Boxster vs Carrera

[pothole]

Interesting story re the 914/6. In a similar vein, I think an early 986 Box with a 3.4 lump and some chassi tweaks must be a bit special, although ideally I would want heavier control weights.

Is it possible to get under drive pulleys to reduce the power assistance on the steering of a 986?

[Daniel R]

As many men as opinions so it seems.

One of the reasons I ask is that I may well be leaving Australia at the end of this year, and of course forced to part with my beloved Boxster S. I will be in Europe, and I will most likely buy a car in the US (will need some advice on that one) and have it shipped over. Since I will not be paying ridiculously high Australian prices, the cars cost is less (albeit slightly) of an issue. All this means is that my budget will allow for me to buy a 996 Carrera, or if I stretch it right out, a 996 Mk11 GT3 or a 996 turbo.

The alternative is this however. Buy another Boxster S, either bore it out or just buy a 3.6 and drop that in there. Go nuts on the suspension, basically buy everything Tarrett has for sale for the Box, coupled with a decent set of coilovers. Go on a weight saving mission, replacing some panels with CF, removing all sound deadening and replacing with normal carpet etc... I think you guys get the picture now.

The second alternative is easily achievable as I know a very reliable and thorough mechanic over there who works for around $400 USD per week, so labour costs are essentially not even a factor in the decision.

My point is this. I understand that the value of the Box would never reflect what I spent, but I do not see my car as an investment, so I do not really care about this. Which alternative would make for the most enjoyable sports car experience? That is all I am after.

[harryrcb]

Originally Posted by Daniel R

As many men as opinions so it seems.

One of the reasons I ask is that I may well be leaving Australia at the end of this year, and of course forced to part with my beloved Boxster S. I will be in Europe, and I will most likely buy a car in the US (will need some advice on that one) and have it shipped over. Since I will not be paying ridiculously high Australian prices, the cars cost is less (albeit slightly) of an issue. All this means is that my budget will allow for me to buy a 996 Carrera, or if I stretch it right out, a 996 Mk11 GT3 or a 996 turbo.

The alternative is this however. Buy another Boxster S, either bore it out or just buy a 3.6 and drop that in there. Go nuts on the suspension, basically buy everything Tarrett has for sale for the Box, coupled with a decent set of coilovers. Go on a weight saving mission, replacing some panels with CF, removing all sound deadening and replacing with normal carpet etc... I think you guys get the picture now.

The second alternative is easily achievable as I know a very reliable and thorough mechanic over there who works for around $400 USD per week, so labour costs are essentially not even a factor in the decision.

My point is this. I understand that the value of the Box would never reflect what I spent, but I do not see my car as an investment, so I do not really care about this. Which alternative would make for the most enjoyable sports car experience? That is all I am after.

If money or value after is not the issue a Boxster of Cayman with a 987 3.8S motor in it ( and upgraded brakes and suspension) would be, hands down, the most fun car you could ever own. Here is a utube link to such a car. hope you enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yd7do9F7iM0

[The Radium King]

pothole - i hear you. the light steering, combined w/ the egas, relays clicking every time you press the clutch, etc., results in a 'disconnected' feeling from the car; videogamish. originally turned me off the car on my first drive. bought it anyhow and am used to it - drive it harder and get more feedback as a result.

[pothole]

Yeah - fortunately my car has a cable throttle, not egas.

As it happens, I briefly drove a 997.2 GT3 the other day. Had real trouble with rev matching cleanly due to what felt like a bit of lag on the egas. You don't read about that in all the fawning road tests and reviews. Very disappointing!

[backman_z]

Yes, there are several under drive pulleys available. The stock pulley is 6 inches. Most UD pulleys available are 5 inches, and a couple are 4 inches. I just installed a 4 inch pulley. You may want to check out this thread.

http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23057

Originally Posted by pothole

Is it possible to get under drive pulleys to reduce the power assistance on the steering of a 986?