Berty987

The 987 gen1 3.2 uses a good design of manifold/ header, its only limitation is the 400 cell cat. Unless you can find similar length inlet runners on a performance catless  manifold ,  you are unlikely to get much improvement . Changing the manifold primary length adjusts the torque point so the fuelling and peak power will be sub optimised. As a result you may gain top end power but you actuilly lose power in the mid range which is ideally where you want it most on a road car.  If you have the later 3.4 headers/ manifolds fitting the earlier 3.2 manifolds is probably the best option. I've yet to find stand alone manifolds that actually give an improvement over the stock 3.2. In most cases you need to buy a matched complete system ( including rear silencers) , something like supersprint etc. 

Regarding mods the upgrade to the larger TB is about 150 pounds depending on how cheap you can find a cayman / later version boxster inlet distributor and throtte body. You also need to factor in either buying reducers or new sleeves for the inlet manifold and clips to suit. Its all posted on my original article on the planet 9 website with part numbers.

For the original OP question about using the 3.2S manifolds , these are a straight swap. Interesting for Gert to suggest a 7hp gain from the Carnewal exhaust , he rarely quotes figures and doesn't generally hold much regard for rolling road figures.  

I think the 987.1  3.4 sport edition had 303 hp ( rather than 297hp) , it was certainly an ECU tune rather than anything significant in terms of internal mods. The 987.2 spyder weight savings were the aluminium doors from the turbo and the hood mechanism and rear deck.  You could get picky about the seats but any recaro or corbeau seat would look good and be an improvement over the heavy standard or electrical seat.  The sport editions will probably be a similar pricing to the RS60 in terms of a few extra HP , a limited badge and a few cost options rolled into the original price tag. The other limited models were the design edition and the black edition which were along similar lines.  The Cayman R and Spyder have different cambers and suspension geo as well as lightweight wheels and doors, and about 10 hp more in terms of power over the standard model ( the rear boot is also lightweight but the standard is aluminium anyway).  There is even a low weight battery and deletion of AC as an option. You can get perspex glass to replace the side windows and could remove the hood mechanism, alltogether to save weight. Marseille has done a pretty extensive job on weight saving on his 986 which could give some pointers. Since the cayman has the same engine as the boxster but 10 hp more , an ECU swap may be a simple power upgrade , add in a few changes such as plenum upgrade and 3.2S manifolds with a good exhaust and the results should be impressive. 

Personally I would sell the sport edition as is and buy a project car.

Genius! Hat off to you Sir! I'm out to get some bungee cords tomorrow morning.

I would add to this that the clamshell cover dents incredibly easily. So be careful when lifting the wheel on top of the boot lid.

If fitting a 986/996 space saver to a 987/997 you also need to de activate the PSM as the wheel diameter is smaller than standard and will trigger PSM and ABS faults on the dash. The faults will clear once the PSM is de activated after the car has stopped and engine has been re started or correct wheel fitted. The car will also sit slightly lower on the corner where the 986 space saver is fitted. Though the 986 space saver isnt designed for the 987 it will get you home in an emergency or to the local tyre shop if travelling abroad. I suggest getting both the 17" skinny space saver (105 90 17) as well as the jack and tools from a 986 rather than the 987 165 65 17 space saver as its both lighter and takes up less space.

I believe that the 986 wheels will fit in the front trunk of a 986 if the tyre is flat , someone with a 986 may be able to confirm.

I mentioned a few years ago, that the 996/ 986 17 inch space saver will fit on a 987 / 987S. Since I had to change the rear tyres at the weekend , I took the opportunity to photograph the stowage location for the removed wheel on the rear trunk / boot. Using some simple bungee chords and a rubber mat ( all of which can be stored in the spare wheel cover ) the removed rear 265/35/19 wheel can be carried on top of the rear luggage compartment to a convenient point to have the puncture repaired or tyre replaced. The only addition I would make to the photographed procedure would be to raise the rear spoiler to act as an additional stop to ensure the wheel is supported a little more.

The procedure allows for a swift roadside repair without compromising the passenger or luggage already in the car. Carrying a spare wheel will also allow for onward travel should the tyre glue be unable to repair the tyre as in the case of a ruptured sidewall or significant split (ie hitting a pot hole).

The first step is to change the wheel , If you buy a used wheel with the foam insert containing tools you have everything you need including jack and wheel spanner. The 986/997 17" space saver is a 105 section , so can fit in the front luggage compartment and still allow space for a suitcase.

The next step is to fit the bungee chords to the slots on the underside of the rear luggage/ boot cover.

The more chords you use the more secure the load in transit

Next you need to ensure all the ends are on top of the cover before closing

Place a rubber mat over the top of the cover to protect the wheel and paintwork. It also prevents slipping. I guess you could use the interior car mats for this if nothing else was available.

Gently place the wheel on top of the boot cover , remember the rear cover is aluminium so can dent easilly if you drop the wheel on it.

And ready for onward travel , Ideally I would raise the spoiler too , to act as additional support.