Just purchased my first porsche. (yes i am excited) got a few Qs to with it.. sorry :)

Pistol pete · Apr 19, 2018

Hi Everyone..
you probably guess by the username but my names Pete
I am 35, live in Kent,uk.. I have wife, daughter, and lots of animals..
Saying i am a car nut would be an under-statement. Last count i have had well over 100 cars..
I come from mainly Japanese cars. especially MR2s (all 3 mks) so used to mid engine cars trying to kill you when they can. I even had a race car mk2 mr2.
Other than that i have had a full range of cars from 650hp supras to diesel corsa's.
I have alway wanted a Porsche. and now seemed the right time to do it..
Currently in my stable i have
1990 Mini cooper
2015 ST180 fiesta
1995 2.8 Pajero (love this thing)
2004 Sprint Car RX8 used in the javelin/japanese sprint series
Just swapped out my mini cooper S clubman (2008) for the porsche..
So i have picked up a W reg 2.7 Boxster Black with Black leather
105K miles
Full Porsche/Porsche specialist history. Completely standard other than stereo
test drove it last sunday. Fell in love with the noise instantly.
Had a good think about it on the drive home (3hours) and decided later that evening i had to have it.
He put a new battery on, gave it a service too and i picked it up today
Ross was a top bloke and really looked after me (greatcars on ebay based in oxfordshire)
So I picked it up this morning in this beautiful weather. roof down.. Loved it.. it was everything i hoped it would be... THAT NOISE!!!!
It was a long journey around the M25 back down south with lots of traffic. but home showed the wife, then back to work for this evenings shift! can't wait for the drive home now..
Pictures will followat the bottom of the post.. As normal I have a few questions (sorry i will go searching too)
1) Temp gauge..!! its seems to move a lot. bearing in mind today is very warm. it settles just over pointing straight up (see pic below) in traffic went pretty much ip to the last white line and stayed around there, dropped back down.. I have heard these are not buffered gauges.
So i got home. and checked the High speed fans worksat almost the white line, but i didn't hear a low speed fan before.. so i need to change resistor?
Coming from MR2s i know Mid engine coolant can be a pain. are there bleed points or anything i need to be aware or keep on top fo (how to clean radiator ducts?) or could the water pump be a little tired? any help would be great to keep ontop of!
2) Key. I only have one

best place to get one in kent. Porsche only?.. expensive?
3)Rear spoiler.. How do i know this goes up? can i test it at all? i can't see it thats all, i have a red light comes on when start the car with what looks like spoiler on it, then i goes out
4) super unleaded only?
5)I want to get another backbox, do you have to take the rear bumper etc off to do it or can you just remove from underneath

6) lastly for now, sorry. It has cut out on me twice when coming to a stop. the revs drop and it seems to catch itself. but twice normally after a long run when coming to a round about itll cut and restarts fine.. (just wondered if there was a common cause to this)
sorry for the questions i hope you can help and this is the right place..

New porsche by peteandkel, on Flickr
Check temp gauge for ref.. it normally sat just below this moving up to this. only goes above this in traffic

New porsche by peteandkel, on Flickr

New porsche by peteandkel, on Flickr
when its not quite as warm i will need to de-swirl the paint work

New porsche by peteandkel, on Flickr

New porsche by peteandkel, on Flickr

thanks for looking
I'll try and get to a meet at somepoint

CLIFFWILKINS · Apr 19, 2018

Congratulations on your new car.
I see your a guess of PCGB you should get joined up all sorts of benifits plus a monthly magazine.
Will try to answer a few Questions you posed.
Temp gauge looks about right position given a hot day
Key. You should have negotiated a key when buying it will be expensive and need coding.
Rear spoiler if memory serves me ok there should be a switch in the footwell if you press it you will probably hear spoiler being raised.
Petrol octane Can of worms it will run perfectly fine on standard fuel and also on super unleaded which has addatives for cleaner burn
Prices are more obviously for higher octane but you takes you pick. Personally always used the higher octane stuff.
Back box I believe the bumper might have to be removed.
Cutting out definitely shouldn't do that not unless it was stalled something that needs investigation might be many things might be the Maff but not worth speculation.
Hope that's helped a bit.
Enjoy your car.
Cheers Cliff.

Pistol pete · Apr 19, 2018

Hi Cliff
thanks for the welcome, guessing the temp gauge isn't buffered so expect it to move around then? (glad that's where it should sit)
Yeah i did negotiate the price. thats why i don't mid doing a few bits

.
I stick to putting tesco 99 in then as its closest to my work (never normal tesco fuel), but when at shell i'll use normal. that tends to be what i do.
It has been sat for a while i think so ill see if it cuts out again. if it does i shall investigate further

I shall look forward to bumper removal

but sure itll be worth it

thanks
Pete
Oh and yes.. i will become a full member on payday

I just paid out for the car.

I am one who doesn't scrimp on my cars. they only ever get the best, and if they need it they get it

Chappelle · Apr 19, 2018

Welcome!

I think you might just like this website

https://www.pelicanparts.com/boxster/boxster_tech.htm

Also in book form

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Projects-Porsche-Boxster-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760335540/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524161199&sr=8-1&keywords=porsche+boxster

Unable to answer your specific questions as my car is a slightly different version. Sure you'll enjoy the car!

Pistol pete · Apr 19, 2018

thanks!!

Just walked down to the car.. just to look

found the spoiler button.. that works

also done the oil level check its above max so i shall drain a little out toomorrow morning as i read that's very bad for them

richardjjs1 · Apr 20, 2018

TReat yourself to 101 Project to do on your Porsche Boxster (eBay)
Will give a whole load of help like bleedinh the Radiators etc
Even tell you how to strip the engine for a full rebuild
FUEL
Remember when you fill up if you put less than 25.00 worth in and its nearly empty it may not show on gauge (Design Fault)

WAter
As you know the engine is behind the rear seat.
In the boot is the top up for Water and Oil
There is a bleed button/switch either in the boot by the water filler or when you lift the back window/ rear cover of soft top

KEY
Porsche Centre only 150.00 + resetting

ALWAYS ALWAYS Ask Porsche centre for prices first they often have fixed prices

Don't like the cutting out - did you get a warranty might need a fuel filter

Oil level can be a bit of a bugger If its not fully drained and you put the full amount in it will be over.
When you drain a bit out do it into a clean container and check there is no bits !!!
Nice thing about the 986 is it has a dipstick (Other then you!!) where you can chec k how far over filled it is. 987 Only has electronic so you don't know how far over filled it is!!)+

Have a bit of fun remove front PU (Bumper) and clean out the Radiators and Air Condition Radiators lots f leaves can rot the radiator about 7 screws under body , remove front wheel covers, three under front boot cover. (987 has 2 clips as well that is a bugger to remove by the headlight
REar PU is similar but you need to strip the rear spoiler and remove the securing screws.

Headlight have a tool in the tool case - again 1/2 hour to put back first time 5 minutes once you've done it

Both jobs take about 2 hours first time - 1/2 an hour after that!!

HAVE FUN

richardjjs1 · Apr 20, 2018

FINALLY I would run a FULL tankful of SHELL super unleaded it does clean everything up

LOVE THE NOISE!! So why change the rear box!!

Pistol pete · Apr 20, 2018

because a bit more noise is always good

Thanks Richard.
The cutting out is not an issue,(touch wood) like said it had been sat now i have run it it hasn't done it since.. so hopefully it stays away

The front i had a look today has Zunsport grills and is completely clean in front of the rads and due to the grills should stop more leaves getting it.
also i found its been de-snorkeled too

Yeah i say i would put normal unleaded in.. but when at the pump i still pick up the super

I seee you have had a 911, how do you find it to the 2.7 boxster

cheers
Pete

richardjjs1 · Apr 21, 2018

LOved my 911c - 996 Typtronic
Bought it four years ago and it was incredible. From day one we had a strange noise at the back The garage I bought it from spend around 5k trying to find it. New front diff new torque converter. It was just a worry so we sold it
In answer to your question we bought a 996 which we loved Typtronic - No so eye catching as the911 but a nice car .

Decided to upgrade it to a 987 Manual. Its actually more fun than the Typtronic box but would hate to get in too many traffic jams as I have problems with my knees!

I think it holds the road better than the 996 as the engine in in front of the back axle weras the engine is behind in the 911.

THink it more affordable although I never experienced a lot of problems with the other Porsche

On the whole we love it - Yes a big lottery win would get me a 911 GT3 but

Pistol pete said:
because a bit more noise is always good

Thanks Richard.
The cutting out is not an issue,(touch wood) like said it had been sat now i have run it it hasn't done it since.. so hopefully it stays away

The front i had a look today has Zunsport grills and is completely clean in front of the rads and due to the grills should stop more leaves getting it.
also i found its been de-snorkeled too

Yeah i say i would put normal unleaded in.. but when at the pump i still pick up the super

I seee you have had a 911, how do you find it to the 2.7 boxster

cheers
Pete

Motorhead · Apr 21, 2018

Hi Pete,

I think that others have covered most of your questions but here are some other pointers.

For your 986 the cooling regime is, I think, that the two fans should come on at low speed when the coolant temperature reaches 100 degC and switch to high speed when the temperature rises to about 102 degC (although this is also related to the A/C compressor load) and remain at high speed until the temperature drops to 96 degC. If the A/C is on and the compressor is running then the fans should run at low speed all the time unless the temperature rises to 102 degC when they should switch to high speed (or they could run at high speed if there is very high A/C demand). If your fans aren't running at low speed then it would be worth checking out the balast resistor.

I know that your car's fitted with front intake grilles but you may want to remove the front bumper to get access to the A/C condensers and coolant radiators to give everything a good clean-up too. A lot of crud collects between the condensers and coolant rads. There are plenty of pointers on how to do this online.

At 105k miles you might want to consider replacing the water pump if it's not been done. Failures aren't unknown.

Bleeding the system can be a bit tricky - I think the dealerships have some sort of vacuum device to help bleed the system. Some owners resort to jacking up the back end to get the air out..!

You can run on regular fuel (the knock sensors will adjust the ignition timing to suit) but I'd be inclined to treat the engine to a couple of Shell V-Power fill-ups to give the system a decent purge. After that it's your choice.

What are your brake discs like? Be sure to check the inner faces for excessive corrosion.

Rough idling/running issues can be related to MAF sensor and coil-pack degredation.

Suspension clonks invariably are due to wear in elastomeric components.

For reference, if you've not noticed there's a useful Buyers Guide on this site:

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/regions-registers/registers/modern/boxster/boxster-buyers-guides/986-buyers-guide

It looks as though you've got a very tidy little car Pete. Enjoy it now that summer's (almost!) here.

Finally, think about joining the Club - you'll get an opportunity to meet up with other like-minded Porsche enthusiasts in your area and elsewhere.

Jeff

Boris the spyder · Apr 30, 2018

Hi Pete
Nice looking Boxster, Have to say I loved my MR2 Turbo, Rev3, T-Bar. Should never have sold it to be honest. The handling I found to be great, it was the sweetspot of the MK2 range. That car was a 1995 and a wee Ferrari. If my Boxster proves as reliable as that car I will be well happy, never a hicup with it, getting hard to find unmolested ones and the price is rising. As much fun as a Boxster INMHO. Cracker for sale on Pistonheads at the moment, just lacks the T-Bar roof and the leather seats. Ahead of its time, not unlike a Boxster layout either.

https://www.pistonheads.c...t-just-arrived/6213809

Pistol pete · May 8, 2018

Boris the spyder said:
Hi Pete
Nice looking Boxster, Have to say I loved my MR2 Turbo, Rev3, T-Bar. Should never have sold it to be honest. The handling I found to be great, it was the sweetspot of the MK2 range. That car was a 1995 and a wee Ferrari. If my Boxster proves as reliable as that car I will be well happy, never a hicup with it, getting hard to find unmolested ones and the price is rising. As much fun as a Boxster INMHO. Cracker for sale on Pistonheads at the moment, just lacks the T-Bar roof and the leather seats. Ahead of its time, not unlike a Boxster layout either.

https://www.pistonheads.c...t-just-arrived/6213809

Thanks

I have always had the sweet spot for the mk1.
I have had several of all of them (inc supercharged mk1, mk1 with a mk2 turbo lump, several mk2 turbos and NAs and a couple of mk3s)
I had a mk2 NA sprint car i built from a UK rev5. that was a sweet sport for me!

great cars
but i am loving the porsche now though.