Advice - Upgrade/Update front end '02 Boxster S

[Sboxin]

Hi All and Happy New Year !!

We had the misfortune of a front end accident (woman in SUV backed into in parking lot). However, we would like to take this body work and Insuance $$ opportunity to update/upgrade the front end. We're looking at GT2 or GT3 or 996. The 2002 Boxster S (50K miles) is Cobalt Blue and the other mods we had planned before the damage was lights and wheels/tires - not anything too radical. But, now that the Box will show up on Carfax as repaired -- we might as well do the front end upgrade now. What suggestions do you all have for us (this is a father and son car)?

Thanks for your help, :D

Ed (Arizona)

Aslo posting on PPBB

[986SGuy]

go for the GT2 Front End.. although you might have fitment issues but im not sure..

Hi All and Happy New Year !!

We had the misfortune of a front end accident (woman in SUV backed into in parking lot). However, we would like to take this body work and Insuance $$ opportunity to update/upgrade the front end. We're looking at GT2 or GT3 or 996. The 2002 Boxster S (50K miles) is Cobalt Blue and the other mods we had planned before the damage was lights and wheels/tires - not anything too radical. But, now that the Box will show up on Carfax as repaired -- we might as well do the front end upgrade now. What suggestions do you all have for us (this is a father and son car)?

Thanks for your help, :D

Ed (Arizona)

Aslo posting on PPBB

[adsach]

You have my sympathy Ed. About 3 years ago I saw a Cobalt Blue boxster parked alone under a single lamp in a parking lot of the Scottsdale airpark. I just had to stop my Boxster and stare for a minute. You have a truly stunning color at night.

Personally, I would go for the litronic headlights and very little else. I like the stock Boxster bumper cover.

[Sboxin]

You have my sympathy Ed. About 3 years ago I saw a Cobalt Blue Boxster parked alone under a single lamp in a parking lot of the Scottsdale airpark. I just had to stop my Boxster and stare for a minute. You have a truly stunning color at night.

Personally, I would go for the litronic headlights and very little else. I like the stock Boxster bumper cover.

So far the damage estimate is up to $5000+ -- the front frame member is bent and will need to be replaced along with cover (hood), bumper cover and lights.

The shop is looking for a GT3 front bumper cover to replace the Boxster S cover. I found one in LA for $900 used at pcar but the shop is still looking for better/cheaper.

My barber (Corvette guy) is encouraging us to keep the Boxster as original as possible -- What are the real benefits of doing that ??

My son really wants the litronics -- lowest cost so far is Sunset Imports @ $1510. The shop owner is discouraging us from doing the lights because of the high cost.

If we can get $500 from the insurance on the old lights then our cost is $1010 - split 2 ways of course.

We will be putting 18" wheels and tires on in the next couple of months also -- looking at Yokohama 32R's or 48's for Ax and DE.

We would appreciate any suggestions from you all ??

Thanks,

Ed (Arizona)

[Tool Pants]

Except for the color, that looks like my car almost 3 years ago. In my case it was a lady in a Chevy truck that backed up into me while we were at a stop sign. Maybe she moved to Arizona.

I also debated about putting on a different bumper cover. But, like adsach, I like the stock cover. It is a matter of taste. Do what you like. There are 160,000 986s out there.

I told the body shop not to replace my amber lights because I wanted clear halogen or litronics. I was paid about $850 for the lights. So for about 4 months I drove around with amber headlights I borrowed from a friend who had switched to litronics. I finally found on ebay a set of clear 996 headlights for $350.

You might also consider air horns. http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=5747 When I saw the backup lights come on I started blasting my horn but she did not hear me. I could not back up because there was a car right behind me that you can see in the picture. So when she started pushing me I put my foot on the brake and watched the front of my car fold up in slow motion.

[Sboxin]

...They're everywhere !!! :censored:

Air Horns it is!!

Thanks again,

Ed (Arizona)

Edited January 7, 2006 by Sboxin

[cease]

You have my sympathy Ed. About 3 years ago I saw a Cobalt Blue Boxster parked alone under a single lamp in a parking lot of the Scottsdale airpark. I just had to stop my Boxster and stare for a minute. You have a truly stunning color at night.

Personally, I would go for the litronic headlights and very little else. I like the stock Boxster bumper cover.

So far the damage estimate is up to $5000+ -- the front frame member is bent and will need to be replaced along with cover (hood), bumper cover and lights.

The shop is looking for a GT3 front bumper cover to replace the Boxster S cover. I found one in LA for $900 used at pcar but the shop is still looking for better/cheaper.

My barber (Corvette guy) is encouraging us to keep the Boxster as original as possible -- What are the real benefits of doing that ??

My son really wants the litronics -- lowest cost so far is Sunset Imports @ $1510. The shop owner is discouraging us from doing the lights because of the high cost.

If we can get $500 from the insurance on the old lights then our cost is $1010 - split 2 ways of course.

We will be putting 18" wheels and tires on in the next couple of months also -- looking at Yokohama 32R's or 48's for Ax and DE.

We would appreciate any suggestions from you all ??

Thanks,

Ed (Arizona)

$1510 is too much for Lit's. I got mine from Pelican http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopca...e_pg2.htm#item6

for $1110, (Litronic Headlight Assembly With Integrated Turn Signal, Right, 996 Carrera 2/4 (1999-01), Boxster/Boxster S (1999-04), Each Brand: Bosch). Buy the triangles anywhere for minimal cost. Also add the side markers for minimal. As for the front end, have you considered something from: LLTEK, http://www.lltek.com/porschtek/homeportek.htm. I got my diffuser and side rails from them, pre-painted; excellent experience.

Edited January 9, 2006 by cease

[Sboxin]

$1510 is too much for Lit's. I got mine from Pelican http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopca...e_pg2.htm#item6

for $1110, (Litronic Headlight Assembly With Integrated Turn Signal, Right, 996 Carrera 2/4 (1999-01), Boxster/Boxster S (1999-04), Each Brand: Bosch). Buy the triangles anywhere for minimal cost. Also add the side markers for minimal. As for the front end, have you considered something from: LLTEK, http://www.lltek.com/porschtek/homeportek.htm. I got my diffuser and side rails from them, pre-painted; excellent experience.

Thanks for the feedback! I looked at your referrals to Pelican and found the cost is for one light -- the $1500 at Sunset is for the two light kit with wiring and controller. I am now looking at departstop.com in LA for lower cost and same product. There have been some group purchases mentioned on line with prices ~ $1100.

The lltech is very nice looking -- but a little more racy than we are looking to do on this car at this time.

Thanks again,

Ed :thumbup:

[geoff]

When I went looking for Litronics, Brandywine was the cheapest by a few hundred $$. You might want to call them and see what they're charging. I think one of the other Porsche boards had a group buy on Litronics from them last year. I paid about $1100 one year ago. YMMV

[adsach]

My barber (Corvette guy) is encouraging us to keep the Boxster as original as possible -- What are the real benefits of doing that ??

You don't own a '97 (first year), or a first year S, or a last year 986, of an anniversary edition, so the ONLY benifit of stock is to avoid the appearance of having been in an accident or being labelled an 'aggressive' driver when you go to resell. In these days of CarFax, that chance has now passed. Given that the Boxster is NOT a very rare car or the most desirable Porsche the advantages of staying stock are miniscule.

I sugest you act like an owner, not a renter, and make her look anyway you like. Since noone NEEDS a Boxster, it really is all about how you feel about your car. After what you went through it makes sense to 'do a little extra' to rekindle the driving magic.

P.S. I second the vote on clear sidemarker (to go with your Xenon's) and would recommend the 5-spoke carrera style lightweights as an 18-inch wheel. Wheel enhancement has a large inventory of Porsche wheels and gives good service, but doesn't have the low, low prices you occaisionally find on the message boards.

[Sboxin]

My barber (Corvette guy) is encouraging us to keep the Boxster as original as possible -- What are the real benefits of doing that ??

You don't own a '97 (first year), or a first year S, or a last year 986, of an anniversary edition, so the ONLY benifit of stock is to avoid the appearance of having been in an accident or being labelled an 'aggressive' driver when you go to resell. In these days of CarFax, that chance has now passed. Given that the Boxster is NOT a very rare car or the most desirable Porsche the advantages of staying stock are miniscule.

I sugest you act like an owner, not a renter, and make her look anyway you like. Since noone NEEDS a Boxster, it really is all about how you feel about your car. After what you went through it makes sense to 'do a little extra' to rekindle the driving magic.

P.S. I second the vote on clear sidemarker (to go with your Xenon's) and would recommend the 5-spoke carrera style lightweights as an 18-inch wheel. Wheel enhancement has a large inventory of Porsche wheels and gives good service, but doesn't have the low, low prices you occaisionally find on the message boards.

Thanks adsach!

I agree with your thoughts on maintaining an original Boxster. Now for the continuing saga...

I found Lits in LA for $1195. And, we do like the 5 spoke 18" Porsche wheels - those will come in Feb.

The problem we are having now is with the body shop -- I thought I had an arrangement/verbal agreement with the shop about doing the GT3 bumper, but that was nullified by the owner. Seems the bottom line is still the MONEY!! They won't let me bring a bumper to them (with a discount for the original part ($713) to paint match and install at the price given by the insurance company. They ordered a $2300 GT3 bumper and expect me to pay the difference between the insurance $713 Boxster bumper and the $2300 GT3 bumper. Because the shop makes a lot of money on the parts they are not willing to do it my way!

The bumper I found in LA is $950 and not an aftermarket -- a real Porsche part!

So...now we are back to just repair to original Boxster and forget any upgrades.

I will be happy to get back a car with a "new" front end and look like a new car. The old bumper cover had those wonderful bottom scratches from the parking lots plus the normal rock chips. I'll do the GT3 the next time we get whacked in the front.

The LA source is www.departstop.com (talk to Dayton) -- not affiliated

I'll do the Lits on my own $ and install myself. The new wheels and Lits along with the newly painted front end will give us a new car -- that we, of course, will be very proud to own!

Also, I will be requesting dimished value damages from the insurance company based on Kevin's (in Atlanta) input -- pay an appraiser and submit to the insurance -- sue the owner if insurance doesn't pay.

BTW -- we did the clutch R/R with great success -- not that hard at all - it could be done in 6 hours (or less)the second time.

AND, how is your move to Boston going? Wish you well on your move!

We lived in Clifton Park for 3 years (before moving here in '95 and liked to go to Boston and Cape Cod for family trips. Except for the winters, we liked the whole NE.

[adsach]

The problem we are having now is with the body shop -- I thought I had an arrangement/verbal agreement with the shop about doing the GT3 bumper, but that was nullified by the owner. Seems the bottom line is still the MONEY!! They won't let me bring a bumper to them (with a discount for the original part ($713) to paint match and install at the price given by the insurance company. They ordered a $2300 GT3 bumper and expect me to pay the difference between the insurance $713 Boxster bumper and the $2300 GT3 bumper. Because the shop makes a lot of money on the parts they are not willing to do it my way!

The bumper I found in LA is $950 and not an aftermarket -- a real Porsche part!

So...now we are back to just repair to original Boxster and forget any upgrades.

I will be happy to get back a car with a "new" front end and look like a new car. The old bumper cover had those wonderful bottom scratches from the parking lots plus the normal rock chips. I'll do the GT3 the next time we get whacked in the front.

The LA source is www.departstop.com (talk to Dayton) -- not affiliated

I'll do the Lits on my own $ and install myself. The new wheels and Lits along with the newly painted front end will give us a new car -- that we, of course, will be very proud to own!

Also, I will be requesting dimished value damages from the insurance company based on Kevin's (in Atlanta) input -- pay an appraiser and submit to the insurance -- sue the owner if insurance doesn't pay.

BTW -- we did the clutch R/R with great success -- not that hard at all - it could be done in 6 hours (or less)the second time.

AND, how is your move to Boston going? Wish you well on your move!

We lived in Clifton Park for 3 years (before moving here in '95 and liked to go to Boston and Cape Cod for family trips. Except for the winters, we liked the whole NE.

That sucks about the price quote having built in parts overcharges. Having done the clutch I'm sure you realize replacing the front bumper cover is well within your mechanical skills. It's mostly an issue of paint color.

The move to Boston is going fine. Packed the non-essential kitchen items and some of the basement today. They are predicting temps in the 50s tomorrow, so I will be able to pack the garage and tool shed. I'm looking forward to Boston as I am a lot more a city guy than living in Niskayuna(just off Balltown) would suggest. I did a mental inventory and I actually have more non-work friends in the Boston area than the Albany area. I had even more in AZ before we have to migrate to cold country.