Boxster 986 track mods?
Boxster 986 track mods?
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Discussion

Maldini35

Original Poster:

2,913 posts

208 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
Hi,

Just bought a good 986 S (2000) and am keen to make a few subtle mods to make it more reliable and tidier handling on circuit.
I'm thinking of braided brake hoses, updated fluid and pads, polybushes where necessary, possibly thicker anti rollbars and a set of team dynamics pro race 1.2 wheels with Toyo 888's.

Can anybody advise me re the size and spec of the wheels? E.g. ET? Width? Will 17's clear the calipers?

Also I'd there any other relatively cheap mods I should be making?

Thanks in advance for any help.

edc

9,458 posts

271 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
HEL braided lines are tend to be cheaper than Goodrich. For other free/cheap mods then rear adjustable toe links and modded front strut tower slot so you have more range in your car geo.

You can also add the 997 GT3 brake cooling ducts as these are pretty inexpensive.

Edited by edc on Wednesday 28th October 13:50


Edited by edc on Wednesday 28th October 13:51

IknowJoseph

552 posts

160 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
For reliability a deep, baffled, oil pan? Something like: http://www.design911.co.uk/fu/prod6303/Deep-Sump-O...

997 GT3 gear shifter?

james_gt3rs

4,816 posts

211 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
Following with interest as the Boxster S is an obvious replacement if I get bored of my VX220.

edc

9,458 posts

271 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
I've also got a pair of refurbed/homebrew poly gear box mounts.

For pads, pick your choice but for anything half decent you will probably need to short out the pad wear sensor. If by chance your higher temp pads come with a wear sensor slot then you will probably overheat and melt the sensor anyway.

Edited by edc on Wednesday 28th October 14:23

Evangelion

8,256 posts

198 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
7 inch wheels will clear the calipers but would it be better to stay with 18s for track use?

I'd also be interested to hear peoples suggestions for reducing the stagger.

Maldini35

Original Poster:

2,913 posts

208 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Thanks everybody for the advice.
I've just come from racing an E36 M3 so was perhaps getting a little carried away.
I hadn't thought about oil surge so I'll leave the sticky tyres off the list until I uprate the sump.
Fluid and pads and a good service will be my first stop and I'll take it from there.
I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers

ajondyh

706 posts

144 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
Team Dynamic Wheels = Rear wheels: ProRace 1.3 10.0 x 18 e45. Front wheels: ProRace 1.3 8.5 x 18 e45

edh

3,498 posts

289 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
They are very impressive in near stock form.

I ran mine on my 944s2 track wheels - 8J ET40 17" (boxster II rears or Cayman rears). These are pretty light. I ran a square setup with 225/45/17 AD08's and it handled very nicely.

Mine was on new m030 suspension, just with slotted front shock towers for a bit more camber and really didn't feel out of place on the track.

The most important mod was fitting a proper seat - I used sliders & mounts from Design 911.

Brakes are excellent - just fit your preferred pad & some 997 GT3 cooling ducts (only a few quid)

If I was using mine for more trackdays I'd definitely look at oiling mods & my first port of call would be Hartech.

as we're posting pics...(this one on road wheels)



and the 944 smile




Maldini35

Original Poster:

2,913 posts

208 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Nice!

The M3 was a superb car but racing it just got too expensive.



All sensible advice re the Boxster. I was just scared I'd turn up to a trackday and then break it by try to drive it as hard as the M3 (which was a properly developed racer). You know how it is when you get back on circuit. I guess I just need to grow up and take it slowly...


Aside from tickling the brakes, I'm guessing the standard electric seats must weigh a ton.
I might swap them for some grippier and lighter alternatives but I don't want anything massively expensive or ridiculous looking for road duties.
Any seat suggestions also gratefully received.



Evangelion

8,256 posts

198 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Just assumed that lower profile tyres would give stiffer sidewalls.

mikefocke

78 posts

125 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
What kind of racing will you be doing?

What is the track like? High speed banked corners taken at what speed?

What are the requirements of the track and/or sponsoring organization? Hardtop? Roll-bar clearance? Brake fluid change interval? Fire extinguisher? Seat belt type? Helmet certification/date?

What inspections will it require before you get onto the track?

What are the class requirements?

Will it also be a daily driver?

What have you done to address its reliability vulnerabilities for the specific track requirements? Acusump, deep oil pan, baffled oil pan?

Will you have done some laps with a Porsche experienced instructor before you go out on your own (I know you have raced before, but not with a mid-engined car)?

Evangelion

8,256 posts

198 months

Wednesday 28th October 2015
quotequote all
Does anybody have any idea of what wheel sizes and offsets would fit, if they're the same size front and rear?

edh

3,498 posts

289 months

Thursday 29th October 2015
quotequote all
see my post

Lots of wheel options available

force44

3 posts

189 months

Saturday 31st October 2015
quotequote all
I tracked my 986 S for a while before converting full on for racing.

Biggest annoyance after a while was understeer. Stiffer roll bars and the gaz coilover kit transformed it IMO.

Oil surge wont be an issue. Low temp thermostat recommend on all these engines.

They make a great track car and are not expensive unless you have a fetish for genuine Porsche rather than OEM parts.