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

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.

Perfectlap · 08-28-2006, 06:20 AM

modding the exterior of Pcars is great. I always seem to think that the process from concept to production seems to always result in creative attrition. Due to practicality, cost and safety, etc. Modding is a way of getting back to those more ambitious sketches. I always find that showroom cars (under $100K) have been vanilla'd substantially. Smaller, blander wheels, less aero treatment, more spartan in the interior department.

As for Performance mods you can't beat a top notch set of rubber. That doesn't mean spending the most possible because as with everything, Asia makes some great alternatives for allot less money giving up only the tiniest of margins that the average driver would never miss.

Racer-x · 08-28-2006, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

As for Performance mods you can't beat a top notch set of rubber. That doesn't mean spending the most possible because as with everything, Asia makes some great alternatives for allot less money giving up only the tiniest of margins that the average driver would never miss.

I would have to agree with you there, Perfectlap. I will say, though, that though many of us love the squiggly lines, there is still a large crowd interested in straight-line performance. Personally, I'm into both... as for the Boxster? I've never thought "wow, this car needs better handling..." so much as I have "wow, I'd like a little more grunt on these boring straight line squirts". Just my $0.02, as around my area it would be unsafe to handle the car any better than it already will!