Perfecting The Porsche 987 Cayman S - Öhlins, Numeric, Function First, and More
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- čas přidán 12. 03. 2024
- First drive of the 987.1 Cayman S after installing some much needed upgrades!
Follow me on IG: / zygrene
Email me if you'd like me to review your car: zygrene@gmail.com - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Thank god for your channel man. Top gear and all those mainstream CZcams channel reviews on cars bore me to tears. Yours are actually about the driving experience and it’s always so detailed. You also give actual points on cars weaknesses too. Where as everyone else normally says every car is amazing and doesn’t discuss much of the weakness points. Thank you for never stopping. Please keep them coming I’ve been watching you for years man.
Much appreciated!
I'll get you knee pads
Re the brake pedal, you want the 997 GT3 / Turbo / 4S brake master cylinder. Cheap part, pretty cheap labour to fit. Firms up the stock mushy brake pedal nicely. Re the tyres - big, sticky tyres do not increase steering feel, they reduce it. If you want to experience maximum steering feel on the 987 platform, buy a set of base 17-inch wheels and try them. I'd recommend changing the front tyres to 225/50 from the factory 205/55. The 205s give the most feel, but too much understeer and too limited braking performance. The 225 17s lose a little steering feel versus the 205s, but will still offer a great deal more than on wide sticky tyres and 18s. If you want the car to be fun and feelsome in the canyons, the 17s will blow away your big track tyres and wheels. This is all a bit of a hard sell, everyone wants big wheels and tyres and thinks that maximising grip is everything. But for flinging a car like a 987 down a canyon road, smaller tyres and wheels are where it's. Give it a try, it will be a revelation.
I've been considering this mod. Just can't find confirmation that 17s will fit over the brakes of my 987.1 Boxster S.
@@honorablehugh You will need spacers to clear the front calipers. Nothing major. 5mm spacers will do. Rears go on fine. I have run 17s on both a 987.1 S and a 987.2 S so can say as a matter of first hand fact that they go on. Don't forget to get slightly longer wheel bolts to match the spacers.
We all know that’s true, we just don’t want to admit that the 17ns are made for the car.
@@DaGrybo They do look a bit shit! That's the price you gotta pay for a really fun drive. But seriously, for anyone who wants the ultimate 987 Canyon carver as opposed to track spec car, the small wheels are a revelation for fun and feedback. Makes the 987 on 18s and 19s feel dead behind the eyes. But I would go for 225 fronts. The factory 205s with the 17s are lovely for feel, but they're too understeery. Oh and for that you really want a set of Gen 2 17 rims as they are 0.5" wider on the front. 225s are probably a bit too wide for the Gen 1 front rims.
@@flat6croc I wonder how the ohlin coilovers would come into play.
I love the fact you are still featuring a 987.1 Cayman S on your channel. No mention at all of IMS/Scoring blah blah I'm scared... Instead just driving it as it was meant to be driven. I have a mint condition 2006 Cayman S with far more mods than you have. Numeric shifter is all we share so far. Here is my full list:
WaveTrac LSD
GT3 Master Brake Cylinder
Steel braided brake lines
Girodisc rotors (still stock pads)
DSC Sports controller for my PASM equipped suspension
Soul Sports Exhaust
IPD Plenum
Ultimate AOS
Numeric Shifter
Softronic tune
Porsche Classic Radio with Carplay and android auto
Low temp thermostat
Deep sump
Spin on oil filter adapter
Sachs Performance Clutch
And we can't forget the OIL. I only use Driven DT 40 in this car. I also have a aasco lightweight flywheel on the way along with a RSS Performance Harmonically Dampened Underdrive Pulley Kit. Not sure when I will install those yet. I think that is everything but I'm probably forgetting something. Good luck with this car! I have never driven a 987.1 without pasm but I had an ohlins suspension on my s2000 for many, many years. Quite the experience that was but ultimately it was just too harsh of a ride for my use case.
Since I upgraded to the GT three master brake cylinder, I have had issues with the traction control, light and ABS light coming on at random times, and then I will lose those actual controls, which I feel is very dangerous, one unfortunate thing that I did was I did not connect the brake connector back on during the install, and I started up the vehicle, which I suspect is one of the root causes of why my brake light is still on and why these errors are coming on. I have since then I plugged in the E brake cable, but I still can’t clear the codes and I just can’t get these lights to turn off, which has really ruined my experience with the vehicle, does anyone know how to fix this issue if they have done the GT three master brake cylinder upgrade?
One other thing as well that is stopping me from enjoying my car is the oil consumption, my engine has been eating up oil every 400 miles and it goes through a 4 1/2, somethings just tells me that the seals are done with the engine and honestly I am getting close to be done with the car unfortunately. I have always use the stock oil, and I suspect that if I switch to the oil that you’re using, it’s not gonna help with the root cause of the issue I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts.
How do you like the wavetrac LSD? I've been thinking of adding one when I do a clutch on my 987.
@@chh7681 Is your car constantly smoking or making a ticking noise that gets worse as it warms up?
@@Poorschedriver I love this mod. You will need to find someone with experience to install though, Getting the backlash right was quite difficult. It's pretty quiet and does NOT negatively impact the car when driving normally... no understeer. It returns the feel I was missing from my s2000 when putting power down in the corners as that car has a mechanical lsd.
Dude, fucking, PREACH. A modded 987 is literally an enthusiast cheat code, provided you buy the right car, and can do a little wrenching yourself.
I bought a 987BS 9 years ago and slowy wanted more and more, and the tipping point was a weekend with a 987 Boxster Spyder. Althoguh I'd driven a GT4, the spyder just felt so speical and playful so I decided to make my own. I was apprehensive to buy any suspension that would need testing or adjustment (I had some bad expriences in the past) so I went with Cayman R springs and Bilstein B6 since it would closely replicate what I expreenced with the spyder I had driven. Like you I also have a Top gear valved exhaust (custom wired to the factory PSE switch) and added the numeric kit, a cayman 75MM TB, fabspeed tune, and 911 Sport wheel. The final cherry on top was the Recaro pole position classic seats which really lock you into the car.
A year later I also purchased a 981 Cayman GTS (trying to scratch that GT4 itch), but where the GTS is sort of all business, the boxster truly feels like a Miata with more power, and is just so confidence inspiring.
I really hope you'll do a head 2 head comprison with your NSX because on paper these cars are so damn similar I'd love to hear your opintion from an owners' point of view. Keep up the great work, and convince your buddy to get a pair of recaro's in that car!
I modified my 981 Cayman S with the same philosophy. It's definitely a keeper now.
You guys are really making that car cooler than it was already. Your channel has been a gold mine for me since I want a 987 (will take a loooong time and effort to get it). Keep it up!
Love the channel…please continue this build! There is so much potential smile per dollar in the 987.1 for us Group A canyon drivers out there. I’m interested to see what you do to the break system??? Staying tuned!
Love the mods (and your commentary), as I've done many of the same and a few more to my Cayman R. I've installed the Ohlins R&Ts (curious about how different those are from the ones I put in a few months ago), Numeric shifter cables (the shifter itself was backordered when my stock cables broke), aftermarket exhaust (Soul Performance valved) and Apex SM-10 18" wheels with 200TW tires (used for track and autox; have gone through AO52, RE-71R, Conti ECF, V730, RT660, and now CR-S).
In addition, I have added GT3 LCAs (more adjustability), Tarett sway bars and end links, GT3 master cylinder (greatly improves brake feel), SS brake lines, Giro Disk slotted rotors, Ferodo ds2500 pads, Castrol SRF brake fluid, 3rd (center) radiator, IPD Plenum and GT3 throttle body, and an EvoMS tune.
I would suggest all of these stick to your "OEM+" build philosophy (which I totally agree with), while much of the "+" I've done to enhance not only street/canyon drives, but also track days and autox events. While in San Diego now, I find myself back in the Bay Area fairly often, and would welcome you to test drive my car if the opportunity arises!
Crazy list of mods. I also autocross a modified 987.2 Cayman S. I'd be very interested in seeing that review.
If you ever plan a trip to the bay with your Cayman, let me know either on IG or email to zygrene@gmail.com
@apordonezm curious out of all those tires you've tried which do you prefer for dual road/autoX duty and why?
Also any experience with Michelin PS4S? (I know 340 TW tire) Everywhere I look on the forums folks seem to really like that tire.
Also great review Zygrene! I have an 06 boxster S with a very similar list of mods being installed (except coilovers - I'm using ST XA coilovers). Gives me confidence I'm going down the right path.
@jasonchew4840 I’ve always had dedicated road wheels/tires and those have been PS4S. I tracked the PS4S once, but they are not in the same class as those 200TW tires I’ve tried - at least 3 seconds slower on a
@@apordonez thanks for the reply and insight! Will narrow down my search to your recommendations and do more research
Tastefully done, Fenton! The older I get, the more I appreciate what it means practice an “economy mindset” when it comes to cars and builds. Part of the fun in chasing the best road and track experience is maximizing the return on dollars or time, and achieving balance. This video inspires me to realize my OEM+ daydreams with some slightly older platforms (E46, 987, etc). Thank you!
Beautiful little canyon carver dude, perfect little sports car for the money, very smart mods to enhance the driving experience
It must be so much fun to put on the exact parts you want on a car. I'm in N. Cal as well love to catch up.
Thank you very much for this video. Couldn't be better timed- as recently I purchased a low-mileage 987.1 that's completely stock. Had already mused what mods I might be looking into. For sure the very first will be replacing the IMS with something durable- heard somewhere about ceramic bearings... idk
I've only tried 1 "sporty" brake pad, but the EBC bluestuff was a lovely pad on the street on my daily driver. A very nice initial bite and lots of confidence in the brakes. I was also very impressed with the ware rate, each time I checked what's left i was impressed by how much was left. I'm very impressed by the pad
Just purchase 987.2 base Boxster with 19" and Fabspeed exhaust, love the sound! Agree with you with the shifter especially after driving Type R. Also agree on stock suspension; it crash over expansion joints while feel soft in corner. Numeric and Ohlins would be on my list.
Very interesting video. I used to have a 987.1 Cayman S and can recommend simply talking off the carpet engine covers, makes it so much louder and more exciting, great for track/canyons.
cool to see you guys got the numeric ssk. must change on the caymans.
Great video 👍🏻
I get my 2006 Cayman back from the shop next Monday. Would be tonight, but I fly to Vegas tomorrow. Getting the alignment and corner balancing done.
IPD intake plenum with GT3 throttle body.
Full Soul Performance exhaust.
Beru Ignition Coil Update Kit with NGK Plugs.
Complete brake overhaul with stainless lines on all four corners.
Function First performance engine mounts.
Rennline rear Subframe Stabilizer and Tie-Down Kit.
Rennline Sealed Front Camber Plates.
Rennline Front Bump Steer Kit.
Rennline 2-Point Front Strut Tower Brace.
Rennline Thrust Arm Spacers.
Rennline OEM GT3 Lower Control Arm Set.
Rennline Adjustable Rear Toe Arm Kit.
987 Cayman/Boxster Road And Track Coilover System
18" Anthracite APEX SM-10 Porsche Wheels.
Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Racing Dynamics Short Shift Kit.
Torque Solution Underdrive Crank Pulley Kit.
Vivid Racing tune.
Numeric shift cables.
Motorsports AOS.
Replaced fuel pump and water pumps while everything was apart.
I have a 987.1 with similar mods. I've found tire pressure to be really important. Try 28-31 lbs hot for optimal grip on the RT-660's. I added SPC lower arms to dial in more negative camber. -2.0, 0 toe front, -1.8, 0.08" total toe in rear adds a lot to turn-in, grip and balance. The GT3 master cylinder is a great addition at about $250. Adjust the pedal height for perfect heel-toe. I run Stop Tech Sport pads for street. Tirerack has them at $170 for both axles - cheap!
That's a beautiful shift knob. Wish they offered it for other makes.
I feel like you and savagegeese would get along really well, and I mean that as a compliment.
Great overview - I have a 981 GT4 and have added a Numeric shifter and cable - it is definitely more mechanical/precise than the stock gt4 shifter.
Which road are you on? I drive Skyline, Hwy9 and 84 but am always looking for more great drives in the bay area.
This guy is underrated
This guy is understated
this guy is underweighted
This guy is underhated
Thanks for making this video. I have a 987.2 S and thinking of upgrading to Ohlins R&T or OEM Cayman R suspensions. I don’t track and daily comfort is key. Which would you recommend considering you’ve experienced them all. I know putting the CR suspension on a 987.2 S is not the same as a CR as there are other components on the Rs. Hoping you can share some perspective. I typically prefer to stay with OEM, but I’m also hearing really positive results on the Ohlins. Thank you.
What convinced you to make that commitment to change the wheel out?
I always question when the steering wheel is replaced with one that doesn't have an airbag. IMO nothing is worth sacrificing that safety feature, unless you go full race spec safety (HANS, harness, etc). I see it frequently in the 90s JDM scene and it always makes me wince a little.
Fair point.
Agreed. Lots of fine Porsches out there with airbags. Not a problem that needs fixin'.
I tried the Numeric shifter and cables and found it to be too noisy and notchy. I went with a Function First Shift Kit for my factory short shifter and the upgraded OEM cables and upgraded pivot bracket. I also added a 1/2 lb of tungsten putty inside the shift knob. It's no cheaper than the Numeric alternative but it's smooth and silent.
The Momo steering wheel looks like it feels so, so good, but it is hard to justify not have a front airbag.
I have a 2005 Boxster S and feel the handling isn't as firm as I would like. Would you recommend going with the Ohlin's or KW?
This video couldn't be more relevant for me and is greatly appreciated. I just bought a 987.1s and am already getting the mod bug after feeling the improvement in engagement after installing the numeric shifter/cables. Sadly, I think the biggest killer in this car for me is the steering wheel. At 375mm diameter, It makes me feel like I'm driving a boat compared to the 320mm Momo steering wheel in my nd2 Miata and the Ohlins on my Miata were a game changer so I definitely will be getting those on this car. One question, do you think a 320mm steering wheel would be too small for this car?
Any info on the release date for the updated Ohlins R&T or if there’s a newsletter sign up for it?
Swedish Öhlins are No1 for race cars, enduro, MotoX-bikes.
Esc blue is the to try. I run them on my 996
Hi Zygrene, how would you compare this Cayman S to the E46 M3 in terms of driver engagement? Given the choice between the two, which one would you take home?
anything i need to do to get an aftermarket steering wheel? how to get rid of airbag lights etc? thanks,
Do you guys have a list of the mods you've done on this build out there?
Not sure if you'll see this comment so I might ask in future but ~
When you owned your BRZ did you turn off the hill assist by holding the trc button for 30 secs, tapping it once and then restarting the car? I saw a post about it claiming that it makes the car smoother to drive and after doing it I can say it makes a substantial difference. Shifts are smoother and the vehicle feels more responsive. There's less pops and bangs when revmatch downshifting and it doesn't feel as sluggish in every scenario. That's my experience in a GR86 anyway.
If you cover the platform in future I'd be curious to see if you notice the change and if you like it (if you hadn't disabled hill assist already).
I like this video premise too I'm looking forward to future updates on the Porsche
Gt3 master cylinder is a night snd day difference in braking feel
I recently purchased a 987.2 Boxster S, so this video is very useful for me. I'm curious, do you guys not worry about the safety aspect of swapping the steering wheel on a road car? Also, any plans for power mods? The 3.4 in the .2 seems to be easier to get power out of, but the .1 can still make some decent gains I believe. Looking forward to more updates on this car!
Welcome fellow 987.2 owner! Agreed on the steering wheel swap. Intriguing for a track car, but I'm not willing to take the risk on a mostly street driven car.
Actually, the .1 and ( I think) base .2 are port injected which make these easier to get more power and tune than the direct injected .2 S models. Bisimoto, a well known Porsche tuner, told me this during one of his streaming Q and A podcasts. Although the DFI models make more stock power than the port-injected ones, the later can easily be turbo'ed and/or add more timing or flex-fuel since the fuel/air tables are easier to manipulate.
Fair point on steering wheel safety. Luckily we barely drive this car.
No power mods planned. In fact I've never done a single power mod (unless you count a catback exhaust) on any of my cars. I'm all about handling mods.
Personally not a big fan of mods to these vehicles, in that some of the factory imperfections add to their character. For example, the standard shifter and brakes are a bit of a workout on a Sunday morning blast through the twisties.
I have a 996 Turbo and I'd much rather have a 997 GT3 shifter or 997 factory short shift kit (if I tried it first) than the shifter mine comes with. Yeah it's "original," but isn't having a better experience more enjoyable at the end of the day? I guess it's all about priorities. Sounds like you prefer originality and experiencing the car in a pure sense as it came from the factory.
I tried a Numeric and personally found it too heavy and notchy for my tastes. It was kind of just like a better version of the old B&M in my father's 996. My buddy's now gone 718 GT4 with the Function First shift knob as the only gearbox tweak I think was about as good as it got for me in a Porsche so far. Maybe I'm just weird and like just a small amount of play in my shifter and not the cliche "rifle bolt" feel people talk about. I loved my 2006 STi with the factory short shift kit as well.
It’s not just you. I just put a Numeric shifter and cables in my 996 and don’t love it. It’s in the middle setting, but I’ve heard bringing it to the highest setting is similar to an OEM SSK in terms of throw length and effort.
out of subject question, I recently (two weeks ago) purchased a low mile 987.2 09 base cayman and noticing rattles and noises coming from the hatch area where the brake light is, and that plastic trim, and it is driving me crazy. Did you experience this? Any suggestions? Thanks.
I haven't seen this before but 987s (and 997s) are known to have squeaks and rattles (saying from experience)
Yes this is common unfortunately. First get rid of that silly cover that hides your trunk contents. Then knock around the trim to try and locate rattle. Insert foam or some other type of stuffing behind trim to keep pressure in right spots to keep rattles away 👍🏼
I have a 987.2 and had the issue in cold weather... (Canada). It stopped when it got warmer... but I researched and the trunk noise happens.
It was mentioned that the 987.1 isn't a good track platform. Would the 987.2 be a better platform or does it suffer from the same flaws? What are those flaws anyway?
In short: engine reliability. 987.2 has far superior oiling and less prone to bore scoring.
@@Zygrene Thanks!! I thought it might have to do with the engine, but now know for sure. Love the channel!
The 987.1 suffers from oil starvation in hi-G right hand turns. The 987.2 does not.
There are several oil pan baffle kits that fix the oil starvation issues of the 987.1.
Not sure in which videos you went over the reasons why you don't plan on tracking this car. At face value, it seems like a mid engined porsche would be a decent candidate for track use. Why not?
Host of engine issues, mainly bore scoring. IMS is also a concern where the probability of failure is low but failure is catastrophic where a replacement engine costs about the same as the car itself.
@@Zygrene oof
@@jackwicker yup. And I think his AOS went out twice. Once during a trackday. Second time was a short time later. It’s been a while. They are older videos. I had the same happen in my 996
They blow engines on the track. They honestly aren't able to handle the g force loads that stickier tires and sustained track use subject them to. Even upgraded oil pans and other things still seem not to be enough.
Do you think the 987 with a more bulletproof engine like a KA2x solves the issues with tracking it? There’s one guy who stuffed a GM v6 with twin turbos in one.
There's a guy doing k20 kits for 911s of this generation and I wonder if he wouldn't make one for the cayman
We are working on the K24 kit for 987's now. The 997 911 kits are for sale and have been a hit so far. I wouldn't expect the 987 kit to be ready before Fall of 24.
anywhere to keep track of progress for the 987? @@williamrori1274
I've seen quite a few k2x kits for 987/997 Porsches. Whos the one you are referring to?@@martinmendiolamm
Wheel and tire specs? Looks great
Front: 18x9" ET46 with 245/40/18
Rear: 18x10" ET36 with 275/35/18
You gotta take this thing on highway 9
Congrats on the short shifter I knew you would enjoy that mod I mean it’s no comparison to the original throw. Like you said it should’ve come that way from the factory. Your exhaust sounds awesome. I wish I knew how the Ohlins feel compared to stock plus PASM I’m driving. Curious if it lowered the car or if you changed springs at the time? You mentioned brakes so if it’s any consideration I’ll mention my PCCB’s perform excellent and provide impressive pedal feel. The 987.1CS is one of those cars that if you had zero knowledge of costs and just drove a bunch of cars and at the end of the day you have to pick most enjoyable the 987.1 would be very high up the list the steering is excellent! Great review thanks
link for the wheel hub and boot?
great video, but, I wish my scirocco and 88 m3 had airbags. Why you would remove the airbag steering wheel boggles my mind. I value my skull way more than I care about steering feel.
I have the ohlins and they are rough on the road. I find myself constantly scanning for potholes and seams. Everything else underneath is stock. deep baffled pan, AOS. shift kit. I'm good right now but guys like you help so I know what else is out there.
BTW, an 88 16v scirocco, 88 e30 M3, 72 Alfa gtv, 70 firebird, 01 S4, 2007 cayman S, and a 500e complete my stable.
I'd have to say the Cayman is my favorite and all the car I'll ever need. Drive safely please.
I have that steering wheel in my 16v
Yikes, I wouldn't remove the steering wheel airbag from a street-driven SRS car.
If some idiot's coming the other way and crosses the double-yellow, there could be a higher chance of it being deadly.
I miss mine :(
How do you compare the experience of a 987 with an Evora / Emira, in terms of steering feel and handling dynamics / fun? Given the 987 was also hydraulic steering, etc.
Should buy a chrono pack with an S
Review the boss 302 it’s an m3 competitor and it was faster on the track
I would love to if someone has one
Can someone explain to me co-owning ???
It's like taking 2 girls out to dinner. Buying each one half a steak dinner. Then bringing them home and having 1/2 of a good time with each of them.
Are you kidding?
About???
Would love to see what the car would be like with added lightness… Changing out the rear deck lid, steel doors, power seats and stereo could easily reduce the gross weight by 200lbs.
the steering wheel mod is extremely dangerous, no?
It’s not like you’re sitting in a race seat, with a six-point harness and a roll cage to protect you
WHY would you ditch the airbag?
I would never drive that car due to safety concerns
Otherwise, excellent set up
If I’m wrong, please enlighten me