Boxster Facelift Help Please - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

BeachBum · 01-30-2008, 08:32 AM

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum. I just recently purchased a 2003 Boxster S slate grey with 27,000 miles on it. As far as specifics, it has the upgraded BOSE system and 18" carrera rims. I have had a blast with it for the last couple of months so far. As soon as I can figure out how to reduce picture size, I will get em posted. I have a couple of questions. I would like to create an edgier looking boxster without making appear too aggressive and flashy. I have been reading posts for the last couple of months and it looks like most end up getting a gt 2 or 3 bumper, side skirts, and a rear bumper. Any other suggestions? Any significance between the gt2 and gt3? Any specific material types( ex. fiberglass) I should look for. And, finally, where to get quality products( I live in N.C. on the Coast). I'm sure this has been discussed, but could find a thread to answer all my questions, so I apologize in advance. Thanks.

porsche986spyder · 01-30-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeachBum

Hi Everyone, I am new to the forum. I just recently purchased a 2003 Boxster S slate grey with 27,000 miles on it. As far as specifics, it has the upgraded BOSE system and 18" carrera rims. I have had a blast with it for the last couple of months so far. As soon as I can figure out how to reduce picture size, I will get em posted. I have a couple of questions. I would like to create an edgier looking boxster without making appear too aggressive and flashy. I have been reading posts for the last couple of months and it looks like most end up getting a gt 2 or 3 bumper, side skirts, and a rear bumper. Any other suggestions? Any significance between the gt2 and gt3? Any specific material types( ex. fiberglass) I should look for. And, finally, where to get quality products( I live in N.C. on the Coast). I'm sure this has been discussed, but could find a thread to answer all my questions, so I apologize in advance. Thanks.

I just got my GT-3 bumper in yesterday. My current bumper in my signature is the 996 GT-2 front end, but it is made of fiberglass. It looks cool, but I prefer the new look of the 997 GT-3. Plus my new bumper is Urethane and will be more flexible. I will post some web sites for you that have different styles to choose from.

http://www.nrauto.com/sub_index.asp?makeid=Porsche&spage=Parts

http://www.precisionporsche.com/boxkit.html

porsche986spyder · 01-30-2008, 09:32 AM

This is the new front 997 GT-3 bumper I got.

Waiting to get it painted now.

dcporsche99 · 01-30-2008, 09:38 AM

That GT-3 bumper sure looks nice! Can't wait to see it on your car!

Hey Beachbum, congrats & welcome to the forum!

Jeph · 01-30-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeachBum

As soon as I can figure out how to reduce picture size, I will get em posted.

Send me your pix and I will resize them for you.
------idrive [at] gmail [dot] c0m------

If you feel like spending too much on the facelift...

This looks better than I would expect it to...

Kirk · 01-30-2008, 03:41 PM

Personally I'd stay away from fiberglass for a front bumper. They're easy to repair, but too easy to get damaged in the first place. I'd lean more towards polyurethane, but then your options are more limited. Going OEM the MK1 GT3 bumper looks nice (I just bought one) and bolt right on. The standard OEM 996 bumper (99-01) is also a direct bolt-on. The 997 GT3 bumper that porsche986spyder got looks the best in my opinion. I'd wait to see what he says about the fit though as it's not OEM.

For the side skirts you have a lot of options, most all of which are figerglass. I don't see a big issue with fiberglass here though as long as you don't drive like an idiot.

You have almost zero options for the rear bumper. There are a few things out there, but few people seem to go that route for mods. The complete replacement bumpers I've seen are pretty pricey and hard to get a hold of. Gemballa makes a cheaper option (about $850) that covers the bottom part of the bumper for a different look. You can find that one on eBay.

lucky_topher · 01-30-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

I just got my GT-3 bumper in yesterday. My current bumper in my signature is the 996 GT-2 front end, but it is made of fiberglass. It looks cool, but I prefer the new look of the 997 GT-3. Plus my new bumper is Urethane and will be more flexible. I will post some web sites for you that have different styles to choose from.

http://www.nrauto.com/sub_index.asp?makeid=Porsche&spage=Parts

http://www.precisionporsche.com/boxkit.html

hmmm
seal grey?
and local in dallas?

wanna cut a newb a deal on your old bumper?

porsche986spyder · 01-31-2008, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeph

This looks better than I would expect it to...

Like I said, I have mine. Just need to get it painted. It's sitting in my living room right now. I will take some pics tonight and post how good it looks all black and Urethane. Until then, here are some other images. I chose to have the fog light covers included. No need for extra lights next to the shape of the 986 headlights. Way to much glass/plastic. I do have the option to get them later if I change my mind. But for now I like them covered up.

This is one with the 997 GT-3 fog lights installed. It looks okay, but I prefer not to add them.

986speedster · 01-31-2008, 12:57 PM

Kirk, where did you get your new bumper from? Anyone ever deal with Mashaw? Coachworks996? The bumper covers are real cheap. Fiberglass I know, but they do CF too for 40% more.

porsche986spyder · 01-31-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 986speedster

Kirk, where did you get your new bumper from? Anyone ever deal with Mashaw? Coachworks996? The bumper covers are real cheap. Fiberglass I know, but they do CF too for 40% more.

Did you look at the web sites I posted? The sites I posted are way cheaper for complete kits and front bumpers alone. Mashaw is NOT cheap at all. 3K!!! for a complete kit? That's crazy! Unless you found another web site that I'm not aware of?

BeachBum · 01-31-2008, 01:29 PM

Thanks for the advice, I am looking forward to your pics with your new bumper!

Jeph · 01-31-2008, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porsche986spyder

This is one with the 997 GT-3 fog lights installed. It looks okay, but I prefer not to add them.

Agreed, those lights clutter it up and don't blend well. Good call on not getting those.

dcporsche99 · 01-31-2008, 04:39 PM

I really like the bumper that Jeph put up. The lines are cleaner. Somehow, by the lights not being there it kinda breaks it up...like a distraction....but it's nice nevertheless!

Looking forward to the pics!

986speedster · 01-31-2008, 05:06 PM

Syder, check this sight out. I could be mistaken about what they are selling/advertising.

http://mashaw.biz/Coachwork996.asp

Kirk · 01-31-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 986speedster

Kirk, where did you get your new bumper from?

I keep my eyes open on the boards: 986forum, Renntech.org, Babblers, 6speedonline and look for good deals on something used but in good condition and hopefully close to home to allow for pickup. Things I bought used and picked up locally include my carbon fiber hood, litronic headlights, and MK1 GT3 bumper.

The GT3 bumper I got off a guy on Renntech.org who took it off his 996 for painting due to stone chips and then went on to sell the 996 with the stock bumper. I helped him clean out his garage then by taking the bumper off his hands and a brand new spoiler lip that mounts under the bumper. I just need to paint the bumper...

porsche986spyder · 02-01-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 986speedster

Syder, check this sight out. I could be mistaken about what they are selling/advertising.

http://mashaw.biz/Coachwork996.asp

That web site is not the one I found earlier. Those prices are pretty good, but most of those GT 996 front ends may not fit right on our Boxsters because of the different shaped headlights. The earlier models have the same shape, but the later models have the more rounded style. So I'm not sure which one of those would work. Plus the after market ones that are sold for the Boxster are molded with our mounting points, assuring proper fitment.

986speedster · 02-01-2008, 07:42 AM

Gotcha! The first three or four are for our headlight setup. I didnt know the 996 had different mounting points. I thought they were interchangeable.

Kirk · 02-01-2008, 08:51 AM

You are correct, 99-01 996 bumpers should be interchangeable with the 97-04 Boxster, same mounting points.

The Mashaw prices look reasonable, but some of their bumpers are just copies of Porsche OEM bumpers. If they're fiberglass copies, then I'd lean more towards getting the polyurethane OEM version for a perfect fit.

porsche986spyder · 02-01-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk

You are correct, 99-01 996 bumpers should be interchangeable with the 97-04 Boxster, same mounting points.

What he just said. Yep, 02 and newer 996/997 front pumpers won't work because the different shape headlights cut into the top part of the bumper not allowing the fitment for our Boxsters. 99-01 will work because they are the same shape and mounting points.