Center Radiator
Halfway through my 95k service I had the coolant drained from the car and decided that it would be nice to add some additional cooling power to my 986. Due to the thin air and hot summers where I currently live, my Boxster tends to run warmer that I would like. The center radiator provides additional cooling when the car is moving, and overall I think it is a worthwhile upgrade. My only complaint is that I chose to cut the opening for the center radiator into my existing bumper, then use the OEM trim. Cutting the opening was extremely tedious and the finished result does not look as good as I would like. I would recommend purchasing a bumper with the center radiator opening already cut out.
I purchased the center radiator and mounting assembly from a low mileage wrecked 986. While I would normally not recommend introducing used parts into the coolant system, due to the possibility of unknown debris in the system like plastic from a broken water pump, this radiator came from an car with extremely low miles. I also flushed the radiator several times with distilled water before installing.
I also purchased the correct Boxster S coolant hoses that enable the center radiator to be added. One issue with adding the center radiator to a Base model car is that the coolant system on the 'S' has large diameter coolant hoses. There are several solutions to this problem which I will explain below:
First, both the Base and 'S' model hose are the same diameter where they connect to the radiators, however, the other end of the forward hoses (the ones that you replace to add the center radiator), have a different diameter. The system needs to be altered at some point to adjust the size. There are a few options, each with different pros and cons.
The simplest solution would be to take the existing Base hoses and splice in a T-fitting to add the center radiator, and avoid using the OEM center radiator hoses. However, this solution introduces 6 new potential points of failure, three per T-fitting.
The next solution would be to take the center radiator Y-hose, and your existing Base model hose and splice those together, however this would not work, as there is not enough room between the metal hard pipes and the rear of the Y-hose to introduce a splice, and you would still introduce four new potential points of failure.
The next solution is the one suggested by the Pelican Parts DIY, which will work, but I think requires changing too many parts. This method is to replace the forward radiator hose with the center radiator Y-hose, then replace the metal hard pipes with large 'S' pipes, then replace the coolant hose behind those pipes with the large 'S' hose and splice those hoses with the Base size coolant hose. I think this method requires too many parts, and too much disassembly of the car to be worthwhile.
The final option, which is the one I chose is probably the best solution but also the most difficult to achieve. I replaced the forward coolant hoses with the center radiator hoses, then I had the metal hard pipes modified on one end to accept the new larger hose. This does not introduce any new possible points of failure, does not require replacing too many parts, and is a lot cleaner than splicing two hose sizes together. The issue with this method, is that the company that offered this modification service is no longer around, so you would have to find a welder/machinist who could properly modify the aluminum pipes.
I purchased the center radiator and mounting assembly from a low mileage wrecked 986. While I would normally not recommend introducing used parts into the coolant system, due to the possibility of unknown debris in the system like plastic from a broken water pump, this radiator came from an car with extremely low miles. I also flushed the radiator several times with distilled water before installing.
I also purchased the correct Boxster S coolant hoses that enable the center radiator to be added. One issue with adding the center radiator to a Base model car is that the coolant system on the 'S' has large diameter coolant hoses. There are several solutions to this problem which I will explain below:
First, both the Base and 'S' model hose are the same diameter where they connect to the radiators, however, the other end of the forward hoses (the ones that you replace to add the center radiator), have a different diameter. The system needs to be altered at some point to adjust the size. There are a few options, each with different pros and cons.
The simplest solution would be to take the existing Base hoses and splice in a T-fitting to add the center radiator, and avoid using the OEM center radiator hoses. However, this solution introduces 6 new potential points of failure, three per T-fitting.
The next solution would be to take the center radiator Y-hose, and your existing Base model hose and splice those together, however this would not work, as there is not enough room between the metal hard pipes and the rear of the Y-hose to introduce a splice, and you would still introduce four new potential points of failure.
The next solution is the one suggested by the Pelican Parts DIY, which will work, but I think requires changing too many parts. This method is to replace the forward radiator hose with the center radiator Y-hose, then replace the metal hard pipes with large 'S' pipes, then replace the coolant hose behind those pipes with the large 'S' hose and splice those hoses with the Base size coolant hose. I think this method requires too many parts, and too much disassembly of the car to be worthwhile.
The final option, which is the one I chose is probably the best solution but also the most difficult to achieve. I replaced the forward coolant hoses with the center radiator hoses, then I had the metal hard pipes modified on one end to accept the new larger hose. This does not introduce any new possible points of failure, does not require replacing too many parts, and is a lot cleaner than splicing two hose sizes together. The issue with this method, is that the company that offered this modification service is no longer around, so you would have to find a welder/machinist who could properly modify the aluminum pipes.
Spin On Oil Adapter & FilterMag
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I upgraded to the LN Spin On Oil Filter Adapter to ensure that 100% of the oil circulating in my car has been filtered of all particulates. One potential, although uncommon, issue with the stock oil filter is that the release value at the bottom of the canister can get stuck open allowing oil to circulate unfiltered through the car. The Spin On Adapter eliminates that potential issue. I use the Napa Gold/Wix 51042XP oil filter, with a FilterMag stuck on the canister to help trap any metal particles. I secure the FilterMag with a pipe clamp.
If you are using the OEM oil filter canister, use the Napa Gold/Wix 57211 filter which has plastic ends that will not delaminate like filters with paper ends. |
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Low Temperture Thermostat
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I replaced the stock thermostat with a Wahler Low Temperature Thermostat during my 95k service. This thermostat opens at 160° F compared to the stock thermostat which opens at 186° F. This helps the engine stay cooler for a longer period of time.
There is some debate if a low temp thermostat is necessary, but considering this is standard equipment for Porsche GT2, GT3 and Cup cars I think it is a worthwhile upgrade if it provides any additional engine cooling. |
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Upgraded Oil Cooler
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I replaced the the base model oil cooler with the much large 'S' oil cooler during my 95k service to provide additional oil cooling to help maintain the health of my engine. The 'S' oil cooler is about twice the size of the base cooler.
I purchased a Behr oil cooler because they are the OEM supplier to Porsche. This is a direct replacement, which does not require any modifications. Behr PN: 376726111 Make sure you replace all of the o-rings when installing a new oil cooler, and have a plastic bag on standby to immediate place your old oil cooler into to avoid any coolant or oil dripping on the engine or causing an intermix issue. |
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Clutch Switch Hack
This hack involved securing a zip tie around the clutch pedal microswitch. This allows you to start the car without pressing the clutch in, if you parked in neutral. If you parked in gear, the car will stall.
Airhorn
After a close call with a semi-truck that was not paying attention I purchased a compact 139dB air horn. The horn is wired directly to the battery and grounded inside the front trunk. I spliced the control into the existing horns, which I left in place. This allows me to use the regular horns to 'beep' someone before the airhorn has enough time to charge. The horn is mounted under the front bumper cover, and it has become a very tight fit since I installed a center radiator.
Red Clip
+10 HP
PN: 986.504.986.00
PN: 986.504.986.00
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!
