Performance Upgrades?

[cmarks20]

I mentioned before that I was considering a biturbo setup on my 2000 Boxster. After chatting with some other Dorkis about properly utilizing what I have, I have decided against it (at least for the time being). At the same respect though, I still want more power. Don't worry, I have a plethra of safety equipment I'm looking at as well; including seat harnesses, possibly street performance seats, some form of roll cage (that will meet PCA standards), and a fire extinguisher (just in case).

I think my first step will be the intake. I've heard that using an oil based filter (like the K&N) can burn out the filament in the MAF. Has anyone here found this to be true, or is it just a random occurrance on some Boxsters? I want to implement some kind of system to let the car breathe a bit easier, but I'm not sure where to start; and paying $500 for a simple intake seems ridiculous to me. I also don't want to run into MAF problems due to an oil based filter. Any suggestions? What have you other Boxster guys done?

For the exhaust, I'm thinking a header and full cat-back to compliment the intake. Any specific brand or model of exhaust that has worked well?

Finally, the chip upgrade. I've noticed that most places sell and use GAIC when it comes to the Boxster. I'm not interested in raising the rev limiter, but would like a slightly more aggressive fuel map and ingition timing to take full advantage of the increase in engine breathing. Are all of the GAIC solutions the same? If not, is there one you guys would suggest?

[pookie]

Cost?

I think, read think that the place and Knoxville that does superchargers on the 3.0-3.6 911 motors has a kit for the Boxster. I think I saw that somewhere. Where escapes me right now.

[cmarks20]

Cost?

I think, read think that the place and Knoxville that does superchargers on the 3.0-3.6 911 motors has a kit for the Boxster. I think I saw that somewhere. Where escapes me right now.

I've seen a few supercharger setups as well, but want to stay NA for the time being. I think there is a plae in MD that has a supercharger setup based on the C1 procharger, I just can't remember the name of the company.

[racer]

De-snorkling makes 'em sound better. I am told headers and muffler are a great way to shed weight and gain a few hp. Chip? seems hit or miss in terms of believability of HP claims. That said, starting with 217, you might get up to 225-230 if the "system" is improved properly.

Yes, K&N's foul the MAFs. avoid.

The cheapest way to get more HP is to get an S or swap engines. The boxster is about handling and balance, not raw speed.

The best way to go faster is to be a better driver. Plus, that mod can then be put in any car you drive :)

[turbo23dog]

My new to me Boxster came with a PSE - Porsche Sport Exhaust. I have no idea what kind of HP gain it might provide but it sure does sound good.

[cmarks20]

De-snorkling makes 'em sound better. I am told headers and muffler are a great way to shed weight and gain a few hp. Chip? seems hit or miss in terms of believability of HP claims. That said, starting with 217, you might get up to 225-230 if the "system" is improved properly.

Yes, K&N's foul the MAFs. avoid.

The cheapest way to get more HP is to get an S or swap engines. The boxster is about handling and balance, not raw speed.

The best way to go faster is to be a better driver. Plus, that mod can then be put in any car you drive :)


How does de-snorkeling work? I just want something less restrictive. I was thinking the same thing with headers and a muffler. Losing weight almost always helps, especially if you have a light car to start with. A 15-20 hp increase is plenty for right now. I just want a little more get up and go.

My new to me Boxster came with a PSE - Porsche Sport Exhaust. I have no idea what kind of HP gain it might provide but it sure does sound good.

I'll have to look into that and see what the associated cost is to have one put on. It may end up being more cost effective than an aftermarket.

I thought about just buying an "S" but I want to get this one paid off before I do. Eventually, I want a Box for the street and one as a weekend track car.

I'll be working on being a better driver overall while my upgrades are taking place. I just need to get out to some DEs and see what I'm not doing right, and what I need to improve on.

[BlackTalon]

Chris: You will likely spend $1,500+ (easy) to gain *maybe* 10 hp...

[racer]

Check out www.986forum.com (http://www.986forum.com) -lots of guys into getting a few more HP from their cars.

If I read the desnokling correctly, remove the engine vent behind the drivers door (1 small screw and some clips), pull out the long plastic accordian intake hose and remove. that simple.

Having moved from an "improved" 911SC to a Boxster (nonS) and now looking for another SC type car, I can say that out of the box, the Boxster outperforms the SC. Even modded like my 911 was, its edge over the Boxster was limited at best. The Boxster would benefit MOST from improved suspension geometry. Lowering/stiffer springs and more negative camber are the best improvements to be made to the Boxster. Reliability aside, had I done similar mods to the Boxster as i did to my 911, the Boxster would have been faster at the track.

The drawback to putting a cage in the Boxster is open air fun. I loved my 914, especially with the top off. After putting in the cage in the 914, driving with the roof off felt confining. Not nearly as much fun.. plus you might worry about your knoggin, or your passengers, finding the cage the hard way. On the plus side, having ridden in a Boxster with a cage, it really helps stiffen up the chassis.

[cmarks20]

Chris: You will likely spend $1,500+ (easy) to gain *maybe* 10 hp...

I've spent a lot less on more ridiculous things. You're right though, that is a bit of a hit for little return.

Check out www.986forum.com (http://www.986forum.com) -lots of guys into getting a few more HP from their cars.

If I read the desnokling correctly, remove the engine vent behind the drivers door (1 small screw and some clips), pull out the long plastic accordian intake hose and remove. that simple.

The drawback to putting a cage in the Boxster is open air fun. I loved my 914, especially with the top off. After putting in the cage in the 914, driving with the roof off felt confining. Not nearly as much fun.. plus you might worry about your knoggin, or your passengers, finding the cage the hard way. On the plus side, having ridden in a Boxster with a cage, it really helps stiffen up the chassis.

I was actually sent here from 986forum =). I wonder what the disadvantages to desnorkeling are.....

As far as the cage, that would be a serious downfall for me. Maybe I can get some sort of "half cage" or something. I'll have to check out what PCA wants us to have.

[Toby]

The cheapest way to get more HP is to get an S or swap engines.

x2.

For a lot less than $10k, you should be able to trade in for an "S" or to do a 3.2/3.4 swap and get a guaranteed hp boost.

Aftermarket headers and exhaust can easily run $3k before install, with dubious power gain claims. (Porsche aftermarket is a scam... the same performance headers and exhaust for a Honda would go for <$1k...)

[racer]

x2.

For a lot less than $10k, you should be able to trade in for an "S" or to do a 3.2/3.4 swap and get a guaranteed hp boost.

Aftermarket headers and exhaust can easily run $3k before install, with dubious power gain claims. (Porsche aftermarket is a scam... the same performance headers and exhaust for a Honda would go for <$1k...)

Also, it seems the "CEL" is a common issue when putting non porsche muffler/headers. Seems the Computer doesn't always like non-oem parts ;)

[Mike W]

Chris, it's been said before but forget the upgrades and just enjoy your car.

Save your $ for any number of things.

When I purchased my 911 the first thing I thought of was "hmmm, how can I make this a bit faster?"

At the end of the day, all of the cars on this forum are faster in both a straight line and around the bends than any person actually needs.... by a long shot.

I realize we all suffer from this disease but save your $. Not to jinx you, but something is bound to break at some point and Porsche's aren't cheep to fix, no matter how cheep they are to buy. And as DD pointed out, you spend mega bucks chasing only a few hp on these things.

Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[smdubovsky]

After replacing the boxsters headers/cats this weekend, there is no doubt in my mind there is power to be found there. The pipes are tiny (by 911 standards) and also very short. I can measure the diameter tonight. There are ~$500 stainless boxster headers avail on ebay that are larger and longer. Folks on PPBB seem to be happy w/ them and they do look to increase power. You could likely keep from throwing fault codes if you moved the secondary O2 sensors to after the 'aft' cat like the early cars did. Would need to weld in bungs and extend the cables.

I don't know that I buy into desnorkeling the intake. Maybe replace the accordian w/ smooth hose, but there are lots of people who can show power gains by using a cold air intake and desnorkeling is going backwards.

FWIW, you don't need a new chip to account for better "breathing". When the MAF measures more air it adds more fuel in proportion. Just like getting closer to sea level.

SMD

[JmuRiz]

FWIW, you don't need a new chip to account for better "breathing". When the MAF measures more air it adds more fuel in proportion. Just like getting closer to sea level.SMD
I know it's not a Boxter, but I did something similar on my Audi 2.8...got a modded MAF and it made more of a difference than my engine chip. As a pair they work great though.

[Jazzbass]

1. Take it to the track and learn to drive fast. Guaranteed that your perspective will be different afterwards.

2. IMO - best $$$ spent to make a car faster? Tires and brake pads. They make you go around turns quicker and brake better. That = faster.

3. Loose weight. Heavy = slow.

4. Suspension.

5. Still not happy? Sell it and buy a Cayman S, Boxster S or 911. Too many of us have made the mistake of getting married to these things by dumping cubic dollars into them. That's money that will never, ever be seen again.

6. If you still can't fight the urge to turbo charge it so you can get "kills" on the street, sell it and buy a Corvette. Street light drag racing is what they're all about, so why not get the best tool for the job. This doesn't sound like you're goal here, but if it is, I have the perfect forum for you to visit for advice :lol:

[Potomac-Greg]

To add my 2 cents. Discount the opinions of people who have already purchased a modification UNLESS they have good data to back up their claims. They're biased. How likely is someone who dropped a fortune on some mods to admit that they didn't make a difference?

If the manufacturer of the aftermarket part(s) had data showing performance gains, then they'd publish it, wouldn't they? So if convincing data isn't published, assume that the manufacturer either has NOT tested the parts, or has tested them and the data isn't very good for selling purposes.

Lastly, mods create glitches (CELs or worse), and your dealer may void your warranty, and NOBODY wants to work on the car for fear that they'll never get it right, and when you go to sell it, most mods will not enhance value, and may reduce it. I've seen the dark side of engine mods.:bang:

[Trak Ratt]

x2.

Aftermarket headers and exhaust can easily run $3k before install, with dubious power gain claims. (Porsche aftermarket is a scam... the same performance headers and exhaust for a Honda would go for <$1k...)
Wow, U OK? Haven't seen many of these from U!

[Rick V]

I have the perfect forum for you to visit for advice :lol:
:D

[cmarks20]

Well, looks like my performance whoes have been put to rest. I've been street racing for years, so maybe the disease is still coarsing in my veins a bit. As far as modification goes, maybe I'll just get a nice suspension, an improved brake system, and a nice set of tires; rather than spending a fortune on an exhaust and what not. I still would like an intake of some sort (I love that induction sound) and maybe the Porsche sport exhaust. Thanks for all the comments guys, it always helps to hear from other perspectives.