Easy Performance Enhancements

[boxster bill]

Folks,

I have a 2000 C4 Cabriolet with tiptronic transmission. All in all, I really enjoy the car. It's my first 911, having owned a Boxster prior. The car has about 19K miles on it, and was purchased as a CPO car from the local Porsche dealer. I still have 1.5 years left on the CPO warranty. The two areas I would like to improve with the car would be getting a more "sports car sound" from it, and possibly improving performance as well. My question is this:

(1) Are there any fairly inexpensive mods (Sub 1K range) things I can do to enhance engine sound and performance?

(2) Can these mods be done at home with say basic to slightly advanced basic skill sets?

(3) Will suggested mods void my CPO warranty?

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated...

Bill

[vette67]

Congrats Bill! Hope you like your rear-engine Cab4 vs your mid-engine boxster.

The easiest sound-enhancement I know is to do an airbox mod. I got the Fabspeed Cold Air Intake for this. Its really only a mod to your existing airbox and replacing the tube to your throttle body. It takes about 30 minutes and makes a big difference in your engine sound. Plus (and this is disputed by some people) it will give you a little extra horsepower.

I dont know what mods will void your warranty...

[phillipj]

From what I have heard a chip can void your warranty. Mufflers will not.

Any Porsche upgardes such as X-51 headers also will not void the warranty. I agree with Vette, T

he most simple sound upgrade would be the cold air intake. Only takes a few minutes to install.

I Have the Fabspeed mufflers and love them. Really makes a huge difference in sound without being too loud or obnoxious. Everyone has their own personal opinion when it comes to muflers.

Phillipj

[boxster bill]

Thanks guys! I've been looking pretty hard at the FabSpeed Cold Air Intake kit. Any thoughts on the V-Flow Air Intake? It's more money, but still fits into my budget. Curious how that compares to the FabSpeed in terms of engine sound and possible performance improvement. Also, curious how hard it is to install. I must admit, I'm scared to death to tinker around with the car, but really want to! :)

[phillipj]

Bill,

You shouldn't be afraid to work on your own car. I was at first also.

With help from the guys on this site they can walk you through all kinds of maintenance and modifications. Learn to work on your car and you will save money and also have more pride in your toy!

:renntech:

Phillipj

Edited February 25, 2008 by phillipj

[KevinMac]

I think some of the references may have been little misleading. I think some were not talking so much as cold air intake system as they were talking about the cold air kit for $225 with the additional BMC filter for $120. The actual cold air intake system for $695 seems to pull in hot air as oppsed to outside cold air, at least according to the pictures.

[vette67]

I think some of the references may have been little misleading. I think some were not talking so much as cold air intake system as they were talking about the cold air kit for $225 with the additional BMC filter for $120. The actual cold air intake system for $695 seems to pull in hot air as oppsed to outside cold air, at least according to the pictures.

That's correct KevinMac. We are talking about airbox mods, not airbox replacement.

The K&N filter is just as good as the BMC IMHO.