MattLuttrell Black/Black Porsche Boxster Maintenance Log
 

Hi everyone,
When I take on a new project car I like to document my progress online. This helps me keep track of what I'm doing. It gives you guys a chance to give tips and tell me when I screw up.

Onto my car: 1997 Porsche Boxster, 60,000 miles. 5 speed. Black on Black. I love it.

It is very clean and the paint is in great shape.

http://i.imgur.com/yFzsURQ.jpg

I plan to:

1. Replace all fluids
2. Check vaccum lines
3. Wax it
4. Buy new wheels and tires after I sell the jeep this replaced
5. Clean the MAF
6. Inspect/Replace Cabin and Air Filter

Anything else I'm missing?

I forgot, I'll also be replacing the radio with a cheap Alpine bluetooth unit. I did fix the radio codes on this car. However, I really like bluetooth though.

I've also ordered a DIN cup holder for the 6 disc player I am removing.

Hit those headlights with some Meguiars Plast-X and an orbital. Follow up with a hard wax. 5 minutes will make a world of difference.

Car looks great! :)

Thanks! Meguiars better than 3M kit? I normally use the 3M and still have a kit. Just played with wax and CC Quartz on the hood. This Porsche paint is great.

I can't upload my picture from the mobile site. Is there an app?

Added a Bluetooth Alpine radio in the middle DIN slot. Ordered hundreds of dollars of stuff. Air oil separator, poly belt, plugs, tubes, filters and fluids. Also ordered that headlight kit.

Engine is running worse in the cold. I assume I have vacuum leaks. I'll try the cigar trick.

Also had to buy secure torx bits for the MAF cleaning.

Hood after wax: http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...6770773831.jpg

Vehicle this Porsche replaced:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...e6fa3cbed1.jpg

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[QUOTE=mattluttrell;520316]Hi everyone,


Onto my car: 1997 Porsche Boxster, 60,000 miles. 6 speed. Black on Black. I love it.

QUOTE]

6 speed?

[QUOTE=itsnotanova;520622] Mine is a 5 speed. I'm not sure if 6 speed was available in 1997?

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No, 1997 is 5 speed only, which is why it was odd that you said that you had a 6 speed. :p

I figured it was a typo but wanted to make sure because I have heard of people putting the 6 speed behind the base motors

Lol. I fixed it. My other 2 cars are 6 speed. Guess I confused myself.

Massive 60,000 maintenance entry coming at the end of this week.

Still looking for some fancy wheels.

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Was getting a constant misfire on cylinder 4 warning. Replaced the coil and I can't get it to miss anymore.

I did the 60,000 mile maintenance.
Cleaned MAF
New air filter
New plugs (old were bad?!?)
Changed oil and filter
Changed transmission and differential fluid
Replaced front and rear trunk struts
Ordered Durametric for airbag codes.

The stutter is completely gone. It runs smooth and revs awesome. I thought my BMWs held a lot of oil (8 quarts). These engines are crazy. I'm not at all concerned about revving it.

Plugs are much easier than expected. Ground clearance is better than my M sport BMWs. There are more places to put the floor jack.

If anyone is changing their belt, it's fairly easy. You can do it without opening the top. A 1" socket works in place of the 24mm socket required. It is lose but you don't put too much pressure.

The oil filter socket is the big one you might have for your Honda or Tahoe. Don't need the fancy chrome one Amazon suggests. It would be nice if Porsche put the filters up top like BMW. Oh well.

Went ahead and ordered an air/oil separator after reading these forums. I'm not going to install it yet. I do expect to need it in a year or two though. Since I don't have any vacuum leaks, I don't want to create any accidentally.

I did notice that my corrosive wheel cleaner hits the aluminum block. Had to clean that off. That's something we should all watch.

Overall, I'm even more pleased with this car. I've got 60,800 miles on it and everything is running fresh.

I think some vented discs and red brake calipers might be in my future...

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Just finished my 60,000 mile maintenance. I did:

Transmission fluid change
New plugs
Oil and filter change
New polybelt
Front and rear trunk struts
Cleaned MAF
Replaced air filter

Also had a miss on cylinder 4. A new coil fixed the hesitation and miss. It runs awesome now!

The plugs are very easy to do. I was surprised. The polybelt wasn't too bad. Note: you can use a 1" socket instead of the 24mm socket suggested. Many of us have these in our impact sets. The oil filter needed the same socket as a Honda or Tahoe. Did not need a fancy chrome one that Amazon suggested.

The oil capacity (9 quartz) is crazy. I thought my BMWs held a lot (8 quarts). I won't be afraid to rev this engine. This has better ground clearance than the BMWs too.

Over all I'm very happy with the car. I feel very comfortable about the next few years as I'm only at 60,800 miles now.

I bought an air / oil separator but held off. I expect to need that in a while. Today, I didn't feel like accidentally creating any vacuum leaks. It's running too good.

Brake rotors were a little thin. I guess I'll get some vented discs, flush and paint those calipers next.

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Just finished my 60,000 mile maintenance. I did:

Transmission fluid change
New plugs
Oil and filter change
New polybelt
Front and rear trunk struts
Cleaned MAF
Replaced air filter

Also had a miss on cylinder 4. A new coil fixed the hesitation and miss. It runs awesome now!

The plugs are very easy to do. I was surprised. The polybelt wasn't too bad. Note: you can use a 1" socket instead of the 24mm socket suggested. Many of us have these in our impact sets. The oil filter needed the same socket as a Honda or Tahoe. Did not need a fancy chrome one that Amazon suggested.

The oil capacity (9 quartz) is crazy. I thought my BMWs held a lot (8 quarts). I won't be afraid to rev this engine. This has better ground clearance than the BMWs too.

Over all I'm very happy with the car. I feel very comfortable about the next few years as I'm only at 60,800 miles now.

I bought an air / oil separator but held off. I expect to need that in a while. Today, I didn't feel like accidentally creating any vacuum leaks. It's running too good.

Brake rotors were a little thin. I guess I'll get some vented discs, flush and paint those calipers next.



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Just finished my 60,000 mile maintenance. I did:

Transmission fluid change
New plugs
Oil and filter change
New polybelt
Front and rear trunk struts
Cleaned MAF
Replaced air filter

Also had a miss on cylinder 4. A new coil fixed the hesitation and miss. It runs awesome now!

The plugs are very easy to do. I was surprised. The polybelt wasn't too bad. Note: you can use a 1" socket instead of the 24mm socket suggested. Many of us have these in our impact sets. The oil filter needed the same socket as a Honda or Tahoe. Did not need a fancy chrome one that Amazon suggested.

The oil capacity (9 quarts) is crazy. I thought my BMWs held a lot (8 quarts). I won't be afraid to rev this engine. This has better ground clearance than the BMWs too.

Overall I'm very happy with the car. I feel very comfortable about the next few years as I'm only at 60,800 miles now.

I bought an air / oil separator but held off. I expect to need that in a while. Today, I didn't feel like accidentally creating any vacuum leaks. It's running too good.

Brake rotors were a little thin. I guess I'll get some vented discs, flush and paint those calipers next.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Rb...=w1170-h940-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bI...=w1498-h925-no

Testing

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Just finished my 60,000 mile maintenance. I did:

Transmission fluid change
New plugs
Oil and filter change
New polybelt
Front and rear trunk struts
Cleaned MAF
Replaced air filter

Also had a miss on cylinder 4. A new coil fixed the hesitation and miss. It runs awesome now!

The plugs are very easy to do. I was surprised. The polybelt wasn't too bad. Note: you can use a 1" socket instead of the 24mm socket suggested. Many of us have these in our impact sets. The oil filter needed the same socket as a Honda or Tahoe. Did not need a fancy chrome one that Amazon suggested.

The oil capacity (9 quartz) is crazy. I thought my BMWs held a lot (8 quarts). I won't be afraid to rev this engine. This has better ground clearance than the BMWs too.

Over all I'm very happy with the car. I feel very comfortable about the next few years as I'm only at 60,800 miles now.

I bought an air / oil separator but held off. I expect to need that in a while. Today, I didn't feel like accidentally creating any vacuum leaks. It's running too good.

Brake rotors were a little thin. I guess I'll get some vented discs, flush and paint those calipers next.

Plugs were bad
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...4b042159db.jpg

Now trying to buy some new wheels
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...26d2bd0ea4.jpg

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Excited for these new wheels to arrive:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...cf0b9a4329.jpg

Going to pair them with the cheaper Firestone tires:

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...852dd96ed1.jpg

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Before you wax it, get the paintwork compounded. There's a lot of scuffs on that front bumper that wax won't hide.

I have a Black 986 too, and this is what the paint can look like:

http://i.imgur.com/rshUn1Mh.jpg

It's worth it :) take it to someone to get it machine polished, then wax it to your hearts content. While they're at it, get them to run the machine over the headlights too as they'll come up like new.

That looks amazing. The wheels look great too. Yeah I have the polisher. I need to wait for it to warm up here. I'm going to take detailing to a new level. I've always wanted a black car; this is my first. The BMW guys talked about clay baring the finish too. I need to learn about that.

Mine has always been in a garage so I know I have some great clear coat left. Also need to touch up 4 small knicks.

Man, those wheels and brake calipers look great!

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http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...8d93a2f028.jpg

Just swapped out the heater control. This looks much better. Only one light (air bag) remaining...

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Thanks :) refurbished them myself:

http://i.imgur.com/X2URgteh.jpg

Claying the paint is done before polishing and after thoroughly washing. It rips out the dirt and contaminants in the pours of the paint, leaving a glass-like finish, and stops the polishing process rubbing the dirt in the pours of the paint over the paintwork. It's a way to get the paintwork back to 'naked' paint, so that the only thing on there is clear coat - no wax, no dirt, nothing.

I've detailed cars for a number of years so feel free to message me if you want any advise :) there's plenty of things to maintain scratch/swirl free black paint. Just don't ever use a sponge or leather chamois ;)

Glad the mechanics of the car is looking promising :)

Just got these in. They get tires tomorrow. Too bad it's freezing and icy. I will want to try them out.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...37316f2de1.jpg

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MattLuttrell Black/Black Porsche Boxster Maintenance Log
 

They look great on Woody's, I'm sure that they'll look great on black. Easily the best 17" option that I've seen.

Painted my calipers, installed 987 wheels and Firestone tires. Ordered the decals.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...e4cd0b7467.jpg

Before:
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...e606bce020.jpg

After:http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2017...37f3b8aca9.jpg

When it warms, I'll be clay bar, polishing and waxing. Almost have this how I want it.

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The profile of those tyres are enormous? Are they 50's? Normally 45's go on these 17" wheels.

Used a clay bar, scratch remover and waxed it. It doesn't look new. Not bad for a 20 year old car.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f05a62c07c.jpg

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Too wide? Too tall? I used the tires I found on various charts.

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Lovely :)

Grab some AutoGlym Bumper Trim Gel. Use it on the front vents, windshield scuttle, and on the mirrors. It makes black plastic black again if it's faded grey :)

You going to get clear headlights, or stick with original ambers? Looks awesome either way.

Thanks! Hmm. I felt like it was finished. That's usually never the case I guess. I'm still in the first month of ownership. Will have to research.

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Too tall. Sorry, typo in my last post - meant to say 40's, not 45's.

For my 17" Porsche wheels I had 235/40/18's on the front and 255/40/18's on the rear.

http://i.imgur.com/Sf38i5wh.jpg

If you fit a tyre too tall, it can overhang the alloys slightly. In some cases it's not too bad as you get better comfort in the cabin and protection to the alloy, but other cases it can make the speedo slightly inaccurate, and can look a bit "tractor" ish if they're too thick.

You're doing great :)

If you need any advice when it comes to car care, feel free to give me a shout ( being a detailer that also owns a black 986 ;) )

So unfortunately I've had to put this car up for sale. I've been driving it maybe once a month. Had to do a couple things to get it ready:

1) Replaced the water pump and radiator cap (to the blue one). This stopped a leak.

2) Replaced all the coils on one side. Had a misfire on 1's side. Decided to just swap all out while I had the car leaning that way.

3) Replaced the headlights with LED bulbs. While the casings were out I used an variable speed polisher to wet sand the lights with 1200 grit paper and then compound and wax. They came out smooth.

I may or may not sell it, but I've had fun with this car. It still runs like a new car at 76,000 miles. This build thread will be helpful for anyone interested in seeing what I've done to it.

After some really weird buyers I've decided to not sell this car and keep it as a commuter car for a job I might take.

Just to see how the car heats and drives on the highway with the new LED lights and water pump I got up and did a fake commute at 5am in freezing temperature.

It was very warm inside and the lights worked very well. The LED bulbs probably drove as well as the HID in the Escalade. This was a big improvement as the old bulbs are not too bright.http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1609166148.jpg

Isaiah, here is the maintenance log I said I'd send you when you bought the car. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. This forum also has info on that $110 rear shifter linkage retention clip I opted to not buy. You'll have to search for it. It's here somewhere.

To everyone else here -- I've loved owning a Porsche. Porsche owners are cool. They are real car people. Sadly I'm driving a model S. However, I think Porsche may have designed the one EV cooler than my model S. Maybe :)

And I still contend Boxster is the best ICE Porsche made. It's most fun to own and drive.