Time for a Cayman...
Discussion
After only just getting round to doing Readers car threads for my 996.1 C2 and my Mk5 Golf GTI late last year, I decided it was time for a change...
I waved goodbye to the 996, and say hello to a manual 987.1 Cayman S.
I'm not sure what is standard/options as yet, but:
2006, 3 previous owners, Silver with Black leather, 71,000 Miles
19" Sport Design Wheels
Sport Chrono Plus
PCCM with Bose & CD Changer
Cruise
Rear parking sensors
Short Shift
Sports steering wheel
Rain sensing wipers
16 way electrically adjustable & heated hardback sports seats
Xenons
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Extended leather
That makes for a surprisingly nice place to be sat. It's unsurprisingly very different to my 996, but actually very similar power and weight so enjoyment is definitely there still.
My 996 was, throaty. It had 200 Cell sports cats and a sports exhaust. Intense, would be a good turn of phrase. It was phenomenal on a back road blast, but, quite intrusive on the motorway, especially at lower speeds. This Cayman has had a Dansk exhaust fitted and it's absolutely perfect. Sporty rasp, calm when making gentle progress, and gets a nice bark going on when going for it.
I'm off to my first PCGB drive in it on Sunday, so I'll grab some pictures and feedback then.
I waved goodbye to the 996, and say hello to a manual 987.1 Cayman S.
I'm not sure what is standard/options as yet, but:
2006, 3 previous owners, Silver with Black leather, 71,000 Miles
19" Sport Design Wheels
Sport Chrono Plus
PCCM with Bose & CD Changer
Cruise
Rear parking sensors
Short Shift
Sports steering wheel
Rain sensing wipers
16 way electrically adjustable & heated hardback sports seats
Xenons
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Extended leather
That makes for a surprisingly nice place to be sat. It's unsurprisingly very different to my 996, but actually very similar power and weight so enjoyment is definitely there still.
My 996 was, throaty. It had 200 Cell sports cats and a sports exhaust. Intense, would be a good turn of phrase. It was phenomenal on a back road blast, but, quite intrusive on the motorway, especially at lower speeds. This Cayman has had a Dansk exhaust fitted and it's absolutely perfect. Sporty rasp, calm when making gentle progress, and gets a nice bark going on when going for it.
I'm off to my first PCGB drive in it on Sunday, so I'll grab some pictures and feedback then.
So, some pictures
Our R31 PCGB pop up drive was, a bit wet. we had to abandon the drive due to flooded roads. However, great turn out. One of the chaps took his 182 Trophy which was absolutely awesome.
Now, like every 9*7.1 vehicle, my car had the dreaded climate control button 'fading'
This felt like a real shame not to correct, so I ordered some climate buttons from Spyder Performance, and watched their very easy to follow video to to do the swap out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etMNMD07Jm8&t=...
All in, I think it was under an hour. I've seen people doing all sorts of mental stuff to avoid removing the control panel. I simply don't get why they'd do this as it was really very simple to do. The hardest part was finding a T6 screwdriver.
As you can see, it looks loads better. New Centre caps for the wheels next ...
Our R31 PCGB pop up drive was, a bit wet. we had to abandon the drive due to flooded roads. However, great turn out. One of the chaps took his 182 Trophy which was absolutely awesome.
Now, like every 9*7.1 vehicle, my car had the dreaded climate control button 'fading'
This felt like a real shame not to correct, so I ordered some climate buttons from Spyder Performance, and watched their very easy to follow video to to do the swap out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etMNMD07Jm8&t=...
All in, I think it was under an hour. I've seen people doing all sorts of mental stuff to avoid removing the control panel. I simply don't get why they'd do this as it was really very simple to do. The hardest part was finding a T6 screwdriver.
As you can see, it looks loads better. New Centre caps for the wheels next ...
Edited by conanius on Sunday 17th March 11:46
Time for an update. Several PCGB Drives and I really really rate the car. It's very different to the 996.1, but it feels exceptionally capable.
Ordering some goodies:
Centre Radiator Kit
Low Temp Thermostat
Millers 10w50 NT+ CFS Oil
FVD X51 Style sump with extra 0.6l capacity
That should keep me Bore Score free and give a bit of peace of mind.
And then:
Motul RBF 600 Fluid
GT3 Master Cylinder
Braided Hoses
That should get me some better brake feel. The top of the pedal is almost totally dead compared to my 996. Not confidence inspiring.
The Centre Rad kit I just got off someone on eBay for a great price. All official Porsche Parts. The rest I'm ordering from a variety of sources.
Got to get it booked in at Cotswold Porsche now with Lee to fit it all !
Ordering some goodies:
Centre Radiator Kit
Low Temp Thermostat
Millers 10w50 NT+ CFS Oil
FVD X51 Style sump with extra 0.6l capacity
That should keep me Bore Score free and give a bit of peace of mind.
And then:
Motul RBF 600 Fluid
GT3 Master Cylinder
Braided Hoses
That should get me some better brake feel. The top of the pedal is almost totally dead compared to my 996. Not confidence inspiring.
The Centre Rad kit I just got off someone on eBay for a great price. All official Porsche Parts. The rest I'm ordering from a variety of sources.
Got to get it booked in at Cotswold Porsche now with Lee to fit it all !
Another update... the changes begin.
It's finally going to Cotswold Porsche on Monday. However, I had an opportunity to get a couple of things done today.
I managed to acquire an IPD Plenum, Intake Pipe and GT3 throttle body at a great price, so I thought I'd give them a go.
I went to Performance Mode in Bristol to get it all done, and Adam sorted it all out for me - fitting my BMC air filter at the same time. This is a proper specialist, and is part of Porsche Mode. Not lots of shiny floors and glass windows everywhere, but a real passionate team who clearly love what they do (Adam has a rather special 987 Cayman, and one of the other chaps a supercharged C2S).
So, what do I think?
I know that it's a "controversial" modification as whilst the US seems obsessed with it, there seem to be an equal number of doubters predominately in the UK.
No pre and post dyno, however it definitely feels smoother and stronger in the low and mid range. That flat spot you get before 5k rpm is totally gone. Sounds excellent. Seems more eager to go, lots of schlurpy noises which is awesome
Definitely Happy.
Roll on next week.... Lee has the car all week so I won't have any updates until then.
It's finally going to Cotswold Porsche on Monday. However, I had an opportunity to get a couple of things done today.
I managed to acquire an IPD Plenum, Intake Pipe and GT3 throttle body at a great price, so I thought I'd give them a go.
I went to Performance Mode in Bristol to get it all done, and Adam sorted it all out for me - fitting my BMC air filter at the same time. This is a proper specialist, and is part of Porsche Mode. Not lots of shiny floors and glass windows everywhere, but a real passionate team who clearly love what they do (Adam has a rather special 987 Cayman, and one of the other chaps a supercharged C2S).
So, what do I think?
I know that it's a "controversial" modification as whilst the US seems obsessed with it, there seem to be an equal number of doubters predominately in the UK.
No pre and post dyno, however it definitely feels smoother and stronger in the low and mid range. That flat spot you get before 5k rpm is totally gone. Sounds excellent. Seems more eager to go, lots of schlurpy noises which is awesome
Definitely Happy.
Roll on next week.... Lee has the car all week so I won't have any updates until then.
Edited by conanius on Saturday 7th September 13:08
Edited by conanius on Saturday 7th September 13:49
Edited by conanius on Monday 9th September 19:57
So I collected the car on Thursday. Over ran because I seemingly got a front radiator retrofit kit for a 997 not a 987 (good old eBay ads).
Anyway.
Initial impressions.
- I'm now not paranoid about impending doom on the engine exploding/getting bore score. It's now rocking the Centre Rad, Low Temp Thermostat, Millers 10w50 NT+ CFS oil and the X51 Style Baffled and Deeper FVD Sump. I've done everything that I can reasonably be expected to do in that regard. None of that will feel any different of course from where I'm sat. I have just ordered some Zunsport grills for the front to try and protect the radiators a bit more.
- GT3 Master Cylinder has, IMO, made a huge difference to the brakes. I used to have that typical 987 'floppy top' of the pedal, which on some occasions left you thinking 'oh ****' when braking. It now feels, incredible. The brakes feel strong and progressive. I haven't had much chance to really give it an exercise, but it feels nice. I had RBF600 fluid and the GT3 brake ducts fitted at the same time. Unfortunately the braided hoses didn't get fitted as they noted the flexi hose connectors had corroded and they didn't have time to do the brake pipe fix needed to replace it all. It's all safe, but I'll be getting that sorted when it goes back for an MOT later in the year.
The other thing that happened was that Cotswold found a rather sizeable hole in one of the manifolds. They've cleaned it all up and patched it up. It must have been like this for a little while as the car now seems a lot quieter... I guess I can justify the 200 cell cats now
Not really any pictures to share for this update.... !
Anyway.
Initial impressions.
- I'm now not paranoid about impending doom on the engine exploding/getting bore score. It's now rocking the Centre Rad, Low Temp Thermostat, Millers 10w50 NT+ CFS oil and the X51 Style Baffled and Deeper FVD Sump. I've done everything that I can reasonably be expected to do in that regard. None of that will feel any different of course from where I'm sat. I have just ordered some Zunsport grills for the front to try and protect the radiators a bit more.
- GT3 Master Cylinder has, IMO, made a huge difference to the brakes. I used to have that typical 987 'floppy top' of the pedal, which on some occasions left you thinking 'oh ****' when braking. It now feels, incredible. The brakes feel strong and progressive. I haven't had much chance to really give it an exercise, but it feels nice. I had RBF600 fluid and the GT3 brake ducts fitted at the same time. Unfortunately the braided hoses didn't get fitted as they noted the flexi hose connectors had corroded and they didn't have time to do the brake pipe fix needed to replace it all. It's all safe, but I'll be getting that sorted when it goes back for an MOT later in the year.
The other thing that happened was that Cotswold found a rather sizeable hole in one of the manifolds. They've cleaned it all up and patched it up. It must have been like this for a little while as the car now seems a lot quieter... I guess I can justify the 200 cell cats now
Not really any pictures to share for this update.... !
Edited by conanius on Monday 23 September 03:06
Nelka said:
Some nice upgrades there, something for me to think about.
Have a peak at what Motorhole has done here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...Love a Cayman, and can't wait to hear how it compares to the 996.
Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
lukeharding said:
Love a Cayman, and can't wait to hear how it compares to the 996.
Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
From what I can tell, the 200 cell cats don't make much sound difference - if any - below about 4000 rpm. Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
The 996 exhaust was a top gear one. It, was loud. This one is a Dansk one and is much more tame but still fruity up top.
It's a fair challenge.... I need to hear one and see what I think.
conanius said:
lukeharding said:
Love a Cayman, and can't wait to hear how it compares to the 996.
Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
From what I can tell, the 200 cell cats don't make much sound difference - if any - below about 4000 rpm. Forgive me though, you mentioned the hole in the manifold justifying the 200 cell cats for the Cayman, but wasn't that one of the reasons for selling the 996 at the top of the thread? or was it because it was in combo with the sports exhaust?
The 996 exhaust was a top gear one. It, was loud. This one is a Dansk one and is much more tame but still fruity up top.
It's a fair challenge.... I need to hear one and see what I think.
So after getting the centre radiator it seemed prudent to put some protection on up front.
I ordered the Zunsport 3 piece front grill protection kit.
I got the kit off a seller on eBay. I went for the black finish as I wanted it to be subtle.
Grabbed my mug after the work done at Cotswold - mug courtesy of me correctly identifying a 996 GT2 a few months back on Facebook.
The outer items were very easy to fit. Easily under 5 minutes for both sides. Simple clip in and then a screw.
I had our helper elf Dobby sat with me. She was rather disappointed when I realised I didn't actually have a 3mm drill bit to make the mounting for the centre grill. I'll have to nip out tomorrow and grab that.
I ordered the Zunsport 3 piece front grill protection kit.
I got the kit off a seller on eBay. I went for the black finish as I wanted it to be subtle.
Grabbed my mug after the work done at Cotswold - mug courtesy of me correctly identifying a 996 GT2 a few months back on Facebook.
The outer items were very easy to fit. Easily under 5 minutes for both sides. Simple clip in and then a screw.
I had our helper elf Dobby sat with me. She was rather disappointed when I realised I didn't actually have a 3mm drill bit to make the mounting for the centre grill. I'll have to nip out tomorrow and grab that.
So I got the drill bit. Soiled myself as I drilled into the bumper. However, it worked !
And then I realised as I sat back and admired it that I'd actually already got a leaf in on the new radiator. And I hadn't cleared it out before fitting the grill. Rookie. Grill removed and then... finished !
Now interestingly, it's exactly the look I wanted. Hard to see its there, nice and discrete. You'll note the now 180k+ mile daily Mk5 GTI next to it
And then I realised as I sat back and admired it that I'd actually already got a leaf in on the new radiator. And I hadn't cleared it out before fitting the grill. Rookie. Grill removed and then... finished !
Now interestingly, it's exactly the look I wanted. Hard to see its there, nice and discrete. You'll note the now 180k+ mile daily Mk5 GTI next to it
Bit of an update.
It went to Cotswold Porsche specialists in November.... and it's still there.
I booked the car in for a few things, notably:
-Pre MOT, agree the work, get it done to keep the MOT history clean. Yes, I'm weird. Then do the MOT
- Check suspension over, and then do a full alignment. I'd just swapped the Pilot Sport 4S for some Conti Sport Contact 7 all round, so it seemed only right to get everything pointing in the appropriate direction
- Fit the braided hoses that they couldn't do last time due to corroded fittings on the brake pipes
- Take a look into a misfire CEL I''d had, likely replacing the 6 coil packs and plugs to be sure.
- Deal with an annoying rattle from the back.
Well, they did the brake pipes first, and that took a full day. Several of the new runs weren't along the normal route, and they suggested questionable quality of workmanship. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Then they took it to the MOT tester. That, didn't go to plan. It failed. Exhaust Gas leak and a 'very firm brake pedal'. There were a few advisories too on some suspension components.
Questions then started - the brakes should have been perfect, and Cotswold couldn't understand the issue. The working theory was it must be a servo assist pipe had split. The exhaust gas leak was annoying. IT has a nearly new Dansk exhaust on, so that pointed towards a potential manifold woe... and we all know how that would go.
Cotswold are, very busy, so it's taken quite some time to get back infant of the car again. They've now done:
- Repair the exhaust gas leak. Luckily they were able to patch up the manifold that was leaking. I'll have to get these swapped out and have the dreaded exhaust studs drilled out and replaced with titanium replacements. Thats a job for 2025.
- There was a bit of smoke occurring on start up - we've gone for swapping the AOS
- Suspension. Parts swapped are, Front Top Mounts, Front Springs, Front Bump stops..... the dampers were only about 2 years old. At the back, both coffin arms and both toe arms and the associated fixings.
- Spark plugs and coil packs have also been done....
It's now due the suspension alignment and MOT, that should be happening early this week.
Will feel like a new car !!!
It went to Cotswold Porsche specialists in November.... and it's still there.
tozerman said:
Looks good...
Ensure that you check the brake pipes, they corrode for fun.
Have a good look at the jacking points too...
Yeah, so having them done, and having them done properly to a decent standard are clearly not the same thing. Ensure that you check the brake pipes, they corrode for fun.
Have a good look at the jacking points too...
I booked the car in for a few things, notably:
-Pre MOT, agree the work, get it done to keep the MOT history clean. Yes, I'm weird. Then do the MOT
- Check suspension over, and then do a full alignment. I'd just swapped the Pilot Sport 4S for some Conti Sport Contact 7 all round, so it seemed only right to get everything pointing in the appropriate direction
- Fit the braided hoses that they couldn't do last time due to corroded fittings on the brake pipes
- Take a look into a misfire CEL I''d had, likely replacing the 6 coil packs and plugs to be sure.
- Deal with an annoying rattle from the back.
Well, they did the brake pipes first, and that took a full day. Several of the new runs weren't along the normal route, and they suggested questionable quality of workmanship. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Then they took it to the MOT tester. That, didn't go to plan. It failed. Exhaust Gas leak and a 'very firm brake pedal'. There were a few advisories too on some suspension components.
Questions then started - the brakes should have been perfect, and Cotswold couldn't understand the issue. The working theory was it must be a servo assist pipe had split. The exhaust gas leak was annoying. IT has a nearly new Dansk exhaust on, so that pointed towards a potential manifold woe... and we all know how that would go.
Cotswold are, very busy, so it's taken quite some time to get back infant of the car again. They've now done:
- Repair the exhaust gas leak. Luckily they were able to patch up the manifold that was leaking. I'll have to get these swapped out and have the dreaded exhaust studs drilled out and replaced with titanium replacements. Thats a job for 2025.
- There was a bit of smoke occurring on start up - we've gone for swapping the AOS
- Suspension. Parts swapped are, Front Top Mounts, Front Springs, Front Bump stops..... the dampers were only about 2 years old. At the back, both coffin arms and both toe arms and the associated fixings.
- Spark plugs and coil packs have also been done....
It's now due the suspension alignment and MOT, that should be happening early this week.
Will feel like a new car !!!
Had the car back a couple of weeks now, and today went on an R31 PCGB last drive of 2024 breakfast run.
So firstly, how is the car now? In a word - superb. The suspension work has unsurprisingly transformed the car, and it now feels fantastic. Plenty of grip, feedback, stability... it feels like the real deal now. Its changed things enough that I now doubt my intentions to fit Cayman R Springs & Dampers to the car.
I've attached the alignment sheet from Cotswold below for interest. I think they've done a decent job.
I had also fitted the Conti Sport Contact 7 tyres all round at the same time. They seem every bit as good as the PS4S they replaced (maybe better? but its hard to really tell when you're comparing old worn tyres to new ones...
And then a handful of pictures from today, one that the passenger in the Boxster Spyder behind me took... and then one of the car looking suitably 'well used' after the run. It was absolutely filthy.
So whats next? Enjoy the car. I do have bad thoughts of 200 cell cats, LWFW, and a quaife differential, but to be honest I doubt it will be any time soon.
So firstly, how is the car now? In a word - superb. The suspension work has unsurprisingly transformed the car, and it now feels fantastic. Plenty of grip, feedback, stability... it feels like the real deal now. Its changed things enough that I now doubt my intentions to fit Cayman R Springs & Dampers to the car.
I've attached the alignment sheet from Cotswold below for interest. I think they've done a decent job.
I had also fitted the Conti Sport Contact 7 tyres all round at the same time. They seem every bit as good as the PS4S they replaced (maybe better? but its hard to really tell when you're comparing old worn tyres to new ones...
And then a handful of pictures from today, one that the passenger in the Boxster Spyder behind me took... and then one of the car looking suitably 'well used' after the run. It was absolutely filthy.
So whats next? Enjoy the car. I do have bad thoughts of 200 cell cats, LWFW, and a quaife differential, but to be honest I doubt it will be any time soon.
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