101Projects or Service Manual on CD?

[Mark_T]

You really should have both, but if you're only going to buy one then get the Bentley manual as sooner or later you will need the wiring diagrams. Also, everything in Wayne's book is avaialble online. I usually take my laptop out to the garage so i can pull up DIY's while i'm working on the car.

[jcb986]

Absolutely both...Wayne's book is great on a lot of stuff that you can do for yourself.

[Iflylow]

Wayne's is awesome for the narrative and the pics, and the Bentley has the technical info, i.e., torque values.

[jbs986]

IMO. both are a must.........

[Mark_T]

I just noticed you said "service manual on CD" as opposed to theIbentley manual. I'll assume you mean the one readily available online or through ebay. I have that and it is usefull, contains different info than the Bentley manual. My revised answer about necessary manuals is:

Bentley manual
CD manual
OBD II manual
Wayne's book
parts catalog
links to sites like Pedro's, Pelican Parts, Mick Focke's and every other DIY page you can find.

In other words, get your hands on everything you can. it will all be useful at some point.

[ChrisZang]

Depends on your experience level
Wayne's book is basically "Boxster Projects for Dummies" and it gave me the confidence of tackling projects that I never had dared to attack with the Bentley

So far I've done:
* deep sump install
* underdrive pulley install
* upgrade to 996 cluster (and such "hacks" aren't even mentioned anywhere else)

and very soon I will attack (as soon as the parts arrive):
* low temp thermostat
* water pump replacement

And from my point of view: Wayne's book is much closer to real life as the Bentley