Power upgrade on 986 Boxster S 550 Spyder

[SilverPorker]

Hi,

I have a Boxster S 550 Spyder Anniversary which has a slightly increased BHP over the standard 986 Boxster S. 266BHP vs. 260BHP. Not sure it's enough to really tell the difference TBH, but I'm curious as to how Porsche actually achieved this increase? Is it just a different engine mapping or is it something more involved with different upgraded parts? Also is there a path to safely extracting 280BHP out of my motor as per the 987S?

I've had my car for 18 months now and its been a dream. I am however starting to get a little paranoid and will be getting the upgraded LM Engineering IMS bearing fitted this year for piece of mind as my car is a keeper. So I'm hoping with one of the weak spot of the engine addressed I may have some options to increase power safely.

Would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions...

[NickUSA]

Most of the gains come from the use of a new air intake which then found it's way into the 987.

[SilverPorker]

Thanks for the info. So are there other modifications between my car and a 987S? Is it feasible to safely get 280BHP out of my engine? Opinions on whether its even noticeable for those that have driven a 986s and 987s back to back would be gratefully received.

[edc]

Look at boxa net. Your next step is 911 throttle body and plenum and perhaps a pair if manifolds.

[mrdemon]

Buy a faster car.
That's not as daft as it sounds either.

I mod all my cars but I buy the best car in that range already.

Don't mod cars lower in the range, upgrade the car to a newer model it works out cheaper in the long run.

[Trev450]

If you haven't already done so, you may want to read this before going ahead with the IMS bearing replacement:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[SilverPorker]

You have a good point mrdemon, and although I asked the question in the first place about power increase possibilities, I'm actually not at the point where I'd want to consider changing my car to get more power. I just thought if it was possible to achieve an increase without too much major surgery, then it might be worth a consideration. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I personally prefer the look of my 986 to the 987 which is the only next step option so far as Boxsters are concerned. Unless someone knows differently, I think the 550 Spyder is the most powerful 986, so if I were to want something faster I'd be looking at something other than a 986.

[SilverPorker]

Thanks Trev450. Don't know how I missed that thread - very interesting indeed.

My car has covered 38k miles and doesn't require a new clutch. I'd convinced myself that fixing the IMS would address the single biggest weak spot with my cars engine (I don't think the 3.2 is so susceptible to bore scoring is it?), but perhaps this isn't the ultimate fix...

So the question is, if any of you had my car would you replace the IMS or just hope for the best? I personally think that whilst there is no disputing the issues exist, IMS failures must be quite rare. Of course I have no more evidence than anything that's been debated many times before, just a feeling that there would be an even bigger outcry if the failures were more common.

[SilverPorker]

I've heard mention of getting a warranty to offset the risks of big failures on Porsche, but not sure my car would qualify at over 8 years old. Although it has a full service history, only half of it is with an OPC, the rest is with Porsche Indis. Can anyone comment on whether its still possible to get a warranty to cover things like IMS failures. If so with who and roughly how much do they cost?

[edc]

SilverPorker said:

You have a good point mrdemon, and although I asked the question in the first place about power increase possibilities, I'm actually not at the point where I'd want to consider changing my car to get more power. I just thought if it was possible to achieve an increase without too much major surgery, then it might be worth a consideration. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I personally prefer the look of my 986 to the 987 which is the only next step option so far as Boxsters are concerned. Unless someone knows differently, I think the 550 Spyder is the most powerful 986, so if I were to want something faster I'd be looking at something other than a 986.

Throttle body, silicone hose and plenum probably £200 and should comfortably get you into the 280+ bhp bracket.

[anonymous-user]

Your ims bearing may fail, may not , not sure what the expense is of getting it replaced , circa £1500 ?

What about not getting it replace and putting the car on the Harlech plan ?

[IMI A]

I wouldn't bother with IMS upgrade. I've covered 160k miles in Boxsters and they were faultless. 266bhp plenty quick enough too. With hindsight should have kept one of my Boxsters as its a sublime drive. Really miss it..

[SilverPorker]

@Waitforme, the Indi that looks after my car have quoted £420 for parts and £260 for labour plus VAT. I've got no idea how much the Hartech plan costs though...

[SilverPorker]

@edc, thank you so much for the info. I read up on the fitting instructions this afternoon and it's fair to say I wouldn't attempt this as a DIY. Any idea how much I should be paying for an indi to carry out the work for me?