Ok so I've got the car, now what...

Guys can I ask for some general help on using my 986 S. It's my first sports car and I want to make sure I'm getting the most from it. I'm also planning to keep the car long term as I think, rights and wrongs of the body shape aside, the 986 has potential to be a classic in 40 years time. Firstly what's the verdict on high octane fuel? Secondly, when driving; what sort of rev ranges should I stay in? I have heard that I should stay above 2500 rpm. I'm interested really in whether I should stay in 2nd when I'm going round town at 30mph even though its noisy. The clutch can be a little heavy sometimes is there an ideal rev range for changing gear. It's particularly hard changing into 2nd at low revs (-2500). Is that normal? Thanks guys, it feels a little silly to ask but I think the car deserves to be treated with respect.

Your caution and respect for a fine piece of engineering is to be admired, I wish you many happy miles of motoring! To be specific in answer to your initial queries, you need to go for Min. 98-rated petrol, 99- fractionally better if you can find it. The heavy clutch is fairly typical of the 986 according to my experience and feedback I've heard. So long as the movement and gear-change remain precise and they retain their "feeling" there is nothing to be concerned about. I think you can change up a gear at 2.000rpm, even less perhaps on a down-hill stretch, but don't let the engine struggle going up-hill. The "meaty" part of the engine-band is from 3.500 to 6.000, but that depends on your mood, whether you are out for a cruise or a spirited and quick zip around the country roads.... Experiment with the whole range of engine-speeds, and most of all, ENJOY!!! :dance:

Thanks Roger that's really helpful. Is it worth spending the extra on high octane fuel?

Personally I would, I think there's not a great deal of difference in the price. You would be looking after your new dream-machine in the best possible way.... Apparently the engine-management system can detect the difference of fuel grade and make the necessary minor adjustments. I can't vouch for which models this applies to, but as a minimum it's a hell of a talking-point down the pub, as my brother-in-law (who owns a Boxster S ) proved the other day! :cheers:

I have a similar issue and have heard others talk of 2nd being difficult to engage when the engine isn't up to operating temp. The problem should go away once the car is fully warmed up. Do you have problems with 2nd in all circumstances? I usually double clutch my way into 2nd for my first few shifts of the day. Cold exterior temps also seem to make it worse.

I'm not sure I know how to double de-clutch. How do I do that? It seems to be mostly when I'm at low revs in supermarket car parks and the like.

First off welcome to the boards and congrats on the car...don't forget to post pics if you haven't already :cheers: Double clutch is simply pressing the clutch twice during the two stages of the shift, so first clutch in shift to neutral and then clutch up and then clutch in and shift to second. Higher octane fuel will mean in theory better performance, better fuel economy and a cleaner burn. The cleaner burn is good for keeping the engine internals cleaner, and sound like something that would interest you, so best use Optimax. There is no right or wrong rev range and depends all on your driving circumstances. These engines like and need to be rev'd, and don't nanny it too much otherwise long term that will cause issues. There is no specific requirement for staying above 2500 rpm, and I guess what you have read is in regard to be able to accelerate, because below 2500 rpm the boxer engine will feel gutless and only as you get closer to 4k rpm does it start to become urgent, and after 4k (4,200 on the 986 I think) is where it's at. 30mph and 3rd gear is fine (as is 2nd gear). Just drive it how the car takes you, because you could nanny your car for years and still it could fail more often than a car thrashed every day of it's life.....so just get out there and enjoy the car.

Thanks Dunebasher. That's really helpful. Here's some pictures.

Nice car :cheers: Hard to tell from the pics, but is it lowered? Orange side repeaters have to go though mate On the rpm question, I personally think you will know after a bit of driving what feels right and wrong with regard to the gear you're in and rpm. Now go find some B-Roads to blast down with your oversized sunroof open :burnout:

Thanks! I think it's not been modified at all. I've seen a bit written here and there about the loathing for the "orange bits". I wondered if anyone really noticed but I guess you've answered my question! Lol.

I had a look at the cost of doing the lot and it's near to a grand. Will just the side repeaters do?

Nope sorry....will ask to have you banned if that's your attitude, it's either all or you're out :hilarious: I found some headlamps for much less here The clear indicators do update the look of the car substantially, take a look here for what yours could look like. Not sure what these guys would charge... I'm sure if you search around you can find them cheaper, and don't forget you can get some money back by selling your old ones. Mind you if you don't care either way, then good on you, and that's money you can use on other mods :cheers:

There is always a variation of opinions on this subject so when TRG (The Racing Group) was still racing Porsches the Redwood Region had a tech session there when the Porsche engineers were there. The question was asked about octane and the response, from the engineers, is that the ECU automatically adjusts for the octane level in gasolines and that 86 octane was burned as efficiently as any of the 90+ octanes without any damage to the motor or enough loss of performance to be noticed by the average driver. In California the highest octane level that can be purchased is 91 unless you want to pay $10 a gallon for Sunoco at the track. I have used 86 octane in my Boxster for years and notice no difference in mileage or performance.