renzop

On a 987 spacers are optional.

There is a TSB that calls out what optional spacers can be used on the car.

5 mm spacers are called out as optional for 17", 18", and 19" wheels.

Thanks Loren,

Do you have the TSB number a place where I can get an image of the entire TSB?

Regards,

Alan

As a Contributing member you can view the TSB online here.

Just search for TSB 18/08 4440 Overview of Summer Tires and Wheels -- dated Dec 10, 2007.

Thanks, Loren. I had problems finding the TSB section. I wonder whether it might be more appropriate to move the TSB link from the DIY Menu to the Documents menu. Regardless of that, I still think you run the best Porsche forum. Your constant attentiveness is much appreciated.

Regards,

Alan

On a 987 spacers are optional.

There is a TSB that calls out what optional spacers can be used on the car.

5 mm spacers are called out as optional for 17", 18", and 19" wheels.

Thanks Loren,

Do you have the TSB number a place where I can get an image of the entire TSB?

Regards,

Alan

I need help from all you Boxster experts. To use the factory 5mm spacers for autox (over and abover the 1/4" offset that the rules allow) SCCA requires that I prove that they are a factory installed part. Having it on the ordering guide or in a sales brochure is not good enough. I have already looked through the CDs of service manuals that porschelibrarian makes available with very limited success. Does anyone have access to a later manual that shows them?

Thanks

Alan

I use a Garmin 660. For $700US I get all US, MP3 player SD card memory, Traffic info (monthly fee), custom POIs with simple, user accessoble format, Bluetooth operation of my phone, high quality speakerphone, incredibly reponsive touchscreen and the acknowledged best software interface in the business. Of course, I was an early adopter and overpaid. Anyone can buy this unit now for under $500 US.

The unit has never crashed or glitched in any way. Oh, did I mention that its portable? Not only can I move it from one car to another but it also contains a battery that lasts for about 4 hours. Of course it only has one button compared to the 33 buttons and 2 knobs that Porsche PCM has.

If I really wanted to spoil the flexibility I could have the best interior customizer in our area build a custom color-matched enclosure to mount it permanently in a Boxster and it would cost about $1200. Oh, did I mention that the complete map upgrade cost is $100, can be oredered online and installed by the end user?

Color me tatty, Berty, but I refuse to overpay by a factor of 5 for less functionality.

Regards,

Alan

Porsche's N approval tire thingy is a bunch of BS IMHO. I understand that its a high-performance car and that tires need to meet the speed and handling requirements. But a tire is just a tire and, to paraphrase Scotty, you canna change the laws of physics, While I know that different tires, even of the same make and model, perform differently and that Porsche has specced and tested tires, that does not mean that other tires won't perform fine.

I know that people might worry about warranty issues but keep in mind that it is US law that warrantees can't be voided for aftermarket parts. Service can be denied only if it can be proven that the aftermarket parts caused the problem. So unless you feel that an aftermarket tire will cause your suspension to fail there is no reason not to go with a non-N tire.

I say, don't be a sheep, buy the tires that fit your car, budget and driving style and ignore Porsche's N thing.

Reegards,

Alan "who bought 6 sets of race tires and 2 sets of street tires in the last year"

Well, the longest tire wear will almost always be at the highest inflation pressure on the sidewall. However this will not always equate to safe handling or even tire wear.

The most most even tire wear is obtained with 0 camber and 0 toe. This will keep the tire pointed exactly forward and level. This will lead to the most even wear for a given pressure. However this will not always result in the best handling.

Everything is a compromise.

Regards,

Alan

The car can be driven in "sport mode" with the PASM set to normal by deselcting the PASM once sport has been selected.

Where is this menu?

Thanks for the clarification on the sports exhaust system.

There is no menu and this is only available if you have PASM and Sport Chrono (or Sport Chrono Plus) Then you will have two buttons next to your spoiler button on the lower console under the HVAC controls. One is labelled Sport and the other is labeled with a Shock Absorber icon. Pressing the Sport button turns on PASM and "sport mode" (edgier throttle, later ABS and less invasive PSM) then press the Shock Absorber icon button to turn off PASM.

Regards,

Alan

I thought about buying a few of them and installing them on my lawn mower and snow blower!!

Regards,

paul...

How about buying a dozen and randomly placing them on other peoples cars at car shows when their not looking. Imagine coming back to your car and finding several people pointing and laughing. Members of the show and shine crowd would freak!

I'm speechless.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/M-A-G-N-E-T...tem150217468492

Hi,

My Boxster has been ordered. I did not order factory floor mats and now I am trying to decide if I need some and if so what colors to get. There are lots of aftermarket mats and lots of customization options. Post any pics you have of sand beige with floor mats. Also anyone have recommendations as to brands to buy.

Thanks

Alan

The wheels you listed will NOT be legal for SCCA stock class autocross as they were not available for that car from 2005+. Instead you want the Boxster S wheel 2005+ or the Cayman S wheel. They are 18x8 front and 18x9 rear. I think the offsets are 52 front 43 rear but that's just from memory (someone correct me if I am wrong.

Regards,

Alan

Thanks Berty. Good to know.

The height stagger really is baffling. I understand that staggered widths can aid in reducing oversteer and look a little cooler. But the height thing is weird.

Basically if you go to same height front and rear you've got some interesting issues:

1) The car is going to be a bit nose up (by 1/2" over the 95" wheelbase which is about 0.3 degrees) This might be slightly noticeable visually and it might make the front end a bit light at high speeds.

2) My guess is the ABS will not be affected as ABS tends to be most important for front wheel lockup and compares side to side rather than front to back.

3) PSM - can the 1" diameter difference effect PSM? That's 3.14" diff in circumference. I gues it depends on whether PSM uses front/rear diffs as part of its yaw calculation. If it sees the faster spinning rear wheels as the rear somehow getting ahead of the fronts or as wheelspin at the back it might be fooled into doing the wrong thing. Tough to say without trying.

One other data point - the snow tire recommendations have the stagger much less -5mm for 17s (that's 0.2") and 8mm for 18s (that's 0.3") My gut tells me its a comfort only thing but I sure would like to know.

I hope some one can get definitive answers on non-staggered heights as I think there is no choice when it comes to DOT R Hoosiers for autocross but to go same height.

Regards,

Alan

Mine is built and is expected at the dealer by mid March...pictures will be forthcoming upon arrival

You are very lucky. If you like the normal options that are standard on this car and would have ordered them anyway, then the car is a real bargain. Add to that the exclusivity, the potentially significant extra HP, the cool instrument pod and its a no-brainer if you have the money.

Regards,

Alan

I see US dealers are starting to show them on their new car inventory. They probably aren't really at dealers but they have been allocated and built.

Regards,

Alan

Hello, I'm new to Porsche and the forum. About 6 weeks ago, I purchased a new 2007 Boster. I have 1800 miles on it and love the car with one exception. Within 10 minutes of driving, my lower back is in such pain. There is not enough lumbar support. I've tried various things such as towels and cushions, but nothing seems to work. I've thought about aftermarket seats, however the airbag issue, as well as loss of the heated seat option is holding me back somewhat. I know heated seats can be had in Recaro, etc, but that would make it a much too costly endeavor. Does anyone have any recommendations?? I did have a chance to sit in an older style Recaro (FXL or something like that) today, and I noticed a huge difference in comfort right away.

Thanks for your help

Steve

Before replacing the seat, I would try changing the seat adjustment significantly. Sometimes its the way you hold your arms or brace your body that causes back pain. Try something really different like leaning the seat back or maybe make it more vertical. Don't forget about seat height adjustment and steering wheel adjustments. Just move around and you may find comfort at no cost!

I just bought a 2007 model Boxster S which is a fantastic car, the performance and handling gives me enormous pleasure. One thing that annoys me though - every time I switch on the PCM system the radio comes on. This means if I want to use the system I have to listen to the radio (or CD) UNLESS I mute the sound. My dealer has told me the system is designed that way.

This is crazy. 99% of the time I want to listen to the exhaust and engine sound - better than any radio. Muting the system is ok except that a) it takes time and is one more thing to do and, B) if I just touch the sound button on the multi-function steering wheel (eg to turn up the Nav commands) the radio comes back on again. Annoying or what!

Could somebody tell me if there is a smart way around this. Thanks.

Well, I don't know if you would call this smart, but I bet if you turn the stereo volume all the way down before you shutdown the car, when you start it up next time the volume will still be down.

Alan, the butt dyno says yes! :D But in truth, the answer in most likely zero. :angry:

Thanks for the candor!

Butt dyno is good. I have a big butt, does that mean my car is faster? ;)

Is there any documented performance advantage to the PSE? Or is it all about pretty sounds?

TIA,

Alan

Since RFM is from Belguim I wonder if the numbers he is quoting are Euro specs or US. I don't know if they are different... Anyone???

Regards,

Alan

My Boxster is to be ready on the 19th of Feb. Does anyone know how long it takes for a Boxster to go from beginning to end on the line?

As you might have gussed, I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

John

I gather from what my dealer tells me that the build probably takes under a day, but you can expect 4-8 weeks for US delivery. Example my car is scheduled for an April build and a late May delivery. Like you, I have to keep reminding myself to be patient.

Regards,

Alan

Geoff

Thanks! That is a great writeup. So far it mirrors my experiences. I want a "bad" special order (base Boxster, PASM, Sport Chrono, Yellow - no luxury options ) and I have had all dealers want a healthy deposit.

Regards,

Alan

I am trying to get a feel for what a fair price for a new Boxster is and I thought the best place to go is to previous purchasers. Please let us know the % of sticker that you paid for your 987 when new. Please let us know if the car was a leftover or other special circumstnces.

My understanding is that invoice is 87% of MSRP. Anyone pay that? Anyone pay below invoice?

TIA

Alan

Advice I received from several instructors before my first track day:

1) Oil change before and after

2) Full tank of fuel - you will go through it incredibly fast

3) Use stock pads - brake pads are a wear item. Expect them to be significantly worn. You might think about buying a second set of pads and having them available to change for the drive home if you toast your originals.

4) Tires are also a wear item. It is possible to destroy a set of tires in one track day but you have to work hard at it. Since you don't have room for a second set of tires (unless you are towing), make sure that you do not toast yours so you can get home. Do the following:

a) if possible, use tires with less than 1/2 tread. This will reduce tread chunking.

B) Make sure you use hign inflation pressures ( 40psi??? ) make sure you have a real good tire gauge (not digital - tey one from a racing supply place like OGRacing or SafeRacer

c) Feel the squeal - listen to the tires. If they are protesting a lot SLOW DOWN

Alan, wouldn't the rev-limiter cut-off the fuel at redline? Which is about 7,200 RPM. Should not be speed related but rather RPM dependent.

As for the axel ratios, that should be listed in either your owners manual, near the back, or the 2005 sales brochure.

Thanks for the quick reply. Traditionally rev limiters kick in a few hundred rpm above redline. also I cannot find axle ratios in the 2008 sales brochure and do not have an owners manual.

Regards,

Alan