Bad news from the mechanic - any insight greatly appreciated!

[Geof3]

Also, to the PO... if you haven't already, buy these two books: The latter you can find "used" for a bit less

https://www.amazon.com/Projects-Porsche-Boxster-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335540/ref=sr_1_1/141-7315495-9560361?ie=UTF8&qid=1513899947&sr=8-1&keywords=101+projects+for+your+porsche+boxster

https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Boxster-Service-Manual-1997-2004/dp/083761645X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513899998&sr=8-1&keywords=porsche+boxster+repair+manual

[speedyspaghetti]

Originally Posted by Geof3

Also, to the PO... if you haven't already, buy these two books: The latter you can find "used" for a bit less

https://www.amazon.com/Projects-Porsche-Boxster-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335540/ref=sr_1_1/141-7315495-9560361?ie=UTF8&qid=1513899947&sr=8-1&keywords=101+projects+for+your+porsche+boxster

https://www.amazon.com/Porsche-Boxster-Service-Manual-1997-2004/dp/083761645X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513899998&sr=8-1&keywords=porsche+boxster+repair+manual

I have the 1st one - is the latter worth the extra $$$? My gripe with 101 projects is that the directions are really rather scant and the pictures are too small.

[rexcramer]

I believe most of the pictures in the book are available on-line.

Originally Posted by speedyspaghetti

My gripe with 101 projects is that the directions are really rather scant and the pictures are too small.

[speedyspaghetti]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

I believe most of the pictures in the book are available on-line.

Yeah, they are, but they aren't super clear. It's kinda hard to figure out the exact steps, it just says un-do this, do this, good if you have a lot of technical knowledge, but I'm still definitely a novice with repair work.

[Anker]

Originally Posted by speedyspaghetti

I have the 1st one - is the latter worth the extra $$$? My gripe with 101 projects is that the directions are really rather scant and the pictures are too small.

The simple answer is YES. For DIY you should the two suggested books, also purchase a bootleg Porsche Boxster service manual on eBay and finally download the Boxster parts listing from the Porsche web site.

[Geof3]

Originally Posted by speedyspaghetti

I have the 1st one - is the latter worth the extra $$$? My gripe with 101 projects is that the directions are really rather scant and the pictures are too small.

Yep, as Anker said, both books make the whole IMO. Wayne D.'s books are great, I have the 911 version as well but they do lack some finer points and details that make things a little easier. The Porsche manual is great, and one of the best laid out automotive books I've seen. It's beefy too, about 2.5-3" thick. Look on Ebay and watch PCA as well, I bought mine "gently" used for 50 bones.

Regarding the mount and the shifter, the 997 shifter is the one you want, or the 997 GT3 shifter, either can be had at Suncoast Parts. Not sure if they are avail through Pelican. Both will reduce your shift throw and eliminate any slop in the system. Best bang for the buck IMO short of the high end race systems... $$$

The motor mount is impossible to diagnose by looking at it. Again, you want the newest version for the 997. You need to make sure you get the little "ear pieces" as well as they are not included. Pelican has both I think. The best way to "diagnose" a MM is by feel. If you feel vibration around 3k, you feel a distinct 'clunk' at times when shifting, or you simply have "loose" feeling shift engagement your MM is most likely shot. As I said, with the age and mileage on your car it is worth doing. Not expensive, slightly daunting, but doable DIY.

[speedyspaghetti]

UPDATE:

So I picked up the car today - he said that the shocks were shot, tie rods in/out are shot, bump stops front are shop, and rear trailing arms are shot. He quoted me $3500 to do the 4 shocks/struts including labor/parts... seems a bit steep to me.

His suggested was that I sell the car.. he said it needed too much work and it wouldn't be worth it. He said that there is slight seeping from the RMS and in his opinion the clutch needs to be changed.

I'm not really sure where to go from here. I could do the tie rods - those seem simple enough - and then take it for an alignment and see if that does the trick. Otherwise, the guy kinda freaked me out. The car was running like a champ and it feels fine to me - just this infuriating vibration/shimmy through the steering when I drive.

[cas951]

Originally Posted by speedyspaghetti

UPDATE:

So I picked up the car today - he said that the shocks were shot, tie rods in/out are shot, bump stops front are shop, and rear trailing arms are shot. He quoted me $3500 to do the 4 shocks/struts including labor/parts... seems a bit steep to me.

His suggested was that I sell the car.. he said it needed too much work and it wouldn't be worth it. He said that there is slight seeping from the RMS and in his opinion the clutch needs to be changed.

I'm not really sure where to go from here. I could do the tie rods - those seem simple enough - and then take it for an alignment and see if that does the trick. Otherwise, the guy kinda freaked me out. The car was running like a champ and it feels fine to me - just this infuriating vibration/shimmy through the steering when I drive.

Is it the same shop that did the inspection?
Which shop is this?

[speedyspaghetti]

Originally Posted by cas951

Is it the same shop that did the inspection?
Which shop is this?

Yeah, same shop. The RennShop in Mountain View.

[cas951]

Since you’re already going to Mountain View. Pay a visit to Heyer Performance. Reputable shop and I’m sure he doesn’t charge $200 per hr labor.

You also have Modderman in Mountain View. He is located next to Custom Alignment.
Don Wise in Campbell is also well recommended. Actually quite a few in Campbell.