981 Boxster Spyder
Discussion
7 years I'd had the S2000
Loved it, love it still. Not the greatest of course, the famous lack of torque, the famous lack of steering feel (?!) and the infamous twitchy back end (never experienced).
The positives FAR outweighed the negatives, indeed within the owners groups, many had ventured away to "better" brands and more power...but came back.... you need deep pockets to get 9000rpm anywhere else, a gearchange as good, combined with reliability that solid. Add a modicum of practicality, economy, a digital dash and a pretty timeless-ish design, it's money well spent without fear of actually driving the thing.
But I came into some funds recently and I feared not experiencing anything else.... so I began what was a 2 year hunt for the next steer. Initially my other half was going to take on the Honda and I'd get a coupe...full of torque and comfort....A Lexus LC500, an Aston Vantage V8, and R8 V8.
But then she went rogue and bought a '71 VW camper and we sold the S.....
Now I needed an open top, I thought I needed manual, RWD...and I just wanted 'more' and when you put these things into Autotrader with a set budget, your choices become clear.
I'm not a great driver, I can't heel and toe yet, I've never done a track day (I'm 50), I'm more interested in design, engineering and the emotion and feel of a thing. Very personal stuff ultimately...
I didn't warm to the design of the drop top Aston, Audi or Lexus, and despite multiple mates telling me and the world letting me know that a 911 was the right answer, I just couldn't help but resist the obvious, the ubiquitous. I know its good, I know it's an icon, it's a perennial winner, but if I wanted a go in one, I have options....I wanted a road less travelled.
So step up the road biased open top GT4, the car that inhabits the space between GTS and a full on 'GT' car, with a softer front end, it's rare, manual only, and enough of everything. To me represents the pinnacle. It's size and power relates to British roads, it's character is accessible within the law, it's performance 'sufficient' and it's badge suitably heart warming. It's the best I could get.
A new experience to me though was Porsche GB - "no you can't take one for test drive...". and it turned out most if not all my top end motor owners had all done this...bought on spec only. At my pay grade, only ever having spent up to £15k on a car before, kicking tyres and taking a car for a spin was a 'must', a part of the journey, getting to compare and contrast your autotrader top 5...
Anyway, as it turned out after a bit of research and narrowing down the spec I wanted, RPM Technik had 'my car' and although they were a day trip away, they allowed pretty much any inspection/test I wanted....a fabulous outfit. before I sat in it, I had the guided tour and they gave me space to tell my story and I did the same back.... and then we knew who we were dealing with. Not sales numbers guys, but car guys. A bloke/or outfit that loves cars and not money or stats is my kinda guy/outfit...
So I bought this:
The spec though wasn't quite where I wanted it... and so, as part of my "once in a lifetime opportunity" I went further....
LogicVPC changed the entire colour, with their peelable paint....PTS Oak Green Metallic with satin black windscreen surround
darkened the wheels a smidge
added graphics along the side
The interior needed lifting aswell, I felt, so I went to ClassicFX
Now all I need is the weather to properly get up in it.
From my little amount of time moving in it, it's immense, the solidity, the feel, the sound, the shove, it's is exactly what I asked for... it won't go to 9000rpm...it doesn't need to, but it does, so far, feel like an S2000 with (a lot) more of everything.
My girlfriend and close family all thought I was being massively irresponsible.... I don't care, it can be sold as quick as bought if needed...and as it turned out, my other half really likes it....
my mates, mostly predictably have all gone down the "poor man's Porsche", "hairdresser" route.... oh how I love original banter....I'm still waiting for some !
There are a few more things i want to to 'do' to it, little mods, but for now... consider me happy.
Loved it, love it still. Not the greatest of course, the famous lack of torque, the famous lack of steering feel (?!) and the infamous twitchy back end (never experienced).
The positives FAR outweighed the negatives, indeed within the owners groups, many had ventured away to "better" brands and more power...but came back.... you need deep pockets to get 9000rpm anywhere else, a gearchange as good, combined with reliability that solid. Add a modicum of practicality, economy, a digital dash and a pretty timeless-ish design, it's money well spent without fear of actually driving the thing.
But I came into some funds recently and I feared not experiencing anything else.... so I began what was a 2 year hunt for the next steer. Initially my other half was going to take on the Honda and I'd get a coupe...full of torque and comfort....A Lexus LC500, an Aston Vantage V8, and R8 V8.
But then she went rogue and bought a '71 VW camper and we sold the S.....
Now I needed an open top, I thought I needed manual, RWD...and I just wanted 'more' and when you put these things into Autotrader with a set budget, your choices become clear.
I'm not a great driver, I can't heel and toe yet, I've never done a track day (I'm 50), I'm more interested in design, engineering and the emotion and feel of a thing. Very personal stuff ultimately...
I didn't warm to the design of the drop top Aston, Audi or Lexus, and despite multiple mates telling me and the world letting me know that a 911 was the right answer, I just couldn't help but resist the obvious, the ubiquitous. I know its good, I know it's an icon, it's a perennial winner, but if I wanted a go in one, I have options....I wanted a road less travelled.
So step up the road biased open top GT4, the car that inhabits the space between GTS and a full on 'GT' car, with a softer front end, it's rare, manual only, and enough of everything. To me represents the pinnacle. It's size and power relates to British roads, it's character is accessible within the law, it's performance 'sufficient' and it's badge suitably heart warming. It's the best I could get.
A new experience to me though was Porsche GB - "no you can't take one for test drive...". and it turned out most if not all my top end motor owners had all done this...bought on spec only. At my pay grade, only ever having spent up to £15k on a car before, kicking tyres and taking a car for a spin was a 'must', a part of the journey, getting to compare and contrast your autotrader top 5...
Anyway, as it turned out after a bit of research and narrowing down the spec I wanted, RPM Technik had 'my car' and although they were a day trip away, they allowed pretty much any inspection/test I wanted....a fabulous outfit. before I sat in it, I had the guided tour and they gave me space to tell my story and I did the same back.... and then we knew who we were dealing with. Not sales numbers guys, but car guys. A bloke/or outfit that loves cars and not money or stats is my kinda guy/outfit...
So I bought this:
The spec though wasn't quite where I wanted it... and so, as part of my "once in a lifetime opportunity" I went further....
LogicVPC changed the entire colour, with their peelable paint....PTS Oak Green Metallic with satin black windscreen surround
darkened the wheels a smidge
added graphics along the side
The interior needed lifting aswell, I felt, so I went to ClassicFX
Now all I need is the weather to properly get up in it.
From my little amount of time moving in it, it's immense, the solidity, the feel, the sound, the shove, it's is exactly what I asked for... it won't go to 9000rpm...it doesn't need to, but it does, so far, feel like an S2000 with (a lot) more of everything.
My girlfriend and close family all thought I was being massively irresponsible.... I don't care, it can be sold as quick as bought if needed...and as it turned out, my other half really likes it....
my mates, mostly predictably have all gone down the "poor man's Porsche", "hairdresser" route.... oh how I love original banter....I'm still waiting for some !
There are a few more things i want to to 'do' to it, little mods, but for now... consider me happy.
Thanks for all the kind feedback.
It cost a lot more than a wrap.
It’s liquid PPF with factory paint over the top. So it can be cleaned and polished like any other car but the whole lot can be ‘peeled’ off.
Twice to three times the cost
And yes under the frunk and rear deck is still white sadly… the interior plastics were also body coloured so I had a local firm wrap them with a carbon film…. Along with the roll over hoops.
I had the Porsche script at the rear taken off and ‘Spyder’ centralised…
And then then the other day I had the DRLs tinted yellow.
Regardless of brand or perceived taste, I love a bit of personalisation…
I feel like this car will be with me for a long while…
It cost a lot more than a wrap.
It’s liquid PPF with factory paint over the top. So it can be cleaned and polished like any other car but the whole lot can be ‘peeled’ off.
Twice to three times the cost
And yes under the frunk and rear deck is still white sadly… the interior plastics were also body coloured so I had a local firm wrap them with a carbon film…. Along with the roll over hoops.
I had the Porsche script at the rear taken off and ‘Spyder’ centralised…
And then then the other day I had the DRLs tinted yellow.
Regardless of brand or perceived taste, I love a bit of personalisation…
I feel like this car will be with me for a long while…
testdrive said:
Like the car and how you have personalised it. I also came from an S2000 and my 981 is the follow up. I don't think you'll regret it.
Good to know!I can’t quite put into words how chuffed I am.
45 years of car spotting and toy collecting and then owning stuff that hardly ever reached £10k …. Then the S2000 and now this….
I’m just wishing my life away for a warm dry sunny day….
A drive and a wash after sticky front plate from 4Dot added, to replace the mounting plate and standard item...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/191163070@N08/526904...
Carbon wrapped roll hoops and 4Dot rear plate:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/191163070@N08/526907...
weather is nearly where I want it to be.....
https://www.flickr.com/photos/191163070@N08/526904...
Carbon wrapped roll hoops and 4Dot rear plate:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/191163070@N08/526907...
weather is nearly where I want it to be.....
987 had a fully manual affair that was decidedly more faffy to erect/take down... it added character.
981 and 718 added some mechanisation and solidity, but it still takes around 40secs -1 min.
Manually detach the buttresses.
Press a button to release, lift rear deck.
manually fold down he roof and push rear deck back down.
the hassle is worth it for the style, but I would say that...
981 and 718 added some mechanisation and solidity, but it still takes around 40secs -1 min.
Manually detach the buttresses.
Press a button to release, lift rear deck.
manually fold down he roof and push rear deck back down.
the hassle is worth it for the style, but I would say that...
they waver, but I think now that the next 718 will be partially/completely EV, these will stay strong.
The 987 was the raw one
The 981 was more grown up with noise and character but not the complete 'GT department' package
The 718 is even more grown up, needs money to bring the character back but has full GT credentials...and PDK if you want.
They're all gonna stay put or climb I think, limited numbers, great name,.....a really complete sports car.
The 987 was the raw one
The 981 was more grown up with noise and character but not the complete 'GT department' package
The 718 is even more grown up, needs money to bring the character back but has full GT credentials...and PDK if you want.
They're all gonna stay put or climb I think, limited numbers, great name,.....a really complete sports car.
A few smaller mods recently.
Wind deflector is now solid clear perspex, not the mesh.
Apple Carplay is in and working beautifully.
Seat risers at the front to add some tilt are in, and personally I find they make a huge difference in comfort and 'feel'.
and lastly some fabricated front and rear mudflaps.
Detracts a bit from the look, but frankly its worth it to stop all the road rash on the lower parts of the car and try and prevent at least some of the actual s
t you have on the roads in rural Devon/Somerset being flung all over it.
Went up to Betws-y-Coed and back for the weekend as a birthday treat, and I'm sold on all the bits done, and even more on the car itself.
The steering feel and long gearing are the biggest review bugbears.
The gearing hasn't really had an impact, even though it's on my mind due to all the reviews. My enjoyment has not diminished...yet.
The steering, having come from an S2000 is amazing I think, I can understand the comments as I was given a 986 2.7 as loan car whilst some work was being done and I could definitely feel the 'life' in it's steering in comparison, but even so, the 981 just comes across as laser guided (chassis not steering?).
I had a ball.
Wind deflector is now solid clear perspex, not the mesh.
Apple Carplay is in and working beautifully.
Seat risers at the front to add some tilt are in, and personally I find they make a huge difference in comfort and 'feel'.
and lastly some fabricated front and rear mudflaps.
Detracts a bit from the look, but frankly its worth it to stop all the road rash on the lower parts of the car and try and prevent at least some of the actual s
t you have on the roads in rural Devon/Somerset being flung all over it.Went up to Betws-y-Coed and back for the weekend as a birthday treat, and I'm sold on all the bits done, and even more on the car itself.
The steering feel and long gearing are the biggest review bugbears.
The gearing hasn't really had an impact, even though it's on my mind due to all the reviews. My enjoyment has not diminished...yet.
The steering, having come from an S2000 is amazing I think, I can understand the comments as I was given a 986 2.7 as loan car whilst some work was being done and I could definitely feel the 'life' in it's steering in comparison, but even so, the 981 just comes across as laser guided (chassis not steering?).
I had a ball.
Edited by Quickmoose on Tuesday 2nd May 13:08
Snatch1 said:
Did I see this car parked up on the High Street of a north hampshire village this weekend? If so it's striking, really caught my eye. If not, there's one in the same colour round here!
Sadly not me, I was resigned to using the daily 4x4 😕I know of a 718 in Oak, but no other 981’s as they weren’t offered in that colour…
Race2the Redline said:
Do you mind mentioning what solution you used for adding CarPlay Quickmoose, keen to add to my 981 Spyder over winter.
I’ll get the model details from the car tomorrow, but I bottled it and asked an independent, Williams Crawford in Plymouth, to do it. Works very well…. Tiny game changer for nav and music…IF you listen to any…Cost just over a grand.3 months on, the love has not faded a jot...
I have added some other bits though, firstly the BMC air filters. Probably psychological, but I don't care, on short hard throttle blips the extra suck is extremely audible, and I'll take the theoretical hp rise, if there is one. Really easy to fit.
I did twin that however, with the ECU tune from FVD Brombacher.
It annoyed me that almost for purely marketing reasons the 3.8 was restricted to suit the power ranking Porsche decided on.
Spyder 375
GT4 385 (?!)
991 Carrera S 400
991 GTS 430
991 GT3 470
FVD who apparently are trusted with tuning Carrera Cup cars, send you a cheap and nasty looking hand held OBD2 plug in thing, onto which you download the OEM ECU data... email the file to them and within 24hrs they send back the beefed up one. Now to do this to the most expensive and precious thing I own required a brand new pair of big boy pants... I had heard that all kinds of warnings and lights flash across the dash, the fans go crazy, all sorts... the battery has to have an additional power source connected to it... all of which made me very VERY nervous.
It didn't go well when my aging laptop wouldn't carry out the described steps with warnings of its own, then the OBD2 tool didn't display EXACTLY the messages the tutorial said it would... but it got done.
The company would have you believe that this tune takes it from 375 to 412 - which much like the air filters I can't buy into fully unless I see a rolling road of mine.... so my first drive in it yesterday was again full of psychological messages of the "oooh yes! it feels SOOO different!" variety.
But it DOES feel different, and that's enough for me, where the creamy flat six used to make me smile with shove and noise, its now just fu(king rabid, and a smidge scary. A potential 10% power hike easily equating to a 10% hike in emotional response to what I felt.
The normal mode sounds a bit ruder, the Sport+ mode feels less rude actually, so both changes I'm ok with, the stuff like auto-blip is still there, no warnings on the dash, and all reversible as the OEM file is still on the OBD2 tool... ready for OPC service day...
oh and I bought the silver fuel filler cap, because pretty.
I have added some other bits though, firstly the BMC air filters. Probably psychological, but I don't care, on short hard throttle blips the extra suck is extremely audible, and I'll take the theoretical hp rise, if there is one. Really easy to fit.
I did twin that however, with the ECU tune from FVD Brombacher.
It annoyed me that almost for purely marketing reasons the 3.8 was restricted to suit the power ranking Porsche decided on.
Spyder 375
GT4 385 (?!)
991 Carrera S 400
991 GTS 430
991 GT3 470
FVD who apparently are trusted with tuning Carrera Cup cars, send you a cheap and nasty looking hand held OBD2 plug in thing, onto which you download the OEM ECU data... email the file to them and within 24hrs they send back the beefed up one. Now to do this to the most expensive and precious thing I own required a brand new pair of big boy pants... I had heard that all kinds of warnings and lights flash across the dash, the fans go crazy, all sorts... the battery has to have an additional power source connected to it... all of which made me very VERY nervous.
It didn't go well when my aging laptop wouldn't carry out the described steps with warnings of its own, then the OBD2 tool didn't display EXACTLY the messages the tutorial said it would... but it got done.
The company would have you believe that this tune takes it from 375 to 412 - which much like the air filters I can't buy into fully unless I see a rolling road of mine.... so my first drive in it yesterday was again full of psychological messages of the "oooh yes! it feels SOOO different!" variety.
But it DOES feel different, and that's enough for me, where the creamy flat six used to make me smile with shove and noise, its now just fu(king rabid, and a smidge scary. A potential 10% power hike easily equating to a 10% hike in emotional response to what I felt.
The normal mode sounds a bit ruder, the Sport+ mode feels less rude actually, so both changes I'm ok with, the stuff like auto-blip is still there, no warnings on the dash, and all reversible as the OEM file is still on the OBD2 tool... ready for OPC service day...
oh and I bought the silver fuel filler cap, because pretty.
trails said:
Ever miss your S2000?
When I have to fill up with fuel (it used less)And actually a fair bit of 6/7/8 10th driving, the S2000 was fizzy quite a bit of the time.... when the Spyder is rock solid, and therefore a tiny bit aloof unless you're getting up in it.
So yes, sometimes I do, and still love the way the thing looked...
The muscle of this though, the different (and better imo), music, I had a glorious drive from Bournemouth to Taunton and back yesterday in the sun, some quiet stretches, it's just superb.
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