Getting some Gumption Gump
 

I'm am in no way a mechanic of any kind, however my Boxster intrigues me. With past vehicles I've owned, I would never have stuck my hands where they don't belong. I really enjoy pulling this car apart and learning the basics of it's operation and how it works. Today, I starting hunting down an idle chase issue, because of boards like 986forum I am able to identify the MAF, O2 sensors, air filter tray, OAS, oil fill tube, and more....Just being able to recite boxer "speak" makes me look intelligent to my service rep. Thanks for making this resource available to average Joes like me, I really appreciate it!

http://www.autumntech.net/2001986S/DSC00256.JPG
Finally got the b***s to pull the protective cover off

http://www.autumntech.net/2001986S/DSC00258.JPG
Never realized how close we actually are to the "boxer"

congrats on diggin in :)

You'll love working on the Boxster - it really is an easy platform. Before long I see you knee deep in changing your plugs, pads, rotors, replacing the serp belt and pulling off the bumper cover to clean out your radiators :D All are DIY (along w/ the other things you mentioned)

Good luck but more importantly, have fun doing it :)

Good post tb, I can relate.