I've just bought some poverty Pork…
Discussion
Further to my post the other evening regarding picking up the green 986 and having a nervous drive through central London, I thought I would do an update.
Finished in dark teal metallic, the car is simply stunning.
In fact, it is so good that it was hard to take some decent photos as it is so shiny!
Inside and out it is like a new car and the colour is incredible, changing from black to green depending on the light and I simply love it.
A 2 owner car, first owner being an elderly gent who bought and cherished it from new and then Ian, who has equally kept the car in superb condition.
Loads of extras, from hardtop to colour coded roll bars and centre console, full electric memory heated seats etc. It is simply stunning inside and out.
Comes a with a folder of receipts for all the usual Boxster issues over the years, I simply cannot fault the car.
I have put several hundred miles on it now and it drives impeccably and effortlessly.
So you would think I love it. Well, unfortunately I don't.
At least not yet....!
I have come from some nice cars, a classic '80s 911, various iconic hot hatches (205 GTI, Clio Williams etc) and most recently a fully mechanically restored and upgraded 1991 Mazda MX5.
A thing all those cars have is a certain sparkle, a thing that makes you smile and makes you want to drive for drivings sake, wether that be the handling, the noise etc.
My MX5 for example, any drive is just fantastic. The rawness, the noise, the sheer enjoyment in driving is just sublime. The handling is near mind control and the balance and poise is just so rewarding to drive quick.
Now, I know that the Boxster cannot possibly compete with a tiny, lightweight and upgraded sports car for sheer driving enjoyment.
And to be fair, I never bought it for that. I have bought it for road trips in the UK and Europe. My wife dislikes the MX5 for the same reasons I love it and therefor loves the Boxster.
There is a spark missing for me that is stopping me from having the same feelings.
Yes, it's fast. It is very well built, the handling is superb and it is extremely comfortable.
I haven't taken the roof off yet so that will play a huge part.
And it is just far far too quiet so need to explore that route and noise plays a huge part in the driving experience.
So need some ideas for a few tweaks get it feeling more like a luxury and fast MX5.....
Finished in dark teal metallic, the car is simply stunning.
In fact, it is so good that it was hard to take some decent photos as it is so shiny!
Inside and out it is like a new car and the colour is incredible, changing from black to green depending on the light and I simply love it.
A 2 owner car, first owner being an elderly gent who bought and cherished it from new and then Ian, who has equally kept the car in superb condition.
Loads of extras, from hardtop to colour coded roll bars and centre console, full electric memory heated seats etc. It is simply stunning inside and out.
Comes a with a folder of receipts for all the usual Boxster issues over the years, I simply cannot fault the car.
I have put several hundred miles on it now and it drives impeccably and effortlessly.
So you would think I love it. Well, unfortunately I don't.
At least not yet....!
I have come from some nice cars, a classic '80s 911, various iconic hot hatches (205 GTI, Clio Williams etc) and most recently a fully mechanically restored and upgraded 1991 Mazda MX5.
A thing all those cars have is a certain sparkle, a thing that makes you smile and makes you want to drive for drivings sake, wether that be the handling, the noise etc.
My MX5 for example, any drive is just fantastic. The rawness, the noise, the sheer enjoyment in driving is just sublime. The handling is near mind control and the balance and poise is just so rewarding to drive quick.
Now, I know that the Boxster cannot possibly compete with a tiny, lightweight and upgraded sports car for sheer driving enjoyment.
And to be fair, I never bought it for that. I have bought it for road trips in the UK and Europe. My wife dislikes the MX5 for the same reasons I love it and therefor loves the Boxster.
There is a spark missing for me that is stopping me from having the same feelings.
Yes, it's fast. It is very well built, the handling is superb and it is extremely comfortable.
I haven't taken the roof off yet so that will play a huge part.
And it is just far far too quiet so need to explore that route and noise plays a huge part in the driving experience.
So need some ideas for a few tweaks get it feeling more like a luxury and fast MX5.....
If you want a bit more noise try a Carnewal exhaust. Then add some sports cars and eBay manifolds, or the more expensive versions if you feel more flush. A good set up can also sharpen up the handling. Standard gearshift will be like rowing a boat compared to your MX5 so swap in a revised 987 version or 986/7 shortshifter.
edc said:
If you want a bit more noise try a Carnewal exhaust. Then add some sports cars and eBay manifolds, or the more expensive versions if you feel more flush. A good set up can also sharpen up the handling. Standard gearshift will be like rowing a boat compared to your MX5 so swap in a revised 987 version or 986/7 shortshifter.
It has the 987 shifter already and that feels great.Def going to look into some exhaust options and full alignment for sure.
Cheers.
I know where you are coming from. I've not spent a huge amount of time with a standard car but I found I liked it but didn't love it. Good at everything, comfortable, decent performance (for the time, doesn't stand up these days), handles well, nice build quality. I felt being a good solid all rounder left it feeling a bit sterile. Typical German car in that regard, plenty of polish, no soul. I couldn't really fault it but I had an MR2 Roadster with a 2ZZ engine swap at the same time, worse in most measurable ways but it was far more engaging, the engine had more character and the interior felt a bit cheap and nasty which probably gives it a bit if character.
I think maybe they are more of a sports car for someone that's going to daily drive them rather than an engaging weekend warrior.
I don't think adding a bit of noise will give you what you want.
I think maybe they are more of a sports car for someone that's going to daily drive them rather than an engaging weekend warrior.
I don't think adding a bit of noise will give you what you want.
Escy said:
I know where you are coming from. I've not spent a huge amount of time with a standard car but I found I liked it but didn't love it. Good at everything, comfortable, decent performance (for the time, doesn't stand up these days), handles well, nice build quality. I felt being a good solid all rounder left it feeling a bit sterile. Typical German car in that regard, plenty of polish, no soul. I couldn't really fault it but I had an MR2 Roadster with a 2ZZ engine swap at the same time, worse in most measurable ways but it was far more engaging, the engine had more character and the interior felt a bit cheap and nasty which probably gives it a bit if character.
I think maybe they are more of a sports car for someone that's going to daily drive them rather than an engaging weekend warrior.
I don't think adding a bit of noise will give you what you want.
Escy has put into words quite a lot about what I feel for my 987 Cayman. And well, too. It's excellent, but hasn't stolen my heart. I think maybe they are more of a sports car for someone that's going to daily drive them rather than an engaging weekend warrior.
I don't think adding a bit of noise will give you what you want.
I have an old 944 as well, which is objectively a worse car in most ways. But I know that I'll sell the Cayman before I sell the 944.
Two weeks in and certainly getting used to the Boxster.
I have had to recalibrate my thinking to what the car is for and loving it more every drive.
Still need to sort out the issue of noise, or lack of it but it's certainly growing on me.
And I love the looks and this colour is just superb.
Boxster. Farnborough Airship by nessiemac1, on Flickr
Boxster. Farnborough Airship-3 by nessiemac1, on Flickr
Boxster. Farnborough Airship-2 by nessiemac1, on Flickr
I have had to recalibrate my thinking to what the car is for and loving it more every drive.
Still need to sort out the issue of noise, or lack of it but it's certainly growing on me.
And I love the looks and this colour is just superb.
Boxster. Farnborough Airship by nessiemac1, on FlickrBoxster. Farnborough Airship-3 by nessiemac1, on FlickrBoxster. Farnborough Airship-2 by nessiemac1, on FlickrI have a quandary. My poverty pork, an 01 986 s on 76k just snapped OSF coil spring, well lowered it's self by 10mm anyway.
My thoughts are - can't just replace a single spring, got to be at least the pair. If replacing springs, might as well do shocks. If doing shocks and springs then should probably replace lower wishbones, drop links, track rod ends are corroded / play as well... Hmmn.
I don't have the time / skill / patience / tools , so will be the local indy but I will source parts. Used for spirited commuting on B roads.
Hartech seem to do refurb coffin arms which seems like a no brainer if doing, but should I bother?
Springs - no great desire to lower, especially as not doing rear. Design911 do OE for £284 or "Suplex" for £144 - any thoughts?
Shocks - Design 911 do Koni Special active for £440, or or Bilstein B4 for £316... will I need a " mounting overhall kit" as well?
Drop links, track rods - ?
Ballpark hours for indy to do the above?
Any other thoughts? Thanks
My thoughts are - can't just replace a single spring, got to be at least the pair. If replacing springs, might as well do shocks. If doing shocks and springs then should probably replace lower wishbones, drop links, track rod ends are corroded / play as well... Hmmn.
I don't have the time / skill / patience / tools , so will be the local indy but I will source parts. Used for spirited commuting on B roads.
Hartech seem to do refurb coffin arms which seems like a no brainer if doing, but should I bother?
Springs - no great desire to lower, especially as not doing rear. Design911 do OE for £284 or "Suplex" for £144 - any thoughts?
Shocks - Design 911 do Koni Special active for £440, or or Bilstein B4 for £316... will I need a " mounting overhall kit" as well?
Drop links, track rods - ?
Ballpark hours for indy to do the above?
Any other thoughts? Thanks
jmsgld said:
I have a quandary. My poverty pork, an 01 986 s on 76k just snapped OSF coil spring, well lowered it's self by 10mm anyway.
My thoughts are - can't just replace a single spring, got to be at least the pair. If replacing springs, might as well do shocks. If doing shocks and springs then should probably replace lower wishbones, drop links, track rod ends are corroded / play as well... Hmmn.
I don't have the time / skill / patience / tools , so will be the local indy but I will source parts. Used for spirited commuting on B roads.
Hartech seem to do refurb coffin arms which seems like a no brainer if doing, but should I bother?
Springs - no great desire to lower, especially as not doing rear. Design911 do OE for £284 or "Suplex" for £144 - any thoughts?
Shocks - Design 911 do Koni Special active for £440, or or Bilstein B4 for £316... will I need a " mounting overhall kit" as well?
Drop links, track rods - ?
Ballpark hours for indy to do the above?
Any other thoughts? Thanks
Spyder Performance do parts as well that my Indy swears by. I’ve had Koni Active fitted. A much smoother ride yet still firm. My thoughts are - can't just replace a single spring, got to be at least the pair. If replacing springs, might as well do shocks. If doing shocks and springs then should probably replace lower wishbones, drop links, track rod ends are corroded / play as well... Hmmn.
I don't have the time / skill / patience / tools , so will be the local indy but I will source parts. Used for spirited commuting on B roads.
Hartech seem to do refurb coffin arms which seems like a no brainer if doing, but should I bother?
Springs - no great desire to lower, especially as not doing rear. Design911 do OE for £284 or "Suplex" for £144 - any thoughts?
Shocks - Design 911 do Koni Special active for £440, or or Bilstein B4 for £316... will I need a " mounting overhall kit" as well?
Drop links, track rods - ?
Ballpark hours for indy to do the above?
Any other thoughts? Thanks
jmsgld said:
Any other thoughts? Thanks
Some of my thoughts.- Don't distress purchase this. Fix the spring, any garage can do this for a hours labour. Then do your research.
- Brand new mildly lowered setup will not be far from your saggy 20yr old 76k setup
- Koni Special Active are *superb*
- Save up do it properly. All the arms. Inner and outer track rod ends. Drop links. ARB bushes. 4 x struts (damper, spring, top mount), engine mounts, transmission mount, alignment bolts.
Its worth it. You can collect parts from all over the place to get the best deal, I still, stand by it not actually being that expensive in reality.
Any one can fit it all...
... but get someone decent to set it all up.
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