New Owner Question

[Houston C4S]

May I add a few words here?

These engines, at least the 3.6 and the 2.7 Box that I drive have
redlines, meaning the rev limits, of 7,300. The reading I have done
tells me that the computer's black box history recorder thingy (that
is a technical term) records two types of over-rev conditions.

Forgive me if I don't recall what their names for them are, but
one is where you exceed the rev limit upon acceleration and invoke
the rev limiter function of the DME. You are not hurting the engine
by doing so, but it is indicative of your driving style. And it gets
recorded.


The other is a hard over-rev. This is where you are winding out
third, let's say, nearing 7,000 rpm and 100 mph, right?

As you grab for a fast shift into fourth (which, in my opinion,
you never need to make a really fast shift -- these are not
drag cars) as a result of over-enthusiasm, inexperience or
perhaps alcohol induced state of "I can out run that Mustang!"
-- whatever, but you instead select second gear.

As you let the clutch out (if it didn't already blow up first)
and if your engine doesn't grenade right there (which it likely
will), then Mr. Black Box will let Porsche know you revved it
to a zillion rpm. And you get to pay for your new engine. As
you should.

Even if you just downshift a tad early, but over-rev the engine
it would be recorded as a hard over-rev.

Anyway, those are the two types of conditions that I understand
are recorded.

But these engines are Porsches and are designed to run at any
speed less than the indicated "red line." I don't know about your
2.5, Randall, but the 2.7 runs to 7,300 and the resonance flap
(which yours does not have) does not even open until 5,500 rpm.

So the moral of my little story is this:

To enjoy your car a long time, change the oil often, use factory
stuff (filters, etc.), warm it up completely before any heavy
throttle or rpm use, rev it within reason -- meaning don't hit
the rev limiter -- and keep in mind that high rpm and open
throttle = high fuel consumption.

And shift reasonably slowly, which saves your synchronizers
in the trans, don't miss your shifts and enjoy a great car.

Have a Boxster day...


- Mark