2005 Boxster S initial impressions

[eslai]

Originally Posted by Adam

The reason you are probably disappointed in the exhaust loudness is because you have only taken the engine to 4,500 rpm. The cam change happens at just over 5k rpm and the exhaust note takes on a much more aggressive personality. 5,000 to 7,200 is a blast. That being said I am still going to get dansk headers and cats for the car to give it even more growl at WOT and hopefully gain some power in the proccess.

P.S. If the clutch is too stiff, beef up those legs and do some squats! lol (JK)

I agree about the engine noise--I already mentioned the same thing you just did, a little further up in this thread. Actually, I can feel the cam change right around 4500 it seems, the car just starts "going" and then I let off the gas.

The clutch is much more pussified than what I'm used to--the pedal is almost as light as an Acura Integra/RSX's, the engagement is pretty slow/damped, and the engagement point is just too high. It makes the car really easy to drive, in general, but it all feels too "soft" for my tastes. I'm sure I'll get used to it though and then I'll get back in the Eclipse and stall it at every opportunity.

[PeterJoyce]

Someone just needs to calm down. Its not that nice of a car, if you want a good car, get rid of your Mitsu and get a 360, or C4S. After you break it in post about it

[RandallNeighbour]

Eslai, I am glad you are on this list. Stick around long enough to come back to this thread and give me an update on how the car feels after the break in period is over and you can near-redline it.

You are driving my dream car, which I hope to buy one day in four or five years when I can afford it as a pre-owned car. I will enjoy my 2.5 MY97 until then.

[eslai]

Originally Posted by PeterJoyce

Someone just needs to calm down. Its not that nice of a car, if you want a good car, get rid of your Mitsu and get a 360, or C4S. After you break it in post about it

Meh, I posted that late at night when I was grumpier. I don't think I'm over-critiquing the car though--I just stated the things that i noticed, and a lot of them have nothing to do with the driving experience.

Hell, I'm posting here--I'm obviously a happy owner. If I can't tell other owners what I've found lacking in our own cars, well that'd be a damned shame.

[Brucelee]

Its all good. We want to hear about the 987 and you are doing that.

Thanks

[scycle2020]

thanks for the review and impressions...people have to keep in mind that impressions are only that, and they are from our own personal reference point...i have had my box s 987 for 5 weeks and 800 miles.... the exhaust and engine sound great to me...very quiet under 2000 but nice over 3000 rpm, of course i havent gone above 4200-4500 rpm, but at this level is sounding great.....keep in mind i am coming from a 360 spider with a tubi exhaust, and the boxster still sounds great, esp. now that so many sports cars are too quiet and without nice sound.......on my bosxt. i like the clutch take up point and it seems ok to me....the shifter seems short throw and very positive and solid, and is better than the ferraris and most sports cars...perhaps you are sitting too far back? the ergonomics fit me perfectly, but i am only 5-9......

[eslai]

Originally Posted by scycle2020

i like the clutch take up point and it seems ok to me....the shifter seems short throw and very positive and solid, and is better than the ferraris and most sports cars...perhaps you are sitting too far back?

I'm definitely sitting too far back, but that's because the clutch take-up point seems too high for me. We'll see how it is once I get it adjusted. I still think the shifter feels a little spongy to me--I'm used to more harsh gear boxes I think. Actually, I just wish it felt more like a Miata's--THAT is an awesome gearbox!

[scycle2020]

Originally Posted by eslai

I'm definitely sitting too far back, but that's because the clutch take-up point seems too high for me. We'll see how it is once I get it adjusted. I still think the shifter feels a little spongy to me--I'm used to more harsh gear boxes I think. Actually, I just wish it felt more like a Miata's--THAT is an awesome gearbox!

i have never driven the miata, i have heard the gearbox and shifter are wonderful....the 2000s has a nice short throw shifter, but it can be a little notch from 1 to 2.... :dance:

[scycle2020]

Originally Posted by PeterJoyce

Someone just needs to calm down. Its not that nice of a car, if you want a good car, get rid of your Mitsu and get a 360, or C4S. After you break it in post about it

i have a 360 spider and the 987s is a very nice car, and actually more fun to drive than my neighbors c4s, which doesnt handle as well, is not as responsive, and is only very marginally faster than the boxster s.....

[Adam]

Originally Posted by eslai

I agree about the engine noise--I already mentioned the same thing you just did, a little further up in this thread. Actually, I can feel the cam change right around 4500 it seems, the car just starts "going" and then I let off the gas.

I picked up a book at work that comprehensively covers the boxster. The exact rpm when the vario-cam kicks in is 5,120 rpm. 4,500 rpm is right around the torque peak of the engine so I can see why some ppl think it kicks in at a lower engine speed. Just thought I would share this little piece of trivia.

[eslai]

Oh yeah? Is everything the same for the new car?

[Adam]

I haven't heard anything about Porsche changing anything the variocam in the numerous articles I've read.

[jwc]

I just hit 3000km's on mine - so break in is basically over (it only took a few weeks but tons of self control). My impressions...
- I love the car!
- Sounds very nice, at lower rpm's there is that cool high-tech sounding "whine" (I like to call it 'the angels singing'); then the beautiful high RPM sound
- I don't have any rattles with the top down, but there are a few coming from the top when it is up (not very often)
- I didn't get the upgraded Bozo stereo, I like the way mine works (controls etc.) but it sounds like a tin can. I pretty much leave it off and listen to the engine and bugs hitting the windshield.
- Handling is a dream; the driving sensations from this car are utopia.
- Battery cover is bowed a bit (as mentioned by others in this thread)
- I've had two Miata's, and I do love their shifting; but I like the Boxster as well. It doesn't have the same 'snick', but it is very smooth. I have to watch fourth to make sure it is all the way in (about half way it feels like you might be there).
- I rarely drive the Viper any more; just enough to keep the battery charged etc.
- I like the looks of it better every time I see it; it has really grown on me.
- Absolutely no buyer's regret.
- Life is great... and get a 987 if you can!

[eslai]

Originally Posted by jwc

- I've had two Miata's, and I do love their shifting; but I like the Boxster as well. It doesn't have the same 'snick', but it is very smooth. I have to watch fourth to make sure it is all the way in (about half way it feels like you might be there).

Yeah, that's EXACTLY how I feel about it, although i also get that feeling when I shift into third.

Glad to hear you're enjoying it, and that your issues seem consistant with mine!

[BoxsterMD]

I too have an 05' S and I have the same problem with it not always going into fourth. Is this normal?

My wind deflector rattles also. I thought I read somewhere that someone used double sided foam sticky tape to get it to stop rattling. Anyone try this?

I have taken people for a ride in the car and when they hear that "whine" at low rpms, they often ask if it is a turbo. I just chuckle to myself. I can't get enough of the sound, but I too wish the engine was a hair louder. I am not one for changing the exhaust. I did that on my VR6 Corrado and I ended up wishing I hadn't.

I only have 600 miles on mine and I love it. I could sit here all day and list the positives of the car, but I don't have time. I need to go put some more miles on.