performance enhancement
 

I want to give my 201 hp 2.5L 1999 Boxster a power boost. I know I have various options > air intake, exhaust headers, chip reprograming, bolt-on supercharger, etc. My question (first of many no doubt) is what other changes, if any, would have to be made to accomodate these power enhancements? Are all of the changes mentioned within the tolerances of the stock engine? Also, any recommendations on aftermarket companies?

I have a 2001 S, and I just installed the B Boat sport muffler. It took about 1 1/2 hours with no welding, plenty of cussing, but it fit like it was supposed to fit. I should have waited till the old muffler cooled off, (hence the cussing) but I wanted to get it done.
Now that it is over, I'm not overjoyed with the part. Probably it gives it a bit more breathing, but the noise level is not what I expected. (a little too tin ney for me.) If my old muffler was giving me problems, then I would have not thought much about the change, but it was in perfect health. I'll probably leave it, but I don't enjoy my stereo as much. Air intake first, might have been a better choice me-but not sure.

Out of all of the aftermarket exhaust systems out there I would recommend doing the Gemballa headers, high flow cats and the muffler. It is by far the best sounding throatiest sounding exhaust for the boxster available. however it is probably the most expensive. It cost me about 4500 to upgrade all 3 on mine and it sounds awesome. The Gemballa kit is very well made and stainless steel throughout so looks nice from the rear end.
With this and a good air intake, my preference is the T-T-P intake, I would suggest having your ECU enhanced by having your ECU reprogrammed on a Dyno so your air/fuel ratios dont get out of wack.

How much extra power does each give?

Well according to my last Dyno with my setup of upgraded parts I got about 60 additional HP from doing complete swap on exhaust system(headers back including high flow cats) and adding intake and ECU Programming. All of these things cost just under $7,000.

Good feed back. Thanks. Any thoughts on my "tolerances" question. Dealers bad mouth upgrades saying thay'll blow out engines, etc. etc. How much truth is there to that. I know why I should upgrade performance. :-) Any compelling mechanical reasons NOT to upgrade, things to watch out for, etc.?

Well I dont know about overall, long term engine life as a result of additional performance, but a few people have told me not too worry too much about that. With all my performance mods and ones to come I anticipate 100-120 k mileage and if I still have car swap the engine out for a better one. FYI my 2k has 27k miles on it.

Hi guys, I am thinking of modify mine too. However, my concern is these mods may cause the car fails the Smog Test.
Does anybody has this problem. I know, I live in CA and the smog law is very strict.

I am not really sure how it will affect you...Anyone have some first hand knowledge?

natzee, if you want to watch a smog inspection on a Boxster in San Jose then contact me. Been done 3 times on my 1997. What is a visual inspection.

Now we have the rollers as of July. A report from your DME/check engine light is sent electronically to the DMV computer with OBDII. If it does not like it you failed. Jeff

Thanks for the Info Jeff. I actually have mine done last month at Speed Dee. They did put it on the rollers :-).

By the way, I notice you have some DVDs (how to). Are you selling them? Do you have a website where I can find out more?

Looking at there site they have nice looking products. I sure would like to see them more closer. If you have extra images before and after with the parts I sure would like to see them as the air intake looks to be different from most other sellers. Also if your dyno sheet would be nice to look at as well. I'm sure everyone would like to see them as well.

Stanislaus R.R.
Houston, Texas - USA
www.rothbauer.us

After I get it back this weekend, or right afterwards, I will take some pics engine and body and pipes and show you what I am talking about. I will also try to scan my dyno sheet.

jfmillr,

can you send some info on where you got your Gemballa parts and the price for header and 100 cell cats and intake. I'm in Houston, Texas and you can email me at stanislaus@rothbauer.us

Thanks,

stanislaus r.r.

performance enhancement
 

regarding performace options - I sent my 1999 Boxster to ROOCK Automotive in Atlanta 6 months ago. They dropped in a new 3.4L engine, new performance clutch and greatly upgraded the Brembo brakes. WOW- what a difference in performance. This is the way a Boxster was intended to drive. The cost, while not cheap was well worth it. About 15K for the engine/clutch work and 5K for the brakes. :cool:

jimervet,

I am jealous! Enjoy it! I am sure it is worth every penny:-)

PorscheBoy (Jay)

what kinda power do the 3.4's put out? Additionally,
 

if you upgrade 20-30hp over stock, is the stock clutch strong enough to put down the power, or should it be upgraded as well?

Adam:

With that kind of hp increase there is no need to upgrade your clutch... Although, it wouldn't hurt either :-)

PorscheBoy (Jay)

jimervet
Did that cover the wheels, any interior modifications? I seen the pics at Roock and the black boxster is really nice. What precisely did they do for you for what you paid?
Pilot2519j(Bob) new boxster 2003S owner(old rookie)

There has to be a place in Los Angeles that does similar types of mods. Any experience on this board with LA work??