New 3 spoke steering wheel OR ECU tune.
 

I can get this put in my car.
http://teilecar.com/files/porsche-91...eel[1].jpg

Or

I can get the Fabspeed ECU upgrade. I live close to their shop so I prefer them over others.
Fabspeed gave me a 10% discount on the ECU upgrade as an incentive to buy.
986 Boxster 2.7L: Stock 217HP/192TQ = Tuned 229HP/203TQ -This is what they claim on their website for the ECU upgrade on a stock Boxster.
With bypass pipes and exhaust system and performance intake and UD Pulley, the ECU tune would make more of a noticeable difference. But the steering wheel would update the interior a bit and make it look and feel sportier and maybe even bring the value of the car up a little.

Both options cost around $800. If you had the two options, what would you choose?

You could risk going on E-Bay and getting that wheel for only $600
Or you could wait for a part out and get it for $400 (like I did).

10 HP isn't even noticeable. Just save up for something bigger

I paid $500 for my 3-spoke. Well worth it, I thought. The plan was to offset the cost by selling off the old 4-spoke wheel and airbag, but I never did find a buyer for it.

I agree with the others. Keep an eye on CL and eBay and you can find a steering wheel and airbag for $400 to $500. $800 is on the high end unless it is a leather airbag, then it is a good price.

What's wrong with the four spoke? It's very classic Porsche and been around since the 60's.

There is a guy selling a tan 3 spoke wheel on 6 speed online for $150. You can buy it and have it wrapped so it has whatever color and stitching you like.

ecu tune no questions asked!
perhaps more speed would be bad, if you spend more time staring at your steering wheel than the road....

$800 for 12hp seems a bit... steep. If I was in that position, I'd get the 3-spoke wheel. Or keep saving the cash and put on something even nicer. Who knows. :)

Jeck, I have one that I'll sell for 75 bucks!

He sold it to Me for 125 shipped
:-))))))

Real HP gain is expensive. Another option is Pedro's Garage (and many more options out there). Pedro can reprogram your ECU for a little cheaper, but you'll have to part with your ECU for at least 3 days, if you overnight the package. This is probably inconvenient for you, since you can just drive to Fabspeed.

ECU reprogramming is probably one of the cheapest and quickest ways to increase your HP, since it focuses the way your ECU manages your engine, i.e. I think the reprogramming will limit your ECU to always think it is using 92 or 93 octane gas, and eliminate the tolerance for lower octane gas that some owners may opt for or just a lack of available higher octane in their areas. It's your money and taste, so whatever you decide is the right one for you. A good reprogram will also increase your gas mileage during normal driving; a new steering wheel can not do that.

I agree with you as far as staying period correct. The one big plus of the three spoke is the feel. It has the nice bumps at 2 and 10. I had a 993 turbo and went to a three spoke but didn't feel it fit the car. So, I had a four spoke modified by CarsDream in Poland and had the best of both worlds. They also reworked the one in the Boxster.

993;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...1/P1140580.jpg

Those bumps are one of the main reasons. I am currently using a steering wheel cover on my 4 spoke to make it feel thicker and sportier. I decided to go with the 3 spoke. ECU upgrade will come later. The other thing I like about it is that it has a gold metal Porsche crest on it. My old steering wheel just has the Porsche emblem indentation.