenger seat (I'd requested as I've not had a Boxer engine before and wasn't sure what is/isn't normal) given reassurance that it appears in good health.
The things picked up? Rear Tyres low - I knew and had requested a quote from them, and discs/pads all the way round. They provided a quote for each and without any pressure to authorise the work, ran me through what they had found.
As mine has the standard 17" wheels in odd sizes (205/55/17 and 235/50/17) there is a choice of about three brands of tyres (Michelin, Goodyear and Continental). As it already has Michelin PS2s on the front I went for the same again. Porsche originally came out at £449 fully fitted, however from Camskill they worked out about £315 for the pair (though I have to get them fitted) and I get a £50 fuel voucher. Not bad, Porsche weren't that far out against retail competitors, but Camskill have some stupidly good prices
They've arrived - now just need to get them fitted:
On the brakes Porsche came out a little on the high side, so I want to have a look around and see what options are available. I gather Textar/ATE pads and Sebro discs are the OEM kit?
Thanks both - the ride isn't noticeably worse than my previous e39 530i Sport - you notice bumps a bit more but it isn't exactly unpleasant. That said, totally different animal in the corners - it just grips and grips - even on 'narrow' tyres.
Looking back at this thread it gives the impression the car spends most of its time clean. Unfortunately that isn't the case:
Doesn't look too bad, does it? Well, not until you get a bit closer:
Still not too bad - now you know why all the cars in the family are (various shades of) grey.
Looking at the wheels on the other hand (and it wasn't just the fronts):
The closeups show how well grey hides the dirt too.
By contrast, Dad had already cleaned his:
So, after a bit of hard work (read - shouldn't do this whilst it is quite so hot!):
Looking a bit better.
Scratch that, a lot better (sun light helps):
Doesn't look quite so aged by comparison to the new car now:
And it would be rude not to put the roof down:
Not bad for an eight year old car!
Looking back at this thread it gives the impression the car spends most of its time clean. Unfortunately that isn't the case:
Doesn't look too bad, does it? Well, not until you get a bit closer:
Still not too bad - now you know why all the cars in the family are (various shades of) grey.
Looking at the wheels on the other hand (and it wasn't just the fronts):
The closeups show how well grey hides the dirt too.
By contrast, Dad had already cleaned his:
So, after a bit of hard work (read - shouldn't do this whilst it is quite so hot!):
Looking a bit better.
Scratch that, a lot better (sun light helps):
Doesn't look quite so aged by comparison to the new car now:
And it would be rude not to put the roof down:
Not bad for an eight year old car!
Edited by dave87 on Sunday 4th August 21:56
Went to a meet with Essex Pistonheads members today. Was a good meet - great bunch of people and cars. Oh, and the Bacon Baguette is definitely worth going back for!
Couple of photos I took on my phone:
Quite a mix of cars
Headed over to Hilton & Moss' workshops afterwards for the open day/hogroast with Remkingston (V-Tec Mini). Some stunning machinery they had in and around the workshops - really interesting and the staff very friendly. Worth going if they ever do it again. Fingers crossed for the day in a Lotus too
Couple of photos I took on my phone:
Quite a mix of cars
Headed over to Hilton & Moss' workshops afterwards for the open day/hogroast with Remkingston (V-Tec Mini). Some stunning machinery they had in and around the workshops - really interesting and the staff very friendly. Worth going if they ever do it again. Fingers crossed for the day in a Lotus too
JMorgan was there and snapping away - he took this of my car (with a rather bonkers ZCars Mini in the background):
Shows what you can do when you know what you are doing! Full set worth looking at - including a rather tasty Escort 1600GT: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.56635020...
Shows what you can do when you know what you are doing! Full set worth looking at - including a rather tasty Escort 1600GT: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.56635020...
Edited by dave87 on Sunday 11th August 15:09
So turning out to be an expensive (partially car related) month.
Had the two new tyres fitted to the rear, and then had a four wheel alignment done on a Hunter machine. Pretty impressive piece of kit, and gives you the following print out at the end:
There is one bit of suspension (related to the rear right wheel toe adjustment) which needs replacing (4 and 4A on the diagram below), so I've sent Porsche an email to find out how much that is going to cost. Then the toe can be set to normal figures. I wasn't too fussed about running a bit more camber on the front/rear than their specifications say - the rears I took off were no more worn on the inside edges than the outside, so doesn't appear to have vastly increased wear.
I think I might even fit the new mats I've had in the spare room since I bought it this weekend to really push the boat out!
Had the two new tyres fitted to the rear, and then had a four wheel alignment done on a Hunter machine. Pretty impressive piece of kit, and gives you the following print out at the end:
There is one bit of suspension (related to the rear right wheel toe adjustment) which needs replacing (4 and 4A on the diagram below), so I've sent Porsche an email to find out how much that is going to cost. Then the toe can be set to normal figures. I wasn't too fussed about running a bit more camber on the front/rear than their specifications say - the rears I took off were no more worn on the inside edges than the outside, so doesn't appear to have vastly increased wear.
I think I might even fit the new mats I've had in the spare room since I bought it this weekend to really push the boat out!
Thanks
The 981 is interesting, its proportions are similar but different at the same time. Inside, the 981 is leagues ahead of the 987. The dash feels a lot bigger, and that centre console seems to be a fair bit higher. The driving position seems similar (though I've not driven it to compare). Outside the styling is definitely a Boxster, but the lines are different, more angular in places I think.
Since having the new rear tyres fitted and the alignment done (they were both done within 40 mins of each other - so I couldn't accurately say which is responsible) the car seems to pull at the road surface less, but still tells you what is going on and feels accurate and pointed. Ride doesn't seem to have changed - but then I wasn't expecting it to!
Matt - I agree - I'm rather partial to the Carrera Classics and the Carrera Sport wheels, but it rides rather well with 17s as you have some give in the sidewalls and tyres themselves are a lot less expensive. That means I can burn more fuel enjoying the car! I also have to worry less about potholes, and to a certain extent curbs (lets face it, we've all had to avoid a wayward driver before!) as the sidewalls are quite tall.
The 981 is interesting, its proportions are similar but different at the same time. Inside, the 981 is leagues ahead of the 987. The dash feels a lot bigger, and that centre console seems to be a fair bit higher. The driving position seems similar (though I've not driven it to compare). Outside the styling is definitely a Boxster, but the lines are different, more angular in places I think.
Since having the new rear tyres fitted and the alignment done (they were both done within 40 mins of each other - so I couldn't accurately say which is responsible) the car seems to pull at the road surface less, but still tells you what is going on and feels accurate and pointed. Ride doesn't seem to have changed - but then I wasn't expecting it to!
Matt - I agree - I'm rather partial to the Carrera Classics and the Carrera Sport wheels, but it rides rather well with 17s as you have some give in the sidewalls and tyres themselves are a lot less expensive. That means I can burn more fuel enjoying the car! I also have to worry less about potholes, and to a certain extent curbs (lets face it, we've all had to avoid a wayward driver before!) as the sidewalls are quite tall.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised - Part 4 on the diagram was under a fiver from Porsche. Who said Porsches were expensive?
Unfortunately it turns out they are expensive when it comes to brakes. I'm not sure I mentioned in my previous post, but Porsche wanted circa £1800 for discs and pads all round. To be fair, at OPC labour rates and Porsche branded parts, I can see how they got to it. However, given the portion of a 2005 Boxster's value that represents and the availability of alternatives, no warranty to worry about etc, I don't think I'll take them up on their offer.
So, as its the brakes (and much like tyres, not an area I'm willing to skimp on), I'm looking for OEM or better. This lead me to Design 911, who stock Sebro discs (for the front at least, I need to confirm on the rear) who I understand are an OE brand, and the bits I believe I'll need - wear sensors, shims etc. That leaves me with the following list:
98735140101SEB x1
98735140201SEB x1
99761275500/1 (x2 - I assume there is a wear sensor on each front?)
98761267601/1 (x2 - reasoning as above but for the rears?)
98735108801/1 (x4) - I understand that 2 are needed for each caliper, and that they only fit the fronts? Are there similar products for the rear that I will need?
That leaves the rear discs. Design911 have the following listed:
98735240101PAG (x2)
Which I believe are Pagid. As noted, I've asked them whether they can supply Sebro (which they can for the S it seems). Alternatively EuroCarParts have them in stock, so I could order from there.
Then for the pads, I've seen nothing but recommendations and positive comments for Ferodo DS2500, so the corresponding pads are the FCP1307 and FCP1308 (Front and Rear respectively). Unless anyone has any comments to the contrary, this lot seems to be the right combination.
Fronts: http://www.ferodoracing.com/catalogue/detail_car_r...
Rears: http://www.ferodoracing.com/catalogue/detail_car_r...
Camskill have those at reasonable prices, so I think an order shall be made shortly
Unfortunately it turns out they are expensive when it comes to brakes. I'm not sure I mentioned in my previous post, but Porsche wanted circa £1800 for discs and pads all round. To be fair, at OPC labour rates and Porsche branded parts, I can see how they got to it. However, given the portion of a 2005 Boxster's value that represents and the availability of alternatives, no warranty to worry about etc, I don't think I'll take them up on their offer.
So, as its the brakes (and much like tyres, not an area I'm willing to skimp on), I'm looking for OEM or better. This lead me to Design 911, who stock Sebro discs (for the front at least, I need to confirm on the rear) who I understand are an OE brand, and the bits I believe I'll need - wear sensors, shims etc. That leaves me with the following list:
98735140101SEB x1
98735140201SEB x1
99761275500/1 (x2 - I assume there is a wear sensor on each front?)
98761267601/1 (x2 - reasoning as above but for the rears?)
98735108801/1 (x4) - I understand that 2 are needed for each caliper, and that they only fit the fronts? Are there similar products for the rear that I will need?
That leaves the rear discs. Design911 have the following listed:
98735240101PAG (x2)
Which I believe are Pagid. As noted, I've asked them whether they can supply Sebro (which they can for the S it seems). Alternatively EuroCarParts have them in stock, so I could order from there.
Then for the pads, I've seen nothing but recommendations and positive comments for Ferodo DS2500, so the corresponding pads are the FCP1307 and FCP1308 (Front and Rear respectively). Unless anyone has any comments to the contrary, this lot seems to be the right combination.
Fronts: http://www.ferodoracing.com/catalogue/detail_car_r...
Rears: http://www.ferodoracing.com/catalogue/detail_car_r...
Camskill have those at reasonable prices, so I think an order shall be made shortly
Edited by dave87 on Monday 26th August 21:55
problemchild1976 said:
dave87 said:
Now I had a car worthy of a Pistonheads meet ......
think this is one of the attitudes/problems with pistonheads as a forum for all types of vehicle!anyway - nice car! defo an opportunity when brakes/exhaust go to upgrade to better performing/looking/sounding kit!
JJ
A few quick photos from a run out to Classic & Sports cars by the lake with a group of PHers:
Spent a fair bit of the drive to the show behind a Cerbera which was close behind the F40. If one of them wasn't popping and banging then the other was, and more often than not they both were! Add that to having the roof down, I got the sight, the sound and the smell. All that while enjoying some lovely twisty roada - Petrolhead heaven!
Couple of quick videos from the run:
http://youtu.be/uy623C1XoYs
http://youtu.be/KH6nbvnsP4E
http://youtu.be/_vun5OrcX2E
http://youtu.be/i5DpwTqcPc0
Full thread here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Thought it about time I updated the thread. The Boxster has been perfect, around a thousand miles ago I had the Ferodo DS2500s fitted alongside Sebro discs and new sensors (I'd worn through at least one set as the warning message had been triggered, so they were all replaced). Apart from a seized bolt, I'm told it all went smoothly. The brake fluid had been replaced at the service just before I bought it (by an OPC, so I presume they did it correctly) so I didn't have that changed.
Initial thoughts? I've done a variety of driving with them now, and so far, they've not squealed, but they are an improvement on what I had before. Whether that is because what I had before were past their best (rears particularly), or whether these are a genuine step up, I'm not sure. I have a feeling it is a mixture of both. They're progressive, no snatchy-ness as far as I can tell, and I've not found them lacking in road driving.
On another note, a summer spent chasing much faster cars has begun to show its effects on the front tyres - I'll need some new ones in a couple of thousand miles. It is also rather filthy at the moment, so I haven't taken any more recent photographs. That said, the colour the alloy wheels have turned is quite nice - I'll see if I can grab a photo.
Things in store for the new year? Dad had his 981 Boxster detailed when he first got it, and has just had a winter top up done. It looks stunning. As a result, I'm thinking the new year might involve a trip to the same person for him to work his magic on the 987.
Initial thoughts? I've done a variety of driving with them now, and so far, they've not squealed, but they are an improvement on what I had before. Whether that is because what I had before were past their best (rears particularly), or whether these are a genuine step up, I'm not sure. I have a feeling it is a mixture of both. They're progressive, no snatchy-ness as far as I can tell, and I've not found them lacking in road driving.
On another note, a summer spent chasing much faster cars has begun to show its effects on the front tyres - I'll need some new ones in a couple of thousand miles. It is also rather filthy at the moment, so I haven't taken any more recent photographs. That said, the colour the alloy wheels have turned is quite nice - I'll see if I can grab a photo.
Things in store for the new year? Dad had his 981 Boxster detailed when he first got it, and has just had a winter top up done. It looks stunning. As a result, I'm thinking the new year might involve a trip to the same person for him to work his magic on the 987.
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