Cayman or 987 Boxster engine cover on 986 Boxster

[djw8282]

Hello all!

I'm just curious if anyone on this forum has used a 987 engine cover on a 986. If so, how did you secure it in place? From my understanding, the 987 engine cover uses torx screws. Thanks!!

[Quadcammer]

sorry, but why would anyone do this?

[Boxtaboy]

Agree..why would you want to do this? The original securing system (twistlock) is so much easier.

[The Radium King]

i used the torx screws. pull off the clips on the mounting tabs and replace with smaller ones (the smaller, universal, body clips worked for me). i thought about retrofitting the 986 system to the 987 cover, but the 986 cover is much thicker and i would have had to fabricate spacers.

fyi, you do this to reduce weight and increase space in the engine compartment for intake mods, engine swaps, etc.

[djw8282]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

i used the torx screws. pull off the clips on the mounting tabs and replace with smaller ones (the smaller, universal, body clips worked for me). i thought about retrofitting the 986 system to the 987 cover, but the 986 cover is much thicker and i would have had to fabricate spacers.

fyi, you do this to reduce weight and increase space in the engine compartment for intake mods, engine swaps, etc.

Exactly.. Its to increase space. I did the the 997 plenum and TB modification and I like a little more space. Another reason is the 986 engine cover is plastic with an aluminum heat shield. It tends to rattle over time. I like the fact the 987 cover is one solid aluminum piece. I'm sure it will reduce the rattle and secure nice and solid. Weight savings is always a plus!

Thanks for the info Radium King! .. Just what I'm looking for.. Any chance you can direct me to these universal body clips (link) ? Where did you get them? Thanks!

[The Radium King]

these guys - they are all over the car holding things together; i just had a bunch laying around from all the parts i've stripped off to save weight. i presume they come in various sizes; i had enough of the proper size.

https://www.belmetric.com/metal-hardware-c-12_128_130/ns35ylw-speed-clip-sheet-metal-nut-p-717.html?zenid=he1fcgbg0rop921fapskkr4pe3

[djw8282]

Ok, that's what I thought you were talking about. Thanks!

[thstone]

There was a recent Spec Boxster racing incident where the 986 engine cover came loose during an incident and allowed fire in the engine compartment to enter the passenger compartment.

Thus, Spec Boxster race cars are recommended to use the 987 metal engine cover that attaches with screwed fasteners to replace the 986 composite engine cover that uses the quick release clips to help prevent the engine cover from becoming displaced in an incident.

You are correct, the screw is a Torx T30 head.

Here is the OEM parts list:

• 987 engine cover (PN 98751321102)
• Oval-head screw m6 x 16 (PN 99907327902)
• Speed nut M8 (PN 99959186901)

As you can see in the photos, I have everything sitting in my workshop and plan to install next week.

[djw8282]

Awesome info.. Thanks alot thstone!

[Boxtaboy]

Good to know. I actually thought Porsche converted to torx fasteners to make it more of a pain for owners to service their own cars. At a DIY maintenance day for Boxster owners one day, I saw a friend struggle getting one of the torx bolts out (and stripped it in the process). I thought to myself what a pain to have switched from quick release! I don't think I'll be changing it cause I am too lazy and prefer quicker access to my engine, but good to know it's a good change.

[thstone]

Here is the recap from my Boxster Spec thread;

Back from a long racing weekend at Laguna Seca - what a rollercoaster!

Details of my weekend coming in the next day or so, but first, a reminder of what can happen - this Boxster had contact with another car and went into the guardrail. The engine cover popped open from the side impact and the engine caught fire. With the engine cover off, the fire came inside the car. Driver was able to get out and was ok. Car is a total loss.

POC met with all of the Spec Boxster drivers and recommended three changes;

1. Get a full containment seat for additional protection in side impacts.
2. Remove the quick disconnect fasteners on the engine cover and replace with bolts to ensure that the engine cover remains in place during an accident.
3. Replace engine cover with metal version if your car has the composite engine cover to provide better fire protection.

[geetee]

whats the weight on the 987 cover? the 986 one is heavy and could save a few pounds...

[Boxtaboy]

They are supposed to be lighter than the 986 engine cover according to comments above. Maybe thstone can compare the weights for both after he does the swap. For folks who don't track their cars, however, would they still be able to fit their rear speaker kits on top of the 987 engine cover? It looks like the 987 engine cover is more bulbous on the top than the smooth shaped 986 cover.

[jaykay]

You might be able to get the carpet on but it looks like the box would be a no go.

[Boxtaboy]

How do 987 owners get their speaker boxes on?...are they different?

[Deserion]

I think the difference is in the carpet insulation. My mother's 987 has only the cargo net on top of the carpet and it's just as flat as mine is when the storage box is off.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by Deserion

I think the difference is in the carpet insulation. My mother's 987 has only the cargo net on top of the carpet and it's just as flat as mine is when the storage box is off.

Ok, so in theory, if you also source the 987 carpet, the speaker box should still fit.

[thstone]

Working on this today - will post weight, size, and installation photos later today...

[The Radium King]

986 carpet fits 987 cover - you have to trim some insulation off the underside. dunno about speaker box.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by thstone

Working on this today - will post weight, size, and installation photos later today...

You putting on speaker box so that you can listen to tunes while on track?