03 Boxster S rear bumper cover on a '99?

[PorscheFred]

Hi everybody:
I've been an avid forum reader for a while now (first for info on my 914 and now on my Boxster).

I got offered a good deal on an '03 Boxster S rear bumper cover (with built-in diffusers). I've already replaced my front cover with a '00 911 cover and looks great.

My question is, will it fit? If it does, what kind of mods if any should I consider.

Thanks beforehand for the input,

Fred Larracuente
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

[Aron in Toronto]

It will fit but the top of the pop up spoiler has a slightly different shape where it meets the top edge of the bumper, and the openings in the lower diffuser may expose the muffler heat shield.

[PorscheFred]

Thanks! The spoiler is of the most concern to me. As far as I know, the mechanism is the same for both years, just the top part of the spoiler changes. I can get that one at a good price too.

The heat shield can be trimmed I guess if they show through the diffusers.

Thanks for your help! I will go ahead and get it.

Fred Larracuente

[Chewy]

Any updates on your installation?

[ronster]

Pics of front and back changes please.

Have a 99 - sort of thinking about a rear bumper change too.

[harryrcb]

the heat shield is shorter and so are the 2 brackets that the bottom of the bumper bolt to.

[PorscheFred]

Hi All:
I’ve been meaning to respond to the thread post but have not got around to it. In any case, the bumper cover upgrade is pretty simple. There are three things to consider like others have mentioned earlier.
1. Heat Shield – the aluminum heat shield must be bent or cut a little (about 2-3 inches a at the bottom edge so it does not show through the diffusers or, get the right ones (costly and unecessary IMO).
2. Top cover support: the top cover support are not interchangeable between 99-03. This part is optional (I actually did not install it on mine) and just provides support to the top part of the cover. A must if you are going 100+ often as it will prevent the cover from vibrating. Alternatively (what I did), you can fashion some L brackets out of aluminum to support the cover if desired or get the correct part number.
3. Spoiler top section – the spoiler mechanism is the same but the top portion of the 03 spoiler is wider. The 99 spoiler will work just fine on the 03 bumper but it will show a small gap between the bumper and the spoiler. I actually like it as it give my boxster a different look altogether. Kind of reminds me of the gap that GT3 have between the front bumper adn the front trunk, IYKWIM.

Other than that, is a bolt on install. And those diffusers give it a great touch. I also replaced the front cover with an 2000 Carrera front cover with the center radiator upgrade. From the front, looks just like a 911 and the car runs cool and never reaches 180 even in the summer in Puerto Rico

Its night already so I’ll try to post some pictures tomorrow.

Regards,

[PorscheFred]

As promised: