Sprint Booster Install on a 986

[jwade]

I tested this device and posted install over on rennlist. It works!

Anyhow, I thought I would share my findings. Go to link below, then select the boxster forums and there is a thread titled Sprint Booster Install on a 986.

http://forums.rennlist.com/

[ekam]

Do you take your shoes off every time you get in the car? Those floor mats are way too clean. :dance:

[jwade]

ekam,

In a previous life, I detailed cars for doctor's, attorney's, and other affluent people. They were extremely picky, but hey, it taught me to take care of my stuff.

Now I am an architect....and am still anal about keeping my toys spotless.

I was a little skeptical at first, but this product really is cool. No throttle hesitation whatsoever now. You really have to try it to believe it.

By the way, I like your photography!!! Good job!

[Boxtaboy]

Sounds like a cool mod (sorta like sport mode in the newer 987s where it gives you better throttle response). Question though- does the factor by which they program an increase in throttle response make it dangerous if you're not careful. What I mean by this is that, let's say, you push the throttle pedal down a little, but then the programming multiplies that throttle position reading by 50%, then you're going forward faster than you had expected. Sorta like when I was younger and drove my dad's old 70's Lincoln Town Car, the throttle was basically either all on or all off, and it didn't make driving the car very pleasurable because you couldn't really feather the throttle when you needed to.

[Kirk]

I checked out the Rennlist post. There are some wrong impressions people are getting from this product though. It increases the throttle response - that's all. No more torque, no more low end torque, no faster acceleration, no better track performance. I can get 100% exactly the same effect by simply putting my foot down and giving the car more throttle.

If you buy one and enjoy it, GREAT! But it's just a "feel" thing. It makes the throttle feel different, but the overall performance is exactly the same. I'm just trying to clarify based on some of the comments (not by Jwade) on Rennlist. I think people should know exactly what this device does and does not do.

Theoretically the acceleration time could be a few milliseconds quicker, as with the Sprint Booster you only need to depress the gas pedal 75% to get full throttle. It will take me, with my stock car, 0.0156 seconds longer to push the pedal all the way to the floor. However, there's little doubt that someone who knows how to properly launch a Boxster could make up 100X that loss by simply getting out of the hole quicker. With the SB I think you'd have a more difficult time feathering the throttle to control clutch and tire slip.

Personally I think you can gain a LOT more by simply learning how to drive your car well and aggressively if you want to use more of the power that your car has. I think for most people the money for a SB would be better spent on a driver's education course, autocrosses, or simply drag strip time as that will teach you better how to use the perfectly fine throttle that's stock to give the right amount of throttle out of a turn and how to work the traction to get off the line the fastest... But that's a different approach - improving skill rather than changing the "feel". To each their own, whatever works for you.

Kirk

[jwade]

Boxtaboy,

No, it does not appear to be dangerous in the least. No overrevving or any such behavior you talked about with the Lincoln. Just plain instant throttle response and much faster coming on than oem. 1st to 2nd is really fun!

Kirk,

Totally see where you are coming from. This hardware ONLY increases throttle response. Again, not to overstate the product, but it yields ABSOLUTELY No HP gains at all.

Personally, I think the product works and wish my car had this level of throttle response from the getgo. And like most out there, I was skeptical and leary at first, but once installed and now with some real road time, I think this is a good product.

And as far as track driving is concerned, I don't track my car, but think it might come in handy at the track for the following reason....At the pedal, it gives instant feedback, which is what you want, especially when racing.

Hey, all in all, it's got a 30 day money back guarantee on it, so without being a used car salesman here, try it out, and if you hate it, return it. No strings attached.....Install is easy and takes about 20 minutes for a first timer up under the dash. Just about as easy as an ignition replacement.

Jon