The $5500 Boxster

[968to986]

So after driving the Boxster for a few months, I decided to swap out the exhaust for my first upgrade. Sticking with the budget theme, I went with an eBay exhaust by Beluga Racing. I doubt they made it since I've seen other companies selling what seems to be the exact same unit. Regardless, it was stainless steel and promised a more sporty sound. I had no expectation of a power increase. But it was hard to argue with $299, shipped.

When it arrived, I was fairly impressed with the quality. We'll see how it holds up over time:


So, out with the old:


And in with the new:


I like the exhaust a lot. On start up, it takes that great Porsche sound and gives it a nice snarl. Through the revs, it sounds really good and then even better as it approaches redline. Downside, of course, is that drone between 2200 and 2800 RPM. But at this point, it's not enough to make me go back to stock.

More later. Cheers,

[ilikeching]

Originally Posted by 968to986

So after driving the Boxster for a few months, I decided to swap out the exhaust for my first upgrade. Sticking with the budget theme, I went with an eBay exhaust by Beluga Racing. I doubt they made it since I've seen other companies selling what seems to be the exact same unit. Regardless, it was stainless steel and promised a more sporty sound. I had no expectation of a power increase. But it was hard to argue with $299, shipped.

When it arrived, I was fairly impressed with the quality. We'll see how it holds up over time:


So, out with the old:



I like the exhaust a lot. On start up, it takes that great Porsche sound and gives it a nice snarl. Through the revs, it sounds really good and then even better as it approaches redline. Downside, of course, is that drone between 2200 and 2800 RPM. But at this point, it's not enough to make me go back to stock.

More later. Cheers,

How is the weight, are these lighter?

[968to986]

Thanks for all the comments. I'm very fond of the white color too!

The exhaust is considerably lighter than stock, which I think losing some weight at the very back of the car is a good thing.

Please don't let the pretty looking car fool you! I think I got a good Boxster for the money, but it has plenty of things that will need to be addressed (and some that I probably won't address). If I took this car to my local specialist to fix it all, it would feel like a fairly idiotic buy. But this is what I expect for my budget purchase and I will spend many hours and hundreds, probably thousands, of dollars over time keeping it going. But in the meantime, I get to drive the hell out of it!

[968to986]

I'm a fan of the 17" wheels that came on the Boxster, but I just think these cars take on a whole new attitude with the right wheels. I have friend who had a beautiful Cayman S with aftermarket wheels. He was selling the car to make room for his new Cayman GTS and I knew he had the stock wheels hanging around. I thought they were 18" inch Carrera wheels but when I contacted him, he told me they were actually 19" Carrera Classics (which I love), and that he would give me a smoking deal on them with good Michelin Pilot Super Sports if I would get them out of his garage. So, I did what you're not supposed to do on an early Boxster and bolted on big wheels. Still have the 17s though.

[BoxsterSteve]

Those look beautiful!
Now I've got to find a set.