Most efficient mod for $$$$$$

[j.fro]

The short shifter was my first mod, and I can really tell the difference when I drive someone else's car. However, doing some Auto-X and learning how to drive the car really makes more difference than anything. I wouldn't dare testing the car's limits on the street...the limits are waaay out there, and the consequences are dire. By auto-xing, you'll find out just how hot you can go into a turn, what happens when you brake in a turn, how quick the car brakes and accelerates in a straight line, etc. All of that made me reassess my "modification wish list".

[unklekraker]

I agree with j.fro! my very first mod was de-snorkel (thanks to Blinkwatt) and then I came up with a mod list as follows:
-18"wheels = done
-suspension
-lowering it
-front and rear sway bar
-exhaust system
But you know what, all of them has been put to back burner after I spend the best $30 few months ago...I start AX'ing (only my 4th time) and learn the limits of the car and save me a few thousand dollars of mod's I still have the list of mod's to do but I need to go to HSDE (High Speed Divers Ed.) to my local PCA first
Of course, If I have that money to spend I would do the mod's and AX'ing both at the same time Blinkwatt now's that I'm still saving for it..hehehehehe!

*shout out to DJ for my new sig...thanks, dude

Bwbanker, join your local PCA, and start doing some DE's and AutoX's.

Oh, and take a trip to the Dragon!

[iflyadesk]

Buy the book "Going Faster" by Skip Barber. Race craft is 1/2 academic and 1/2 application.

I've been instructing at the race track for years, and let me tell you that tightening the nut behind the wheel is the best bang for the buck you'll ever get. Bolt-on engine mods might be worth 1-2 sec a lap, a set of race tires would be worth 3-5 sec a lap, but four driving schools (about $1200) is worth 20+ sec a lap (if not more) and it will make you safer on the street too.

If you're short on cash (which I can't imagine owning a 987), the National Autosports Association (NASA) has a two-for-one worker credit deal. You work two weekends, and then you get to drive the third for free. This is an awesome way to learn because you can work on a corner and figure out all the race commands, learn the flags, and watch other people make stupid mistakes. By the time you get on the track you're a step up on your fellow drivers.

[Topless]

I gotta go with others here and say the best bang for the buck for real performance gains are a good set of tires and some driver training. Most engine mods on these cars result in zero improvement in lap times so it's just money down the rat hole in terms of useable performance gains.

The 986/987 is a formidable sports car and in the hands of a skilled driver can outrun almost anything on an Auto-x course or technical racetrack. Here in So Cal a few showroom stock base Boxters regularly outrun everyone except fully stripped and modified race cars. Last week they beat all the 987 S, Cayman S, 997's, GT3's, Twin turbo's, etc. Not too bad for 217hp and a good set of street tires.

[drburton]

Your question is a bit vague b/c it really depends on what your goals are. If you are using the car on the track, the first thing you want to do is improve your driving through experience. Once you feel like the car is holding you back here are a few mods you can make:

- New lighter wheels and tires
- New suspension, Blistein PSS9 is a popular choice for the 987
- New exhaust and headers - dependent on what u get it is possible to add some HP

Personally, I think you should just work on your driving skills and worry about mods later.

[ChrisZang]

In case you are interested in improving your cornering speeds and look for a "budget improvement" then here is my tip:
Porsche set up the Boxster to understeer (a.k.a. pushing), my guess is that they figured that the average driver can handle a car which mildly steers towards the exit of a corner better than a car where the back end comes loose (a.k.a. oversteer).
IMHO they overdid this a little.
So I would suggest:
a) get wider front tires, go from 205 to 225, they fit on the existing rims
b) go to an alignment shop and get as much negative camber in the front as the stock suspension allows you to do (probably 3/4 degree)

Both mods together will give you much more grip on the front and allow you to take fast turns much quicker and your Auto-X and DE/TT times will improve with this simple mod.
Yes, and in case you do not Auto-X then starting Auto-X will be an even cheaper performance improvement.

Cheers