Just bought my first Porsche! a 1997 Boxster.(photo) A few questions for the experts-

[JTP]

Originally Posted by connecticutporsche

Can any one point me in the right direction to remove the amber from my front lights?

The only way to eliminate the amber on your headlights is to replace them with post 2002 units. I've seen some apply tint film over them but I don't think that is legal in most states nor do they look good.

[schnellman]

It took me two years to complete the "de-ambering" process because I'm cheap. I bought smoked side marker lights from Pelican Parts. The tail lights I got through Ebay (from a wrecking yard), and the headlight units I bought from a fellow on this forum. The guy gave me a deal on the headlights -- I got both of them in perfect working order with bulbs for $400.

[J'sboxie]

Welcome to this very information-filled forum! The first thing is to get out that owners' manual and read it from front to back...very important! Second...white smoke at start-up can and is usually caused by the very design of the flat6. It is oil that is burning off...mostly..however, if the smoke "screen" lasts for more than a few secs (30+ secs. is a little long) or is a funky colour, ie blueish..it needs to be gone over by a mechanic. The light that is illuminating with a picture of the spolier, is designed to turn off after you reach a "moving speed". (discussed in the manual).

And again...welcome to 986 forums and the wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) world of Boxsters!!!!!

oh and p.s.....the search function is your friend as well!!

[connecticutporsche]

Happy New Year all! Thanks for your help.

I bought the car with some mods, and I'm looking to pretty much keep it the way it is. The car was repainted when the body kit was installed ($4000 paint job, matches OEM quality) and looks showroom ready when its clean! I'm tempted to put the original hood back on the car, not sure if I'm feeling the carbon fiber look. Any opinions out there?

Update regarding issues:
As far as the smoke is concerned, it does continue for over 30 seconds- but I'm starting the car only once a week and the car is mainly garaged in the winter. Could it simply be the temperature here in New England, and the fact the car is sitting a week at a time? The smoke isn't sweet smelling so I'm assuming its oil.
I do plan on taking the car for a quick spin on nice days over the winter, as long as the roads are clean. Perhaps I'll take it to one of the recommended Porsche mechanics in my area.

I installed a new lock assembly on the passenger door, which I bought from VW ($300 cheaper than the $500 Porsche part, and the same exact part #) It works and locks but I cant unlock it unless I reach over and pull the door handle.

Right now the car is sitting as I impatiently wait for Spring 2011! Does anyone have any advice regarding service, etc before then?

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of the cosmetic mods:
Fresh paint job
OEM Hardtop
LED front bumper lights
LED Tail lights
GT3? Bodykit (front bumper and side skirts)
17" wheels (Anyone know the name of these wheels?)
Aftermarket fixed spoiler
Carbon Fiber hood
Carbon fiber "Humps" for behind head rests
Alarm system

Thanks for the help!

[Perfectlap]

welcome. paint hood lapis blue immediately. do not pass go.

Litronics would improve the look greatly but dang are they expensive now. glue a sliver porsche crest onto the hood. All Porsches should come with identifcation on the fron and rear hood. I have 986 S on the back with the S in red. The graphics look pretty good although I think grey would have been a little more sublte (and matched the interior). Ferry Porsche had door graphics on his one off custom made mint green 2.7 so don't let anyone tell you its a ricer mod.

[connecticutporsche]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

welcome. paint hood lapis blue immediately. do not pass go.

The graphics look pretty good although I think grey would have been a little more sublte. Ferry Porsche had door graphics on his one off custom made mint green 2.7

Thanks- yeah as I mentioned in the last post I got the original hood with the car, I'll probably re-install that when I get a chance.

Also thanks for mentioning the color of the car- I thought it was Ocean Blue Metallic… guess I should check the paint code!

[Perfectlap]

yeah you know that does look a bit darker than Lapis blue in that picture.
Looks great with the hard top. Post a few more pics of the rear spoiler. If that's the factory Tequipment unit those are rarely seen. I always thought some graphics on top of those would look cool but since you already have door graphics it would be a bit much like when someone wears a ring, a watch, a bracelet and a pinky ring.

[danyl55]

Originally Posted by connecticutporsche

Happy New Year all! Thanks for your help.

I bought the car with some mods, and I'm looking to pretty much keep it the way it is. The car was repainted when the body kit was installed ($4000 paint job, matches OEM quality) and looks showroom ready when its clean! I'm tempted to put the original hood back on the car, not sure if I'm feeling the carbon fiber look. Any opinions out there?

Update regarding issues:
As far as the smoke is concerned, it does continue for over 30 seconds- but I'm starting the car only once a week and the car is mainly garaged in the winter. Could it simply be the temperature here in New England, and the fact the car is sitting a week at a time? The smoke isn't sweet smelling so I'm assuming its oil.
I do plan on taking the car for a quick spin on nice days over the winter, as long as the roads are clean. Perhaps I'll take it to one of the recommended Porsche mechanics in my area.

I installed a new lock assembly on the passenger door, which I bought from VW ($300 cheaper than the $500 Porsche part, and the same exact part #) It works and locks but I cant unlock it unless I reach over and pull the door handle.

Right now the car is sitting as I impatiently wait for Spring 2011! Does anyone have any advice regarding service, etc before then?

Here's a pretty comprehensive list of the cosmetic mods:
Fresh paint job
OEM Hardtop
LED front bumper lights
LED Tail lights
GT3? Bodykit (front bumper and side skirts)
17" wheels (Anyone know the name of these wheels?)
Aftermarket fixed spoiler
Carbon Fiber hood
Carbon fiber "Humps" for behind head rests
Alarm system

Thanks for the help!

I have the same 17" wheels on my 97---they are stock--good luck with it--