1997 suggested upgrades? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blinkwatt · 11-16-2005, 03:28 PM

I do not know much of the first two you mentioned,so I wont give you false information. I know of the other two so here is my two cents.

The amber tail lights may look nice now, but wait until you see what the updated clear taillights can do for the car. The clear side markers also give it a nice touch as well. Suncoast is a great place to buy those($199 shipped to you,Brand New),unless someone on this board is willing to sell theirs. Installation is simple and I will gladly help you through it if you need any. I attached a picture of my Boxster with clear taillights and matching side markers so you have a idea of how much better it looks.

By chopping the top he means this;when you go to "drop the top" the plastic bends and the middle part hangs out,now if you continue to close it without pushing it in yourself(you have to get out push it in) it marks it up pretty bad. There is also a "blanket" that came with my 99' Boxster that you can apply while "dropping the top" to help prevent the plastic from scratching. This is why my top either stays up or down for several days in a row. The updated glass convertibles go into place on the older style convertibles perfectly and fold down as if it were from the factory.

RandallNeighbour · 11-16-2005, 04:32 PM

The coolant resovoir is about $400 plus installation. Replace it if it's leaking or has cracks. Keep an eye on it if it hasn't gone out if you're broke. That's what I'm doing.

John Schilling here on this forum did his own coolant resovoir replacement and said it was time consuming, but not all that hard.

The transmission cables are not expensive... probably under a hundred bucks each, and I think you could DIY if you take your time and give it a go and do some internet based research. Pix are out there as to what they look like and how to change them out, IF they need to be replaced.

nastyboxster · 11-16-2005, 07:19 PM

Another nice little upgrade would be the short shift kit. They have the advertised banner on the forum for $159. Or you can spend a few more bucks for the B&M one. Makes shifting shorter and sportier.

I'm fine with the amber lights in the back, but I did change the side markers lights for about $50.

Replacing the top with the glass would be nice, but it's big bucks as you have to change the entire roof with the 03 one. I asked the dealer when I first got the car, and they said "you don't want to know how much"

blinkwatt · 11-16-2005, 08:08 PM

A nice little touch you could do that I do not see many other Boxster owners are "Boxster" license plate frame in black stainless steel.

Perfectlap · 11-17-2005, 06:23 AM

I've done lots of mods so far, but none performance really.
in terms of styling The best way to update the look of the Boxster or to make it look like a far more expensive car is to Upgrade the Wheels to 18" Carrera 5 spokes or Turbo Twists (more of an agressive 911-like look) and add side skirting. This will cost about $3,000 but make it look like $15,000 more.

here's one with only a wheel upgrade and it looks great.

Brucelee · 11-17-2005, 06:30 AM

Perfectlap has my favorite wheels on his car. These are classics.

Way to go!

Perfectlap · 11-17-2005, 10:28 AM

and vs. other 18" Porsche wheels, the Carrera's are 10 pounds lighter at each corner!