DeAmber
When the 986 received several cosmetic updates for the 2003 model year, one major change was the switch from amber headlights, taillights, and sidemarkers to clear lights. I prefer the more updated look of a "deambered" 986.
Clear Halogen Headlights - $600
Red/Clear Tail Lights - $130
Philips Silvervision Turn Signal Bulbs - $20
Clear Sidemarkers - $40
Clear Halogen Headlights - $600
Red/Clear Tail Lights - $130
Philips Silvervision Turn Signal Bulbs - $20
Clear Sidemarkers - $40
Hardtop
I managed to find a hardtop in my color (Ocean Blue Metallic) shortly after purchasing my 986. I have only ever seen a handful available in this color at a reasonable price. My hardtop is an earlier model from '97 or '98 because it has "ears" which can be used to install the Roof Transport System (RTS), however Porsche strongly advises against using the ears and in '99-'00 they were removed from all future hardtops.
Hardtops can range dramatically in price based on condition and paint color. I have seen tops for as low as $450 and as high as $2500. In my opinion a fair price is in the $700-1500 range, I paid $900 for mine with a few big scratches.
Hardtops can range dramatically in price based on condition and paint color. I have seen tops for as low as $450 and as high as $2500. In my opinion a fair price is in the $700-1500 range, I paid $900 for mine with a few big scratches.
Roof Transport System
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The Porsche Roof Transport System (RTS) is a roof rack that was available for the 986 Boxster. All Boxster come from the factory with the four mounting points required to install the RTS. The RTS has two oval crossbars, that include locking ends that allow the use of slotted Porsche attachments. I use my RTS for skiing in the winter, and have a Thule Roof Box (I removed the Thule Logo and installed Porsche decals), and a Porsche Ski Rack that installs using the slotted cross bars. The Roof Box severly degrades the aerodynamics and handling of the 986, and I would not recommend driving long distances with it at highway speed. I have also noticed the RTS reduced fuel efficiency by about 2mpg.
If you are looking into purchasing a RTS, make sure it includes the tool box that includes the body mounts and several RTS specific fittings, specifically the lock socket for the B-Pillar mount bolts. A fair price for a complete RTS is around $250-350. |
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Bumper Plugs
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Bumper plugs are small plastic caps that are fitted into the two holes in the front bumper used to mount a front license plate. Bumper plugs can be purchased for between $20-30, however they can be made for about $1, if you already have some touch up paint. I purchased some automotive push fasteners (carpet plugs) at Lowes, and painted them with touch up paint.
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Drain Vent Covers
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Because the 986 is a convertible it has two drains located under the clamshell to allow water to drain from the convertible top area. These drains are extremely important to be kept clean, because if they clog, water can overflow into the passenger area of the 986 and damage the immobilizer located under the driver's seat resulting in a costly repair (more than a thousand dollars).
There is a company that now makes a waterproof immobilzer enclosure, ECU Doctors, but a simplier and cheaper solution, besides making sure the drains are always clean, comes from the 987 when Porsche solved this issue by using two small drain vent covers to avoid clogging. Two covers can be purchased for about $20, the part number is: 987 561 487 00. While I recently had the driver's seat removed, I decided to slip the immobilizer into a plastic bag to provide some additional protection. I zip tied the bag closed, then wrapped plastic stretch wrap around the wiring harness/opening to create a better seal. This is probably not necessary, but it took 5 minutes and did not cost anything. |
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Spoiler Sticker
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The 986 uses a spoiler, not a wing, which provides downforce by spoiling any lift generated by air flowing over the car. When deployed the spoiler features a large flat black surface. To make the spoiler more interesting, I added a red 'Porsche' decal, which aligns nicely with the red in the tail lights. These decals are available for about $20.
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LED Daytime Running Lights
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I originally installed the DRL modification that used the fog lights by connecting two fuses together, however I was never comfortable having two fuses jumpered together. I later installed dedicated LED running lights. I powered the LED's from the switched 12V phone connector under the center console, with a wire that ran through the firewall into the front trunk, then to the front bumper, with a ground inside the front trunk. However, I used LED's imbedded in flexible rubber, and unfortunately rocks destroyed most of the LED's within a year. I have since removed the LED's and am still looking for properly protected LED's that come in an ulta slim form factor.
Two tips when installing LED's: -Install a plug in the wiring that can be disconnected when removing the front bumper. I installed a plug that is positioned directly below the passenger headlight, so when I remove the headlight I can reach down and disconnect the running lights. -Use the slimest LED or light you can find, you want to minimize the amount of airflow that gets blocked by the lights. |
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Magnetic Rocker Guards
I purchased these for about $25 from a a now defunct company. These magnetic rocker guards are meant to be placed in front of the rear wheels below the side air intakes. They are more cosmetic than functional, and would probably look a lot better on Guards Red than a dark color like Ocean Blue. They are cut from a thin magnetic sheet, so they would be easy to make yourself.
Disclaimer
This website is a personal project, and any information contained on this website should be independently verified. I accept no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of any information on this website, and/or any damage you incur from reading or following any of the information on this website. This website contains documentation of my own modifications, upgrades, and other work, however your results may differ. I encourage everyone to do their own research and verify any information themselves. This website may be directly linked to without specific permission, but the contents may not be copied, hosted, transmitted, etc in any medium without express permission. Thank you!
This website is a personal project, and any information contained on this website should be independently verified. I accept no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of any information on this website, and/or any damage you incur from reading or following any of the information on this website. This website contains documentation of my own modifications, upgrades, and other work, however your results may differ. I encourage everyone to do their own research and verify any information themselves. This website may be directly linked to without specific permission, but the contents may not be copied, hosted, transmitted, etc in any medium without express permission. Thank you!
