Advice for 1st time 986 owner

[Loc986]

Hello all,

I have just recently purchased my first ever Porsche, a 2.7 from 2003 with just over 70k miles. Out of the ones I looked it was definitely in the best condition and looked most looked after ( will come to this bit later). Also I have extremely basic DIY skills unfortunately and some technical knowledge but not extensive. 

Got a few questions and things I noticed: 

1) Anyone recommended a good workshop manual?

2) Best place for parts and service items? 

3) Every now and then but not all the times I get a single beep when locking. I notice the fuel cap never locks itself. Could this be the cause?

4) Very occasionally when I start it I get a small short whine after the engine has fired which I believe is the starter still slightly engaged on the flywheel, would this be an expensive fix? 

5)I cleared out the front section near the battery. It had stacks of debris in there which I was surprised with as the battery was only replaced in 2020 by (according to a receipt) water damage. I would have thought the owner would have since kept the drains clear. To actually clear the drain is the trombone wire maybe to aggressive or should I look for a more gentle way to clear the drain line some strimmer wire?

6)This the back box that was replaced on it a few years ago by previous owner.Can’t see a name on it, all I found was it cost £395. It makes a fantastic sound which I love but gauging by seeing people turning round suddenly when I put the slightest throttle on I’m wondering if it’s too loud ( could exhaust be blowing). Does anyone have a similar style exhaust and is it pretty loud? 

[joeluth]

Hey mate, congrats and welcome!   Get the 101 boxster projects book, it's great.  Single beep lock is probably your centre console armrest compartment, make sure its shut properly, or you might have a faulty switch. (I found mine had been crushed)  I see you've got the ebay tastic drone box installed, I had the same on mine, it sounded awesome at high revs but was to loud for me around town, the drone at 3000rpm was ridiculous!  They just are that loud. 

[986T8]

I think that whine is engine bay fan or SAI pump, mine does it too. Someone who knows will chime but I think it’s nothing to worry about.

Sounds like a great car

[pacificjuha]

6 hours ago, Loc986 said:

Hello all,

I have just recently purchased my first ever Porsche, a 2.7 from 2003 with just over 70k miles. Out of the ones I looked it was definitely in the best condition and looked most looked after ( will come to this bit later). Also I have extremely basic DIY skills unfortunately and some technical knowledge but not extensive. 

Got a few questions and things I noticed: 

 

4) Very occasionally when I start it I get a small short whine after the engine has fired which I believe is the starter still slightly engaged on the flywheel, would this be an expensive fix? 

 

 

Fantastic, congrats for a great car

Here's to the question #4:

 

[½cwt]

Welcome!  Above all enjoy driving the car.

Item 2 - if you put your location in your profile you can get recommendation for a local independent Porsche specialist.  Porsche only parts are cheapest from your local Official Porsche Centre but there is a wide range of after market parts for things like suspension, radiators, brakes, air con condensers etc.  Post up what you are looking for on here and you'll have advice on where to buy in a few hours.

A lot of jobs can be done even with basic skill and tools, again any question post them on here ad you will get an answer, and most of them might even be helpful 😉

One job I would recommend from the start is to take off the front bumper moulding (look up You Tube video there are lots for this an other jobs), but it is only about a dozen screws, some plastic rivets in the wheel arch liners and a trim panel under the bonnet, and clean out the air con condensers and radiators.  They are know to rot due to the amount of road cr*p that is forced into them by the air flow.

[999mch]

27 minutes ago, ½cwt said:

One job I would recommend from the start is to take off the front bumper moulding (look up You Tube video there are lots for this an other jobs), but it is only about a dozen screws, some plastic rivets in the wheel arch liners and a trim panel under the bonnet, and clean out the air con condensers and radiators.  They are know to rot due to the amount of road cr*p that is forced into them by the air flow.

Just be careful when you start pulling the bumper off, make sure you pull evenly. i tried it with mine and now have a crack in it. it is not as tough as my old Discovery 2 one !! 

Also make sure that you clear out the drains, both in the frunk and under the clam. It can get expensive if the water gets under the carpets, porsche put the alarm module under the passenger seat !

But above all, enjoy it. I bought mine about 10 months ago and i have a massive smile when ever i drive it. Drove about 40 miles on Saturday with the roof down. A little cold but just turned up the heating fan !

[½cwt]

35 minutes ago, 999mch said:

Just be careful when you start pulling the bumper off, make sure you pull evenly. i tried it with mine and now have a crack in it. it is not as tough as my old Discovery 2 one !! 

 

A second pair of hands is useful for the final removal and the refitting although I have struggled and done both front a rear solo in the past but not really recommended.  Put a blanket or dust sheet on the floor just in case it gets dropped so it doesn't get scuffed.

[Ken986]

One essential thing to check is your brake pipes .

Remove the under tray running front to back and check them. They cannot be checked for MOT and I have seen a number , mine included when I bought it 9 years ago / 13 years old , totally rotten .

[Loc986]

Thank you for all your replies and info. 
 

joeluth just ordered on Amazon the boxster workshop book you recommended. Also made sure glove box and centre console bit is locked and that’s stopped it single beeping, so thanks for that tip. Definitely knew it would be towards the end of cheaper back boxes. It’s not my daily so happier it being on the loud side. If it was my daily would probably have to change it as don’t think my neighbours would appreciate me parking up after a night finish from work at 2am. 
 

pacificjuha thanks for the video. That’s exactly the noise. Interestingly for me it doesn’t seem to do it from cold and actually the last few starts even when hot it hasn’t done it. Interestingly it did it the first day I got it but last couple of days the noise hasn’t returned. 

1/2cwt haven’t got any specific parts yet although might get some new discs ( not drilled) all round. Seen some on design911 but haven’t gone with them yet. I’ll try and update my profile location. I have heard about the issue of collecting leaves in the radiators and was hoping I might be able to get a hoover nozzle in there before I get a mate to help me with taking the bumper off. 
 

ken968 luckily with this one recently it’s had quite extensive work on the brake pipes only a couple of years and was one of the reasons I went ahead with this one. 

999mch I had seen in the history that at some point water had found it’s way to the control unit under the passenger seat leaving a very expensive bill for the previous owner. I specifically checked before I bought and all carpeted etc throughout were dry. I checked the hood drain holes and they were clear but the opposite can be said for the ones near the battery which was covered in leaves and twigs. As you can see from pic below this is all just from the drivers side near the battery!  Going to try and clear the actual drain bit tomorrow. Only just in 2020 this front bit must have flooded as it had a new battery due water damage so was surprised that it’s got so much debris in there so quick. Not getting it wet till they are definitely clear. 

Had a great drive in it with the roof down today. Can see why the Boxster was such a hit when it was released. Definitely glad I picked it over an Mx5 ( so far).