Hello. Please be gentle!! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Nobbynumbnut · 10-06-2012, 12:50 PM

Hello,
I am posting from jolly old England (no..... that's not the problem)

Been following the forum for about two months now. Seen some great threads and have finally pulled the trigger and purchased a 2001 2.7 .

I've noticed some pretty harsh answers to some of the dafter questions posed in the forums and as such I don't want waste anyone's time or upset anybody. I have some very basic and what may seem to be "silly" questions.

I have searched the FAQ sections and have not found the answers to my questions. This may be because they are so basic that perhaps I should already know.

To avoid annoying you good people is there any way of asking an experienced boxter owner advise personally?

Kindest regards

Bob

Ghostrider 310 · 10-06-2012, 01:02 PM

Bob, just ask in here or you can PM me, I'll try to help if I can. Congratulations on getting a Porsche, posting pictures always makes people happy, if you have em, post em.

Johnny Danger · 10-06-2012, 01:06 PM

Ask away! What's the worst that can happen ? We'll make fun of the fact that your steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car !

RandallNeighbour · 10-06-2012, 01:25 PM

Fire away!

Mark_T · 10-06-2012, 01:44 PM

Usually the only peeps that get flamed are the ones that have made no effort to find their own answers. You've done some some searching and you've read your owner's manual cover to cover (right?) so any questions are good.

I'll start off by asking a dumb question of my own. There are some tasks, such as checking the oil, that require that the car be level. Where's the best place on the car to check that? The door sill maybe for front-to-back and the trunk floor for side-to-side?

Nobbynumbnut · 10-06-2012, 02:13 PM

OK guys..here goes nothing.

Having never owned a performance car before. Should I try and drive it whilst keeping the RPM's down in an attempt to promote engine longevity? Ever mindful of the much discussed IMS issue. I really stretched myself budget wise to buy the Porker and do not want to have to spend a fortune in repairs. I do want to enjoy the car but having only ever driven family type cars till now. I am not sure what constitutes engine abuse! Is it really OK to wait until 3000 RPM until changing gear?

When I drive the car as I do (like an old lady) I find that changing gear can be somewhat "clunky". I must admit that, on the odd occasion that I have let the engine rev a bit higher that this problem disappears. Do you think that that I am driving the car wrong?

Also, after I have driven the car for a while I have noticed that I get a harsh sounding "knock" from the passengers side rear ( remember that the passengers sit on the wrong side of the car over here) when going over rough roads or sleeping policemen.

Mark T
Sorry fella, I do not have an owners manual ( apparently these always go missing due to the lack of a glove compartment in early models and they get lost in the house) don't flame me please. I don't think that I handle the pressure of new Porsche ownership, not knowing what I'm doing coupled with a grilling from you mate.

Ghost,
Thanks mate. Much obliged. Will PM you if you don't mind.

I need to figure out how to upload pics from an I Pad

Cheers guys

Bob

The Radium King · 10-06-2012, 02:19 PM

i never shift below 4000 and on the track push it right to the limiter. car shifts easier that way (easier than when rattling around between 2000 and 3000 rpm) and porsche designed these engines to rev. folks say that NOT reving the engine can promote ims failure, as once the seal has failed on the bearing and washed all the grease out, the only thing keeping it lubed is lots of oil sloshing around at high rpm (tiptronics, which don't rev as high, are said to have a higher ims failure rate). also, any gas, etc. that may be in the oil which is detremental to bearing seals will get burnt off in a high rpm romp.

i say giver ********************!

Spinnaker · 10-07-2012, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nobbynumbnut

Is it really OK to wait until 3000 RPM until changing gear?
When I drive the car as I do (like an old lady) I find that changing gear can be somewhat "clunky". I must admit that, on the odd occasion that I have let the engine rev a bit higher that this problem disappears. Do you think that that I am driving the car wrong?

Bob

Yes, I think you are driving it wrong.
You bought a Porsche, not a Austin. Drive it like it was meant to be, like a race car.
Around town and in traffic, you may have to shift at 3000. When you are out on the open road, on occasion, let the engine windup to 6000 before you shift. Let the sound of the engine intoxicate you. You will experience a phenomenon that we on the forum call the "Perma-grin". You will still be well below the red line for the engine.
You can harm an engine by not letting it rev up into its power band. Lugging and carbon build up come to mind. When I used to work on engines a lot, I could always tell when on car was driven like an "old lady". The combustion chambers and valves would always be crudded up with carbon deposits and the top half of the rod bearings would show excessive wear from lugging. A engine needs to get exercise at higher RPM's to blow out the deposits that build up from driving around town at low speeds. I blow out the carbon every chance I get.
When you have the suspension checked for the "clunk" noise, make sure the front engine mount is examined also.

While "the beer is on me" sounds interesting, I prefer mine in a glass or straight from the bottle.

Ghostrider 310 · 10-06-2012, 02:25 PM

Nobby, Drive it the way that pleases you but don't be afraid to enjoy the upper RPM range. As King said some say driving it too conservatively actually increases the potential for problems. To me, trying to drive it a certain way so it doesn't break is moot. Since you don't know how it was treated before it came to you just follow all the maintenance and enjoy it! Regarding your noise, we need more information to pin that down.

RandallNeighbour · 10-06-2012, 02:31 PM

The variocam doesn't actuate until you hit 4200 rpm so it's important to move past this range to exercise the motor fully.

However, with that said, I do not wind up the motor past 4200 rpm until its fully warmed up.

I am a firm believer that a Boxster motor taken to redline regularly will keep the motor operating smoothly, even if it shortens its life. It's a good trade off.

Noise may be the trailing arm (longest lower control arm). They're often the culprit of a clunk.

Nobbynumbnut · 10-06-2012, 02:55 PM

Thank you Chaps (I apologise to any Ladies for making the assumption that you are Guys)

I guess it's time to apply a layer of "man up" cream!

It's funny. I spent Years dreaming of owning a Porsche and the past Two weeks regretting my purchase. I suppose that should just get on with it.

I told you I was Silly!

Your advice has given me comfort and confidence to start enjoying the motor. Cheers.

In regards to the suspension issue. I'm not really sure how to explain it but here goes. Before the car has warmed up or been driven on the Motorway (Highway) there is no problem. After about 30 mins and If I then hit the small roads, even at low speed, there is a definite noticeable degradation in the ride quality. Each time the car ( or should I say the rear end of the car) goes over a bump, manhole or joint in the pavement ther is a noticeable bang from the left rear of the car each time the suspension is compressed. My solution thus far is to turn up the stereo but I am sure that this is not a permanent solution!!

Once again thanks for all your support.

Kindest regards

Bob

srad34 · 10-07-2012, 12:00 AM

Hi Bob,
There couple a couple of reasons for the noise, lowere suspension arm (or coffins) coulodhave worn bushes, could also be a worn shock. Best thing is to get it on a ramp and look for anything obvious.
Very important to note that parts are not massively more expensive from any other car and there is no rocket science in there. Most regular garages will try to charge a premium so look for a good independant specialist garage and you won't go far wrong.
I (fortunately) do all my own servicing but not come across anything too taxing just yet.

Get out there and enjoy the drive while the sun is shining!

Matt srad34 UK

Ghostrider 310 · 10-06-2012, 03:00 PM

The rear suspension components should be checked and hey this may sound dumb but make sure the wheel lugs are all tight. No regrets, you live once, it's a big bite for all of us as most of us on here are regular dudes not millionaires, enjoy it!!

Nobbynumbnut · 10-06-2012, 03:24 PM

Cheers GHostrider,
Your motor looks amazing. Options to enhance the Boxster are very limited over here. Yours looks smashing.

BTW. I am in the USA in December. Arriving into Atlanta and driving down to Florida for three weeks over Christmas. If anyone is about, the beers are on me

Kindest

Bob

Jager · 10-06-2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nobbynumbnut

BTW. I am in the USA in December. Arriving into Atlanta and driving down to Florida for three weeks over Christmas. If anyone is about, the beers are on me

Kindest

Bob

Everyone… Let’s go to Orlando and then Miami over the holidays, Bob is buying the beer!!

Nobbynumbnut · 10-06-2012, 04:37 PM

You are all very welcome. I mean it.

Be warned though...although I'm British I drink like an Irishman!

Bob.:dance:

Meir · 10-06-2012, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

Everyone… Let’s go to Orlando and then Miami over the holidays, Bob is buying the beer!!

YES,YES,YES!!!!
I'm willing share the cost with Bob.

Deserion · 10-07-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nobbynumbnut

BTW. I am in the USA in December. Arriving into Atlanta and driving down to Florida for three weeks over Christmas. If anyone is about, the beers are on me

Kindest

Bob

Well then we'll need to set a Florida get-together in place for beer.

Nobbynumbnut · 10-07-2012, 09:27 AM

Wow wow wow !!!

You lot are incredible.

Just got back from a trip to the coast. Been on the motorway and through country lanes. Gear changes are an absolute delight when you let the revs build up. no more of this driving like an old dear for Bobby Boy. no sir I Will leave that nonsense
to the blue rince brigade.

I LOVE IT....NO REGRETS NOW.

Talk about perma-grin. I'm still smiling after half an hour back indoors. It's like I've got a coat hanger stuck in my mouth. I keep looking out of the front window at my new favorite thing in the world sitting on my driveway.

It's a completely different experience and car when driven more like it ought to be (I'm not professing to be an expert but oh my goodness, what a difference)

I couldn't have done it without you guys. I am soooo Hapeee!

I will get the suspension checked out next weekend at my friends garage, but for now I couldn't care less. I OWN A PORSCHE !

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

I arrive on the 19th DEC and would love to meet up with whoever wants to. just let me know or PM me to exchange mail address.

Oh did I mention how grateful I am to all of you.

Kindest regards

Bob (Boxster Pilot)

jb92563 · 10-07-2012, 10:21 AM

I think one of our Florida forum guys should take you for a pre beer ride and show you how its really done so you can emulate the thrills when you get back home.

Plus it will help from your early withdrawals symptoms of being away from your car
while on vacation.

Its amazing how much you can learn from other drivers, different handling techniques, limits of adhesion, tires, and tips on learning your Porsche.