My S feels like...... rubber ?

[insite]

[QUOTE=subgraphic]Ok maybe an overstatement, but coming from a very tight and sharp EVO VIII, the cowl shake and loose shifting feel of the box may seem worse to me than it is.
I cant help but to notice and focus on it when Im driving over anything other than a smooth road.
Is there anyway to “tighten” it up a bit in those areas? Will a strut brace and a short throw shifter get me a lil closer to what I'm looking for?
Thanks [/QUOTE]

i'm suprised you notice cowl shake. that's not something i'd describe as prominent on the boxster (at least not for a convertible).

as for 'tightening' the feel of the suspension, i installed the M030 sway bars and they made a HUGE difference. you have an 'S', but i would recommend installing the base M030 rear (it's thicker than the 'S' M030 rear). install the 'S' M030 front sway.

Front: 996.343.701.23 (It's $105 from Sunset Imports)
Rear: 986.333.701.20 (It's $ 70 from Sunset)

don't forget the bushings. a front strut brace MAY help with vibration up front, but it won't reduce chassis flex; there are already braces that tie the strut towers to the firewall. from a performance standpoint an additional brace isunnecessary.

i agree with your assessment of the shifter. the stock throw is long and sloppy. i installed a schnell short shift kit, which i like a lot. the shifter had a LOT of side-to side play in it upon arrival, so disassembled and shimmed the lever to reduce play prior to installation. it's MUCH better than stock now. i still see room for improvement and plan on installing an AP linkage when i get a chance (see pic below). hope this helps.

Originally Posted by insite

don't forget the bushings. a front strut brace MAY help with vibration up front, but it won't reduce chassis flex; there are already braces that tie the strut towers to the firewall. from a performance standpoint an additional brace isunnecessary.

Insite....are you sure about this??

[eslai]

As someone who came from Evos and race cars, I have to agree that the 986 really didn't blow me away with the steering feel and stiffness. The 987 is better in those respects, but it still feels a little heavier and more remote.

I got used to it pretty quick though. It's just "different", not necessarily "worse".

[Brucelee]

Strut braces and short shifter are nice mods and don't cost much.]

Go for it!

[subgraphic]

Thank you for the replys!
Im going to start with a short shifter and investigate the braces and sway bars a bit.

I'l post when I get them in.

A great place for your strut braces is www.********************************************************************.com. I bought one from them and the servcie was great.

[insite]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Insite....are you sure about this??

100% positive; they don't even put them in the GT3 cup cars. i am speaking only of the FRONT, however.

the rear can benefit from a strut brace. others use a truss tie-in under the car instead, but a brace should be easier / cheaper to install back there.

if you really want to stiffen the car up a bit, the M030 sways are the most bang for the buck (night and day, and i mean WOW). if you buy them one at a time, start with the rear (i'm serious). they're also not too uncomfortable.