09-13-2013, 07:09 AM
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#2
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soucorp
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 181
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crono0001
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Made the TOP 5, well done PORSCHE!
#5 1996 Porsche Boxster
What we said then:
"Driving position? Perfect. Engine? Perfect. Brakes? Perfect. Gearbox? Perfect. Handling? Perfect."
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09-13-2013, 07:12 AM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 7,243
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What a pity the build quality of the cooling system and motor wasn't as "perfect" as all the other stuff they reviewed. Of course, only time would have proved this...
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09-13-2013, 07:21 AM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Arizona
Posts: 720
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What surprised me was that it wasn't the 981 they were talking about. Wasn't the 987 either. It was the 1996 Porsche Boxster, aka the 986.
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09-13-2013, 07:58 AM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: La Grange, KY
Posts: 28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour
What a pity the build quality of the cooling system and motor wasn't as "perfect" as all the other stuff they reviewed. Of course, only time would have proved this...
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IMS? Not so perfect. Too cheap to build two different heads? Not so perfect.
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09-13-2013, 08:10 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: O.C. CA
Posts: 3,709
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foydawg
IMS? Not so perfect. Too cheap to build two different heads? Not so perfect.
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Fantastic heads none the less! What is your issue with interchangable head castings?
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09-13-2013, 09:17 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 598
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Randal, this was their selection of the top 50 cars over the last 20 years based not only upon the original reviews, but experience since then. The people at Top Gear are very much aware of the IMS issues, but nevertheless chose to rank the original 986 where they did. Over that time span, did any other sports car generate the excitement that the original 986 did? Was there any other sports car near the price that had the same balance of performance, handling, appearance and comfort? Is there any other sports car close in price that is still as rewarding to own and drive?
As you are aware, there are numerous upgrades to the IMS that are reasonably priced. If someone is put off the entire experience by worries over the IMS bearing, upgrade it and get on with your (and your car's) life. In fact, when one considers the incredibly low price today for used 986's, they are likely an even better buy than when new in spite of the cost to upgrade the IMS.
Brad
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09-13-2013, 09:20 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Chicago
Posts: 475
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crono0001
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And Jalopnik just posted this Retro 1997 review:
'The 1997 Porsche Boxster Makes Everything Old New Again'
Very cool... I was driving an Isuzu Rodeo back then :-)
__________________
Some kind of happiness is measured out in miles
2003 Midnight Blue S
LN IMS Retrofit
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09-13-2013, 10:24 AM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 109
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Quote:
Originally Posted by soucorp
Made the TOP 5, well done PORSCHE!
#5 1996 Porsche Boxster
What we said then:
"Driving position? Perfect. Engine? Perfect. Brakes? Perfect. Gearbox? Perfect. Handling? Perfect."
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The picture is of a MUCH newer Boxster....anyways, where is the McLaren F1? 240Z? M3? RX7? Shelby Daytona/Cobra? Shelby GT350? Old GTO? 73 911? NSX? GXP? M1? 87 GNX? Cayman R? 997 GT3 RS? I mean, I can think of a lot better cars to make that list over a GTI (at #2 no less) or a PRIUS!!!
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09-13-2013, 10:40 AM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 88
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The great thing about this opinion piece is that it is always up for debate. The Saleen S7 deserves a mention as well.
Last edited by jesseborgelt; 09-13-2013 at 10:45 AM.
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09-13-2013, 10:40 AM
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 598
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Reiver, cars like the 240Z, early 911's. Shelby Cobra, GT 350 etc. are all ineligible as it is a list of the best cars over the last 20 years - i.e., since 1993. One can argue these things all day long and a car like the original Prius, while pedestrian, was nevertheless a break-through car in that it was the first affordable hybrid. Hardly a niche car, it started a market that continues to increase in size and importance.
Ultimately, this list recognizes that the 'best' cars must include not just supercars, but designs for the entire market. If you feel that the 986 Boxster should not be on that list (let alone that high on the list), what would you have chosen in its place in its market category?
Brad
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09-13-2013, 11:47 AM
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: La Grange, KY
Posts: 28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BYprodriver
Fantastic heads none the less! What is your issue with interchangable head castings?
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If I'm not mistaken, dedicated left/right heads would eliminate the need for the IMS. Am I coming off sounding jaded? Just wrote a check for $7K to fix my IMS & bearing. I ought to be.
Last edited by Foydawg; 09-13-2013 at 12:19 PM.
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09-13-2013, 12:03 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: O.C. CA
Posts: 3,709
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jesseborgelt
The great thing about this opinion piece is that it is always up for debate. The Saleen S7 deserves a mention as well.
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I agree, Steve usually has just 1 test car available & I doubt it ever made it across the pond.
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09-13-2013, 12:33 PM
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: O.C. CA
Posts: 3,709
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Foydawg
If I'm not mistaken, dedicated left/right heads would eliminate the need for the IMS. Am I coming off sounded jaded? Just wrote a check for $7K to fix my IMS & bearing. I ought to be.
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Not necessarily, the InterMediateShaft is utilized to reduce the revolution speed of the camshafts relative to crankshaft speed. Porsche has used the IMS for decades & never had problems until they chose to use a bearing at 1 end of the IMS in the Boxster. Designing parts so that they can be used in multiple locations on the same vehicle saves production costs. I don't know if the new design 9A1 engine has interchangeable head castings, but it doesn't have a IMS. Whatever "attitude" you have at the moment is quite understandable.
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09-13-2013, 01:02 PM
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#15
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Certified Boxster Addict
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2003S
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A USED Boxster also just spanked a brand new Toyota Scion FR-S in a comparison test:
Scion FR-S vs. Porsche Boxster Comparison Test - Used Versus New Comparison Test - Road & Track
The Boxster is definitely one of the best 50 cars of the past 20 years!
__________________
1999 996 C2 - sold - bought back - sold for more
1997 Spec Boxster BSR #254
1979 911 SC
POC Licensed DE/TT Instructor
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09-13-2013, 02:53 PM
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#16
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 109
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Quote:
Originally Posted by southernstar
Reiver, cars like the 240Z, early 911's. Shelby Cobra, GT 350 etc. are all ineligible as it is a list of the best cars over the last 20 years - i.e., since 1993. One can argue these things all day long and a car like the original Prius, while pedestrian, was nevertheless a break-through car in that it was the first affordable hybrid. Hardly a niche car, it started a market that continues to increase in size and importance.
Ultimately, this list recognizes that the 'best' cars must include not just supercars, but designs for the entire market. If you feel that the 986 Boxster should not be on that list (let alone that high on the list), what would you have chosen in its place in its market category?
Brad
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Dang - I read it as 50 years and was ???? Doh! I wasn't disagreeing with the Boxster at all. I just missed all the others on the list when Prius and GTI was on it.
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09-14-2013, 03:35 PM
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#17
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Peoria IL
Posts: 529
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Is there really such a thing as a 1996 Porsche Boxster?
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09-15-2013, 02:05 AM
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#18
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 874
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CoBeerToad
Is there really such a thing as a 1996 Porsche Boxster?
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Yes. A small number were made and sold in 1996. Gov stats show 28 Q4 1996 Boxsters registered for road tax in the UK currently. Think the prod numbers for 1996 were in three digits.
__________________
Manual '00 3.2 S Arctic Silver
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09-15-2013, 02:16 AM
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#19
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 874
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Quote:
Originally Posted by southernstar
The people at Top Gear are very much aware of the IMS issues, but nevertheless chose to rank the original 986 where they did.
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You know this because....?
__________________
Manual '00 3.2 S Arctic Silver
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09-18-2013, 09:59 AM
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#20
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Peoria IL
Posts: 529
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CoBeerToad
Is there really such a thing as a 1996 Porsche Boxster?
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I'll guess not. When I google and everywhere else I have to put in a make and model, it gives no option for a Boxster for 1996.
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