101 Projects for Your Porsche Boxster - Working List - need input...

[Wayne 962]

Hey people, here's my working list for projects for the book. I have about 91 or so completed or in-process. I'm wondering if there are any significant glaring ones that I might have left off of the list that you might suggest.

Here's the list so far:
>BASICS<
Jacking Up
Oil Change
Air Filter / Pollen Filter Replacement
Fuel Filter Replacement
Belt Replacement
Washing Your Car

>ENGINE<
Replacing Spark Plugs / Coils
Motor Mounts
Engine Removal
LN Engineering Oil filter upgrade / Deep Sump
Air / Oil Separator
Oil pan gasket replacement / deep sump?
Crankshaft Sensor / Knock Sensor
911 Engine Swap
Boxster Engine Teardown
Boxster Engine Mechanical Improvements
Intermediate Shaft Bearing Repair

>Fuel Injection<
O2 Sensor Replacement
Reading Fuel Injection Fault Codes / PST2
Replacing Fuel Injectors
Fuel Pump Replacement
Installing Performance Software

>WATER COOLING<
Coolant Replacement
Center Radiator
Hose Replacement
Front Radiator
Water Pump & Thermostat Replacement
Coolant tank replacement
Cold Air Intake / MAS upgrade

>TRANSMISSION / AXLE<
Replacing your Automatic Transmission Fluid
Replacing Transmission Mounts
Installing a Short Shift Kit / Shift Bushings
Transmission Removal
Clutch Replacement
Replacing the Clutch Slave Cylinder
Differential / Manual Tranny Fluid Change
CV Joints / Boots / Axle
LSD Installation
wheel bearings

>EXHAUST<
Muffler Replacement
Exhaust Manifold / CAT repl

>BRAKES<
Bleeding Brakes
Replacing Brake Pads
Rebuilding Brake Calipers
Parking Brake Adjustment
Big Brake Kit Upgrade
Parking Brake Shoe Replacement
Brake Line Replacement
Brake Rotor Replacement
Master Cylinder
Booster / ABS

>SUSPENSION<
Alignment
Front/Rear suspension Overhaul
Replacing Shocks & Springs
Performance Suspen / Lowering
Camber Bar
Steering Wheel - 3-Spoke

>BODY / INTERIOR<
Replacing Lenses / Blubs Clear corners
Convertible Top Repair
Replacing Emblems
Smart Top roof control
Front Bumper
Porsche child seat
Gauge Rings / Trim
Door Panels / Window Switches
Hood Shocks
Window Regulator
Installing hardtop / fit kit
Roof Rack system
Das Shield Protector
Headlamp Film
Sport Seats / Seat Removal
Porsche Top 1997-2002 With Glass!!
Rear Spoiler/Wing
Convertible Rear Window Replacement

>ELECTRICAL<
Alternator Repl
Litronic Headlamp Kit Upgrade
HID retrofit
Battery Disconnect / Buddy
Rear Speaker Kit
On Board Computer
ignition switch repl
996 Clutster Upgrade
Headlamp Switch Replacement
Starter Replacement
Radio Head Unit Installation

>MISC<
Dyno Testing
Personal Touches
A/C Maintenance & Upgrade
Using Car Bras
Wheels & Tires

Here are some maybes that haven't been added definitively to the list yet:

Stubborn Bolt Removal
Starter Troubleshoot
Brake Switch Replacement
Airbag Warning Lamp Troubleshooting
Alarm System Install / Upgrade
Garage door opener hardwire
HP Audio System
Solving Electrical Problems
CD Changer
Shift Knob
Wind deflector install / roll bar inserts
Seat Repair
Exhaust studs
Fuel Pressure regulator
Intake Manifold Removal
Replacing the Valve Cover Gasket
Cam Sensor Replacement
Tensioner Update / Installation
Head Gasket Replacement

These four are currently first in line to be added:
*SuperCharger FAQ
*Time to Rebuild?
*Fixing common oil leaks
*Machine Shop 101

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

-Wayne

[JMatta]

Can't wait for the book, as I attempt to do most common things myself (used to working on 911's that don't have all the electronic stuff).

How about adding the "Pedro Sport Exhaust" modification? I have this on my car with Fabspeed bypass pipes and think it is big bang for the buck enjoyment.

[Zeke]

"Battery diconnect/buddy" I assume refers to alternate power while disconnecting the battery? The radio code is an important issue and you've probably got it covered.

Under water cooling there should be a bit about replacing "water ventilation valve" (996 106 347 00) as they often fail and there is a supercede. And of course bleeding air out of the system (which you probably have).

Lastly, did you cover emergency front trunk opening? You've mentioned the procedure several times on the forums.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by JMatta

Can't wait for the book, as I attempt to do most common things myself (used to working on 911's that don't have all the electronic stuff).

How about adding the "Pedro Sport Exhaust" modification? I have this on my car with Fabspeed bypass pipes and think it is big bang for the buck enjoyment.

Interesting, I haven't seen that before...

I think that the welding involved might be a bit beyond 99% of the people in the book, but it might be worth a photo. Do you have more photos like the one above?

-Wayne

[850dunstall]

1. i see you've listed radio headunit, but when you go from 986 to 987 things change in a big way, will that be covered?

2. PSM / PASM

3. ....still thinking....

i suppose being just a recent porsche owner, i have been asking what seem rather stupid questions, i know my way around the VW scene pretty well and have found the Porsche owners manual to be less informative than what i was use to... i'll get over it and will soon be diving in with wrenchs in both hands..

[Wayne 962]

Sure, I'll cover the 987, I'm guessing you're specifically talking about MOST. That actually makes it somewhat easier in the long run, since it's now an industry standard...

-Wayne

[Aron in Toronto]

That's a good list.
Here are a few more, some may already be included within your list.

1. Modify the OBC for outside temp and /or adding the 4th stock to control the "newly" programed OBC functions.

2. Removal of front bumper for radiator cleaning and horn replacement.

3. Reprogramming of the seat/mirror/window memory functions.

4. Cleaning of drains.

5. Programing DRLs

6. Wheel spacers

7. Solutions for lost/malfunctioning keys

8. Throttle body cleaning

9. Pros/cons of cold air intake, reusable oil type air cleaners, & de-snorkeling air intake

10. Removing the amber portion of the front headlights

11. Front and rear trunk access w/o power & location of emergency release cables

12. Common refueling problems/solutions, evap recovery valve and associated blown fuse, emergency gas door release cable location.

13. Explanation of the single left rear fog light. That always seems to trip people up.

I'm sure you'll get some other good ideas from the board here.

Can't wait for the book to come out.

Regards,
Aron

[JMatta]

Thanks for your comments, Wayne. The muffler on my car was was actually modified by Oettle in Germany, but others, such as Pedro, have been modifying them locally. It is similar to the Porsche PSE, except the bypass pipes are passive and emit sound at all times. Because of the way the pipes are positioned, they tuck nicely up under the rear valance (pic) and are not noticable, unlike the PSE. Sound is wonderful, with no resonance since it is a factory muffler.

Link to Pedro:
http://www.pedrosgarage.com/Site%203/Make%20the%20Pedro%20Sport%20Exhaust.html

Link to Oettle:
http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290123394166

I'll post some more pics when I can find them...sorry for the poor pic attached; the car's tucked away for the winter and this is the best I have at the moment.

[PlayersExpress]

You say that the book is do to your publisher, what is the expected release date?

1. How to install a turbo setup on a boxster.. and or sc.

2. Randomly.. something rare and not really cost efficient... replacing the tiptronic with either a 5sp man, 6spd man, 6spd tip, or just updating the older 986 tip software where the new 987s you can override the automatic trans and manually shift but still be in automatic.

*GASP!* Wow that was a long ramble.

3. How to replace the stereo headunit withan aftermarket dvd.
3.5. How to install aftermarket speakers.
3.6 How to bypass/deinstall factory amp and install aftermarket amp.
3.7 How to install CD changer.

4. MOVING THE CLIMATE CONTROL UNIT!!!!! (Im still trying to figure this one out.)

5. Installing the 3rd radiator for the boxster.

6. I found a kit onlie which allows you to upgrade your leather seats to "heated" leather seats for those of us without that factory option, but they do not include installation instructions. (Might be a good idea, when driving on a cool night, just turn the seats onto low heat.. mmhmm.. )

7. How to deamber headlights, tail lights, and side markers.

8. Upgrading convt. top software in 986 so you can put the top down while you are driving.... (I would kill for this one)


I cant think of anything else right now.

Cheers,

Adam

[ducbil]

I missed it if it was mentioned. I am never going to buy another CD player/changer. Ever!

I just want an ipod/mp3 player connection.

[DCinVA]

Excellent list. You have my current needs covered.

Cant wait. My proofreading offer is still good.

[Arizona_928]

MAF replacement. and maybe some common no start problems?

[Balrog1967]

Looks great so far. I am very excited to get reading it. Some possible additions:
Center console repair
adding a 3rd radiator (must have)
Exhaust swap
anything with changing the cup holders out (iPod/MP3, and GPS holder?).
Adding wood/leather trim
Adding heated seats
That's all for now. I'm psyched. I can't wait to get going on my '01 986.

MikeB

[Stuttgarttoo]

For those, as myself, who don't have the intermittent wiper control, could be useful to get the switch and relay and installing it. My two cents.

[DCinVA]

Just thought of something..... How to repair the vinyl when the coating (whatever it is) starts to bubble, and come off.

[Brown911Brian]

Please, please, please DO publish this book!!! I have a 1997 Boxster that constantly needs something...

Here are my suggestions:

- Rear Main Seal repair

- That pesky problem with the driver's side door window dropping with the door handle, then going back up too soon (I have to watch it or it will hit the top when I close the door)

- Ignition switch problems (sometimes I can't get the key to turn at all)

- That stupid alarm thing under the driver's seat that goes bad and costs $1700 at the Porsche dealer.

- Variable valve timing problems (I hope it's just the sensor, this time..)

Brian

PS - Put me down for two copies when the book is published!

[Wayne 962]

Thanks Brian, I think most of that will be in the book!

-Wayne

[JMatta]

We applaud you for writing this book...you definately have a captive audience.

Can't wait to order my copy...

[RNajarian]

I cannot wait for the book. I Absolutely love 101 Projects for the 911 and Rebuilding and Modifying the Porsche 911 engine.

I think your readers may enjoy doing a couple of the modifications I've done to my car

1) Adding the Porsche Travel Pro GPS head unit

2) Adding the factory in dash cup holders

Over the years I've had to pay the dealer to do the following repairs. I think the readers would like to know how to

1) Change the serpetine belt

2) Replace the broken coolant overflow tank

3) Replace the fuel pump

4) Starter replacement

[941MXVET]

Sounds like a complete list to me!
At the moment I'm most interested in how to add the third radiator.

Thanks, we recieved your 101 Projects for your 911, and it's a VERY well done DIY book! Can't wait to get the Boxster book!!