Poll: DIY vs Mechanic - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jmatta · 07-30-2009, 03:40 AM

I change my oil and perform basic maintenance on my car, but it only has 15k miles. Recent tasks include installing LN filter adapter, low temp thermostat with coolant renewal and brake/clutch fluid flush.

Previously, I've installed an Evo Hi-Flow intake, Fabspeed secondary cat bypass pipes, a modified muffler and a B&M short shift. I did pay a friend to install my H&R sport springs, however, and align the car.

I use a combination of jack stands and hydraulic jacks.

These cars are pretty simple to do basic work, but I'll leave the tough stuff to the experts.

vath2001 · 07-30-2009, 04:09 AM

Done myself: Starter, belt, oil change, filters, cleaned radiator, climate control display, visor mirrors.

Future jobs: horns, spark plugs, brakes and rotors

Tools needed: floor jack and jack stands, full set of metrics, torx, torque wrench, beer, hammer, luck

Dealer: DS key latch

Sputter · 07-30-2009, 04:36 AM

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmatta

I change my oil and perform basic maintenance on my car, but it only has 15k miles. Recent tasks include installing LN filter adapter, low temp thermostat with coolant renewal and brake/clutch fluid flush.

Previously, I've installed an Evo Hi-Flow intake, Fabspeed secondary cat bypass pipes and a modified muffler.

I use a combination of jack stands and hydraulic jacks.

These cars are pretty simple to do basic work, but I'll leave the tough stuff to the experts.

jmatta · 07-30-2009, 05:02 AM

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

I can already tell the car runs cooler by the "gauge". I don't have a Durametric, so I can't plug into the OBDII, but I trust Jake and Charles' word on the issues and it's cheap insurance to lower the coolant temp, thereby, lowering the oil temp.

If it's good enough for GT3s, it's got to be good for my Box; and it doesn't break the bank to purchase and install.

Sputter · 07-30-2009, 06:15 AM

I hear you man. I was just curious as to your results.

as an aside..
My letter to Excellance was published the month after yours. (kinda cool)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmatta

Let us know what you think about the t-stat change.

I can already tell the car runs cooler by the "gauge". I don't have a Durametric, so I can't plug into the OBDII, but I trust Jake and Charles' word on the issues and it's cheap insurance to lower the coolant temp, thereby, lowering the oil temp.

If it's good enough for GT3s, it's got to be good for my Box; and it doesn't break the bank to purchase and install.

shaman1204 · 07-30-2009, 06:21 AM

I am by no means a mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined. I have never really performed any type of extensive work on a car before, but since ownership I have done:

3 oil/filter changes
serpentine belt
new brake pads on all four corners and brake fluid flush
air filters/cabin filters
removed and cleaned throttle body
remove and replace rear upper track arms
r&r drop links
r&r ignition switch
installed 996 six channel amp and rear speaker kit
installed infiniti speakers in the dash
installed a cable that plays and charges the ipod through the factory head unit
probably a few other small things that escape me right now

These were all done with regular hand tools, with the exception of a power bleeder for the brakes and a large and small torque wrench. I just used this site and renntech for the DIYs. There really is no reason to take your car to a shop (especially the dealer) for general maintenance unless you don't have the time or inclination.

Oaktown 986 · 07-30-2009, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaman1204

installed a cable that plays and charges the ipod through the factory head unit

Did you do a writeup on how to do that?

Jon

Adam · 07-30-2009, 06:52 AM

I've done all my own work thus far, which isn't much more than just regular maintence because the car has been very reliable since new. Have a few small mods I installed myself like the 997/987 shifter, smoked side markers, BMC air filter, non-smoker tray but nothing major yet.

shaman1204 · 07-30-2009, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaktown 986

Did you do a writeup on how to do that?

Jon

Read this thread. There is a ton of info about the cable here.

mptoledo · 07-30-2009, 07:42 AM

Hands down DIY!! Only way I would have someone else do it, is if The money didn't matter, I didn't realistically have the time, and if I didn't have any mechanical skills.

DIY Pro's
You get to know your car
Sense of accomplishment
Save Big $$$
Make sure its done right (no cutting corners)
It's easier the second time!!
You Amass a whole new tool collection
You can make a lot of new friends, like on here

DIY Con's
You get dirty
You can get frustrated
You could screw something bigger up
You could injure yourself
Could be a mess on your garage floor

tonycarreon · 07-30-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaktown 986

Did you do a writeup on how to do that?

i used an ipod connector i purchased from jeremy ( http://986forum.com/forums/members/raisedonporsches.html ) which was a breeze to install.

becker has a cable as well. i don't know what the difference is ( besides $ ).

other than that, i've done a serpentine belt, cleaned radiators and replaced the coolant cap. mechanic replaced front strut mount.

i have coolant, spark plugs, cv boot kits and fuel filter sitting in the basement waiting for install. will leave the cv boots to the same mechanic that did the strut mount. rest will be done by me.

Lil bastard · 07-30-2009, 08:50 AM

I'm a DIYer and have been for many years.

Haven't come across many things I couldn't do incl. engine assembly, valve work, etc. I pretty much do everything except machining (don't have the apparatus). After many years, I've accumulated all the necessary tools - 4 cabinets worth.

Working on the car myself is a very big part of the hobby for me.