Why does Boxster get a lukewarm reception?

[rusnak]

^ I understand the concept that the systems work together, etc.

But what do you mean by "tune" in terms of a performance upgrade? That seems like just normal maintenance.

I also have to say, as a lifelong aircooled guy, I'm not comfortable calling snap in plastic parts anything other than a cosmetic modification.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by rusnak

^ I understand the concept that the systems work together, etc.

But what do you mean by "tune" in terms of a performance upgrade? That seems like just normal maintenance.

I also have to say, as a lifelong aircooled guy, I'm not comfortable calling snap in plastic parts anything other than a cosmetic modification.

The TB that he was referring to was a larger throttle body to go with the intake. The tune he is referring to is a remap of the electronic command unit that sets the ignition timing and the fuel map. More air, more fuel, and more aggressive timing advance curve equals more power and responsiveness.

It's the equivalent of ''chipping'' your 911 and converting your MAF

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rusnak

^ I understand the concept that the systems work together, etc.

But what do you mean by "tune" in terms of a performance upgrade? That seems like just normal maintenance.

The engine management is computer controlled. When he says tune, he's talking about reprogramming the chip. Imagine you had an early 911 with webbers. You then rebuilt the motor with SSIs, higher compression and hotter cams. When you put it all back together, you'd have to change the jetting (or whatever you change on a Webber) to go with the new parts. He's talking about getting the ECU tuned to match the improved flow (intake and exhaust) through the engine.

I also have to say, as a lifelong aircooled guy, I'm not comfortable calling snap in plastic parts anything other than a cosmetic modification.

Correct, cosmetic, but hey, sometimes cosmetic mods are nice and a nice way to set your car apart from all of the others.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

The Spyder vent is a direct swap for the stock unit in the Boxster and Cayman, but the mounting frame that goes on the "inside" of the vent is different. The correct frame comes in the kit that you can get from Suncoast. Suncoast Porsche Parts & Accessories Side Grille Set - Boxster Spyder



The plenum/TB upgrade is great. It's tough to say how much impact they alone had on the performance of the car, because all of the upgrades (plenum, TB, exhaust, tune) all work in tandem to make the car more responsive. Much better mid-range torque, much more direct throttle response, and I'm sure a lot more peak HP. The biggest difference in terms of performance was definitely the exhaust upgrade, followed by the tune... but whatever you plan on doing, do the tune last so that all of the upgrades are considered when the tune is programmed. This is the order I would do the upgrades:

1) Exhaust/headers
2) Plenum/TB
3) Tune.

The car is MUCH faster and more fun to drive after tackling these upgrades. It just pulls harder from low RPM and that Fabspeed exhaust note is intoxicating.

Nice, thanks for the response. Wow, those side vents aren't cheap, but then I didn't really expect them to be, especially since they are Porsche parts and not some knock-off. I'd rather, and probably some day will get those vents.

That sounds good. I think I saw something about using the TB and Plenum from a Spyder on a site the other day too. Same idea as the GT3 TB and plenum mod that you did, but slightly different parts. Yeah, I'd be happy to do the performance upgrades too, but I'm still under CPO warranty for a bit and not looking to spend that much right now. I'd also really love a torque biasing diff. If only I had a bunch of extra money just laying around.

[CJFusco]

Originally Posted by masraum

Nice, thanks for the response. Wow, those side vents aren't cheap, but then I didn't really expect them to be, especially since they are Porsche parts and not some knock-off. I'd rather, and probably some day will get those vents.

That sounds good. I think I saw something about using the TB and Plenum from a Spyder on a site the other day too. Same idea as the GT3 TB and plenum mod that you did, but slightly different parts. Yeah, I'd be happy to do the performance upgrades too, but I'm still under CPO warranty for a bit and not looking to spend that much right now. I'd also really love a torque biasing diff. If only I had a bunch of extra money just laying around.

Yeah, I looked for a suitable (cheaper) alternative to the side vents for a long time, but just didn't like the look of the other aftermarket options. I ended up getting a gift certificate to Suncoast and figured that that would help justify/offset the cost a little bit. I'm glad I did.

Rusnak, sorry -- I should have been more clear; I'm used to posting about mods over at Planet9, where all of the users already have Boxsters or Caymans and are used to the vernacular. Yes, by TB I mean "throttle body" -- the opening for the IPD plenum is 82mm, larger than the stock 987 opening. It is designed to work with a 997 GT3 throttle body.

And the "tune" is exactly what the others describe -- it's like "chipping" a 1980s-90s car, or putting more aggressive jets/carbs on an older car. Bolt-on mods alone won't significantly improve the performance of a 987 because the car's computer will always deliver the same air-fuel mixture as long as the software remains stock. You might get a little bit more throttle response out of bolt-on mods, but to optimize their impact, you need an ECU tune. Since everything is managed by an onboard computer these days, when you purchase a "tune," the company sends you an OBD port adapter and software. You load the software up to your laptop and connect it to your car's OBD port. The program then reads the file from your stock computer, which you send to the tuning company with a list of your bolt-on mods. The tuner then builds a "map" in the software that takes into account your mods and optimizes the air-fuel mixture, timing, etc., to get more performance out of the car. You then reconnect your laptop to the car, upload the new software map, and bingo! You get a much smoother and stronger torque curve as well as considerably higher peak HP. It really does make a pretty huge difference.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

The TB that he was referring to was a larger throttle body to go with the intake. The tune he is referring to is a remap of the electronic command unit that sets the ignition timing and the fuel map. More air, more fuel, and more aggressive timing advance curve equals more power and responsiveness.

It's the equivalent of ''chipping'' your 911 and converting your MAF

Originally Posted by CJFusco

Yeah, I looked for a suitable (cheaper) alternative to the side vents for a long time, but just didn't like the look of the other aftermarket options. I ended up getting a gift certificate to Suncoast and figured that that would help justify/offset the cost a little bit. I'm glad I did.

Rusnak, sorry -- I should have been more clear; I'm used to posting about mods over at Planet9, where all of the users already have Boxsters or Caymans and are used to the vernacular. Yes, by TB I mean "throttle body" -- the opening for the IPD plenum is 82mm, larger than the stock 987 opening. It is designed to work with a 997 GT3 throttle body.

And the "tune" is exactly what the others describe -- it's like "chipping" a 1980s-90s car, or putting more aggressive jets/carbs on an older car. Bolt-on mods alone won't significantly improve the performance of a 987 because the car's computer will always deliver the same air-fuel mixture as long as the software remains stock. You might get a little bit more throttle response out of bolt-on mods, but to optimize their impact, you need an ECU tune. Since everything is managed by an onboard computer these days, when you purchase a "tune," the company sends you an OBD port adapter and software. You load the software up to your laptop and connect it to your car's OBD port. The program then reads the file from your stock computer, which you send to the tuning company with a list of your bolt-on mods. The tuner then builds a "map" in the software that takes into account your mods and optimizes the air-fuel mixture, timing, etc., to get more performance out of the car. You then reconnect your laptop to the car, upload the new software map, and bingo! You get a much smoother and stronger torque curve as well as considerably higher peak HP. It really does make a pretty huge difference.

Thank you for taking the time to explain that to me.

I've been looking at this Porsche Diagnostic Store | Durametric Software Products for Sale

It's to read trouble codes and reset the service light. What do you guys use for that?

[rusnak]

The one cosmetic mod (actually 2) that I did was to switch all of the interior lights and exterior halogens to LED. Now the lights are all LED and whatever the headlights are. They look like there might be two different types of lights in there. I'd love to switch them for HID but I need to find someone who's done that.

[CJFusco]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Thank you for taking the time to explain that to me.

I've been looking at this Porsche Diagnostic Store | Durametric Software Products for Sale

It's to read trouble codes and reset the service light. What do you guys use for that?

FYI, when you get an ECU tune, many of the tuner companies give you the capability to reset service lights and read error codes with the software that you buy for the tune. You just plug the OBD adapter right into your car and you can do those things via your laptop.
My recommendation is to kill two birds with one stone. I went with VividRacing, which Pelican member Sydney (porsche4life) works for; I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any more specific questions you might have about their products. They have awesome customer service, in my experience, and I am very happy with the tune.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by rusnak

Thank you for taking the time to explain that to me.

I've been looking at this Porsche Diagnostic Store | Durametric Software Products for Sale

It's to read trouble codes and reset the service light. What do you guys use for that?

Durametric is an awesome tool, highly recommended for anyone that owns a modern Porsche. It gives you diagnostic tools similar to the dealership PWIS and even allows basic coding. Totally worth it.

[cairns]

Love Durametric- couldn't imagine owning a newer Porsche without it.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Durametric is an awesome tool, highly recommended for anyone that owns a modern Porsche. It gives you diagnostic tools similar to the dealership PWIS and even allows basic coding. Totally worth it.

What do/can you do with it that makes it so invaluable? I assume it's really only useful when you have a problem (at which point, you're probably REALLY glad that you've got it).

[Fein 79]

Because they're ugly...

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by cairns

Love Durametric- couldn't imagine owning a newer Porsche without it.

Yes, sort of like my Innovate LM-1 wideband O2 meter on the 3.2 911.

I think I need to get a PC laptop to go with it. I have an OBD II scanner, but it's limited in terms of what it can read. OTOH, the scanner cost more than the Durametric does.

[Jeff Alton]

Lots of good comments on this thread.

We have a 2003 2.7 Boxster as a loaner car and are building a 2002 3.2S race car. The 2.7 car is fun to drive. Most 996/997 owners who use it say "can't believe how fun it is" or "Its quicker than I expected". They are fun cars, but not for everyone.

Interesting too about the gender issues. I prefer our 997 S and 996 Turbo. My wife prefers our Cayman (soon to have a built 3.8). But we both enjoy driving the Boxster with the roof down.

[CJFusco]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Durametric is an awesome tool, highly recommended for anyone that owns a modern Porsche. It gives you diagnostic tools similar to the dealership PWIS and even allows basic coding. Totally worth it.

But again -- don't most software tuning programs contain the same abilities as the Durametric, at least in terms of resetting the service light and diagnosing error codes? I'm not being argumentative, I'm genuinely curious.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

But again -- don't most software tuning programs contain the same abilities as the Durametric, at least in terms of resetting the service light and diagnosing error codes? I'm not being argumentative, I'm genuinely curious.

It lets you look at a lot more stuff than even a good OBD reader. Cam deviation, which can be a sign of looming IMS failure. DME over-revs to see how a car is driven. Check engine hours and operating ranges. You can change basic coding for things like LED vs standard lights or a fixed vs power spoiler. Probably the nicest thing is for troubleshooting, you can control individual activation for things like fans, spoiler, HVAC controls, etc. It's most of what you can do with a PWIS.

[CJFusco]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

It lets you look at a lot more stuff than even a good OBD reader. Cam deviation, which can be a sign of looming IMS failure. DME over-revs to see how a car is driven. Check engine hours and operating ranges. You can change basic coding for things like LED vs standard lights or a fixed vs power spoiler. Probably the nicest thing is for troubleshooting, you can control individual activation for things like fans, spoiler, HVAC controls, etc. It's most of what you can do with a PWIS.

Oh wow. Thank you for the information; this sounds amazing. I might have to look into picking one up; I'm especially intrigued by cam deviation...

Are all these reading capabilities available on the "Enthusiast Kit"? Pricing actually isn't too bad.

[porsche4life]

Matt hit it perfectly. Our cable will read the standard codes, durametric is way more in depth for troubleshooting.


And yes if you are interested in ECU tuning, pm me!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

The Spyder vent is a direct swap for the stock unit in the Boxster and Cayman, but the mounting frame that goes on the "inside" of the vent is different. The correct frame comes in the kit that you can get from Suncoast. Suncoast Porsche Parts & Accessories Side Grille Set - Boxster Spyder

So I assume the whole desnorkeling process is completely independent of the Spyder Vent insert process. You could potentially do both or either.

How long does it take to do and undo the desnorkel mod? It looks like it's about 10-15 mins if that unless you are going to put a mesh in place. Of course, with the Spyder vent insert, I wouldn't think the mesh would be necessary.

OK, I've also looked at a couple of explanations of the desnorkel process, and it seems there is a huge restrictor plate that is designed to prevent item intrusion (ie cigarette butts) and an actual snorkel. Is the goal to actually desnorkel or deplate? I would think the snorkel would be good, but the plate would be bad.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

The car is MUCH faster and more fun to drive after tackling these upgrades. It just pulls harder from low RPM and that Fabspeed exhaust note is intoxicating.

I've got the factory sport exhaust. I really like how I can drive my car in quiet mode or loud mode as the mood suits. (actually, I can't control the exhaust independently because I have Sport-Chrono, so to get the louder exhaust, I have to go to sport mode which gives me the remapped throttle) I mostly drive in quiet mode with the missus, but not always. I usually go to loud mode when in a busy parking lot. Keeps cars and pedestrians with integrated smart phone more alert on a quick throttle blip. If I see a cop, I may go into quiet mode if I'm not already. The sound in quiet mode is good. The sound in loud mode is great. I like the ability to switch back and forth at will.

Mods that I'd like to do are TB and plenum with a tune, and torque biasing diff. I find that at times I get some wheel spin that I don't like. On my previous car, a factory turbo miata, I had a torque biasing diff, and I liked what seemed like a bit more predictable traction and predictable behavior with it. At least now that we are in the summer months, I have more traction than when it's cold out.

I factory short shift kit might be nice too. The Spyder vents would also be something that I'd consider as well as some 18" wheels if they were lighter than my 19".