987.1 '05, New Car, New Problems!

[TipDown]

Hi Renntech,

 

First Boxster, bought it yesterday and want to iron out the niggles quickly. Any help is greatly appreciated. I will upload pictures/videos of the issues I want to address if requested. Manual 987.1 with sports exhaust. 85k miles.

 

1. Intake Vent on driver's side (right side, UK)(Above offside rear wheel) is very loud at startup (after being driven, not sure from cold as only just bought). It's a droning sound and you can hear the fan power down when the ignition is switched off. Sort of sounds like a leaf might be in there when powering down, but it sounds like a worn out motor when it's on full power. Not noticeable when moving from 3rd upwards, but does come back when stopping with the clutch in. Goes away after 10 mins of driving, but I want it quieter and wondering if something is just lodged or if the fan is old and needs replacing. I will record some audio for you later when possible.

 

2. Exhaust. This thing is LOUD. It sounds really nice after 3K RPM but in higher gear/low rev (cruising) it resonates through the cockpit and gives me a headache. It was fitted by a Porsche Specialist, was told it was a PSE, but there is no exhaust/sports/PSE button in the car. I reckon they have clamped the valves open all the time, and I do not want this. Preferably I want to control the valves with a switch, but if this is really expensive then just having the exhaust operate 'normally' is fine to open after a certain RPM. Driving it back in 6th it was a huge headache, any slight touch on the gas vibrates and makes a really deep sound which isn't particularly pleasant. I'd also like it to be more discreet in low revs/low gears. What can I do here? 

 

3. Roof. The fabric has come out of the guide on both sides, I've read you can guide them in when you put the hood up and also DIY some elastic to keep it in place. What's the best way to do this?

 

Many, many thanks in advance.

Tip

Edited August 19, 2019 by TipDown

[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech

 

The engine compartment blower fan may have gotten something stuck in the fan, which can make one Hell of din.

 

No true factory PSE drones, period.  If a PSE is installed without all the controls, the default position is open or loud.  Takes some pictures and post them, I'm willing to bet it is a cheap aftermarket unit.

[TipDown]

Thanks for getting back to me JFP 🙂

 

I'll have a look at the fan and see if I can fix the issue with some light cleaning. Is a replacement hard to fit myself though? What's the best way in?

 

I've attached a picture best I can of the exhaust, hopefully you can tell me what it is and if it's sh*t! Now i've viewed them, there is some sort of branding with a big "D". If you still can't identify then I will try to get a better shot from directly beneath to try and see the full brand name.

[JFP in PA]

That does not look like the factory PSE, which should look like this:

 

 

[TipDown]

Yeah he didn't say it was a factory part (i asked if it was OEM, he said no) but said it was a Porsche exhaust. Just trying to find out what it is so I can call up and ask some garages what they can do with it. Is there any way to change the existing exhaust I have to a switch? I just don't want it loud all the time, especially as I want to drive it on the motorway sometimes - perhaps taking it abroad for some touring, and the drone reverberates around the cabin quite a lot with the hood up. Any slight touch on the accelerator has a really deep, loud sound which i'm guessing vibrates the soft top. Perhaps I can dampen it out in the cabin with something against the cloth?

 

Any suggestions at all? I might have to look into just getting a new exhaust put in from Porsche with a button, but anything to avoid spending £1500 would be amazing.

Edited August 21, 2019 by TipDown

[JFP in PA]

4 hours ago, TipDown said:

Yeah he didn't say it was a factory part (i asked if it was OEM, he said no) but said it was a Porsche exhaust. Just trying to find out what it is so I can call up and ask some garages what they can do with it. Is there any way to change the existing exhaust I have to a switch? I just don't want it loud all the time, especially as I want to drive it on the motorway sometimes - perhaps taking it abroad for some touring, and the drone reverberates around the cabin quite a lot with the hood up. Any slight touch on the accelerator has a really deep, loud sound which i'm guessing vibrates the soft top. Perhaps I can dampen it out in the cabin with something against the cloth?

 

Any suggestions at all? I might have to look into just getting a new exhaust put in from Porsche with a button, but anything to avoid spending £1500 would be amazing.

 

It would be a bit of a nightmare to convert a non switchable exhaust to a switchable version.  The factory has bypass pipes welded inside the muffler to facilitate the two pathways, the system you have does not, so they would have to cut it apart and weld them in.  I think that would end up costing you more than just buying the real thing and selling the unit you have.

[TipDown]

Ok, guess that's that then. Any idea roughly how much i'd get for my current used exhaust? It looks like it's in pretty good nick and installed within the last 2-4 years.

 

In hindsight, should have thought about the practicality of this exhaust on the test drive. But it was sweet to my ears at 3500-6000rpm and I didn't have a chance to cruise at 70+ in 6th! Live and learn I guess 🙂

 

With the top down its fine, maybe opening the windows slightly will help when i've got the top up.

 

Really appreciate your responses.

[JFP in PA]

38 minutes ago, TipDown said:

Ok, guess that's that then. Any idea roughly how much i'd get for my current used exhaust? It looks like it's in pretty good nick and installed within the last 2-4 years.

 

In hindsight, should have thought about the practicality of this exhaust on the test drive. But it was sweet to my ears at 3500-6000rpm and I didn't have a chance to cruise at 70+ in 6th! Live and learn I guess 🙂

 

With the top down its fine, maybe opening the windows slightly will help when i've got the top up.

 

Really appreciate your responses.

 

I'd check the markets in your area, what they sell for here is irrelevant.

[jbassman6]

Regarding your bullet point #3:
3. Roof. The fabric has come out of the guide on both sides, I've read you can guide them in when you put the hood up and also DIY some elastic to keep it in place. What's the best way to do this?

 

Check out the youtube video below which gives the symptoms and repair I believe you are talking about.  Very cheap and effective fix!