I'm considering possibly getting a track car. perhaps 6-8 track days per year. Not serious, so I'd like to keep it as stock as possible and keep costs reasonable.

987.2 Cayman S's 9A1 engine seems to be highly touted for robustness and reliabiity. Is the 987 Boxster S's engine the same one, just detuned by 10HP? Couldn't find definitive confirmation by googling.

981 Boxster base seems to be in the same price range as 987.2 Boxster S, so I'm considering that as well. Both PDK. the times to 60 seems to be similar as well, despite the HP difference.

I'd welcome the wisdom and feedback from all the experts here. cheers.

 

I'd probably go with the 987.2 for the 3.4l versus 2.7l motor (both DFI) and the mechanical steering versus electric. Steering is a big part of tracking and the 987's steering is amazing. Of course a Cayman would be a stiffer chassis if that's important to you, and a little more power.

As for PDK, the 981 version is much quicker shifting than the 987 in normal driving. At full throttle, not as much. If you're talking S to S, the 981 would have bigger brakes so potentially a little more stopping power.

 

Thank you for the advice. Indeed the cayman chassis rigidity advantage is nice, but caymans hold their value too well hence the thinking behind boxster.

 

What's your budget?

 

not fixed budget, per se. would like to stay under $30k, but it seems later year 987.2 boxster S and early 981 base are a few thousand over.

 

Unfortunately and fortunately, Porsche prices stay pretty fixed once the cars get a few years old. You'll have trouble finding a 987.2 S or 981 base at $30k, but between $30k and $35K you'll start to see some 987.2 S cars and 981 base models. Since you want PDK, that limits options quite a bit. There are some really good 987.1 S Boxsters and Caymans at $30k and under, but 6 speeds. 2008 was a good year for a few special Boxsters which still hold their value above the norm, the orange limited edition Boxster (250 base models and 250 S models) and silver RS60 Spyder (1960 worldwide). I had the later and it was the first Boxster to have over 300 hp. It's a great car. But they aren't as reliable as the .2 cars, and lack some nice features like bluetooth. In some respects newer is always better, so if you find a great 981 base model with PDK, Bose, sport chrono, etc. it may be your best bet. You can always make it quicker. Also, 19" wheels give you better competition tire options than 20". Many 981s have 20" wheels. Base models most likely have 19".

 

Consider 987.2 Cayman base (2.9L). This is what I drive. I got into tracking this summer and have done 8 track days so far. I have not experienced any lack of power from the car.

On the Mosport track, I hit the maximum speed of 200 km/h on the back straightaway while top drivers in race modified Cayman S's hit 220. Once I perfect my exit from the preceding corner I am sure I can close that gap even more.

As I am getting more skilled and more confident on the track, I am keeping up with much more powerful cars. The cornering abilities of this vehicle are exceptional. You will quickly realize that brakes, tires and suspension are a lot more important on the track than horse power.

In addition, the 987.2 base model is much more fuel efficient than the 981/987 S model. I can do the whole track day on a single tank, while I watch my fellow drivers run to the gas stations in their S's.

 

Thank you, Steve and Olegd, for both of your feedback and suggestions.

Olegd, did you upgrade your cayman base (brakes? Ecu flash?) or did you run stock?

 

I am using Hawks DTC-60 pads for the track (stock rotors and calipers). Bridgestone RE71R tires. Upgraded my suspension with Cayman R parts - lower by close to an inch and stiffer. Also got adjustable toe links in the rear allowing for -2.5 camber.

 

Cayman R uses the X73 sport suspension, and it works great (complete with dampers, springs and beefier sways). I loved it on my R. Car handled like on rails, and it was firm but still soaked up everything without crashing. You can get that suspension at a reasonable cost for base 987s and 981s without PASM. Highly recommended. $1550 at Suncoast.