Aftermarket Bumpers for Boxster 986

[gusman]

Looking to change front Bumper for my Boxster 986 to look a little more aggressive. Been doing a lot of research. Staying away from fiberglass and going for polyurethane. Leaning towards Vfiber Polyurethane GT3 bumper. Any thoughts on quality of Vfiber? Any suggestions on other brands? Also, there's a lot of companies out there. Don't know how reputable they are. Some seems sketchy. Any recommendations? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Johnny Danger]

There are many myths surrounding polyurethane vs. FRP . Under ideal conditions, poly would be a better choice. Provided, however, that the part has been manufactured to fit perfectly . Otherwise, you'll be SOL. Because unlike composites, poly cannot be manipulated in a way that material can be added and subtracted in order to get an perfect fit . And, I can assure you that there are plenty of aftermarket bumpers out there that are made out of poly that fit like ******************** . On the other hand, some of the higher quality aftermarket FRP parts (I'm mostly referring to TUV certified parts) can have reasonably good fit right "out of the box" . However, with any body kit or add on part , it requires a skilled and knowledgeable auto body person in order to get an excellent end result . In any case, if you're determined to go with only polyurethane, I would strongly suggest that you source an oem bumper, or do some serious research before buying any aftermarket
brand .

[gusman]

Thanks for the feedback! Any suggestions on reputable companies?

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by gusman

Thanks for the feedback! Any suggestions on reputable companies?

There are numerous companies worth mentioning. However, if you're intent on staying with polyurethane, I would highly recommend trying to source an oem GT3 bumper, or one of my favorites - the RUF bumper.

[coolbreeze551]

I like the gt3 style rear bumper from precision porsche and the gt2 front bumper (part of kit) from nrauto... Can anyone speak to their experience with either company? Positive/negative as far as customer service, price, and most important fit?

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by coolbreeze551

I like the gt3 style rear bumper from precision porsche and the gt2 front bumper (part of kit) from nrauto... Can anyone speak to their experience with either company? Positive/negative as far as customer service, price, and most important fit?

Based on what I know from others who have purchased from those companies, one can expect that the parts will require an awful lot of prep work and "tweaking" in order to get an excellent fit . I'm not saying that this is necessarily a bad thing. Rather, it's typical of most domestically produced FRP parts . Ultimately, it comes down to how much of a perfectionist one is .

Here's an example of my project . The front bumper and side skirts are from Hamann in Germany . And the rear bumper is also from a company in Germany called CSR Automotive . For the most part, the side skirts and rear bumper fit pretty well, and they didn't require that much "tweaking" . However, the front bumper, particularly the top grill (which you can see is incorporated into the design) was a nightmare to even out. As far as the little tail spoiler is concerned, in hindsight I would have been better off molded one out of FRP myself . In the end, it took many weeks of intense labor and lots of dollar$ to achieve perfection .

[gusman]

Very nice!!! One of the best ones I've ever seen. You're absolutely right. A lot of factors come in place. Quality, fit, finding the right shop to do it, money. I have a Black one. I'm not looking to completely modify mine. I've changed my wheels to 19" black zehn. Wow, makes a huge difference already. Based on all the research and comments I've heard, now I'm really just leaning towards adding a front lip spoiler to avoid headaches and nightmares. Having black helps a lot. You don't have to do too much to make it look aggressive. I just want it to look a little more aggressive. Found a few I'm looking at...duraflex fbr g-sport , xtreme gtx turbo and PU spider look. Any more out there that you can think of? What do you guys think?

[Chief]

I like that! Johnny...Well done!

[Ghostrider 310]

I always liked the GT3 look on the 986

[Johnny Danger]

Hey Ghost,

Let me think about your offer of $80k for the Dangermobile . I'll get back to you in a few days .

[Ghostrider 310]

Spaulding!!!! That was far too decent!! Oh no no no, you are going to have to turn up the prick meter a full twist if you think you are going to sell Porsches. How bout a Fresca?

[Dave928]

so what year 996 GT3 front bumper fits the 986? the 996 had a headlight change mid-run...

[Johnny Danger]

I believe up until 2001 (excluding turbo models) .

[imAUDIhere]

hey johnny, my name is aaron. i also live in mass and am paying off my speed yellow boxster s 6 speed. love the car in yellow and really like the kit on yours. was checking the hamann website and for some reson cant seem to find where to orber or see price on it. i have owned 5 older porsches and about 10 new audis but i couldnt pass up the deal on this car so im taking the leap. if you can keep in contact with me maybe we can meet up or chat about the car and how much it cost for regular maintenance and any major problems i have to be wary of thanks

[urban_legend]

I have payed for 10 Audis - but only owned one

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by imAUDIhere

hey johnny, my name is aaron. i also live in mass and am paying off my speed yellow boxster s 6 speed. love the car in yellow and really like the kit on yours. was checking the hamann website and for some reson cant seem to find where to orber or see price on it. i have owned 5 older porsches and about 10 new audis but i couldnt pass up the deal on this car so im taking the leap. if you can keep in contact with me maybe we can meet up or chat about the car and how much it cost for regular maintenance and any major problems i have to be wary of thanks

I sent you two pm's with no reply .