[Chuck W.]

I read this forum everyday and every now and then there are some postings that make me cringe. Hammerhead2501 posted some that did just that. He bought his Boxster last year and owned it for less than a year. It was an expensive and unpleasant experience for him. I am not sure what happened after the engine rebuild that caused him to sell.

Originally Posted by Hammerhead2501

I am another guy that have had several Miata's over the last 15 years, used for both dd and tracking, that decided to make the move to Porsche. After talking to current and previous owners on my local Miata site, and tons of research on this forum, Pelican Parts, and other web based sites, I decided on a 2004S. I found the one I wanted in the PCA classifieds. A 2004S garage queen, 27K miles, all service records including documentation of the RM and LN IMS install at 18K as preventative maintenance.
I flew to PA and drove the car back to Atlanta and could not have been happier. I drove the car for one week and 1200 miles when it happen to stall at a red light. Upon trying to restart the car it sounded like belts and big metal parts had been thrown in a dryer and someone hit the start button. After 3 tows, one being to the local Porsche place (idiots), it is now resting at Jake Raby's shop in Cleveland, GA. Had I of found his website in my initial research, Home I probably would have never taken the Boxster yellow brick road. Jake sent me a video of what they discovered when they removed the oil filter canister and it made me sick to my stomach. The canister and filter were totally contaminated with main and rod bearing particles. Engine is shot! Now the cost to install a built Raby engine with all of the upgrades to correct the known weak spots in the 986-24 Porsche engine is the same price I paid for the car. I can't say enough about Flat 6 Innovations, their expertise, and their customer service. What I can say is buying a car with this engine in it is a total crap shoot. Buyer beware. I had a great 1200 miles and 7 days in this car but it costs me about $16K.

Originally Posted by Hammerhead2501

OK finally getting around to an update, but I've been busy DRIVING! Almost 2000 miles on the car since I picked it up at Flat 6. First I have to say I am really glad I didn't let this car go when it seemed like a total loss. Jake and the guys at Flat 6 resurrected this baby and I just have to say DAMN!! I absolutely love this car. Having daily driven and tracked Miata's for the past 10 years I feel like I have entered a new realm. Actually I guess I have. This car, since being resurrected has surpassed all of my expectations. What else can I say? Just a huge shout out for Jake and the team at Flat 6 Innovations. Top notch work and incredible customer service through the whole experience.

Originally Posted by Hammerhead2501

Gone baby gone. SOLD. 2004 Boxster S

34000 Miles
Exterior Seal Grey Metallic
Interior Graphite Grey
6 Speed Manual
3rd Owner
Clean CarFax
Recently installed 2 rear tires, fronts are 80%.
Nicely optioned with PSM, Hi-Fi Audio, heated sport seats,& windstop package.
Aftermarket options include Dansk muffler with rear cat deletes. Still have original.
This setup gives the car a nice growl, especially under acceleration, without being obnoxious, and no drone at cruising speeds.
Ashtray delete. Still have original.
30% Professionally installed window tint.
At 28,400 miles engine was completely disassembled by Jake Raby of Flat Six Innovations,
Home , due to IMS bearing failure. The oil filter had done its job so no
internal collateral damage was done. FSI rebuilt the engine installing their patented IMS Solution.
I have an extensive list of new parts, that were installed in the rebuild including a new OEM clutch.
Also have photo documentation of rebuild.
I have driven the car over 5000 flawless miles since the rebuild. Incredibly smooth and fast.
Oil and filter change just performed.

$ 20,500.

Originally Posted by Hammerhead2501

My car spent more time in the shop than on the road or in my garage.
In under 9 months I spent as much in repairs as I spent on the whole car.
Got tired of dumping money in it, so finally dumped the car.
Now I'm dumping all the spare parts I'm discovering in my garage in hopes
that I can put my Porsche experience/nightmare behind me.

Originally Posted by Hammerhead2501

SOLD is correct and, good riddance. Like a boat, 2 best days of ownership were the day I bought it and the day I sold it.