First oil change
 

Ok, I'm doing the first change tonight. I'll jack it up, remove the plug and the filter and drop it back down. Any tips, hints or warnings?

That's about it. Don't drop it back down until the job is finished. Also, be sure the engine is warm, to make sure all particulate matter is well disbursed throughout the oil (which means be careful around the hot parts underneath; doesn't have to be super hot, just warm). Then be sure to inspect the oil filter for plastic or metallic bits. Always do that with these cars. One way to inspect the used oil itself is to pour some on a dark paper surface (or any dark item like a plate or whatever) and look for glitters in the sunlight.

Shouldn't I level it to drain all the oil?

It sounds like you may be doing what I do on my other cars - jack up one end, set a jack stand or two in case the jack fails, open the drain plug, and then.let it back down to drain. When done, lift it again, change the filter and replace the drain plug. I don't know if my drain pain would fit under the boxster as it is kind of big.A *lot* of oil comes out, and fast. ;)

My "101 projects for your Boxster" says use an 8mm hex but that sure looks like a Torx or something to me.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1428715523.jpg

Excellent advice!http://forums.evga.com/upfiles/smiley/thumbup1.gif

That is a bit odd. Never seen a torx type drain plug. Did you also get a new crush ring? Another nice thing to have is the magnetic drain plug.

2003 Porsche Boxster S Convertible - Filters & Belts - Page 3

The one made by LN Engineering.

My 99 has a torx drain plug as well.

Sorry, misunderstood your original post (thought you were putting all 4s uo in the air, as that is how I usually work on mine). Anyway, as Steve siad, yes. drop the rear back down to level until all the oil drains out.
Also as Kram said, get the LN magnetic drain plug, and while you are at it, get the spin on filter adapter from LN too. Not real expensive, and excellent insurance to keep your IMS happy.

I guess I'll go buy a set of large Torx today. I hope that's what it is.
I'll order a magnetic plug for the next change but I'm going to keep the factory designed oil filter system. Front motor mount will be next.

Ok, I have a number 50 Torx. Hope it's right this time.

50 it was! Incidentally, not sure when the oil was last changed, but I personally put just over 2000 miles on it when I got it in October and the oil looks like I just poured it out of the jug! Clear and clean, smells good and not a single glittering piece of metal shaving. I'm quite happy!

get the spin on filter adapter from LN too. Not real expensive, and excellent insuran
 

How can the spin on oil filter adapter help the IMS ??

I remain unconvinced that the spin on is any better than factory. I'm not going to try to convince anyone, it's just my opinion.

I am in no way trying to start a thread war or argument, I simply want to know if it helps or is better.:cheers:

Thanks

Dwight

The rationale is that the stock filter canister has a built-in bypass that can (especially when it gets as old as most of our cars are now) allow oil to go unfiltered. Not a good scenario when there are contaminants in the oil. The spin on is full flow with no crappy bypass.

As I understand it, some oil is bypassed until the cams and such get oil. Don't know if it's controlled by pressure or time. If any engine issue makes shavings, the spin on adapt never allows any unfiltered oil past.

I put a spin on oil filter adapter on only because every knowledgeable Porsche mechanic on this board says to do it. I am far from being knowledgeable on these engines so I'll listen to the pros.

Strange thing, my plug had no washer. It's aluminum and it wasn't leaking. I'm going to go get one today before I re-install.
Opinions, aluminum washer or nylon? Why?
Also, how many others have the Torx plug?

I had a torx plug on mine and it's a replacement 05 engine. Replaced it with a mag one.

You want to get aluminum and they should be changed every oil change. Dirt cheap at Pelican @ .25¢ each. I buy a couple years worth as my car is a daily driver and I change the oil every 5k miles.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

I'm still not using the spin on filter and use K&N oil filter.

Engine Oil Filter K N PS 7011 | eBay

Interesting. I wonder if that Torx plug is a clue as to whether or not we have replacement engines? Previous owner won't return my calls and I'm not going to bother him/waste my time anymore.

Thanks Kram. I'll hit Carquest this morning so I can finish the job. Hopefully they'll have the right size in stock.

I'm sure they will have it, but you'll probably have to buy a multi pack that has several different sizes, at least that's what I ran into trying to get one from a local parts store.

Well shoot. Not at Carquest or Napa. Guess it's off to the dealer tomorrow and order a bunch from Pelican too. One more day...

I have the torx plug in my 2004 3.2 and 2003 2.7 motors, they are original motors. Previously to my owning them they had been dealer serviced. May be they've been replaced that way by the dealer with a service. There only seems to be 1 part number in the 986 parts list 987 parts list to 2008 and 996 parts lists.

Napa is where I got the multi pack from on my first oil change. Just order like 10 from Pelican, should be right at $6 with shipping.

I'm pretty sure I bought 2 magnetic plugs and have spare washers.

Want the other and a washer? I'll verify tomorrow AM.

Sure! Let me know and thanks!

U should get these:
Magnetic Sump Plug M18 x 1 5 Oil Drain Plug Renault etc Motorbike | eBay

Got a washer from the dealer today and put in the new oil. Warmed it up and took it for a quick jaunt up the road once. I only had it for a week or so before I put it away for the winter 5 months ago. Holy Mother, I'd forgotten how fast these things are! And that sound! I'll have my new tires put on next week, and then let the summer begin!

Still trying to wipe that smile off your face? :D

Nope. I'll let it ride tonight!