Paul Fraser

OK, I've been doing a bit of rumaging in the PET and have come up with the following part numbers (for a '97 Boxster, there are some minor differences in the years).

996.613.219.10 steering column switch

for M454/659 (both cruise and computer). There are also two side panel parts reqd. if you don't want to cut holes for the two extra stalks 993.552.573.00 or 01, not sure which. Best look at the OBD hack for more on this.

996.617.121.00 control unit cruise contol

996.617.121.00 support

This cruise control control unit support is only listed for RHD cars. This needs further investigation as to why a LHD part isn't available.

986.423.025.07 accelerator control

This gas pedal above is for a LHD 97 model. LHD 98-on part no. ends

08. Both these for manual cars, tiptronic different.

996.613.110.01 switch

Two of these are required, one for the brake and one for the clutch. '97 part.

That's as far as I have got so far; don't even know where to start on the electric side.

On a 2.5 the throttle and cruise is mechanical.  If you have cruise control then the gas pedal is different.  I would have to ask Peter if a retrofit can be done on a 2.5.

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Can I ask where the wiring for stalk goes? I assume into the cruise control unit that controls the modified gas pedal...?

Do I have the sequence correct? Control stalk -- cruise control unit -- gas pedal?

Dumb question probably, but can you fit e-gas controls to the early cars and obtain cruise control that way?

Stan, I don't know if the 2004 sports seats are the same as the ones in my 98 but I've had mine in bits and don't see how you will be able to adjust the padding or frame. If you want to take them apart in situ you can do this in a limited way by reaching in at the top of the inner seat back and pulling this section upwards. The inner back section clip will then unhook and fold down. The outer seat back leather can be unpeeled starting at the base of the rear seat back rim. This will give you access to the outer padding. I have a few pics of this if you want.

I guess you could put some more padding in the lumbar area behind the inner back section but, as you will see if you fold this down, there are heated wires behind this and you will have to think about what material you use.

The variocam wasn't switching over properly. New solenoid fitted at Ninemeister. £322 inc. VAT. They say it is a common problem with Boxsters (and I presume 996s, do they have the same variocam design?) and have done "hundreds", only once having to fit a new variocam (£1150) which is what the OPC does as a matter of course.

TP: so I assume that only a pedal and cruise control unit would be required for an early 996 as well....? (Plus the four stalk and wiring of course.)

My '97 996 was in for a 48k service and Pre Warranty Inspection and I got a long list of defects from them. Most seem relatively trivial (wipers, exhaust bracket, sunvisor, discs, tyre wear, oil cap) but there are a number that look serious. Among these are:

#4-6 variocam oil leak

cam cover leak

#1-3 bank chain tensioner washer oil leak

DME fault #1-3 variocam

Anyone care to elaborate on what these faults might involve? I assume a "variocam oil leak" requires a new variocam and a "DME fault" requires a new DME unit? I know a variocam is around £1100; what is the cost of a DME unit, and how difficult to fit?

Are any of these a 'don't drive your car' fault?

Out of curiosity, are these common faults?

My recent Brembo pads (which I believe are the OEM ones, had Textar markings that were identical to the Textar pads I replaced them with). Pictures on boxa.net

Very helpful everyone, thanks. If anyone is looking for me tomorrow morning I shall be underneath my car :)

Where's the RMS, please?

Had a look under the car today while changing the rear brake pads. There is a dry oil stain just where the undercovers start (going forward from the engine there is a long chunky tubular section, which I presume is the gearbox, it's about halfway along this section). What is this likely to be and does anyone have a pic of the underside of the car so I can identify salient features (like RMS etc.)? Thanks.

The dead body on the stairs should be wrapped in a rug instead of a sheet. Keeps the blood from soaking through...  :)

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No, that only happens when my partner crosses me... It is actually a external car cover: local UK make not Porsche Teq. unfortuantely :)

Thanks for your reply. The CEL only flashes when the car is idleing/stationary (when it sounds a little rough/lumpy) but has never appeared when being driven; also it only seems to happen after being warmed up, not when cold: does this suggest any of the list below? I assume it is not the spark plugs, coils or connectors as all three are affected?

I'll have a search for scan tools on the site (I assume this is something different from the OBD2 I have).

Also, since Porsche didn't make Turbo Look wheels in 17", those are aftermarket,

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Are you sure about that? I saw these on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...me=STRK:MEWA:IT

I _think_ I emailed him for the Porsche part numbers and he had them, but I would have to see if I kept the email.

Hi, my OBD2 gives me P0300-0303 codes for a recent series of engine check lights in my European '97 2.5 manual 5 speed. The Renntech fault texts decoder gives 'Misfire, cylinder 1 damaging to TWC' for P0301 and similar for the others (cylinder 2 & 3 for 0302 & 0303), whereas the Renntech DME engine codes list gives 'Misfire Damaging to Catalytic Converter'. Are these the same and can anyone shed more light (unintentional pun) on this? What is TWC for a start?

The OPC says a new variocam is required but I'd like to understand what the fault is for my own education and amusement. Cheers.