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Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist
Thanks for the ideas, guys.
I think I am against sending my ECU anywhere. I'd prefer to just buy an OBD chip that is removable and reversible than to make any permanent changes, even though it would cost more for the single product.
As for learning how to drive better, I plan to do that with this sum of cash I have, however, no matter how well I know how to drive, the car wll always feel better and drive better if it's more powerful. That's not replacable and can not be replicated.
So what would you say then if I took driving courses? Take more? My point is, these upgrades are going to have to happen at some point. Might as well be now.
I appreciate all the input and advice.
I know it would be hard to squeeze power out of this engine that already gets 91hp/L, but I am going to try to anyhow. Silly me.
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There is more to performance driving than horsepower. It is the skill sets that make you a better driver. The more skills, the better. It will also cross over to street driving. You will use your eyes more. You will learn to anticipate more. You will react better in "dangerous" situations.
For many years I drove a 100hp 914. For all of those years, I garnered compliments and questions like "hey, how much HP do you have?" or "What kind of "6" is in there?". Then I would tell them. Its a 4cyl with about 100 hp. Yet, I could keep up with 200hp 911's. It wasn't because the "car" was better. It was because the "driver" was better. There's rarely a finer compliment at the track than one that acklowedges the PERSON rather than his equipment.
A 240hp Boxster is not a dragster. If you wanted to win "stop light" races, you should have gone with a Vette or maybe an "overboosted" WRX/Evo.
BUT. If driving curved roads is where you want to have fun, then the Boxster is a champ.
I'm not sure if you are a PCA member, but if not, take advantage of the club. In the NYC area you have 3 of the largest Porsche regions in the US... NNJR (northern NJ), Metro NY and CVR (connecticut). Combined, they have about 6,000 members. They schedule Drivers Ed events, Autocross events and Club Race events (as well as concours and social events).
Join online and sign up for an event this spring. If you've never done these types of events, I say get to an Autocross first. Drive your car against the clock. Then, if you are a rookie, be prepared to be humbled by 115hp Miatas that spank you. Or the civics, or the whatevers. Ride with someone with a similar car. It is amazing what even "stock" Porsches can do.
A few years ago in NNJR, there were 2 spectaularly driven "stock" non-s boxsters that could fight for OVERALL FTD. This against modified 911's and 914s (cars with less weight, more hp AND very good drivers). THAT is learning how to drive and drive well.
HP is nice (and yes, even great drivers like more of it) but if you don't know how to get the most out of what you have, why waste the $$ on more. $1500 spent on a "chip" can cover the entrance fee's for about 5 Drivers ed events or about 40 Autocross events.
