My 2019 718 Cayman GTS PDK

[Steve Brookes]

Brian, I have been very slow to realize that your spoiler is black! That's a great touch in my eyes and very Cayman R esque! Is that standard on the GTS or an option?

p.s. The weather has really turned around down here this week. Let's hope it stays that way for the RS day. Might even put mine back on the road tomorrow. []

 

[Brian_Innes]

Today I gave the GTS its first wash since the PPF application and ceramic paint treatment. It was a joy to wash using Gtechniq G-Wash conditioner. The road grime just lifted off leaving a pristine silky smooth finish. That was the good news.

During the washing process I noticed the front central radiator beneath the number plate had received several stone hits. As the central radiator is painted black, any stone hits on the matrix flatten the aluminium gills exposing the silver aluminium finish beneath. The outer aluminium radiators on the GTS are left unpainted, so any stone hits on these units do not show up quite so obtrusively. It is worth noting that the stone hits on my central radiator have occurred within only 1100 miles. I always keep well back from vehicles in front to minimise the likelihood of stone hits, but I have no control over vehicles coming in the opposite direction. Most of my mileage is done on single carriageway roads.

I already have a pair of Zunsport outer grills on standby which I have not yet fitted. The stone damage to the central radiator is now making me wish I had ordered the full set of 3 Zunsport grills. I mistakenly assumed that the central radiator seemed less vulnerable to stone hits than the outer units. This has proved to be a misguided decision.

The whole business of fitting after market protective grills and the ensuing warranty disclaimer issues arising from official Porsche AG communiques is a very vexing issue. The reason I am delaying fitting the Zunsport grills is purely for fear of any engine cooling or related issues arising in the early life of my car. The statements from Porsche AG on the fitting of aftermarket protective grills, states that if evidence is found of having fitted radiator grills to a car not normally factory equipped with these, any subsequent warranty claim will be void. This is bad news and a real dilemma for 718 GTS owners.

My plan is, when visiting Porsche Centre Chester, whom supplied my new car, early next month, I shall ask them to inspect the stone damage to the central radiator and give me guidance on my best course of action regarding the fitting of the Zunsport grills. Meantime, I am seriously considering ordering the central radiator grill from Zunsport as this area seems to be taking the most hits. If Porsche Chester are prepared to fit the grills for me and protect my interests in the case of any future warranty claim, I shall be happy to let them do that.

Any comments on the above will be appreciated.

Brian

Photo of stone hits on the 718 GTS central radiator after only 1100 miles.

 

[Steve Brookes]

The only comment I can make is that it seems utter madness that the GT4 comes with factory fitted protective grills for all radiators as standard and yet you could void the warranty on a 718 by fitting them. Maybe quiz OPC Chester about that when you see them?

 

[Brian_Innes]

Steve,

I'll email Porsche Chester on the Zunsport grill issue with an accompanying photo prior to my appointment so they can consider their response.

I agree, it seems very inconsistent of Porsche that the 981 Cayman GT4 comes with radiator grills fitted from the factory, and the current 718 GTS does not. Supposing a stone should puncture the unprotected radiator and cause a loss of coolant, what happens then? Will the replacement be under warranty? I need to get clarification on this.

Regarding your comments on the contrasting black spoiler on my GTS, (optional). It was indeed prompted by a similar option previously available on the 987 Cayman R. My thinking was that as no "R" version of the 718 Cayman was forthcoming at the time of my order, I may as well take the initiative and make my GTS at least look like one! You are not the only person to mention this to me.

According to those on this forum who are deemed "In The Know", an "R" version of the 718 Cayman is just not going to happen. I take a more open-minded view however....

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Agreed Steve, and a bone of contention for some time with all owners of the watercooled cars - both mid and rear-engined. This is something which has affected all generations of cars and, if Porsche really was serious about addressing the problem, could have been dealt with in the 9X7 and later series cars. The fact that they've chosen not to do so doesn't help but indicate that they're happy for the exposed a/c condensers and coolant radiators to be "service" items.

Like everyone else with a car under either the factory or extended warranty, Brian is in a no-win situation and it's hard to see how he can get around the problem other than to take the hit...literally.! I understand that some Porsche Centres are more sympathetic than others to the fitment of grilles, which further muddies the water.

Jeff

 

[kitchens]

I agree with all on here re the fitting of grills should be standard kit ... my 981 had them fitted as standard as do the GT4 but the 987 Spyder does not have them seems they do not make grill for this model .My son who has a 997 4 GTS has them fitted and has had work done at Reading warranty and non warranty wise and they where more than happy to take his money for any non warranty work ,but if he wants to extend the warranty they refused to sell it unless he removes the grills ,which I think this is the route he will go .Just recently bought a 986 as a stop gap and notice the rads on there are not in direct line to the grills seem tucked into the corners more.

 

[PHB1969]

Steve,

I'll email Porsche Chester on the Zunsport grill issue with an accompanying photo prior to my appointment so they can consider their response.

I agree, it seems very inconsistent of Porsche that the 981 Cayman GT4 comes with radiator grills fitted from the factory, and the current 718 GTS does not. Supposing a stone should puncture the unprotected radiator and cause a loss of coolant, what happens then? Will the replacement be under warranty? I need to get clarification on this.

Regarding your comments on the contrasting black spoiler on my GTS, (optional). It was indeed prompted by a similar option previously available on the 987 Cayman R. My thinking was that as no "R" version of the 718 Cayman was forthcoming at the time of my order, I may as well take the initiative and make my GTS at least look like one! You are not the only person to mention this to me.

According to those on this forum who are deemed "In The Know", an "R" version of the 718 Cayman is just not going to happen. I take a more open-minded view however....

Brian

I raised the same with Teeside OPC, they said no. I asked them to raise with Porsche GB, they advised to raise with Porsche Germany. The response from Porsche Germany who I assume ultimately underwrite the warranty was “Nein”.....

 

[Chris93]

Interestingly enough I saw an approved used Porsche either a Boxster or Cayman 981 GTS on Pistonheads the other week which had the Zunsport grills fitted and had passed the 111 as it was listed for sale as an approved vehicle. I think the rules seem to vary from centre to centre and Porsche would have to prove that the grills caused any damage in a warranty situation anyway. Saying that it has made me think twice about fitting them to my car also.

Chris

 

[Brian_Innes]

Thanks to all for your comments on the fitment of aftermarket front radiator grills. I have now emailed Porsche Chester for clarification.

I am aware the response varies from centre to centre. I was speaking to a 981 Boxster owner who has Zunsport grills fitted, and Aberdeen OPC accepts them without any problems.

I'll report back on the response I receive from Chester.

Brian

 

[Chris93]

Here is an example of what I was talking about

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2018-Porsche-718-CAYMAN-S-PDK-Petrol-black-Semi-Auto/223351853173?hash=item3400ced075:g:Rt0AAOSwmqZcUTjw

Chris

 

[6DW]

Brian, I am interested in trying the Feynlab Ceramic Lite coating which you have applied to your new 718 Cayman GTS, which looks superb by they way.

One question, were you able to complete the car and wheels with one 30ml container?

Thanks

David

 

[kitchens]

Interesting would use this a leverage to say how come a OPC can openly sell a used car with a 2 year Porsche approved warranty fitted with grills and yet you decline owners warranty if they have them fitted ..looks like double standards.

 

[geoff lane]

Interesting would use this a leverage to say how come a OPC can openly sell a used car with a 2 year Porsche approved warranty fitted with grills and yet you decline owners warranty if they have them fitted ..looks like double standards.

I had grills fitted to my 981GTS and when it was traded in the OPC removed them before selling the car.

I would be very surprised if Brian gets positive written confirmation, the OPC must follow Porsche guidelines even if they turn a blind eye day to day.

 

[ralphmusic]

I had grills fitted to my 981GTS and when it was traded in the OPC removed them before selling the car.

I would be very surprised if Brian gets positive written confirmation, the OPC must follow Porsche guidelines even if they turn a blind eye day to day.

Never ask a question like this when you don't know what answer will be given. Anything in writing will be the policy. I agree with Geoff, the only way this works is through personal relationships, which is far from satisfactory but there it is.

During the factory warranty period, Porsche have to document (and ultimately would have to prove) causal relationship between failure and non-standard part. This is different to the extended warranty available for out of factory warranty cars where any non-standard part can be a reason for denying warranty cover for a failure.

Those are the rules, we all have to make our choices.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Brian, I am interested in trying the Feynlab Ceramic Lite coating which you have applied to your new 718 Cayman GTS, which looks superb by they way.

One question, were you able to complete the car and wheels with one 30ml container?

Thanks

David

David,

I am delighted with the results of the Feynlab Ceramic Lite paint treatment. The 40ml bottle did the whole car, including the wheels with about a third left over. My car already had the Xpel PPF applied previously, and Feynlab is completely compatible with that.

One thing that is important is to use a proprietary car wash conditioner shampoo. I used a G-Techniq product G-Wash. The main advice I was given is to avoid any car wash solution with a high shine finish. These may conflict with the ceramic coating and cause streaking.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

Subjectively, I have to say that I can't see the marginally restricted air flow due to the grilles causing problems other than perhaps under extreme high temperature and high speed conditions, and we have to take into account that the car is sold in markets where climatic conditions are much more severe than our own.

For grilles to be approved would require Porsche to perform a full evaluation (as with the GT4) but they appear to be coming from a "we don't need grilles" mindset rather than the opposite..!

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Jeff,

I am in complete agreement with your comments regarding the negligible airflow restriction with aftermarket grills fitted, and understand that Porsche market their cars globally.

On that latter topic, it is interesting that in the latest edition of the 718 Cayman GTS driver's manual, there are several pages at the back of the book devoted to the homologation of international traffic compliance regulations covering all factory supplied options. This is the first time I have seen such an extensive list contained within a Cayman driver's manual.

Therefore it stands to reason that Porsche AG as a group will not approve the fitment of an aftermarket product such as Zunsport grills, without going through the rigorous, and costly, international homologation process. In all probability my question to Porsche Chester regarding fitting the Zunsport grills will be batted away as an unapproved accessory.

This leaves me with the dilemma of either leaving the radiators exposed to stone hits, hoping no serious damage occurs resulting in a punctured radiator, or fitting the Zunsport grills to protect the rads from damage, while hoping no engine related warranty claims arise.

It seems as if I am damned if I leave the rads exposed, and damned if I fit the protective grills. Not an ideal position to be in on a £74k car.

Brian

 

[geoff lane]

Jeff,

I am in complete agreement with your comments regarding the negligible airflow restriction with aftermarket grills fitted, and understand that Porsche market their cars globally.

On that latter topic, it is interesting that in the latest edition of the 718 Cayman GTS driver's manual, there are several pages at the back of the book devoted to the homologation of international traffic compliance regulations covering all factory supplied options. This is the first time I have seen such an extensive list contained within a Cayman driver's manual.

Therefore it stands to reason that Porsche AG as a group will not approve the fitment of an aftermarket product such as Zunsport grills, without going through the rigorous, and costly, international homologation process. In all probability my question to Porsche Chester regarding fitting the Zunsport grills will be batted away as an unapproved accessory.

This leaves me with the dilemma of either leaving the radiators exposed to stone hits, hoping no serious damage occurs resulting in a punctured radiator, or fitting the Zunsport grills to protect the rads from damage, while hoping no engine related warranty claims arise.

It seems as if I am damned if I leave the rads exposed, and damned if I fit the protective grills. Not an ideal position to be in on a £74k car.

Brian

Brian

Having been in a similar position I think if Chester bat it away which is likely to be the official response, why not use Aberdeen who are closer to you, if they are happy to turn a blind eye, in the worst case you can always remove the grills before you send the car in for warranty repairs.

If they are like my OPC they will be happy to work on the car for service etc, it will only be a problem if Porsche get involved with warranty issues, if it saves a couple of Rads then everyone benefits, my GTS temp did not change at all when the grills were fitted so I don't think there is any cause for concern.

Geoff

 

[Motorhead]

Yes, an unenviable dilema for you Brian.

I suppose in the end it comes down to your relationship with the Dealership. If they're happy to have a gentlemans' agreement with you to honour the warranty in the event of a claim then you should be able to go ahead and fit the grilles with high confidence that it won't come back and bite you. However, we live in the real world and there's no watertight guarantee that will happen in practice. And what happens if a failure occurs when out of territory and the car is recovered to a Dealership which isn't so sympathetic on the issue..?

Too many unknowns, I think. Probably best just to sit out the factory warranty period and if severe damage occurs argue vociferously that Porsche should bear the cost of repairs because they've failed to provide sufficient protection to a vulnerable area at the front of the car.

Nice pics by the way. How fortunate you are to live in an area of natural beauty with some superb and uncluttered roads - I'm very envious..! Keep us posted on your GTS adventures.

Jeff

 

[Steve Brookes]

If it's any comfort Brian, my previous Cayman R PDK had a third radiator and never sustained damage that caused it to leak. It never had aftermarket grills fitted. The current owner has just had the bumper off to clean out all the rubbish and all rads are leak free (overs six years old now). So although the dents on the rad are unsightly, the rad might be hardier than we think.

......and as far as I know we don't see lots of internet threads about boxsters, caymans and 911s with the title "stone blew a hole in my radiator"?