looking for more Horsepower

[MikenOH]

A very slippery slope as others have mentioned.

Significant HP and torque increases can come at a steep price; from what I've read, headers/catback systems and a new flash for the computer might get you 20+HP at a price of $4-5K, if you don't do the work yourself. To me that's a lot of $ for what you get.

If you want to pick around the edges of this, the UD pulley, lower restriction airfilter and the dream 1 accumulator might get you an additional 10HPfor under $1k--if you believe the marketing. Pedro also sells the techno torque device that reportedly bumps torque in a certain rev range for not a lot of $.

[ekam]

Since you have a 99 you can get a set of headers with no cats from Fabspeed for $1.1k. Ideally you want to get the catback as well since it'll remove any restriction in the exhaust.

http://www.fabspeed.com/Boxster.html

Underdrive pulley is also an affordable and effective mod.

It is a slippery slope with power. Might as well learn how to drive it properly and spend the money on stickier tires.

[JFP in PA]

Speed cost money; how fast do you want to go?

[JettaGLi16v]

An old, but always true, adage...
(speed = $$$)

For $1k, your options are somewhat limited.
Always keep your eyes open for used items.
But, If I had $1k to improve a '99 box, I would:
Chinese headers - $120
Chip/ECU upgrade - $400
Intake kit - $300
and then go out and do a few autocrosses.

Beware, you may be disappointed with the butt-dyno improvement with these mods,
It will not be a HUGE bump, but a little one.
(P-cars are not where you want to be for cheap performance...)

The biggest improvement you can likely make to the car,
is learning how to drive it better.
AutoX, AutoX, AutoX...
Then buy some tires.

-Brad

[Topless]

Add HP or performance? There is a difference. A bunch of lap dogs got together and calculated the relative performance gains on a local 90 second race track. It looked something like this:

Add quality chip/headers/exhaust, $1800 cost, 20 hp gain, shave 3/10ths/lap.

Add 3.4L motor (100hp), $10k cost, shave 2 seconds/lap.

Remove 400 lbs, $0, shave 4 seconds/lap.

Add comp tires and weekend performance driving school, $1000 cost, shave 10 seconds per lap.

Choose wisely.

[MikenOH]

Originally Posted by Topless

Add HP or performance? There is a difference. A bunch of lap dogs got together and calculated the relative performance gains on a local 90 second race track. It looked something like this:

Add quality chip/headers/exhaust, $1800 cost, 20 hp gain, shave 3/10ths/lap.

Add 3.4L motor (100hp), $10k cost, shave 2 seconds/lap.

Remove 400 lbs, $0, shave 4 seconds/lap.

Add comp tires and weekend performance driving school, $1000 cost, shave 10 seconds per lap.

Choose wisely.

Good points, topless

In street driving, I don't know if you'd notice an extra 10-20 HP very often but a bump in torque--say 10-15/ft/lb would be noticeable in the 2.5L and appreciated.

At an Autox or DE, the extra HP might be helpful getting your speed up just a bit, but better brakes, stickier tires and more practice will get you around the course faster for a lot less money.

[tamarsha]

For me the best bang for the buck has been the crios exhaust mod and FVD software flash. The exhaust mod was easy and free! No HP gain but sounded better. The FVD software my only add a few extra HP but it will make you car drive completely different. More power in the mid range and a lot better throttle response.