The driver side bolster was worn through, so I swapped out that portion of the seat the other day. Head unit next.
The driver side bolster was worn through, so I swapped out that portion of the seat the other day. Head unit next.
Head unit install went smoothly and I like how it matches interior amber illuminations at night. I plan on tackling the front struts next- Does anyone have any 986 tips/tricks or is it all pretty straight forward compared to other cars?
Troubleshooting Becker CDR 220: https://youtu.be/_bUcn9l5d0s
Installing head unit: https://youtu.be/h-1Kn66MUB4
While I have my heart set on a 996, this thread and the low prices of Boxsters makes me want one really badly.
In reply to mxandcx5 :
So in your short ownership, how is it comparing to past Miata that you have owned?
In reply to Caprigrip :
Short answer: More mature, capable, solid, and special, but hides speed rather than amplifying it, so less exhilarating, tactile, and fun. If I had to get rid of one, it would be a really hard choice.
Long answer: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/986-vs-miata-comparison/182783/page1/
In reply to infinitenexus :
After owning this car I started looking into 996/997/Caymans for a daily, but the upcoming BRZ/GR 86 just makes much more sense IMHO. I'm sure some people would question that cross-shop, but I cross-shopped this 986 with a JDM Honda Beat and a NA8 Miata.
I replaced the cam solenoid seal that had a small oil leak pictured on page 2 of this thread. So far having the previous maintenance records have helped point me in the right direction- I had no idea what the component was called when I saw the leak, but found it listed in the records as recommended for repair & declined- along with the spark plugs & tubes and rear scavenge oil pump seal that I still need to replace (very minor seep as well).
After discovering the mounting studs were bent to my driver side convertible top transmission, I converted it from power to manual operations (after failing to persuade them into alignment). I removed the components pictured below from the car and it felt like a good heft of weight, but total they weighed just under 11 lbs according to the local USPS scale. I had good luck bending the clamshell back into form in a matter of minutes using the technique depicted below (thanks to renntech forum and a pair of helping hands!).
In preparation for the Boxster's journey from TX to PA, I replaced the front struts, strut mounts, bump stops (old ones must have disintegrated long ago), sway bar end links and bushings. I had plans to swap the rears before departing as well, but I didn't make it happen in time. My ancient phone didn't have space to shoot a concise YouTube video which is lacking on the web or I would have made one. The job was fairly straight forward and didn't give me any issues
We fought weather the vast majority of our trip for days on end. I was surprised at just how stable the car was on Pilot Sport tires at highway speed in absolute downpours. I didn't hydroplane once. The front end suspension felt great in the twisties and I can't wait to take care of the same on the rear.
More please!
I'm digging this thread as I'm contemplating buying a roach of a 986 for a couple thousand bucks and I'm enjoying seeing your experience with your beautiful car!
I was able to have the A/C refrigerant fully drained and recharged today. It only had .40lbs remaining of it's nearly 1.9lbs capacity and no record of a recharge. I usually only drive it in the top down configuration, but it's going to be my DD while my BRZ is getting a new motor.
I always found the gas pedal to sit way too low in relation to the brake pedal to make heel-toe downshifting to be an easy or satisfying action. I ordered some nice aluminum pedal covers from SRPracing in North Carolina last summer, but the pedal still sat too low for my taste. I finally am happy with adjusting the spacers underneath the pedal cover to make it a seemless transition between the brake and throttle.
Product unboxing/install/adjustment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYYeuUJvD14
Chris Harris is my sanity check at 8:05 mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk-6s-ZhlYs
And I'm just realizing now that I had started this thread in the general forum instead of the Builds and Project Cars. My apologies.
Rear suspension refresh complete and I was able to give it an alignment on a nifty new machine after shaking it down and checking torque that values held. Oil change this week too after putting 5,000 miles on it in my first year- coming up on 150k. I'm considering a 987 to replace the BRZ. I've never driven one and would like to check out the Cayman and PDK too
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj0X3KqzfUs
It has been too long since I have updated this thread, which has largely become a maintenance log. I'm hoping that lots of maintenance in 2023 means lots of driving in 2024. Work completed in 2023 (using almost entirely OEM parts): AOS, larger oil cooler from Boxster S with new hoses & gaskets, throttle body cleaning and gaskets, rebuild of secondary air injection system, intake manifold gaskets, water pump, low temp thermostat, new coolant hoses, coolant and drive belt. Oil was changed and current mileage is 154k. I picked up a deal on a Brey-Krause roll bar extension and I may be picking up a hard top soon too..
Hey, good to hear that progress is progressing.
If you’d like this thread moved into the Builds/Project Car subforum, just let us know.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Yes, please!! That is one of the reasons I haven't been posting as much. I have tried to figure out how to move it and have not been able to. I would appreciate that very much.
Eds, if I could have this thread moved into the Builds/Project Car subforum that would be great. I'm contemplating selling soon and I would like to make updates here with all the recent maintenance. Thank you!
mxandcx5 said:But I have been side tracked trying to fix an issue with the power top that failed on me for the past week. More in depth thread about it posted to another forum.
And this is me getting PTSD over having had to deal with Boxster tops, after one of the big speedometer cable looking things breaks.
This post was three years ago, I hope you got it back together without finding out that it mangled the inner fender where the hinges are.
@Pete. (l33t FS) It left me scarred as well and no, but that is that is exactly what happened! You would have saved me countless hours of trying to figure out what the issue was- the inner fender ended up being bent just slightly and prevented the transmission from sitting on the mounting bolts at the right axis. Manual is better, no worries about being stranded topless.
Recent highlights:
Both rad fans replaced with 50k used units late July 2024 after one of the resistors had failed at 154.4k. Saved over $850 what they would have cost new and I now consider the cooling system to be throughly refreshed.
s:
I could not avoid the $150 Pcar tax on 2x hardtop inserts and bolts, but it was for a good cause...
No way of knowing for sure, but it feels as if the hardtop on the 986 adds a lot more structural integrity than when I put one on my NB Miata? The mounting points and attachment method on the Boxster seem to tie it into the car's structure better, but my NB Miata memories are almost 15 years old at this point. Either way, it now feels like a more serious, focused car. I'm actually looking forward to picking up the storage cart and having more fun with the top off and down while the fall weather is here.
It seems like you've really got it sorted out, but you're considering selling it? It's good to see these cars can live into high mileage and continue to click off the miles (and no doubt smiles!) with little fanfare.
Excellent, informative thread. I hope you're not selling it, but I'm bookmarking for future reference.
In reply to Loweguy5 :
Maintenance isn't necessarily difficult on the 986, but it does take more time and more things break. A rad fan on a 90s Mazda/Honda would not have been the all day affair that both fans were on Boxster. I prefer a high mileage, well cared for car rather than one that sits and that sentiment goes double when it comes to Porsches. Idk if PCA would agree with that, but I think GRM would have my back.
If it wasn't for time constraints nudging me to set priorities the Boxster would be with me for a long time and who knows, it just may be. I have an old house and three other cars that are older than this one vying for time. Even though this one has a much higher performance envelope, it would be the NA6 Miata, 91 Civic hatch and 99 Civic coupe that stay (sensations + sensibilities>capabilities). If I came across another well loved car in that vein on the right day I would even consider a trade, but I prob won't be posting it anytime soon. Lots of smiles for sure! And gorgeous looking Mustang GT btw.
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