Boxster Differences in Suspension by Model Year

[johnnydee]

Hi. We are contemplating a Boxster track car project. Really need only the shell and there are a lot of very cheaper older Boxsters out there to use as a starting point. I have searched the web a lot but have not found very good answers as to the differences in track and wheel base between the various model years. I get the impression that the track was widened in the mid 2000s but I can't find anything that says that the wheelbase has changed other than in the new 2013 Boxster. My questions are these:

1. Are the suspension attachment points the same for all model years up to and including 2012?

2. Since we are going to to be modifying this car heavily, can all the trick GT3 control arm and drop link mods be made to any model year Boxster from 1st gen to MY 2012?

3. Are the attachment points on the chassis the same for mounting of all the transmissions? We intend to use a 2005-on Boxster S 6 speed transmission in the build. Related, anybody know if all 6 speed trannys are the same regardless of whether they were in the S or not? Were there any changes to the internals on the transmissions? We want the stoutest 6 speed that is available.

I really appreciate any information that the group can provide. Thanks!

[Cajundaddy]

No, model changes used different components and dimensions. Google "wiki Boxster" for specifics.

Gentle suggestion: If you are building a track car for racing, choose the active class you want to compete in first, and then choose the car that best fits into the rules for that class. Build it once, build it right.

[johnnydee]

Thanks for the reply. I have scoured the Wiki Boxster info in past, and again today, and don't really find the level of detail that I need on on suspension pickup points. The track and wheelbase are discussed but more detailed chassis changes are not discussed. Again, the most important thing is whether the points are the same for all model years prior to 2013 when the wheelbase changed. Also, important is whether we can put any 6 speed manual trans in any MY chassis.

On the build, agree with your comment on picking a class and then putting the car together to suit, but this is really more of a balls out DE car so not as important. Having said that, the car would fit nicely in the GT 3 class in PCA Club Racing based on calculations I have done.

[s_wilwerding]

I'd say if you're going to take on a project like this, you'd probably better get used to having to answer your own questions on a lot of these issues. Just trying to put a new engine in an old car is a nightmare because of wiring harnesses, computer version, etc., and that's when everything fits. Trying to use a mismash of new parts in an old car, especially on a platform that has been around almost twenty years with three major revisions, will be a nightmare, IMO.

You'd be better off to either find someone who has done what you're trying to do, or stick with similar year parts (ie. get GT3 arms, 996 engines, etc. from the same years as the year of your car).

[johnnydee]

Thanks for your reply. It does seem that there are not a lot of people out there that have compared the various chassis one to the other. As I am coming from a long history of 914s (from a much earlier period admittedly) the thing that makes this important in my mind is that the Boxster platform is ubiquitous and (now at almost 20 years old) there are a lot of very cheap cars out there. Further, as we have seen with the 914 as mid-engined, rear wheel drive cars they are a fabulous starting point for a track car build. The longevity and continued success of hobbyists modifying that platform bodes well for If the differences between the hard points on the different generation Boxsters are the same, why not get the least expensive, straight chassis you can? See also below.

I have read a fair amount about the horrors of getting different MY parts (dash, motor, trans) to talk to one another. The CAN system is amazing but lets not lose sight of the fact that with a track car, you will have less need for the OE dash as you will be replacing many if not most of the gauges and can more easily put in your own race car wiring harness. ABS probably gets replaced with dual pedal assy, and there are a multitude of inexpensive stand alone ECU set ups that will run the factory late model 997 3.8L Carrera S (my weapon of choice) powerplant. With a manual trans, you also have no real need for system-wide communication. However, it sure would be great to run a PDK (see new GT3). I can live with that compromise.

[johnnydee]

"...bodes well for the Boxster."

[Cajundaddy]

Here is your template:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/541594-lap-my-new-girly-boxster.html

Eric is a top local driver and works in a race prep shop so a lot of what he did was simply to see if it was possible to go this far with development of the Boxster platform. 20,000 hrs and $100K later he has a very capable, monster track car.

[johnnydee]

He talks about 2880 lbs on the car. When you say $100K later, are there posts on the car? Don't seem to see the later evolution. Our goal with cage is 2300. Virtually all exterior panels to be replaced with composites. See kit:

Porsche 986 Boxster to 997 Turbo Xtremo Widebody New | eBay

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by johnnydee

Our goal with cage is 2300.

Better start with a 914 then. Never get there with a Boxster tub. That fleabay body kit made me snort my coffee.

[johnnydee]

Ah. That's the beauty of CF, elimination of all creature comforts, dashboards, carpeting, "boat anchor" seats, padding, convertible tops, etc. Hint: What do you think the glass windshield and boron windshield frame weigh? All going bye-bye.

[Cajundaddy]

Originally Posted by johnnydee

Ah. That's the beauty of CF, elimination of all creature comforts, dashboards, carpeting, "boat anchor" seats, padding, convertible tops, etc. Hint: What do you think the glass windshield and boron windshield frame weigh? All going bye-bye.

No need for a heavy ol Boxster tub then. Build or buy a tube chasis and go racing. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDQQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWaW oo82zNUA&ei=0GaSUf_jDYjaygHBrYD4BQ&usg=AFQjCNH7-9HZGgiwufc_Wv3eeDBAZq_H4A&bvm=bv.46471029,d.aWc

For nearly the price of that fleabay body kit you could own a fully developed race car with a proven pedigree:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/744056-nasa-gts4-pca-gt3-racecar-two-national-champ-podiums-priced-sell.html