2.5 change to 3.2 comments please

[Glyn]

Well finally after 4 years with the 2.5 the hankering for an S has got too much, i have spent thousands bringing my 97 up to newer standards, you know the usual clear lights and fitted HIDs, 17" wheels etc etc and rectifying every single fault - mine is so good looking, reliable and fault free that the decision to change is i guess one of the heart ruling the head, so now i am looking.
Test drove a 2002 S, 45000 miles on Sat 3rd Feb 07, I expected a massive difference in performance but i didnt feel that - it really did not feel any quicker - where are the extra 50 horses? To be fair i usually drive on my own and i did have the sales manager with me, i was in traffic for most of the test drive and only once had an opportunity to give it a bit of stick - the clutch was very heavy compared to my 2.5 so the gear change wasn't as slick as i would usually attain - i wonder if my expectations were too high.
The car also has a coating on the paintwork at the front which visually gives a line straight across the wings/bonnet which protects the paint from chipping - not seen this before and not sure if i could live with this - could i have it removed - is this common?

Comments appreciated from you guys and girls


Glyn

 

[oliver]

IMO, the difference betweeen the original 2.5 and a good 3.2'S' is very noticeable.

 

[Andy Cooke]

"the clutch was very heavy "

Usually a sign of an almost worn out clutch

 

[Andy Tims]

ORIGINAL: oliver

IMO, the difference betweeen the original 2.5 and a good 3.2'S' is very noticeable.

Agreed.

Heavy clutch usually = pending replacement.

Find one you're sure about & you will be very pleased.

 

[jac in a box]

Should be a very noticeable difference in performance between a 2.5 and 3.2. Agree with the heavy clutch comments too - a good indicator that a repacement is due.

Paint protection films can be removed. On a dark car you may see some colour difference between the protected/ non-protected areas, that should be able to be cured with a good polishing.
Mixed feelings on these films - good for protection, but can leave that annoying visible line, the cheaper films can also start to "yellow" quite quickly. Also start to look horribly tatty after a few years...IIRC, theses films do need renewing after so many years.

Sounds as though you haven't picked a great example for a test drive - plenty to choose from!

Dave

 

[okellyt]

Glyn

I am with the others I ahd an S on a 52 plate and run up 50k miles on it. Firstly it is much much quicker, if you don't notice it rey another car. The breaks should be a big step up too.

But you do need to plant your foot on the floor and work right through the revs to just under the red line to really get the differnce

Heavy pedal = new clutch, I am with the others.

Personal view on the film not based on fact however - I'd rather buy and have my own fitted than take someone elses unless I'd done my reseach first and was looking for a particular manufacturers application.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: Glyn

Comments appreciated from you guys and girls

Glyn

Glyn I am on 5th Boxster to date had 2.5x 2 3.2 x 3 and it sounds like you have managed the double found a dog with fleas []

Keep looking there are so many excellent examples out there and difference between a 2.5 & 3.2 should be immediately noticable at any speed

 

[Glyn]

Thanks Guys, I didnt have the opportunity to really take the revs right up and apart from the heavy clutch the car felt very good.
Although there is a six month warranty thrown in i doubt the clutch would be covered as usually it is classed as fair wear and tear, at 45000 with two owners i guess the clutch will be about ready to change, personally i could make a clutch last 100000 miles but some people like to raise the revs then slip the clutch in.

Many thanks for all your input

Glyn

 

[GreigM]

To my mind clutches in modern porsche are soft - don't know if this is to give better feel, or simply high powered cars wear them, but I've never had to replace a clutch on a car until I started owning porsche, including 120k miles on a nissan (and still going strong) so I can't imagine its my technique like the OPC would like me to believe.

As for the 2.5 to 3.2, I went from a 2.7 (228 bhp) to 3.2 (266bhp) (by way of a GT3) and there is a difference, not huge by any means, so if you're expecting a kick in the back difference you won't get it - easier pickup at low revs, more eager revving throughout the range, generally more responsive feel. It can be difficult to tell because of the differing ratios between the 5 and 6 speed. It is a subtle difference (it is only 0.5s or so from 0-60 after all) but it definitely is there. Its more about driveability rather than out and out performance.

For reference, on track (knockhill) I had a friend in a 3.2 nailed to my bumper for several laps and he said he wasn't noticeably gaining anywhere due to the power difference - up the straight I reckoned he lost any bhp gain against the longer ratios of the 5 speed (i.e. changed gear less) - maybe with a longer circuit there would have been a greater difference.

 

[Glyn]

ORIGINAL: GreigM

To my mind clutches in modern porsche are soft - don't know if this is to give better feel, or simply high powered cars wear them, but I've never had to replace a clutch on a car until I started owning porsche, including 120k miles on a nissan (and still going strong) so I can't imagine its my technique like the OPC would like me to believe.

As for the 2.5 to 3.2, I went from a 2.7 (228 bhp) to 3.2 (266bhp) (by way of a GT3) and there is a difference, not huge by any means, so if you're expecting a kick in the back difference you won't get it - easier pickup at low revs, more eager revving throughout the range, generally more responsive feel. It can be difficult to tell because of the differing ratios between the 5 and 6 speed. It is a subtle difference (it is only 0.5s or so from 0-60 after all) but it definitely is there. Its more about driveability rather than out and out performance.

For reference, on track (knockhill) I had a friend in a 3.2 nailed to my bumper for several laps and he said he wasn't noticeably gaining anywhere due to the power difference - up the straight I reckoned he lost any bhp gain against the longer ratios of the 5 speed (i.e. changed gear less) - maybe with a longer circuit there would have been a greater difference.

Thanks GreigM, perhaps your explanation is the factor i have missed - the more responsive feel.
I was stuck in traffic at less than 30 for most of the drive, i was in Chesterfield and did not know the roads or where i was going, the sales manager to be fair was a distraction but not that he was intending to be and the heavy clutch was not a joy - perhaps all factors considered i wasnt relaxed enough to just enjoy.
This morning (Mon) the dealer will be phoning me to try and clinch the deal - so now i need to think what direction i will choose, walk away or try to get some of my concerns addressed.
The car did feel nice to drive - no rattles/creaks and very comfy even though it has the lowered sports suspension and with the GT3 split rims, sports seats, litronics and Sat Nav i find i am lusting after the car, It is in very good condition - apart from that Film on the paintwork.
I guess if i can get a new clutch and get a reasonable price trade in for mine i will consider it, but i will test drive another car first.
Thanks everyone for your most constructive comments - feel free to continue to add to this thread as i will not be wrapping up the deal immediately.......Glyn

 

[oliver]

Like Daro (Rob), we've had several Boxsters, in various configurations, since launch, and we've often compared notes.

The extra power, torque, 6-spd box, bigger brakes, e-gas throttle, and numerous other tweeks and refinements make the 'S' a terrific package, and significant upgrade over the 2.5.

However, I'm not convinced that 'Sports Suspension' and 18" wheels are the best set up for the 986'S', especially for road use.

Aesthetically, it'll look great. But, IMO, the 986'S' is far nicer on the standard suspension and 17" wheels.

 

[Dapster]

If you can, try and find a 986 S at an OPC and get a test drive. Even if it's not in your spec and above your price range, it should be representative of what a good used 986 should feel like. Say what you want about OPC's but their used stock should be pretty well sourced and prepared (of course there will always be a few rogues that slip through the net but this is unlikely).

A 3.2 and a 2.5 should be miles apart. The bhp gap is more like 60, and the 6 speeds and greater torque will be obvious once you are outside the city. Where the S really shines is the in-gear acceleration rather than standing start, so when you're next on a test drive, find a nice piece of clear, smooth, swooping road and give it some beans in 2nd and 3rd from around 4,000 to the red line and you WILL feel the difference!

 

[GreigM]

The other thing I'd say - the GT3 "Sport Design" wheels look great but are hellish from an ownership point of view. Because the spokes are quite tight together and there are lots of grooves and nobbly bits they are a nightmare to clean, and also the insides are difficult to access to clean without removing the wheel - this leads to the main problem, corrosion. I find they corrode quite badly because of a combination of factors and the crunch is because they are two-piece wheels it is expensive and dificult to get them refurbed, so if you're going to buy a car with them make sure you inspect them well for any sign of corrosion and then look after them properly.

 

[Guest]

Have a 986 S myself on a 2002 plate. I drove a number of 2.7's before setlling on the 3.2 S. Cant reccomend it highly enough and I will back up previous comments, take a test drive in an OPC car and you will definately see where the extra bhp is.

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[Guest]

The diaphragm spring in clutches slowly work hardens with age and hence progressively requires more effort. In my experience a new clutch is always significantly lighter than the one replaced.