999 WRC

Hi all - just wondered if anyone has a spare front mounting bolt for the gearbox undertray as per attached photos? Yes I know I could buy one from my OPC but thought I’d ask here first! Happy to pay postage etc (U.K. based).  Thanks in advance Nick 

If you need a pair of decent OEM manifolds let me know.  I have a pair here that are used but good (no cracks!) and was going to stick them on eBay.  🙂

1 hour ago, Menoporsche said:

Will you notice the cost? If not, why not. 

If you knew how much I’d spent on this car in the last year braided hoses are the least of my worries!! 😳😂

A quick trip to Halfords and buy the cheapest wiring harness adapter you can find and those are the pins that are used in most of the euro block connectors. HOWEVER you will need a special tool to get them out of the blocks as once pushed in they lock in place.
 

I bought my removal tool from eBay and they are a piece of cake to use once you have one! 

Alternatively you can butcher the plastic block to get them out but obviously a lot more fiddly and you will need patience, junior hacksaw, Stanley knife, and more patience to get them out!

Hope that helps?

Nick 

Hi All

Just finished ‘refreshing’ the brakes on my 986 3.2S (2003) and have gone for genuine Brembo discs and pads all round, new shims, pins etc,  caliper refresh by Bigred (new seals and bleed nipples all round).  However where I have had brake line clamps on it when the calipers were sent away I have noticed the rubbers are hard and I now have a little ‘dent’ on each pipe. I showed them to my local MOT station and they  will almost certainly fail the MOT. 😕
 

So I can buy 4 new rubber hoses (non genuine but branded - such as Borg and Beck etc) or I can stump up a bit more and go for braided lines. 
 

The question is will I notice any difference whatsoever? My missus will drive the car most of the time so it won’t be driven hard (allegedly!)

My head says keep it standard but obviously if I am going to change/upgrade now is the time!

What are your thoughts?

Kind regards

Nick

59 minutes ago, ½cwt said:

It is a temporary fit to ensure the lever is set in position correctly.  Make sure the gearbox is in neutral before removing the old assembly.  I had to lengthen one cable slightly (two turns IIRC) to attach to replacement lever.  It becomes pretty self explanatory and the sleeves over the cable ends that pull back and lock by a half turn on a bayonetted type mechanism are a nice bit of engineering to make the join to the lever very simple.  Take a look at this link:

DIY - 997 Shifter Install - 986 Forum - for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

That is fantastic - many thanks for your help (again!) 😉

12 hours ago, ½cwt said:

It clips across the main structure of the assembly and the lever clips into it.  Once you have the gaiter and knob off I'll see it can only go in one place.

Thanks - I might be being dumb though.  I thought it was an alignment tool that was fitted to allow the cables to be adjusted and then was removed but are you saying it is fitted and then left in situ?  If the former then its how you set up the cables using the tool as they are the instructions I was thinking I needed.  It might be obvious once its stripped but that's a job reserved for the summer once the car comes back from the garage 😞

7 minutes ago, 999 WRC said:

Hi All

Apologies for what is a question that has probably been asked a thousand times before but I would appreciate some advice as to the benefit (sound, performance, longevity) a Sports Cat would bring to a 986. 

To cut a long story short after a year on the ramps in my local indie my 2003 3.2 is nearly done in time for summer.  I refitted the OEM exhaust at the weekend but the drivers side cat is rattling like a goodun (which is annoying as it was fine when it came off!) so needs addressing.  There is no way I'm buying new genuine cats (how much?!!), nor do I want to do a de-cat as my Mrs will be driving it mainly, so as I see it my options are a used cat from eBay and the like or I was attracted to a pair of 200 cell sports cats from Type911 as they seemed much more sensibly priced.  However what does that do to things like CEL errors, fitment, noise, performance etc? Plus how long do these aftermarket cats last?  Specifically I'm looking at at pair of these:

Exhaust Catalytic Converter Pipes Sports for Porsche Boxster 986 DesignTek - 3606109861 | Design 911

I like the sound of them on paper but what are they like on the car?

Any assistance/feedback would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Nick 

Design 911 or Type 911 even - its been along day!!

Hi All

Apologies for what is a question that has probably been asked a thousand times before but I would appreciate some advice as to the benefit (sound, performance, longevity) a Sports Cat would bring to a 986. 

To cut a long story short after a year on the ramps in my local indie my 2003 3.2 is nearly done in time for summer.  I refitted the OEM exhaust at the weekend but the drivers side cat is rattling like a goodun (which is annoying as it was fine when it came off!) so needs addressing.  There is no way I'm buying new genuine cats (how much?!!), nor do I want to do a de-cat as my Mrs will be driving it mainly, so as I see it my options are a used cat from eBay and the like or I was attracted to a pair of 200 cell sports cats from Type911 as they seemed much more sensibly priced.  However what does that do to things like CEL errors, fitment, noise, performance etc? Plus how long do these aftermarket cats last?  Specifically I'm looking at at pair of these:

Exhaust Catalytic Converter Pipes Sports for Porsche Boxster 986 DesignTek - 3606109861 | Design 911

I like the sound of them on paper but what are they like on the car?

Any assistance/feedback would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Nick 

7 hours ago, ½cwt said:

The gear shift assemblies do have a differing final 2 digits for 5 speed and 6 speed, however the cables are the same on the 986 (996).  On the 987 (997) there is only one gearshift assembly shown, whether 5 or 6 speed but the cables are different.

All I do know is that a 997 assembly dropped straight into my 986 (6 speed) with no problem and nicely shortened the shift without making it heavy or notchy.  I would get a green plastic alignment tool though to make sure the stick ends up in the correct place when the 'box is in neutral.

Hi 1/2 cwt - apologies for hijacking the thread but I have recently bought a 997 assembly for my 986 and have just picked up the green plastic alignment tool from my OPC - however  I have no idea how to use it!! Are there any instructions on line for it? That would be a great help 😳. Many thanks in advance Nick 

Just testing the water to see if anyone would be interested in swapping a set of genuine 18” BBS split rims for a set of genuine Carrera 5 spoke 18” rims for a 986. They have been lightly refurbed and the lips colour coded in dark grey. It’s not to my taste but has been done well. Overall the rims are in great condition, if I was being fussy there are the odd bits of corrosion/lacquer bubbling which is typical of these wheel but nowhere near enough to warrant them being refurbished. I’d say they were a good 9/10.

There is nothing at all wrong with them but having chased a set for over a year now I’ve got them I have decided I don’t actually love them and would prefer a set of 5 spokes.

Will add photos as soon as I can work out how to as my phone keeps making them over 2mb each! 😳

Many thanks

Nick  

p.s. these are not for sale - exchange only please 👍

As per title I’m looking for a drivers side genuine Porsche cat for a 3.2s. This is the 2 sensor version fitted to 2002-2004 cars. Ideally sub 70k mileage and must be I. Good order. If you had a pair I’d be interested in both at the right price. 

Not asking for much I know but has anyone got one stashed in their garage or loft?!! 🤔

thanks in advance

Nick 

Firstly, Admin - I know this should be in the Wanted section but need to reach a bigger audience!

I am after an OEM exhaust manifold for the drivers (offside) for my 2003 Boxster S.  If any forum member has one that is lurking in your garage I'd be interested in taking it off your hands in exchange for some of the Queens' finest!!  Even if you only have a scrap one (either side) that might work as I am desperate for the triangular flange part that bolts to the Cat, so I could get my existing one cut off and rewelded if necessary.  It doesn't matter if the studs are there, snapped off or drilled out - it just needs to have all three corners of the flange intact!

I'm based in the south west but happy to cover postage costs as well.

Thanks in advance

Nick 

Indeed - I have some better pics from the lady but the file size is too big to post (I'm sure there is a way around it but no idea!).  Anyway its sort of a magenta/pinky colour which I haven't seen many of.

On behalf of a member of another Boxster forum on Facebook do any of you know happen to know the whereabouts of the above Boxster so it can potentially be reunited with a previous owner from over 12 years ago?

Affectionately know as ‘Sasha Fierce’ you can’t really miss it as I think it’s an unusual/rare colour as the pics below show. These were taken a few years ago so it may not be in that condition now. It used to be in the North Dorset area of the U.K. but could be anywhere now!  

The lady who is seeking it knows it’s still taxed and MOT’d so I offered to post this to see if another Boxster can ‘come home’.  If you can post any info on here I’ll pass it on the her.  Thanks in advance. Nick  

It’s a hmmmm from me. I expect you have seen the new Wheeler Dealers episode where they did that to a 997 and went with Fuch wheels in gold and the Porsche side stripe. Personally I didn’t like it at all but each to their own. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that!! 

To all fellow members - I have managed to secure a 10% discount code for BoXa.net members for any purchase from Hamilton Classics based in Hook in Hampshire.

I have seen their name mentioned in a few posts recently but for those that don’t know them Hamilton Classics make a range of tailored car covers suitable for Boxsters (both indoor and outdoor) as well as numerous other products and the 10% discount applies to any purchase. Simply add the discount code BOXA10 at the checkout to obtain the discount.  The web address is:

https://hamiltonclassic.co.uk/

Please note I am not connected with Hamilton Classics in any way, nor do I get any financial benefit from this! I just happen to know the owner from years of competing in motorsport and he has exhibited at numerous events I have been to.  When at the last event at Castle Coombe (Rallyday) I got into conversation with him and he offered members this discount so I thought I would pass it on.

Finally I have checked with the moderators first and gained their permission to post this!

Feel free to spread the word 👍

Apologies in advance if this question has been asked a million times before but can’t quite find a concise answer.

I am finally getting my Boxster back next weekend after 7 months of minor restoration (don’t ask!) and have decided that I want to go to 18” rims as a ‘upgrade’ from the current 17” ones. However I want to keep the car standard so am looking for a correct set of period wheels that would have been fitted to a 2003 model 3.2S (registered December 2002).  
 

I believe the options were ‘Turbo Twist’, BBS split rims or the 5 spoke design that were fitted to the Anniversary model as standard but were there any others? I ask as I was offered a lovely set of ‘lobster claw’ alloys but believe these were only fitted to the 987 onwards and that’s where I want to ensure I stick to the correct wheels. 

I’m further confused by the fact that the Turbo Twist wheels were fitted to a number of other Porches at the time (Carrera 4 for example) and although they look the same have different width and offset combos. Again I don’t want to get caught out and have to run spacers or the like.

Sorry if that’s a ramble but in summary what style wheels were offered on a 2003 model and what were the rim widths and offsets that mean they are truly a bolt on option?

Thanks in advance 

Nick 

I wouldn't change the caliper unless it was a last resort.  There are a couple of places that were commended to me on here for an overhaul which I did to my 986 S calipers. They were Big Red and Pro Calipers.  I ended up sending mine to Big Red and was very impressed with the service.  Only took them 48 hours to strip and service all four with new seals and bleed nipples etc.  Well worth a shout and a fraction of the cost of a replacement caliper!

Agree with @charlieboy2608 on this (make sure the roof drains are clean!!!) but from my experience I would question a car cover in all weathers.  I have the luxury of a garage for mine but when I bought it I looked at a few first and a couple were covered in microscratches caused by an all weather cover. 

As I see it the issue is that if you put the cover on when the car is dirty the cover will pick up the dirt and as the cover moves around in the wind (regardless of how well strapped down it is there will be some movement) it effectively acts as a massive sheet of sandpaper and will gently sand your car!!  Once any dirt is inside the cover it will stay there as well so the issue will never go away.

Don't get me wrong, this wont trash your car and the microscratches can largely be polished out in the spring, but it can be avoided by not using one!! Instead have you thought about a part cover that just covers the hood?  That will protect the roof and reduce the risk of water ingress through the rook seals etc as well as saving the paint from potential damage.

Not everyone will agree I'm sure, and there are probably advantages of a full cover than I am not aware of, but that's my two penneth anyway.

Either way enjoy your car and welcome to the 2003 Boxster S club!! 🙂

8 minutes ago, 999 WRC said:

@ThreeBeans - as others have mentioned have a phone around the Porsche Breakers (Steve Strange, Douglas Valley etc)  I have bought a few bits for mine from a breakers in Northern Ireland (search on eBay for deldear93)  They couldn't be more helpful.  Just to help though I wouldn't worry about searching specifically for a base as all you need is enough perforated leather - so a seat back, or part of a base (even with well worn bolster etc) will be fine.  A half decent trimmer will be able to use the leather from whatever you can find to repair yours I'm sure.  With a bit of research you might not even need a Boxster seat as something from the Porsche range that uses the same leather is all you need so don't rule out Cayennes and the like.

Happy hunting 

Footnote - as an example just found this on eBay (search under Item number 284435547953).  Its not quite the answer (right leather, wrong colour!) but an upholsterer would recolour it to black easily and you'd have enough leather to get yours repaired.

@ThreeBeans - as others have mentioned have a phone around the Porsche Breakers (Steve Strange, Douglas Valley etc)  I have bought a few bits for mine from a breakers in Northern Ireland (search on eBay for deldear93)  They couldn't be more helpful.  Just to help though I wouldn't worry about searching specifically for a base as all you need is enough perforated leather - so a seat back, or part of a base (even with well worn bolster etc) will be fine.  A half decent trimmer will be able to use the leather from whatever you can find to repair yours I'm sure.  With a bit of research you might not even need a Boxster seat as something from the Porsche range that uses the same leather is all you need so don't rule out Cayennes and the like.

Happy hunting 

46 minutes ago, ½cwt said:

But how much rust would you have had to cut out and replace with new steel and then the respray costs....?  Could well have cost you as much to keep them pristine as they are now worth.  Zero sum game.

Very true - but doesn't stop me kicking myself!! 🤣

10 minutes ago, Menoporsche said:

You should have maintained them more carefully.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣  Its the old saying of 'hindsight is a wonderful thing'  I so wish I still had my Mk2 Escort Mexico, Series 1 RS Turbo, XR4x4, 2.8i Capri and my RS Cosworth Sapphire still in the garage.  I could probably retire early with that lot behind me!

Fabulous to see it come home. There are a number of cars I wish I had never sold but looking at DVLA info most have now long been scrapped!!  Glad this story has a happy ending.  How does it look after 17 years away from you?  All as it was when you last saw it?