Got my Salvage '01 on the road

[78F350]

I finally have my salvage Box on the road and running nicely. It took some work, but it's a good running car now and I learned a lot in the process.

Originally purchased for about $2,000 at auction as "flood damaged" salvage.
The "flood" didn't reach as high as the fuse panel and I thought I might get away with just doing the immobilizer and DME to get it running. Big chunks of metal in the oil filter killed that dream, but hey: I got the car for the cost of the wheels.

Not easily discouraged, and curious about what is inside these things, I drove on and got a front-end-wrecked '01 for a heart donor. I pulled apart both cars, did maintenance on the donor engine while it was out, then got everything installed back in the project car. I learned a lot in the process and managed to convince the wife that I needed a to buy a few tools to fix 'her' new car, so despite the cost, I count it as a win.

I am not running a balance sheet, but I am sure that I could have found a decent 01 base for about what I have into this one, especially considering the "flood branded" title it now carries. The pluses that tip the balance for me are that I have now done an engine swap, IMSB, AOS, fluids, hoses, belt, etc and know a lot more about these cars than I would with a "turn-key" purchase. I also have a three-wheeled parts car with a nice interior to spruce up my '99 with, sell parts from, and use as a test platform for a possible future non-Porsche engine swap.

I still have some minor cosmetic issues to clean up, but she's ready to drive and a ton of fun. I really thought that with the 275s on the rear it would stick to the road like it was on rails, but it actually broke them free and drifted pleasantly around a few corners when I took it to the park
Too bad it's not top-down weather any more.

[silver-S]

Cool project! One less Boxster in a salvage yard, one more grinning Porsche driver in the world.

[flaps10]

Well done. It's pretty rewarding tearing into one of these cars and you've taken care of the laundry list that haunts (or should haunt) every other 986 owner.

[Giller]

That's pretty cool! Nice work. Yes, cost might be a wash, but the knowledge you have gained more than makes up for it.

Good luck and have fun!

[thstone]

Congrat's! The journey IS the point of it all.

[RedTele58]

Jon - good job!

Time to start another one!

Rick

[Retroman1969]

Wow, that thing looks amazing! You have some cajones to take on a project like that! Congrats on a personal triumph, and a great car!

[BIGJake111]

For all the things you learned I would say the cost was worth it! Goodluck moving forward and nice job saving a porsche from the salvage yard! You know they say 70 percent of these things are still on the road today!

[rp17]

Saved a Boxster. Congrats on getting it up and running.

[NewArt]

And I guess I get a part of the "donor car" !

[jbs986]

What size rims are on your car? they look great.

[78F350]

Thanks for the comments. I never would have done it without the community here for help and support.

I am probably going to work on some minor touches to the exterior of this and my '99 through the winter, then find a new one to build in the spring. An S model might be nice to balance out the fleet.

They are probably all going to need Fred's headlights, Wind Deflector with Edge Lighting©, and a few more parts from Woody.

What size rims are on your car? they look great.

The wheels are 20” Rohana RC26. It was a pretty bold choice by a previous owner. I really like how it balances out the bright white, and it rides well. No space for anything bigger, especially up front.

[particlewave]

Nice save! It's the right color, too

[Swhitcomb]

I'd love to see some before pics.

[jdlmodelt]

Beautiful car!

Originally Posted by 78F350

I finally have my salvage Box on the road and running nicely. It took some work, but it's a good running car now and I learned a lot in the process.

Originally purchased for about $2,000 at auction as "flood damaged" salvage.
The "flood" didn't reach as high as the fuse panel and I thought I might get away with just doing the immobilizer and DME to get it running. Big chunks of metal in the oil filter killed that dream, but hey: I got the car for the cost of the wheels.

Not easily discouraged, and curious about what is inside these things, I drove on and got a front-end-wrecked '01 for a heart donor. I pulled apart both cars, did maintenance on the donor engine while it was out, then got everything installed back in the project car. I learned a lot in the process and managed to convince the wife that I needed a to buy a few tools to fix 'her' new car, so despite the cost, I count it as a win.

I am not running a balance sheet, but I am sure that I could have found a decent 01 base for about what I have into this one, especially considering the "flood branded" title it now carries. The pluses that tip the balance for me are that I have now done an engine swap, IMSB, AOS, fluids, hoses, belt, etc and know a lot more about these cars than I would with a "turn-key" purchase. I also have a three-wheeled parts car with a nice interior to spruce up my '99 with, sell parts from, and use as a test platform for a possible future non-Porsche engine swap.

I still have some minor cosmetic issues to clean up, but she's ready to drive and a ton of fun. I really thought that with the 275s on the rear it would stick to the road like it was on rails, but it actually broke them free and drifted pleasantly around a few corners when I took it to the park
Too bad it's not top-down weather any more.