986 owners

[DWBOX2000]

I previously had a 3.2 manual and now I have a 2.5 with tip. I just find them to be a fun little car that are a bit more comfortable than a same period miata. As fun, that’s a toughy. Well I’m thinking about possibly a 2.7 manual. The 3.2 was nice but I think I prefer the 5 speed. Anyhow, The body’s are basically the same. I’m assuming they likely handle and brake the same. My question is, is the Hp and torque increase even noticeable?
Maintenance about the same? I know the 2.7 after 2000 all have a smaller imsb so I will be buying one with it recently done or at a discount. I like the idea of a glass window too, never had one.
Any help appreciated.

[DWBOX2000]

I’m thinking to hot rod it with some suspension modes, weight reduction and possible Hp gains through exhaust. A fun street car. Just not sure the extra 17hp is worth the premium over the 2.5 if unnoticeable.

[rfuerst911sc]

What's holding you back on that 2.5 is the tip . The tip of that era just feels sluggish compared to a manual . You " might " feel a 17hp difference but it won't be overwhelming .

My 2002 Boxster S with a 3.6 Stage II + ....... yeah you definitely feel the difference 😁 . Great chassis .

[DWBOX2000]

Yeah, that has to be something. My friend has a 2.5 stick which I really enjoyed. Is the steering different between the 99 and later cars? I can’t really tell any difference with E gas versus cable.

[rfuerst911sc]

I was a test/break in driver for Flat Six Innovations ( Jake Raby ) for 5 years . I have driven 986/987/996/997 . About 150 or so . They are not that different but there are subtle changes . Some is comfort some is performance . In my humble opinion the 986/996 feel more old school vs newer models . A little more raw .

[DWBOX2000]

That’s what I like about the 99 versus my 00 S and 02 C4S. Slower but different feel. The steering felt different. I’m not sure if imagining and they all the same or the steering was aided a bit after 99. I think you would know. Nothing in my Bentley book to say any changes regarding steering 99 vs 00. I also like the plainness of the interior of the 99. The painter silver bits don’t do it for me. I wouldn’t say no to them, I just prefer the black plain plastic.

[LWJ]

Counterpoint is I have a buddy with a 2.5 5 speed. I have an 01 3.2 6 speed that seems to be slightly massaged for more performance. As I bought it this way, I can’t confirm that I have tighter suspension, under driven pulleys, but I do have a sportier exhaust. Either way, my car is a spectacular driver. His is a friendly driver. While they look similar, they have totally different personalities. I like my car. It is just perfect.

That’s all.

[DWBOX2000]

No doubt the S is a spectacular car. They are a bit pricey now for a well kept one. I would love to try a 3.2 with a 5 speed.
Anyhow, thanks for everyone.

[fastfredracing]

I have a 2000 tip with a 2.7. I also have clients with 2.5 tips and autos. I can feel a very very slight power increase . Barely noticeable, but it is there. I think about this every time I test drive one of them .
I like my boxster, but its on the way out

[DWBOX2000]

Thanks FF. I bought the tip hoping my wife would use. Never did so I’m back to looking for a standard. This confirmed I’m an idiot. Anyhow, The tip isn’t bad. It shifts plenty fast for my purposes and I particularly like it when driving with coffee. Sometime I just want to sit back, put the music with the top down and veg. If I could swap in a 5 speed, I’d be all over that.

[LWJ]

I wasn’t aware of a price premium? Last I checked, lots of these cars under 10k???

[recycled sixtie]

I don't have any comparison with the 2001 Boxster base manual transmission I had but found it a very satisfying car to drive. 90 mph in third gear(5 speed transmission). 217 hp was sufficient. I got a CEL1333 and sold as is. I bought a 2013 Miata NC prht manual transmission but was not the car the Boxster was. If I had to do it again I would have fixed the Boxster. I loved that transmission.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I had a 3.2 S 2001. Brilliant car. The S was a 6 speed vs the 5 in the non S. I believe bigger brakes and the suspension was upgraded as well, but it has been a long while, and I've forgotten more about that car than I remember. At 6'1" I barely fit in it. My 914 has more leg room. If I got another it would be a 987.2. The later generations had a bit more leg room I believe.

[cockerpunk]

986 is one of the most underrated cars made, never mind the most criminally underrated porsches ever made.

[cantdrv55]

I wonder when prices of 986s are going to up. My 00S is 23 years old but only has 68k miles. I bought my ‘79SC Targa when it was 25 years old and it had 125000 miles. Its price didn’t increase for another 5 years. The Boxster S is more sports car in every way.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by LWJ

I wasn’t aware of a price premium? Last I checked, lots of these cars under 10k???

A well kept low mileage S with records costs more than 10K. 2.7's and ridden hard examples sell for a lot less. Even though the IMS is an issue, albeit a small %, having that done preserves the selling value. Ask me how I know.

[Deschodt]

Going from 2.5 tip you will enjoy a 2.7 manual. that 5 is probably the sweetest gearbox Porsche ever used. The 3.2 is undeniably faster but a nice 2.7 is a sweet thing, something about having to rev it hard and work for it. Also less chance of a IMS apparently. Good deals on those cars right now.

[DWBOX2000]

Depends on what you call a good deal.

[DWBOX2000]

Well bit the bullet and bought an 01 S. The second owner bought last year and didn’t really fit in it and it bothered his knees. Only put 400 miles on it and. New battery. 1st owner kept all records from day one and serviced At the dealership religiously. It has 63k on it, and just had the 60k maintence done. Included imsb, clutch rear axles. In the last 5k new coils, coils and tires. All done at dealership. Roof is new too. Anyhow, that’s the excitement for day. Now I need to sell my 99 GR tip.

[rfuerst911sc]

Congratulations on the S purchase . Some pics are needed or it didn't happen 😋 . Sounds like you found a clean one , now go find some mountain roads and let her shine .