2006 Ruf Boxster 3.8S X51 Conversion

[70Sixter]

This week at Autoweek. Add $39k to a 05/06 Boxster S.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061124/FREE/61120020/1004/THISWEEKSISSUE

There is also a 2007 Turbo on the cover with an article inside.

[webster132]

Holy crap! 0-60 in 4 seconds?! That's as fast as my Lambo. I'm seriously considering this. Going to call them tomorrow and ask for more details.

Anyone here done any Ruf conversions?

[Perfectlap]

ok so $42,000(don't forget the sales tax at RUF register) for another 100 HP? virtually no interior upgrading. SIX figures on sub 400HP car that will draw far fewer looks on the street than a second hand Ferrari and get spanked every day of the week on the track by the average non-Z06 Corvette?

That's $428 per horse or at that rate
$4,280 for an additional 10 HP?
$6,420 for an another 15 HP and so on...

I would really like to someone who wasn't a multi millionaire that would spend this kind of dough.

Just buy a used Lotus Elise and you'll get the same low powered but quick off the line experience and keep more than you spent in your bank account.

If I were RUF I'd concentrate on making good quality yet not obscenely expensive aftermarket parts that would make sense to the average Pcar guy when considering bang for buck.

[z12358]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

ok so $42,000(don't forget the sales tax at RUF register) for another 100 HP? virtually no interior upgrading. SIX figures on sub 400HP car that will draw far fewer looks on the street than a second hand Ferrari and get spanked every day of the week on the track by the average non-Z06 Corvette?

That's $428 per horse or at that rate
$4,280 for an additional 10 HP?
$6,420 for an another 15 HP and so on...

I would really like to someone who wasn't a multi millionaire that would spend this kind of dough.

Just buy a used Lotus Elise and you'll get the same low powered but quick off the line experience and keep more than you spent in your bank account.

If I were RUF I'd concentrate on making good quality yet not obscenely expensive aftermarket parts that would make sense to the average Pcar guy when considering bang for buck.

Think of it as a cheaper mid-engine C2S cabriolet. It would also probably depreciate less then the new C2S because of exclusivity and demand from performance connoiseurs that appreciate the lighter weight and the mid-engine design. 4.0sec 0-60 is nothing to sneeze at. And for some, drawing fewer looks is a positive.

Z.

[z12358]

There's also an article on it that I read couple of weeks ago in the last Excellence mag:

http://www.excellence-mag.com/art2/art2p1.html

[Perfectlap]

I'm not sure about the depreciation part. I've seen a second hand Boxster on the RUF site for sale at a big mark down for a long period before selling. And I'm not sure that 911 Cab's are over the six figure mark like a new 987 with RUF trimmings. If it were my $100K I'd take a bone stock 997 Cab over a 987 RUF anyday. Boxster is the better handling car but there is only so much most are willing to pay for a non-vintage roadster.
If you have seen the resales on the 996 C4S Cabs you'll see a very different willingness for Mr. sports car to part with his money than he would for a roadster. It may also have to do with the supply of C4S Cabs proping up their value vs. the flood of Boxsters.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by z12358

There's also an article on it that I read couple of weeks ago in the last Excellence mag:

http://www.excellence-mag.com/art2/art2p1.html

Their conclusion:

Such a sum may seem ludicrous to those who can only justify spending six-figures in exchange for the prestige of owning a 911, but it’s actually quite reasonable from another perspective. After all, the Ruf 3800S/381 provides better straight-line performance, simply superior handling, and far more exclusivity than a 2007 Carrera S Cabriolet with the X51 upgrade — which carries an MSRP of $109,700 without any additional factory options. Though the 911 may have more street cred as far as the general public is concerned, it can’t match the balance, poise, and general composure of the 3800S/381’s mid-engine chassis. For those who value ability over image, that makes this Ruf a highly desirable machine.

Totally agree.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by z12358

Think of it as a cheaper mid-engine C2S cabriolet. It would also probably depreciate less then the new C2S because of exclusivity and demand from performance connoiseurs that appreciate the lighter weight and the mid-engine design. 4.0sec 0-60 is nothing to sneeze at. And for some, drawing fewer looks is a positive.

Z.

That's exactly what I do. I had been considering to go with a C2S, but really, really don't like the styling of the convertible. The Boxster is imho the most beautiful Porsche by far (in current production, the Carrera GT is sweet).

So paying $55k for my 06, I end up just shy of 100. A Carrera S with X51 used is about that price.

And for looks, I still got a yellow lambo . I like that the Boxster is more anonymous.

Originally Posted by webster132

Holy crap! 0-60 in 4 seconds?! That's as fast as my Lambo. I'm seriously considering this. Going to call them tomorrow and ask for more details.

Anyone here done any Ruf conversions?

Hey Webster, in my dreams I have done a few RUF conversions. Does this count. I am really considering a RUF engine swap in about 3-4 years. The guy you want to talk to at RUF is Wayne Corley. www.rufautocentre.com.

Hey, bring that Lambo over to my house this spring/summer and Sammy, NickCats and I will wash it and wax it for ya!!! Seriously. I do excellent work.

[Bavarian Motorist]

I think this is a pretty good deal, considering you get a whole new engine, which is not cheap, obviously. Besides, isn't the main thing that divides a boxster from a 911 the engine, wheels, and maybe the suspension? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

What else does ruf offer for boxsters?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

I think this is a pretty good deal, considering you get a whole new engine, which is not cheap, obviously. Besides, isn't the main thing that divides a boxster from a 911 the engine, wheels, and maybe the suspension? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

What else does ruf offer for boxsters?

You are correct about the suspension, the Boxster has mcpherson struts all the way around compared to the 911's multilink rear setup.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Originally Posted by Adam

You are correct about the suspension, the Boxster has mcpherson struts all the way around compared to the 911's multilink rear setup.

So is it safe to say this is a boxster turned into a "911 roadster"? When you think about it like that, it justifies the price tag entirely.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Bavarian Motorist

So is it safe to say this is a boxster turned into a "911 roadster"? When you think about it like that, it justifies the price tag entirely.

No, a boxster with a 911 engine is better than a 911.

[webster132]

Originally Posted by Adam

No, a boxster with a 911 engine is better than a 911.

That's how I'm seeing it. Better looks, better handling, better performance (same engine in a 300lbs lighter car).

I called the guy. The install takes 3 weeks and is done out of their Dallas office. He has done about 6-7 of them now. The $38,900 only covers the engine, if you want anything else (like new suspension), it's extra.

He's going to see if he can put me in contact with one of the owners that had this done. I'll share some more details when that's done.

Oh, and the difference between X51 and not is about two grand. So you get ~30hp more for about two grand, which he said all of the folks he had done it on opted to get.

I'll fill in with more details as they arrive.