Manual Transmission Fluid change

[Chboro]

I have a 2001 Boxster S with 6 spd, 68k miles. Have not owned it long and plan to change transmission fluid because I have no history of it being done. I have been reading about removing the aluminum diagonal braces and the metal transmission cover. But, I have read that some owners have difficulty re-installing these parts and there doesn't seem to be much discussion on why. Is there any pre-load on these parts? Using my liftbars, I plan to put my Boxster up on the 4 jack points. I can see these parts are readily accessible but want to make sure if I take them off I can get them back on. Anybody reassure me here?

[moresquirt]

I Changed mine and removed nothing,i just marked and drilled a 2" hole with a hole saw
in the aluminum plate directly below the drain plug and let the oil drain out thru the hole.
Did not effect air flow or strength at all ,then pop off the fill plug and fill with a pump bottle .what takes the longest time is getting the car jacked up and level.

[Chboro]

Great idea. I was thinking of doing exactly that. It's interesting that it wasn't part of the design.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

Not sure if this will be much use to your question, but we do have a manual transmission fluid DIY article on our site here if needed: Porsche Boxster Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid Change - 986 / 987 (1997-08) - Pelican Parts Technical Article. It does go over removing the front plastic engine covers, the lower diagonal aluminum braces and the metal transmission cover. If you do this without removing them, please post it up with some detail for others.

[jklaspok]

I removed the diagonal braces and pan. The braces lined up with no problems. I had to manipulate the pan a bit to get the studs to line up, but it was not too difficult.