Show or Go?

[Perfectlap]

Have you already spent the engine money?

If not I wouldn't do it. Performance mods are just a part of the mechanical investment you'll have to make. I'm assuming you're not making this sort of an investment into a car to only own short term? If you are looking to keep the car for more than 4 years, you're going to have to address quiet a few things other than the paint and bumpers. At the end of it all you'll have put a huge chunk of money into the car and have only a slight performance edge over a 9A1 987 S or Boxster Spyder. All of those mods are sunk money because if you sell it, the market will only pay you pennies on the dollar or maybe nickels. Or worse if an old lady smashes into the back of your car the insurance company might screw you and you'll have instantly taken a bath on all that mod money. A huge risk.

If you like the 986 and require more power, get an S model and enjoy the power it has in standard form. Take it to the track/autocross and you'll see its MORE than enough power to get you into a lot of trouble. Unless the engine upgrade is going to deliver north of 100 HP, the car is not going to be transformed. I'd almost say you'd be better off dumping a Corvette engine in it. Big power, low maintenance, low cost. The other options that mean staying with a Porsche engine are just not a lot of bang for the buck vs buying another Boxster/Cayman with a 3.4. Point is, you wont' be slaying any GT3's at your local track for all that change. And if you are you spent a boat load to do it. Enough to have put you into a Boxster SPyder, Cayman R, 996 GT3 or 996 Turbo.

[Crono0001]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Have you already spent the engine money?

If not I wouldn't do it. Performance mods are just a part of the mechanical investment you'll have to make. I'm assuming you're not making this sort of an investment into a car to only own short term? If you are looking to keep the car for more than 4 years, you're going to have to address quiet a few things other than the paint and bumpers. At the end of it all you'll have put a huge chunk of money into the car and have only a slight performance edge over a 9A1 987 S or Boxster Spyder. All of those mods are sunk money because if you sell it, the market will only pay you pennies on the dollar or maybe nickels. Or worse if an old lady smashes into the back of your car the insurance company might screw you and you'll have instantly taken a bath on all that mod money. A huge risk.

If you like the 986 and require more power, get an S model and enjoy the power it has in standard form. Take it to the track/autocross and you'll see its MORE than enough power to get you into a lot of trouble. Unless the engine upgrade is going to deliver north of 100 HP, the car is not going to be transformed. I'd almost say you'd be better off dumping a Corvette engine in it. Big power, low maintenance, low cost. The other options that mean staying with a Porsche engine are just not a lot of bang for the buck vs buying another Boxster/Cayman with a 3.4. Point is, you wont' be slaying any GT3's at your local track for all that change. And if you are you spent a boat load to do it. Enough to have put you into a Boxster SPyder, Cayman R, 996 GT3 or 996 Turbo.

I'm already somewhat invested into the Boxster engine. Bought a 3.2 from a wrecked S.
And it should be pushing somewhere in mid 300 hp (or, at least the shop claims).

I'm not doing this so much for an AutoX car I can destroy GT3s as I am doing it for myself because... well, again, I can't give a good reason. I just love this car. I've driven a 996TT, and I've driven an early 00's Z06 (I hated the Z06 btw). I've also driven a 987 Cayman S. And yes, they were fun to drive, and magnitudes better than my little base 2.5... But they're not what I want. I would rather have a personal, unique Boxster that has the kick I want than a GT3 that every other rich guy has. This route, the Boxster is everything I want it to. And I don't plan on selling it. It's because of that decision that I've decided to walk down this path.

And again, I can't give a good reason, other than the fact that I want it.

[ccstud17]

you dont like the 986 power...
you want to change the 986 look...

you will spend a GREAT amount to do what you have mentioned... why build on this platform? buy a newer S, you dont want to put the 3.6 kind of power behind a bunch of old parts meant to only withstand the 2.5!
If you say it must be a convertible, then instantly you are adding body roll by not having a roof.

I totally get what you want to do for i have the same dream. however I cannot afford a 3.6 engine, and if I could I would get a much newer Box with the style i like so I only have to put my money into performance and not looks!

[Crono0001]

Originally Posted by ccstud17

you dont like the 986 power...
you want to change the 986 look...

you will spend a GREAT amount to do what you have mentioned... why build on this platform? buy a newer S, you dont want to put the 3.6 kind of power behind a bunch of old parts meant to only withstand the 2.5!
If you say it must be a convertible, then instantly you are adding body roll by not having a roof.

I totally get what you want to do for i have the same dream. however I cannot afford a 3.6 engine, and if I could I would get a much newer Box with the style i like so I only have to put my money into performance and not looks!

10k does not seem like a lot. I already have the third radiator, S brakes, and Bilsten PSS9s on the coming. What else does an S have that I don't? At this point, getting an S roller would cost even more money.

Let's put it this way. This decision of modding an old outdated platform was made after lots of time pondering. I don't believe I will be persuaded from it, although you are all welcome to try. But I'm glad that this community agrees with me (Go) and not with the companions I frequent (Show)

[ccstud17]

Big part of newer, is everything has less wear and tear. every moving part has a lifespan, (bearings, joints, welds, etc etc) in buying newer to the look you like you will also get parts who have a longer life ahead of them plus better engineering. 10k + my car blue book would have me in an (under 75k mile) 04 S. and that is just one place I looked in the last 5 minutes.

Also the S has a beefier rear suspension IIRC

Like I said, that is just what I would do, but I fully support the concept of having the sexy boxer look while blasting by all the other noobs!

[Johnny Danger]

It sounds like you've pretty much decided on keeping your 986. With that said, it's a win/win situation if you can make it go and also make it show. Personally, I would get all of the mechanicals out of the way, and then tackle the cosmetics.

[woodsman]

I think a strong ,common drive amongst us is the one to 'build for me' instead of settle for something 'built for many'. Before buying my first Porsche I spent 12 years restoring and customizing 2 vehicles and I know the feeling of driving something I built myself -knowing wrench sizes by memory ,knowing the best OEM mods from other years and ways to do things most economicly. But I've grown weary and have come to realize that Porsche and BMW can do it better than I can. I want a Spyder, TT or GT3. Add coilovers and wam I'm done! I understand the urge to 'build your own' and all I can say is GO FOR IT!
And, buying my 986 S was the most satisfying purchase I've made.