Best Induction System for 'S' - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

lewbo · 02-19-2006, 01:09 AM

Can someone give me some guidance with induction systems, which is the best looked at true flow and EVO, baring in mind that I live in a hot climate - not sure if a cone type induction kit is the right choice, although the EVO sytem does have a enclosed fresh air box. Also worried it might mess up the MAF sensor. (2001 'S')

Adam · 02-19-2006, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewbo

Can someone give me some guidance with induction systems, which is the best looked at true flow and EVO, baring in mind that I live in a hot climate - not sure if a cone type induction kit is the right choice, although the EVO sytem does have a enclosed fresh air box. Also worried it might mess up the MAF sensor. (2001 'S')

At this point I would have to say the best one is the OEM one. What are you trying to achieve by changing out oem system? You should weigh the pros and cons.

EVO Induction Pros
1. More induction sound.
2. Ummmm......

EVO Induction Cons
1. Little or no Hp gain.
2. Possible MAF foulups and CEL's
3. Possibly void warranty
4. Total pain in the ass to install.

You can achieve your goal of more induction sound by desnorkling plus as you mentioned the EVO cone induction isn't a 100% cold air induction system like the OEM system. In that respect, you are taking a step back by switching to the EVO. The EVO has a "heat shield" which may help some, but I really doubt it is a completely sealed system like the OEM induction.

clubhead · 02-19-2006, 05:30 AM

Forget the Evo... I installed it, dynoed it and junked it. I still have the complete set around if you want it. Haven't had time to put it up on Ebay...

I experienced bhp/torque loss all the way through to about 6,000rpm+. Thereafter, there's a slight gain of about 2-3bhp. I posted this sometime back. Do a search under my nick and you'll find it. The ONLY upside is the increased induction sound when you floor it... I still miss it till today. You'll suffer intake temp increase as well as the heat shield supplied by Evo is nowhere near as effective as the stock air box. I did a before/after temp measurement by putting a temp sensor in place and this was also documented in my writeout. And where you're living is an oven during summer and you'll want to keep that temp down as much as possible. Remember the general guideline of every 10 degrees increase in intake temp is about 1% loss in bhp.

It's a real PITA to fit the original airbox back but I did it anyway. Paid my mechanic a day's labour to get the thing back in place. The best compromise is to use the original airbox AND piping with a BMC filter. Believe it or not, the stock piping has a air reservoir that makes the car more drivable. Something about it keeping a reserve of air for use when the air in the piping runs out. A friend of mine who's into tuning cars for competition told me that. And he's doing pretty well in the local circuit for me to put some trust into his words....

Evo has another kit that replaces the piping but keeps the stock air-box. No point also in my opinion.... But I've read a few posts lately praising the gains of the Evo's kit... not sure how they quantified the gains but for me, real dyno figures speaks more.

Same goes for the GIAC flash program for our cars. I spent $200 on courier to send my ECU to Evo to get it flashed. Dynoed the car, bhp/torque loss so I send it for another $200 back to them to get it reverted back to stock. Again, I've read positive comments on the GIAC programs so I can only put it down to the slight difference in my car and the cars in the US.

kias@tampabay.rr.com · 02-19-2006, 05:52 AM

Did you modify the exhaust when you installed the EVO/GIAC together? Like headers or removing the 2nd cats?

Rail26 · 02-19-2006, 06:41 AM

I am not an expert...however, I keep saying the same thing: Porsche has put millions into developing this car...do we really think we are going to improve this car through aerodynamic, engine or suspension changes? My vote is no...in my humble opinion of course!

MNBoxster · 02-19-2006, 06:43 AM

Hi,

I've said it many times. Mildly Modding a Boxster Engine for performance is mostly a waste of time. The expense is tremendous and the gains (if any) are minimal at best, and usually only on the extreme end of the Tach and usually at the sacrifice of some usable power in the mid-ranges. But, there is a HUGE Marketing Effort by Aftermarket Suppliers to convince you otherwise. Almost ALL gains are Placebic.

Frankly, it's all a lot of Automotive Jewelry. The very best mods without Forced Induction yield maybe a 10% increase (this is really generous, and will still leave your Car feeling anemic compared to many others) and will cost you between $3500 and $5000, not a very good Trade.

There are no quick fixes in the Boxster M96 Engine. Either you go to full Forced Induction (several kits out there, each with it's own drawbacks), or you pursue the time-honored method of increasing the Bore/Stroke, Increase Valve Size and Lift (Headwork, new Valves/Cam), increase Fuel and Air Delivery (intake/injectors), along with a new Box to control it all. I don't know of anyone who's taken this approach because the task is Gargantuan and far exceeds the effort and expense of simply dropping in a 996 Engine.

A much better way to go would be to improve the suspension and put the Car on a Diet, so the stock power has less Mass to push around.

IMHO, anyone dissatisfied with the Boxsters performance simply bought the Wrong Car. Whatever you do to a Boxster, something else out there will Eat it for Lunch. These guys need to step up to a 996/997, Vette, Viper, or the like.

All considered, the Best Induction System for your Car is the one it Already has...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Rail26 · 02-19-2006, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Whatever you do to a Boxster, something else out there will Eat it for Lunch. These guys need to step up to a 996/997, Vette, Viper, or the like...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Amen brother! I see the light...I see the light! Woohoo! I'm spent...

clubhead · 02-19-2006, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kias@tampabay.rr.com

Did you modify the exhaust when you installed the EVO/GIAC together? Like headers or removing the 2nd cats?

Before I did the Evo kit, I already had the Dansk manifold, sports cat and muffer installed. The works as far as exhaust systems are concerned

Dyno tests revealed gains for the manifold and cats but slight loss on the muffler. But I left that on anyway since I kinda like the sound and the torque/bhp loss is not that much...

lewbo · 02-19-2006, 09:31 PM

Yeh, I just needed to hear it from some one else that it's probably pointless messing with the intake, although a K&N replacement panel filter might be a good idea to get rid of the paper filter, also how do I go about desnorkeling the intake, all I am looking for is a little more sound as I am a induction noise junkie - like everyone else come on admit it!!!. thanks for the info

xclusivecar · 02-20-2006, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewbo

Yeh, I just needed to hear it from some one else that it's probably pointless messing with the intake, although a K&N replacement panel filter might be a good idea to get rid of the paper filter, also how do I go about desnorkeling the intake, all I am looking for is a little more sound as I am a induction noise junkie - like everyone else come on admit it!!!. thanks for the info

Forget the K&N! Why waste money on something that *may* harm your MAF?!?! The paper filter is all this car will ever need. To desnorkel, here is what I did: http://www.xclusivecar.com/Porsche_Boxster_S_DeSnorkel_Mod.htm

spgribben007 · 02-21-2006, 09:23 AM

xclusivecar - Thanks for the de-snorkel site but "if" for some reason I want to install it back, it is difficult?

A strut brace question... I own a 2001 and though I enjoy like anyone else to take corners pretty hard at times I haven't taken my car to a track. Will I notice a big difference in everyday handling or is this mod mainly for the track? I notice that there are aluminum bars and carbon fiber bars on ebay. Which is a better bar to have strength/weight?

MNBoxster · 02-21-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spgribben007

xclusivecar - Thanks for the de-snorkel site but "if" for some reason I want to install it back, it is difficult?

A strut brace question... I own a 2001 and though I enjoy like anyone else to take corners pretty hard at times I haven't taken my car to a track. Will I notice a big difference in everyday handling or is this mod mainly for the track? I notice that there are aluminum bars and carbon fiber bars on ebay. Which is a better bar to have strength/weight?

Hi,

You'll notice a big difference in day-to-day by adding the Strut Bars. In addition to the Car feeling much more Solid, you'll lose most (if not all) of the annoying creaks and rattles inherent in practically every convertible. You will also be able to corner better/faster.

For this application, I don't believe Alloy vs CF makes any difference. There are several out there and prices have dropped. Make sure to get a good one (mine are from Racing Dynamics) as they're better machined/aligned and this makes installation a little easier, not that it's hard - 10 min. @. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

xclusivecar · 02-21-2006, 01:40 PM

Do as MNBoxster has done with the strut braces and you'll be ready to go. He knows his stuff and tells it as it is.

As far as putting the snorkel back in...I haven't tried to do this...but imagine you would have to push pretty hard to get it to pop back in. When you go to remove your snorkel you will realize how tough it is to remove. Remember to wear gloves and pull...HARD!

BTW-I have driven without the snorkel for 2 winters now as my daily driver and wouldn't think of putting it back in. It really doesn't make much noise until you get on it...about 4000 rpm and up. THEN, it sounds GREEEEEEEAAAAAAATTTT!

blinkwatt · 02-21-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xclusivecar

Forget the K&N! Why waste money on something that *may* harm your MAF?!?! The paper filter is all this car will ever need. To desnorkel, here is what I did: http://www.xclusivecar.com/Porsche_Boxster_S_DeSnorkel_Mod.htm

I second that,I just had to buy a new MAF due to a K & N air filter. The previous owner didn't change it out,or re-oil as often he should have(every 4000 miles) and I paid the price,$233 for MAF + $22 for Mahle Paper Filter. None-the-less K & N air filters are in all the other cars in my house with no problems at all. I dont think the sensors sensitivity works with aftermarket filters all that well,unless you change them often,very often.

BoxsterSbob · 02-21-2006, 09:54 AM

The guy's that post on this forum know their stuff! I'd listen to them on this issue, you'll save time and money.

Based on the collective wisdom posted here I plan on the following upgrades:

BMC air element
Borla cat-back (for sound)
Strut braces front and rear (once I can figure-out who's selling the best ones....help!)

bob

KRZTACO · 02-21-2006, 10:44 AM

Sounds like the fellow forum members guided you in the right direction.

The largest difference I have notice is when I had my Voightland Coilovers installed with an alignment and Corner balance...HUGE difference. It's like I'm driving on rails, Plus my car is on 19x 8.5 F and 19x10 R. It's a handling machine!!!!!

I also did the following mods to my car:

1) De-snorkel (gives a nice intake sound)
2) exhaust (for sound)

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