Performance Enhancements

[Mark_T]

Originally Posted by Willbgone

Just bought a 1997 Boxster. What are the recommendations for performance upgrades that actually work? I get the feeling that the CAI isn't one of them but are there any other suggestions?

The question that comes first to my mind is, given that you just bought the car, why exactly do you feel there is a need to increase the performance? Or, more to the point, why do you feel the existing performance is inadequate?

[Pnut]

In 2000, Porsche saw fit to begin offering the Boxster S. In 2003, the year of my car, the S was equipped with 258 hp… 33 hp more than the base Boxster. If my research is correct, the S accelerates to 60 in 5.4 seconds while it takes the Base model 6.2. If 33 hp equates to .8 seconds (something that in a race environment would be considered ENORMOUS), why is there such dismissal of bolt-on performance parts? The OP’s car is 18 yrs old, maybe he just wants a few more horsepower to keep up with all the pressurized four-bangers on the roads?

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Pnut

In 2000, Porsche saw fit to begin offering the Boxster S. In 2003, the year of my car, the S was equipped with 258 hp… 33 hp more than the base Boxster. If my research is correct, the S accelerates to 60 in 5.4 seconds while it takes the Base model 6.2. If 33 hp equates to .8 seconds (something that in a race environment would be considered ENORMOUS), why is there such dismissal of bolt-on performance parts? The OP’s car is 18 yrs old, maybe he just wants a few more horsepower to keep up with all the pressurized four-bangers on the roads?

maybe because bolt on stuff does very little to increase actual HP unless you spend big$$$

[Pnut]

Well, that's rather subjective.

Shopping wisely, I figure parts at $5k and a local shop that works for $85/hr. Call it $6k. I bought a ten year old car for less than half of what it sold for new, and I'd guess the premium Porsche charged for the S over the base was $8-10K.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN_h9juITLk

I posted this link elsewhere and never got a response. Fabspeed has a good reputation as far as I can tell, so why lie about your numbers? Is there any good reason why I shouldn't trust them? Also, they don't upgrade the plenum and throttle body in their runs.

Looking at your signature, I'm guessing what I'm looking to spend one time on upgrades is pretty close to what you spend a year insuring six cars in southern California.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Pnut

Well, that's rather subjective.

Shopping wisely, I figure parts at $5k and a local shop that works for $85/hr. Call it $6k. I bought a ten year old car for less than half of what it sold for new, and I'd guess the premium Porsche charged for the S over the base was $8-10K.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN_h9juITLk

I posted this link elsewhere and never got a response. Fabspeed has a good reputation as far as I can tell, so why lie about your numbers? Is there any good reason why I shouldn't trust them? Also, they don't upgrade the plenum and throttle body in their runs.

Looking at your signature, I'm guessing what I'm looking to spend one time on upgrades is pretty close to what you spend a year insuring six cars in southern California.

$6k in my book is a lot to spend for upgrades. IMHO, you would be better off selling the car and buying a 03/04 S and likely spend less than $6k over what you sell your older base for. You would have a more poweful car that is much newer with additional things like a glass rear window, glove box, better brakes, 3rd rad, etc.

My insurance is around 1/2 of that and the only reason its that much is 2 male drivers under 25. It would be just as much in other states