My Boxster Racing Car Project

[Kroggers]

After a lot of discussions and thinking about if I would do better to build a racing car or purchase one, I decided in the end to have a car built for me.

I decided to contact Dominic who owns Specialist Vehicle Preparations in the UK and has built a number of successful racing cars to see if he would help me to build the car if I found a cheap platform to start from in the UK...

OK, so why the UK Cars in Scandinavia are rather expensive, even the used ones - so I could find a good used car in the UK a lot cheaper than in Scandinavia and there is a larger selection. Also, I learned to drive in the UK and have no problems driving a RHD car...

So after some searching and with Dominic's help I found the platform that will become my racing car - a 2001 Porsche Boxster 3.2 S with 52,386 miles.

The car has slight crash damage which is localised to one side on the rear and a simple fix.

Now, let the fun start

[Kroggers]

The car was delivered to Dominic in the UK today to start the build project. He did a first assessment of the rear damage, and this is his damage report:

He charged the battery and it started fine, ran up to temperature all good and without any problems.

The car has a broken rear hub, crossmember and a steering arm, the driveshaft is also damaged and a couple of small parts , bolts, drop links etc, but it really is not bad apparently - and is a great base for building a racing car.

With some luck, the initial step of the project - striping the car - will start on Monday next week. As soon as I have some pictures I will share them with you...

[Kroggers]

Work has started, and the interior has been striped and the front screen has been removed - I am having the heater removed and a heated front screen installed.

[pmason]

Looks like a fun project, rear camber looks to be set for NASCAR left hand racing :-)
Keep the pictures coming.

[Kroggers]

Originally Posted by pmason

Looks like a fun project, rear camber looks to be set for NASCAR left hand racing :-)
Keep the pictures coming.

That advanced camber setting is what made this car a good candidate - made the car very cheap, and the damage was really local and most of the parts were going to be replaced anyway

As I get the pictures I will share...

[Matt Monson]

I think I was contacted by Dominic about possibly providing an LSD for the vehicle. Looks like a fun project.

[Kroggers]

I know he is looking for an LSD for the car, so could be. I hope you offered him one at a good price if it was him

[Schumi]

Very cool. The more pics the better.

[The Glademister]

Originally Posted by Schumi

Very cool. The more pics the better.

Hey Schumi, when did you get your 2000 Boxster? A racing buddy and I are going to look at a 2000 2.7L with fender damage tomorrow. We're looking at developing a Solo 2 SSM car. We figure we can loose over 950 lbs. and still be within weight restrictions.

[Evan Fullerton]

Lightest Boxster I know of belongs to Grant and he is down to ~1975lb while still being legal for SCCA Solo FP. It is a 2.5L car but a 2.7L shouldn't be any heavier. I am not up on the SSM rules but getting to sub 2200lb take some extreme measures.

[The Glademister]

Originally Posted by Evan Fullerton

Lightest Boxster I know of belongs to Grant and he is down to ~1975lb while still being legal for SCCA Solo FP. It is a 2.5L car but a 2.7L shouldn't be any heavier. I am not up on the SSM rules but getting to sub 2200lb take some extreme measures.

Copy that Evan. Extreme usually equals expensive too.

[Andrew D.]

Boxster Spec (BSR) is a great way to go. Expenses are somewhat more manageable and the car is a blast to drive. The class continues to grow and the level of competition has been raised by the many skilled drivers who now participate. There's nothing like catching a 997 GT3 in every corner while behind the wheel of a 2.5L thirteen year old car. Check out the Porsche Owners Club. BSR racing has become a major player.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I don't think Boxster Spec has made it to Finland, though...

--DD

[Andrew D.]

Since you brought it up... I know there's been interest in the POC expanding to new regions and territories. Why not Finland?!

[Kroggers]

Dave is right Boxster Spec has not come to Finland yet. I will be racing in the Scandinavian Porsche Sports Cup.

I am talking with someone in the UK about trying to set-up a Boxster cup in Finland...

[Kroggers]

Got another update today from Dominic on the car, and thought I would share with you...

The interior is now fully striped and and ready for the cage to be welded in and painted. The damage to the rear suspension has been fixed, and looking good.

The plan is to start removing more weight from behind the bumpers and aircon system on Monday...

Here are the pictures I was sent

Interior fully striped and electrical wires masked off ready to install the cage and give it all some paint


Front end striped


Fixed suspension

[Schumi]

I've had my S since June. I really appreciate the car's ability, especially after tracking it.

The cheaper the early 2.5 cars get the more neat projects you will see out of them- The drivetrain layout and suspension are a perfect start for an autocross or track car.

I have been interested in building a tube frame car based on the corners and drivetrain of a cheap 2.5 with body damage, but another project is keeping me from investigating it.

[Kroggers]

Some more progress on the strip down...

Front bumper was removed to get access to stuff that was not required like the air con rads and pipes and heavy bumper mounts etc.

The big strip job.


Parts back on and one step closer to the racing track.

[eric523]

Great project! I completed a boxster project earlier this year, and I'm working on building a duplicate right now. Very fun cars.

here was my build thread - http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/541594-lap-my-new-girly-boxster.html

[Kroggers]

Originally Posted by eric523

Great project! I completed a boxster project earlier this year, and I'm working on building a duplicate right now. Very fun cars.

here was my build thread - http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-autocross-track-racing/541594-lap-my-new-girly-boxster.html

Yes, I have been reading your thread with interest Eric... The car will be delivered as a completed and ready to run racing car, but I might in future use some of your ideas to improve the car from your thread

Got some more pictures threw from Dominic last night.