Increasing HP?

[986Chick]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Totally agree with this. Nothing more satisfying than a near-perfect lap (like Costner said in Tin Cup, "perfection is unobtainable"). It gets disappointing when a third of the people who pass you don't come w/in 2' of an apex but think they're "fast" b/c they can mash the accelerator and go fast between corners.

My mechanic invited me to join the local PCA group and go to the track with them, where I could really learn to drive it. That sounds like fun and I want to do it, but it also scares me. It scares me for two reasons: 1. having someone in the car with me during COVID-19; 2. flipping the car. I saw a video of someone here who got into a side skid on the track, and all I could think of is that he was lucky he didn't hit a bump or a spot with greater surface tension, because that car looked like it was about to flip. Didn't. He came to rest in the dirt. But it sure scared me.

I would love to take Mrs. Peel (my car...folks probably don't know who Emma Peel was, but she was pretty, sophisticated, and a badass) to the track and learn to really drive her. One day....

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

I would love to take Mrs. Peel (my car...folks probably don't know who Emma Peel was, but she was pretty, sophisticated, and a badass) to the track and learn to really drive her. One day....

Oh I know who Mrs Peel was! Diana Rigg of the Avengers. Not that crappy super hero Avengers but the super cool British spy show of the 1960’s Avengers. As a pubescent 13 year old seeing Mrs Peel in her leather pantsuit provided any number of boyhood fantasies. Oh, did I really type that or just think it? 55 years on I still think she was hot.

[Racer Boy]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

My mechanic invited me to join the local PCA group and go to the track with them, where I could really learn to drive it. That sounds like fun and I want to do it, but it also scares me. It scares me for two reasons: 1. having someone in the car with me during COVID-19; 2. flipping the car. I saw a video of someone here who got into a side skid on the track, and all I could think of is that he was lucky he didn't hit a bump or a spot with greater surface tension, because that car looked like it was about to flip. Didn't. He came to rest in the dirt. But it sure scared me.

It would take running into a curb or something like that to roll nearly any modern car, let alone a Boxster. If you don't hit something, it's just not going to happen.

I understand your Covid fear, and I'm surprised that there is any PCA club allowing instructors to ride in the car. My local club isn't allowing that. You can be patient and wait until the virus magically disappears (any moment now...) and then take a High Performance Drivers Education class. Realistically, probably in two to three years.

You like Emma Peel? This guy is in love with Emma Peel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kskwZW9iQNM

[maytag]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

.... I saw a video of someone here who got into a side skid on the track, and all I could think of is that he was lucky he didn't hit a bump or a spot with greater surface tension, because that car looked like it was about to flip. Didn't. He came to rest in the dirt. But it sure scared me.

You might be referring to this video:
https://youtu.be/tC4WE0wsWhk?t=58

The likelihood of "flipping" or rolling a car on a racetrack is negligible. At HPDE's, it just does not happen. If you search high-n-low enough you might find an example of it, maybe.

Honestly, I was being sloppy and careless... "cocky" maybe. I drive on the edge of my ability at the track, because I want to keep expanding my ability. But in this case, I wasn't being smooth, and that's why it bit me. I went out on shagged-out tires with the intent of just sliding-around a little and having some fun. So I deserved it.

Do not let that little skirmish deter you from having more fun in your boxster than you ever thought possible.

[rexcramer]

If you are close enough, Riverside PCA is having another Auto Cross at the Fontana Speedway on September 20. We just had one last weekend, and even with all of the Covid rules, it went off great. We will have PCA trained driving instructors their who will coach you for free. Either in the car (covid rules dependent) or via two-way radios.

A/X is a safe, non-competitive way of getting into high performance driving that doesn't break the bank. Worse case scenario, you murder several orange cones. Safe travels.

https://riversidepca.org/event/september-pca-rsr-autocross-2020/

+10 Emma Peel

[986Chick]

Originally Posted by maytag

You might be referring to this video:
https://youtu.be/tC4WE0wsWhk?t=58

The likelihood of "flipping" or rolling a car on a racetrack is negligible. At HPDE's, it just does not happen. If you search high-n-low enough you might find an example of it, maybe.

Honestly, I was being sloppy and careless... "cocky" maybe. I drive on the edge of my ability at the track, because I want to keep expanding my ability. But in this case, I wasn't being smooth, and that's why it bit me. I went out on shagged-out tires with the intent of just sliding-around a little and having some fun. So I deserved it.

Do not let that little skirmish deter you from having more fun in your boxster than you ever thought possible.

Yeah, that's the video! I kept thinking all you had to do was hit a sizable rock and over you go. Am I wrong?

I have to ask, what color is your car? It looks like it's the same color as mine.

[mikefocke]

While this was written in 2009, I don't think anything has changed in the intervening years. A 2.7 is a 2.7. Until it get to be a 3.6 or so, you aren't going to see a big difference.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikefocke2/itisn%27tfastenough will tell you all the things you can do to make it go faster. One important things is the money flees your wallet faster the faster you try to go. You can spend up to around $25k for the ultimate Boxster engine.

I've owned 5 sportscars with as little as 1.3 litres. They were fun because it was all about the driver and not the machine. I had a 2.5 Boxster and a 3.2 Boxster S and I actually preferred the 2.5 because I could keep my right foot pressed down harder and longer. I've driven Corvettes, they always felt ponderous. Just my preferences, I guess.

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

My mechanic invited me to join the local PCA group and go to the track with them, where I could really learn to drive it. That sounds like fun and I want to do it, but it also scares me. It scares me for two reasons: 1. having someone in the car with me during COVID-19; 2. flipping the car. I saw a video of someone here who got into a side skid on the track, and all I could think of is that he was lucky he didn't hit a bump or a spot with greater surface tension, because that car looked like it was about to flip. Didn't. He came to rest in the dirt. But it sure scared me.

I would love to take Mrs. Peel (my car...folks probably don't know who Emma Peel was, but she was pretty, sophisticated, and a badass) to the track and learn to really drive her. One day....

Hey, don't sell us short!
There are some Emma Peel/Diana Rigg fans around here...check out:

The long arm of the law.

You should try driving at the track. I've only done it a few times, but it's a blast. Do it soon—you're in my age bracket: our reflexes aren't getting any faster!

[TeamOxford]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

I would love to take Mrs. Peel (my car...folks probably don't know who Emma Peel was, but she was pretty, sophisticated, and a badass) to the track and learn to really drive her. One day....

Mrs. Peel...…...Emma Peel?

Never heard of her.

TO

[Gilles]

986Chick,

You could also check the awesome POC program, where you would be able to go and learn to properly drive your car in a very safe and controlled environment.

Check out their Performance Driving Series
https://www.porscheclub.com/performance-driving-series/

PS: There are many talented (and competitive..) women in the POC
.

PS2: I was in love with Emma Peel as well :-) but by now she must be around 80...

[BRAN]

20 years ago, even my 986 (2.7l) was a REALLY fast sports car.
2020...20 years later: Don't invest big money for a few HP more, they don't make a difference anymore.

It still is one of the FASTEST CARS on the Autobahn, if you want to, but acceleration wise...no match anymore even for a "little" Audi S3 with their 300HP turbo engines.

Fun wise...unmatched.

[flmont]

Or install a used 3.2 liter engine and then do intake and exhaust up grade's that's the best spent money,..short of newer, faster,.. But again once it's added up,.But they always say once you get use to the power you always want more..!! LOL Torque is where the fun if but I don't know how to get more of that, short of a engine built for just the Torque..80 MPH is 80 MPH no matter what your driving.!! Have Fun ! Frank

[Rayrevolver]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

Hi. I have a 986 Boxster with the 2.7L engine. While it's a fun car that I bought on a lark one day and am glad I did, I've always had Corvettes before, and the lack of power in the Boxster is frustrating at times. My Ford Expedition has more power.

What can one do to raise the HP without breaking the bank?

I'm not going to go to heroic measures to eek out another 5bhp at the cost of $5,000. But are there things that will make a noticeable difference in oomph without major surgery? I'm told some exhaust solutions can bump up the HP, but is it really noticeable? Feel free to tell me, "It's never going to be a fast car, just enjoy it for what it is." That's what I've been telling myself. But I thought I would ask, just in case. What wisdom do you experts have for this lady with her first Boxster?

What about weight?

I see ads on Ebay for exhaust systems in the $300-400 range that say you can save a bunch of weight.

I bought lightweight wheels on a previous car, dropped 6-7lbs per corner. It was great and really helped the engine rev (I remember the change was like AC on vs AC off), the braking, and overall nimbleness. I cracked 2 wheels though, maybe it was an LA pothole. You can find used OZ wheels that are a few lbs lighter than stock, for $1000.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by 986Chick

Hi. I have a 986 Boxster with the 2.7L engine. While it's a fun car that I bought on a lark one day and am glad I did, I've always had Corvettes before, and the lack of power in the Boxster is frustrating at times. My Ford Expedition has more power.

What can one do to raise the HP without breaking the bank?

I'm not going to go to heroic measures to eek out another 5bhp at the cost of $5,000. But are there things that will make a noticeable difference in oomph without major surgery? I'm told some exhaust solutions can bump up the HP, but is it really noticeable? Feel free to tell me, "It's never going to be a fast car, just enjoy it for what it is." That's what I've been telling myself. But I thought I would ask, just in case. What wisdom do you experts have for this lady with her first Boxster?

Exhaust & Intake improvement is 1st step. You should go to a autocross race to get more comfortable cornering fast.

[JayG]

Where is So Cal are you?
The San Diego PCA is one of the best chapters in the country. Lots of driving and social events. Not to knock POC, but POC is focused on racing where PCA is a mix of HPDE and social.


If we ever get out of COVAD-19, the SDR PCA does one of the best Performance Driving Schools in the country. Its not a racing school, but I guarantee your cheeks will hurt from grinning after the weekend. You will leave the PDS with a much better understanding of car control, handling and capabilities (both yours and the car). Very few other opportunities to spend around 3 hours on a wet skid pad plus 4 other exercises and on the 2nd day around 20-30 autocross laps. The POC PDS is more of an intro to racing

[Andy804]

Originally Posted by Gilles

986Chick,

You could also check the awesome POC program, where you would be able to go and learn to properly drive your car in a very safe and controlled environment.

Check out their Performance Driving Series
https://www.porscheclub.com/performance-driving-series/

PS: There are many talented (and competitive..) women in the POC
.

Another vote for POC. Despite having done the racing schools with Skip Barber Racing School, POC is really where I learned and where I continue to develop my skills. Part of it is just getting more seat time and the frequency of POC events helped with that. I've also had the pleasure of having some really good instructors as well. Registration for POC events are through https://www.motorsportreg.com. The San Diego PCA event sounds great and I'm going to have to get myself to one of those events in the future, too.

[maytag]

PCA or POC likely depends on your local region and the individuals involved at the local level. It'd be a shame to get hung-up on one or the other. Check your region and visit both groups. Maybe BOTH of them have something to offer for you?

[JayG]

Originally Posted by maytag

PCA or POC likely depends on your local region and the individuals involved at the local level. It'd be a shame to get hung-up on one or the other. Check your region and visit both groups. Maybe BOTH of them have something to offer for you?

Yup