how hard do you drive?

[Adam]

My engine see's 7,000 rpm several times on each outing. I use my boxster much more for fun than transportation. Driving the car nice and easy just wouldn't be prudent. The engine has actually seen 8,000+ rpms a couple times(doh!) thanks to over zealous shifting on my part but I've never heard so much as a whimper come out of it. The flat 6 engine seems to be able to handle hard driving with the best of them from my experience. I wouldn't worry about damaging it because it can probably take more than you can dish at it. Just be sure to it is warm before you flog it hard as the other guys said.

[limoncello]

Around town - I warm it up, then drive normally.
I agree with delerious - Euro cars in general like the rpms better than American cars. Mid range rpm's won't hurt a thing. I cruise on the interstates around town at 4,000 and everything sounds fine. If I get on open road between towns I'll drop it into 5th at hit cruise. (75 mph or higher).
And yes, it goes close to redline sometime during each outing - it's a Porsche. Running it up smoothly does the car and me a lot of good.
The Owner's Manual says not to run under 2,000 (or was it 2,500?) in any gear other than first. Low RPM=bad, don't lug it.

[Brucelee]

Not to throw water on this love fest for RPMs but there was a detailed article in Panaorama mag some months back that clearly indicated that higher RPMs shorten engine life.

I have no issue against driving at higher RPMs but I don't delude myself into thinking that this is GOOD for my Porsche; the data indicates that it is not.

If it were, race cars would last a lifetime. As it is, their life is measured in races, not miles.

So, all I am saying is if you like to live in the fast lane, you may not want to be the guy complaining how your Box engine is all worn out.

"Let the good times roll!"

[ssinkule]

I have loved every Porsche I have ever owned, maintained them, done my best to keep them from coming into contact with other objects, and generally kept them happy.... But they are PORSCHES, they are built and designed with one singular purpose.. TO BE DRIVEN...quickly. Contrary to even most of their rivals Porsches weren't really even designed to be particularly "pretty" or "comfortable". So I guess the point of my rant is.. I seem to see so much written about how to "make my clutch last longer", "how to make my engine last forever", "should I not rev my engine", ect. These are Porsches, and unless someone buys the vehicle to be a poser I assume the only reason they purchased the car was to "drive" it.. Well, Drive it, drive it hard, drive it quickly, stop fast, go through corners quickly and enjoy it. If clutches, tires, brake pads, ect are a major concern maybe an alternative automobile choice is in order.. Sorry for the rant, it is probably more caused by living in Atlanta where most Porsches are owned by mindless posers than by people who appreciate the marque for more than its crest.. also having seen firestone low speed rating tires being mounted on a Porsche the other dat at an Exxon gas station.. Happy driving and yes I now feel better.. BTW has anyone else had problems with Mass Air Flow Sensors in 2.7 Boxsters?

[Perfectlap]

you right Porsches were meant to be driven. But Porsches are also very expensive and they are mostly purchased by older folks who have had some sucess in life (or inherited it!). After attending many PCA events I can say even in an enthusiast club only a small part of PCA members venture onto an Autocross course or Track event. Sadly most Porsches are garage queens used as status symbols. C'est la vie.

[RandallNeighbour]

Originally Posted by ssinkule

BTW has anyone else had problems with Mass Air Flow Sensors in 2.7 Boxsters?

Do a search here and on Renntech.org and you'll find tons of threads with MAF problems across the three engines running in Boxsters. Most MAF problems I've read about are due to oil-filled air filters and people doing other fooling things to their intakes to get a couple extra HP out of their cars. The other problem with MAF's I've read about is that they do get old and need to be replaced in high mileage or higher aged cars like my 1997. I'm waiting for mine to go out anytime, and hope it doesn't.

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by ssinkule

I have loved every Porsche I have ever owned, maintained them, done my best to keep them from coming into contact with other objects, and generally kept them happy.... But they are PORSCHES, they are built and designed with one singular purpose.. TO BE DRIVEN...quickly. Contrary to even most of their rivals Porsches weren't really even designed to be particularly "pretty" or "comfortable". So I guess the point of my rant is.. I seem to see so much written about how to "make my clutch last longer", "how to make my engine last forever", "should I not rev my engine", ect. These are Porsches, and unless someone buys the vehicle to be a poser I assume the only reason they purchased the car was to "drive" it.. Well, Drive it, drive it hard, drive it quickly, stop fast, go through corners quickly and enjoy it.

Agreed. I baby my Acura because that is what I put my big mileage on. While I do not abuse my Porsche by any means, I didn’t buy it to cruise in a straight line at 2500 RPMs. I had a recent argument with a coworker who has a BMW garage queen (a 525 no less – obviously not an enthusiast). He never drives the thing and will make snide remarks about my 987 being dirty. I have tried to explain that a Porsche (and BMW) is performance art, not sculpture – he thinks it is all about the status. Well I guess we both spent about the same amount of money and got the right cars for our individual tastes.

Originally Posted by Dr. Kill

Agreed. I baby my Acura because that is what I put my big mileage on. While I do not abuse my Porsche by any means, I didn’t buy it to cruise in a straight line at 2500 RPMs. I had a recent argument with a coworker who has a BMW garage queen (a 525 no less – obviously not an enthusiast). He never drives the thing and will make snide remarks about my 987 being dirty. I have tried to explain that a Porsche (and BMW) is performance art, not sculpture – he thinks it is all about the status. Well I guess we both spent about the same amount of money and got the right cars for our individual tastes.

Dr. Kill, the next time that guy from your office makes a snide remark about your Boxster (clean or dirty) you have our collective permission to kick his butt! Just drop the dude right there! The nerve of that man. Doesn't he know you're Dr. Kill!

[Dr. Kill]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

Dr. Kill, the next time that guy from your office makes a snide remark about your Boxster (clean or dirty) you have our collective permission to kick his butt! Just drop the dude right there! The nerve of that man. Doesn't he know you're Dr. Kill!

Thank you for your support. You know, I think I am going to go throw hot coffee on him right now.