My New Toy

[CJFusco]

So, it's been a few weeks since I've checked in -- I've been traveling quite a bit -- but I'd like to show off my new toy now that I (finally) have a free night at home.

Due in large part to the advice and ensuing discussion of the Pelican community here, during the last week of June I test drove a number of Caymans and ended up purchasing a 2007 Cayman S with 31,000 miles on the clock. Since then, I've driven her from PA to VT to Cape Cod and then back to home to CT. What a car!

Here she is in my cousin's driveway in PA:


And with my friend's (my college roommate, actually) Cayenne on Cape Cod:


And, finally, home and at rest:



Here are my driving impressions: the car is impressive in that you can just cruise along at 2500rpm or snarl into a corner at full chat. Cornering is, predictably, completely manageable and flat; I've already encountered several scenarios in which I head into a corner ostensibly a little too hot, scrub off some speed with those Big Reds, and then realize, exiting the corner, that I didn't really need to slow down at all.

The exhaust note is intoxicating. Sometimes I'll give the gas a little nudge at 3000rpm just to hear it. I actually would like it to be a little louder... (although NOT piped into the stereo like some BMW)

Although it is clearly a fast car, the car actually doesn't FEEL all that fast below 4000rpm, at least not compared to the power delivery I'm used to with turbocharged cars. With the 951 (and, to a lesser extent, the Cooper S), the power comes on in one strong punch in a fairly narrow section of the rev range; with the Cayman S's 3.4 liter flat six, the power curve is far flatter, although getting the engine above 5000rpm is where it really hits its sweet spot.

Speaking of comparisons to other Porsches, the clutch and gearbox feel EXACTLY like those in the various 944s I've owned -- surprisingly mechanically-feeling for such a new car; compared to some other sports cars I've driven, the transmission of a Cayman actually feels satisfyingly "clunky" (in a good way). A Porsche is a Porsche is a Porsche, I suppose...

Gripes: although black looks good when clean and shiny, EVERY SINGLE FINGERPRINT shows on the paint.

That is all for gripes.

Well, maybe a little more power, but that would be the case no matter what car I bought, wouldn't it?...

[masraum]

Very sweet. I'm jealous.

If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue

[CJFusco]

Thanks!

I should also express my thanks here to the Pelican braintrust for all the advice and guidance during the buying process, both here on the forums and on an individual basis. You know who you are

[Schumi]

CJ I hadn't seen your username pop up since I stopped trolling the 944 boards. Congrats on the new car.

Ever miss that Garnet red 951? That was such a sweet ride. I still miss my 944 cars and still look at craigslist ever few months for the right turbo or S2.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Beautiful car, congrats! All of the new Porsches are way too quiet in stock form, they need some variety of exhaust to wake them up. On my current 996 I had the "Fister mod" done, a small diameter muffler bypass tube. A local custom exhaust shop did it for a whopping $60. It sounds fantastic at WOT but almost stock around town, and with zero drone. I prefer it to the expensive aftermarket systems that I've had on past 996s.

[CJFusco]

That's pretty interesting -- is there a similar mod available for the 987?

I have briefly looked into performance mods for the 3.4, more out of curiosity than anything. It is a little irksome that Porsche limited the 987S's ability so it didn't eclipse the stock Carrera (Jeremy Clarkson's critique that if he buys a car, he wants to feel comfortable that the factory made it as good as it could be to the public). According to European Car (Porsche Cayman S - Proven Power Adders - European Car Magazine), the best and most straightforward 987S performance mods are an improved intake plenum, a reflash of the air/fuel management computer (basically the same as "chipping" other cars), and performance exhaust. I guess I now have my Christmas list!

[targa911S]

beautiful! I really like the Cayman.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I did a little searching, looks like the packaging of the 987 exhaust makes the bypass mod challenging. Sorry for the tease. I would definitely consider performance mufflers though. Rennlist has a good marketplace for used waterpumper parts.

In the 996 world there's a lot of skepticism regarding the plenum and ECU software. Some claim a seat of the pants improvement, some claim to feel nothing, and I've yet to see a true dyno chart for either. An exhaust won't buy you much real performance, but it's absolutely worth it to make your car sound like it should.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Very cool - good choice! My only caution would be the color choice. Black looks good when clean but the downside is it's a full time job keeping them clean (every little speck of dirt shows up from 10' away). Looks great and I'm sure you'll take good care of it, but for me I'll never get another black car again - especially for a DD (my Benz DD is black...)

Drive it like you stole it!

[bkreigsr]

Where on the Cape?
We've been going up to the Cape every year (off season) for the past 33 years and I can count the number of Porsche (non SUV) sightings on two hands.
Bill K

[CJFusco]

My family's place is in Orleans -- it's a nice little getaway.

[BE911SC]

Love it! My dream DD.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by BE911SC

Love it! My dream DD.

Mine too...in white.

[nostatic]

My favorite recent Porsche. If they were closer to $15K I'd be pretty tempted to pick one up.

[Ayles]

How are they on legroom? I'm 6'4" and think these are pretty cool looking cars.

[scottmandue]

Another former 944 owner gives you congratulations.

[CJFusco]

Originally Posted by Ayles

How are they on legroom? I'm 6'4" and think these are pretty cool looking cars.

Legroom seems to be pretty good... but I'm only 5'7", so my opinion might be moot.

The more I drive the car, the more impressed I am with it, especially the handling and braking.

[Jim Richards]

Nice looking Cayman!

[pete3799]

Sweet car.
Black is nice but i'm 1 mile up a dirt road and by the time I make it to the black top the rear of the car is covered in dust.
My Aunt and Uncle lived in Orleans, Ma. They used to own the Nauset House Inn.

[Justin@Athens]

As a former owner, (see my signature)....the car's cornering ability can and will exceed the mechanical grip provided by the tires. Keep them fresh!