New Guy - Wanting a Boxster S - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

KDT · 06-03-2019, 05:56 AM

Good morning all,

In searching for a new roadster to replace my old miata, I have found that the Boxster S seems like the ultimate roadster for track and street. I am interested in the 986 S models, particularly the 2003 and 2004s. I have a couple questions/concerns...

I am a rather large guy (6'3" 240) and I havent test driven one yet to confirm it will work, but I am hoping to be able to track one with a roll bar extension and maybe a little seat modification. Anyone else successfully passing the "broom stick" test at my height?

I am also a little concerned with the IMS issue I have been reading about. I am a just looking for some input about what to look for when purchasing one.

Traco · 06-03-2019, 06:37 AM

I'm 6'4" and it's tight but fine. If you have particularly long legs you might struggle, many remove the center console to give a little more space.

Try one and see how it feels.

Sent from my MI 9 using Tapatalk

KDT · 06-03-2019, 06:45 AM

Thanks! I look forward to taking one for a spin. I fear that once I drive one, I will feel the need to purchase one sooner than originally planned

Traco - Do you track yours at all? Can you pass the broom stick test?

alm001 · 06-03-2019, 10:11 AM

Why 03-04 vs an 02? Asking for a friend...

a friend that is selling one...

its me.

Rickvd · 06-03-2019, 08:23 PM

I purchased a new to me 04S last March. Originally I was a bit wigged out about the IMS issue but I have been monitoring the cam deviations and they are rock steady so I have been driving more and worrying a lot less. There was a great article about vibration analysis of the IMS bearing as a predictive measure and the use of cam deviation is an adequate sub for vibration analysis. Of course you can always have the IMS changed as a preventive item. Enjoy and have fun.

Traco · 06-04-2019, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDT

Thanks! I look forward to taking one for a spin. I fear that once I drive one, I will feel the need to purchase one sooner than originally planned

Traco - Do you track yours at all? Can you pass the broom stick test?

I do track it. I doubt I would pass that test. Haven't done a track day with the roof down as I'm in Ireland so it rains alot. My helmet does not have much room with the roof up so I would think it's over the roll bars.

That test is not required here fortunately but if it was too be raced in a competitive class I could have problems.

Sent from my MI 9 using Tapatalk

KDT · 06-04-2019, 06:42 AM

Thanks for the help!

Alms001 - An 02 is not out of the question at all. If I could be picky, I'd just prefer the glass rear window and the extra 8 hp of the 03-04.

Rickvd - I hadn't read about the vibration analysis yet, I will look into that.

Traco - Thanks for the input. This gives me hope that with some slight modifications I can make it work. I will just have to try one and find out.

KDT · 06-04-2019, 06:47 AM

Alm001 - Just saw your Boxster for sale in the classifieds. It looks very nice, however, I am not quite ready to purchase.

alm001 · 06-04-2019, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KDT

Alm001 - Just saw your Boxster for sale in the classifieds. It looks very nice, however, I am not quite ready to purchase.

No worries. Just poking my head in.

husker boxster · 06-05-2019, 06:28 AM

You might want to consider an 06 Boxster S. The 987 interior is a bit roomier than a 986 and with the 06 you get the Gen III IMS which has a lower chance of failure. Two birds with 1 stone.