I just changed my oil (0W 40 Mobil 1) CEL came on with P1524

[logray]

...Are these all the complete parts I will need to do this repair? I just recently did my oil change. Is there anything on the list that is not "really" necessary? I'm short in budget at the moment. If the is being dropped, do we need new transmission oil and coolant?...

Yes, barring any other issues discovered during the repair this is the complete list that I can think of. In addition to a wide variety of off the shelf tools (wrenches, sockets, etc.), you need a camshaft lock tool, camshaft hold down tools, and depending on your engine S/N either a LH or RH threaded rod in order to compress the variocam mechanism (although I did it once using tie wraps, I wouldn't do that again).

As for things that are not necessary, I wouldn't skimp on anything myself to save $20 or $30. You would be asking for problems down the road (or even immediately).

If the engine gets dropped, the fluid stays in the transmission. Your car is a manual correct? The coolant gets drained but if it is in good condition it can be used again. Same with the oil if you just changed it, it can be reused again.

[J_STATUS]

Hello Logray, this is the friend of the porsche owner, now I did test the solenoid and the harness, the harness is ok there is no short to ground, and I used a power probe to activate the solenoid to get it to move, but it did not. I read this thread and I saw you mentioned that there are some special tools that are required, what are they and where were you able to obtain them?

[logray]

Hi there.

The cam hold down tool you need before removing the cam cover is available here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=PEL-TOL-P253&catalog_description=Camshaft%20Securing%20Tool%20-%20Boxster%20%281997-04%29%2C%20Each

(I've read that this tool may need minor modification but it does work on a 996).

More about the process here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/16-ENGINE-Camshaft_Swap_and_Chain_Tensioner/16-ENGINE-Camshaft_Swap_and_Chain_Tensioner.htm

Once inside the head, if you replace the actuator in addition to the solenoid, before removal you need to compress the mechanism with a threaded rod which you can make. Or alternatively, tie wraps work too.

[white99c2]

I had P1530 it ended up being the passenger side Vario Cam and Actuator. I have a warranty but it turned into a fist fight between me and them. I won and they paid the claim. North Scottsdale Porsche did the repair, it cost the warranty company $2800 ouch, I had to pay $100 for the deductable. My car had the code for about a month, I kept clearing it and it came back on every 30 or 40 miles.