I'll keep this short and sweet.
Cosmetic differences aside (which are subjective), for a GRM type who would be planning to do modifications and bang the car around at HPDEs, is there any particularly compelling reason to hold out for a later '03-04/986.2 Boxster S versus the earlier '00-02/986.1 version?
I know that the '03-04 cars are supposed to have 8 more horsepower but I'd imagine that could easily be rectified via the aftermarket.
5 chain engine vs 3 chain. A ‘00 may have the dual row IMS bearing. An 02-04 will definitely have the small single row IMS bearing. 3 chain engine has more advanced VVT system and should have broader powerband. Used 5 chain engines are more affordable if bad things happen.
Honestly, I’d look for the one with best service history, price and color you like. I’d also pay a bit more for sport seats. If you get one with sport seats and decide to go race seat, I’m in the market.
According to the recent GRM Live broadcast, the early 986 Boxster/ 996 911 engines have engineering flaws that are critical and expensive to fix. The revised engines still have some issues, but not as critical.
If you're in the market for a 986 Boxster it's worth the listen: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/grm-live-6-26-19/
Or do like me and buy an early Boxster S with the fixes done with paperwork.
This is merely an on-paper proposal at this point, but the common IMS/RMS/etc would be planned for if not taken care of already.
Just wanted to make sure there wasn't a "DEFINITELY hold out for ____ model year" opinion or anything else I was missing.
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