Rant of aftermaker body kits for the boxster - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Racer-x · 08-26-2006, 11:58 AM

OK, for a short while I've hidden in the shadows of this forum... Being my first post, here's an introduction:

I grew up with Porsche autos, and I have always had a passion for them. This probably isn't the best post for a first one here, but I don't care...

First off: everyone here is a Porsche lover! Of course you appreciate your baby, but the fact that many people drive the same car may motivate you to seek exclusivity.

As far as modifying the looks of your car... it's PERFECTLY fine, no matter what anyone says (we're not children here, I hope). Here's the deal... if you prefer your Porsche stock, keep it that way.. if you think that all body kits and spoilers and whatnot are hideous, then woo hoo! You've suddenly got less competition in terms of aesthetics on the road every time someone changes the factory look.

Now, if you want a little more than stock, in order to obtain a distinguished measure of uniquity, you are not the first, nor the last, and you are correct in pursuing what you want from YOUR machine (a magical machine, but a machine nonetheless). Some of the more seasoned Porschephiles are familiar with the "Special Wishes Program", from which many unique autos have emerged. If you buy quality parts and install them properly, I do not see a difference between what you are doing at your local (quality) body shop, and what Porsche engineers have done for a LONG time.

To end this excessively long post, I'd like to just say... Porschephiles need to stick together! We're a privileged bunch, guys.

Brucelee · 08-26-2006, 03:17 PM

By definition, you can do to your own car what you will. If you care what others think of your car and its mods, you will do that too!

And so it goes!

Personally, I am offended by poor writing skills more than body kits on a Porsche.

But, that's just me.

MNBoxster · 08-26-2006, 06:26 PM

Hi,

I've lurked this thread for several months, reading all the pros and cons. The truth is, Porsches are made to be modded. Porsche accepts and encourages this with their advertising and TechArt.

People have been modding Porsches since well before many (I would even say most) of you were born - try to find a 356 that has it's original engine - everyone who could, put the Super engine in it. Ever see a 912 without Fuchs? How many non-turbo 911s have the WhaleTail?

That said, I am a Purist and think most (read 99.9999%) of all bodywork mods look atrocious! That's OK, that's my opinion. I'm a little less rigid on powertrain mods, but still think most people who do them are either looking to be the Big Dog, or are trying to make up for buying the wrong car to begin with. You can make a 600HP Boxster if that's your goal, but hell, you can do the same thing to a John Deere riding mower. But, more importantly, so can anyone else with the $$ and the urge, so how that somehow makes you Special is beyond me. If it's to supposedly increase the car's performance, a dedication to driving courses will accomplish all of this and more, and it's portable, you don't lose it when you sell the car.

If you mod your car because it turns your crank, because you love it, more power to you, by all means proceed.

But, if you mod your car to gain others' approval and affirmation, be prepared to take some hits, especially if you advertise it on this forum. And, don't get all flustered by the unfavorable response you will undoubtedly get from some quarters...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Grizzly · 08-26-2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Ever see a 912 without Fuchs?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Both of my 912s have steelies, one chrome, the other painted. I want them to look as "old" as possible, because what I really want is a 356.

Yeah, I know. Sell the 912s and buy the 356. I can't. I drag home all sorts of hopeless white elephants, fall in love with them and live relatively happily ever after.

MNBoxster · 08-26-2006, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Both of my 912s have steelies, one chrome, the other painted. I want them to look as "old" as possible, because what I really want is a 356.

Yeah, I know. Sell the 912s and buy the 356. I can't. I drag home all sorts of hopeless white elephants, fall in love with them and live relatively happily ever after.

Hi,

I love the 912, it's a great car in it's own right. I know there are lots of them out there with the OEM Steelies on them, but I think you get my drift...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Grizzly · 08-26-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

I love the 912, it's a great car in it's own right. I know there are lots of them out there with the OEM Steelies on them, but I think you get my drift...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

I do. Mine was just another pointless comment, adding absolutely no value whatsoever to the thread. Seems I can't help it.

Racer-x · 08-26-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Porsche accepts and encourages this with their advertising and TechArt.

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jim, I think you meant to say Tequipment

My '72 911 and '69 912 both wore awesome fuchs, the '91 Turbo (mint green/linen white) wore factory C2 turbo wheels, and my Boxster (coming soon) is going to wear TechArt GTs in black with a chrome lip...

Not that it matters to anyone :P

As for the perpetual argument of driving school vs. performance mods... yes, drivers' ed will allow you to carry more speed through the corners and be a better, faster driver all around. If you're looking for point-and-squirt excitement, however, extra power will do the trick. Granted, the best way is to learn to fully appreciate and use the car you're in as it is, and when you need more, go for it!

MNBoxster · 08-26-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Racer-x

Jim, I think you meant to say Tequipment

My '72 911 and '69 912 both wore awesome fuchs, the '91 Turbo (mint green/linen white) wore factory C2 turbo wheels, and my Boxster (coming soon) is going to wear TechArt GTs in black with a chrome lip...

Not that it matters to anyone :P

As for the perpetual argument of driving school vs. performance mods... yes, drivers' ed will allow you to carry more speed through the corners and be a better, faster driver all around. If you're looking for point-and-squirt excitement, however, extra power will do the trick. Granted, the best way is to learn to fully appreciate and use the car you're in as it is, and when you need more, go for it!

Hi,

Yes, I meant Tequipment, thanks for the correction. I agree with your statement that DE and getting the most from the car stock is the best starting point...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Brucelee · 08-27-2006, 06:56 AM

I like to upgrade cars with later items from the manufacturer. For example, I just put a really nice set of 17" wheels on my BMW 328I. The wheels are from a 2004 Sport Package option 3 series.

That and the clear lenses give the 99 a new look, which I like. The larger tires have sharpened up the handling also.

One can use this approach nicely on an older Box.

Lastly, I do like some of the fixed spoilers over the fun little lip that the Boxster comes with.

z12358 · 08-27-2006, 07:43 AM

I wouldn't change one single bit on mine -- love it just the way it is. But what I like more is the freedom for everyone to do whatever they like to their cars, and the freedom of others to say if they like it or not. Makes life so much more interesting.

If I was to change anything on my car, it would only be because it made ME like it more -- woudn't give a jack crap what anyone else thought of it. But that's just me...
Z.