i have a similar phenomenon where when I have something parked for more than a few days you start thinking about it not being as beloved, and once I drive/ride it again, i'm back in love. Here's the solve: don't keep it parked 🙂
I have that relationship with my BRZ. The impulse is that something else makes more sense when browsing the Internet, but then I drive it to work in the morning and think “nope keep it!”
Bro this vid is hillarious cuz it represents all petrol heads sickness we all love cars so much we can’t settle for only one but since most of us can’t afford more than one we’re constantly deliberating what could we buy instead of the present one that would make us more content and get that fix and excitement that comes with a new car. As for me i have a glorious car i love my boxster gts 4.0 shark blue so much i don’t think I’ll ever sell it but that still doesn’t stop me from looking at emiras c8’s m2’s and other cars I could have afforded when I bought my bgts and ask myself should i have bought them and after that the same ocd process happens again from time to time 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻
GT3 steering reflash. I had this done to my 2015 Cayman S and it definitely is an upgrade. I was able to get it done by my local Porsche specialist for about $100 since he already had the tools and interface, he just had to read up on it. The feedback when the tires are loaded mid corner is subtle versus stock, but the feedback is much greater at all other times even when just going straight down a road or through sweepers. It's not far off my NC2 MX5's hydraulic steering now and is well worth doing. The other simple mod that is worth doing is installing aftermarket intake air filters. The BMC filters I have installed are apparently very close to the filters Porsche used in the GT4, and they really liven up the sound with delicious induction noise.
My last few cars goes as follows, 981 Cayman, 718 Cayman, 991.1 911, and now a 981 GT4. Very much agree on the looks of 981 vs 718, but you also get a more mechanical analog drive. Also, when you compare it to the price of a 718 GT4, those cost significantly more. I would say a 981 GT4 is what you are looking for.
I paid a local tuning shop $150 and they loaded the GT3 software for me on my 981 GTS with x73 and pdk. I am much happier. You gain feel and texture as the steering more naturally loads up. You can feel the grip of the tires more now. I’m very happy with it and it’s worth experimenting.
I also added BMC engine fliters which increased intake sound and gave it a little better response. While I was having the GT3 coding done I also had PTV turned on. For cars without the PTV option you can still enable it and get the benefits on turn in (braking force is applied to the inside wheel). I did notice the car turns in sharper now!
I've done the steering coding you mentioned, it's a tweak rather than a fundamental change but you will appreciate the removal of that dead zone off centre, wheel will move around in your hand as the road surface changes. More natural feeling and a little more feel at the limit of grip.
The only way to actually get better front end feel and handling characteristics is to do plates, toe arms, 265/295 tires and probably a pasm delete coilover. Your right the remap is cool but it's not significant
Hey Paul, I have a Boxster GTS and just did the remap. It shouldn't cost $1k. I went to a local Porsche specialist with PIWIS and was done in less than an hour and they charged me about $150 for it. Just give it a try, if you don't like it's easy to go back. I found it a bit lighter but loads up better. You can also turn the PIWIS into engineering mode and enable PTV and keyfob open or close of the roof if you are a boxster owner.
14:25 Yes you can own more than one Cayman. I have the exact combo you are talking about. 981 GTS PDK as daily driver and a 981 GT4 as weekender. I do not know how you could top that with the same amount of money.
The 981 is a great car. I like that way it looks better than the 718 and sure sounds much better. It handles great already so not much else to do. I would keep it !
Get a thinkdiag for $100. I have a launch x431 and the thinkdiag can basically do all the same coding. I recoded all sorts of things. Most importantly, the oil temp gauge to be accurate. But little things like turning off the upshift arrow, rolling down and up the windows with the key fob, emergency brake light flashing, turned off tge seat belt chime, and a few other things. Another great function is checking the oil level sensor reading directly effectively making it an electronic dipstick. And of course, resetting the service reminder.
Yep, I found a local CGTS 4.0 with 49k miles selling for $84k at a dealer. They definitely hold their value, even the old 2016 981 GT4s never went below 70/80k.
And since this summer Cayman / Boxter is not made anymore... (They will only be electric but that is not a real Cayman / Boxter anymore). So expect the prices to go up up and up...
I have both a 2014 Sapphire blue 981S Cayman and a GT4RS so maybe I can add some ideas here. My 981CS is our daily driver and the car I take most to the track. Modified with Brembo GT Big Brake kit (yellow calipers look unbelievable with sapphire blue), ducktail spoiler, GT4 rear diffuser, TechArt front spoiler, GT4 side vents. Wheels are the 20” Carrera style in satin grey. Car is gorgeous, especially with the Luxor beige interior, great combo. I’ve loved this car for almost 3 years now. The way my driveway is set up, if there’s a car on it, you can’t get 1 of our cars out of the garage. My wife ordered a car so now the 981CS is the extra car that has no spot in the garage. So I’m selling it with great regret and living in Florida, cars just fall apart if you leave them outside and I can’t do that to such a beautiful car even if it didn’t block the garage. Having 2 Caymans was an absolutely fantastic experience. Each is different but the platform’s basic goodness is felt in both. They are different enough, 2 generations of the same basic formula, but their similarity shows you their breadth of capability. One’s Dr. Jekyll, the other, Mr. Hyde.
Too funny. I JUST had the steering in my 991.1 coded to GT3 a few days before this video came out. It transformed the car. At low speeds the steering feels lighter but more direct, and it loads up so progressively and more precisely into corners. Worth every penny. You can also activate Porsche Torque Vectoring as well. Both solid upgrades to an already excellent car and only a couple hundred bucks if you have an Indy shop code it. If you have PSE you can also lock the valves fully open to ramp up the excitement. No drone, keeps it oem, sounds 10000x better. A friend of mine did it to his and it’s easily one of the best sounding Porsches I’ve ever heard. Keep it. There’s more to explore with the 981.
I use to be against mods because previously it made more sense to sell and the money you wouldve used to mod buy the better car. Since the last few years the automotive industry doesn't make sense. New car prices are outrageous, finding a good spec how you want is time consuming and expensive. Even slightly older cars worth a damn barely depreciated and many actually appreciated. Making it worth it mod the car.
Base 981 PDK guy here. lol that spec is making most of you groan, but honestly it’s still thrilling. Chasing more power and better this and that will never end. Focus on being happy and enjoying what you have. Unless you have money to burn of course. 😂
Think you’ll find a lot of steering feel from a sharper tire that’s also narrow enough to be well supported by that rim width. Tiny bit of tow out on the front, more caster, more roll spring, more shock force all contribute to steering feedback. It’s there just put a quality shock on it like a MCS 2W remote and you’ll have completely different cars at your fingertips.
Agreed but he can't go to a front 265 tire unless he does a camber plate. Rear toe also is a big issue. He should do : gt4, all those adjustments and he's got near perfection
Two must do 981 mods: GT3 power steering software upgrade and GT4 subframe braces. I have a 981 Boxster S that is heavily optioned as ordered and I added the X73 suspension kit. I also added an exhaust as it adds 10 hp on this engine and sounds absolutely amazing. I also installed a 30ah 13.5 lb lithium battery that weighs 35 lbs less than stock as weighed on a digital scale. This is one of the best handling car ever made and extreme satisfying to drive and own. Don’t bother with engine mods as 370 hp is max without touching the factory long block. The 981 Boxster was called maybe the best roadster ever in 2012 by Evo magazine and Car and Driver magazine. Agree the 981 is the prettiest variant of the series. No offense but Porsche isn’t making gas powered Caymans of Boxsters anymore. You’re an idiot if you sell this car, unless you sell it to me lol.
I've said it here before, but your review of a 987 S was the last straw before I bought one of my own eleven years ago. That's also how I found your channel. I had to trade mine in after about 6-7 years of, yes, daily driving. All I'll say is, don't do it, Paul.
981GTS 6MT owner here. It sounds like you are longing for an extra pedal. The manual gearbox is truly wonderful to use. My car has X73, which is firm, but given how good your roads are, I think it would only enhance your experience. I do have mods on my car, and they really do make the car a more cohesive package. I have the steering recalibration, Porsche short shifter, and (best of all) catted sport headers. The headers transform the car and just make it sound so much more exciting. I've had plenty of time behind the wheel of a 981 GT4, and they're wonderful, but obviously come at a cost. Adding X73 and headers really make the car feel closer to a GT4 in terms of experience without sacrificing its daily livability (unless you have crap roads). Given what you have, if you still like the PDK, then keep the car, and try a set of headers and the steering recalibration. If you don't like them, you can sell the headers and the PIWIS easily, and still sell the car if you're not happy. The next mod I really want to do is the DeMan re-gearing since 1. I hate the stiff clutch in the 981, and 2. I love using the gearbox but the gears are too long to enjoy them legally. And honestly, the GT4 suffers here too (at least the 718 has a lighter clutch, but that's whole other tax bracket). Also thanks for the info on the wheels, I've been debating on changing the wheels to see if that would alter the steering feel as well.
I sold my 718 GT4 and went to a 997.2. I've tracked a 981 GT4, my 718 GT4, and a 991.2 GT3RS in open track days, in regards to Porsche-specific track time. These are amazing vehicles, but on a public backroad they are way too capable to get much out of them. I am infinitely happier with my 911 as a car that is predominately seeing public backroads, not dedicated track use. Unfortunately, and especially in the internet age, the Internet tells you what you should get and everyone has an opinion that is usually not based on actual experience, but rather what they "think" a car is like. Lots of people that cannot afford any of these cars will tell you what you should or should not drive, and everyone wants to tell you what is "better" than what you have. Your perspective in this video is fantastic, it really is. Learning what you want instead of going through cars like water and losing lots of money in the process, is valuable.
Have a 981 Spyder. Love it. Recently went on a trip and rented a 2023 C8 Z06 for a week. Great car, unbelievable value for the money, and GM has FINALLY figured out how to do a decent interior. Wasn't considering selling the Spyder, but glad I had a week in the Z06. When I got home, I took the Spyder out and immediately knew it was 'better' (for me anyway) than the Z06. Driver engagement much higher in the Spyder than Z06. When I'm asked what is it about Porsche that's so great, my answer boils down to "systems integration.' Porsches may not have the most powerful engine, the 'best' suspension, the 'best' brakes, the 'best' sound, the 'best' transmission, etc. but every individual system is (at least) very, very good and the way they've integrated all of them produces a truly spectacular vehicle.
Simple rule: don´t mod a car out of its class. If you feel the urge to do so - get rid of it and get a car out of another class. I am loosely quoting you too guys ;) And if you cannot afford your next dream car yet (like let's say a McLaren, Lotus or a GT4), stay with your faithful current dream car. And keep dreaming. It's a wonderful state of mind. Paul, that´s what you are doing and your are right! I also had a 981 for a while and it was the prettiest, I loved it and miss it.
Consider some camber plates in the front and a track alignment. That will improve the front end bite and steering response. Also consider some quality racing seats that will connect you with the car more. No major changes to the car, just enhancing what is already there!
Get a 2016 GT4 to keep forever, the GTS has been a lot of fun but the GT4 is everything it lacks that you have been yearning for. Also it is 90-100k instead of 140-150k so it is not such a stretch. My dream garage currently is Aston Martin DB12 Volante for GT car, 2016 GT4 for twistys and a 4x4 van for overlanding and towing the boat to the lake.
@@davidlepoidevin4239 You are an absolute fucktard lol. I've never heard such a dumb car opinion is my life. You have to be no more than 15 years old. ItS A GiRlS CaR. What a dunce lol.
Completely agree. The C8 is a very meh car. The only thing that's cool about it is the fact that it's a midengined Corvette, which we obviously never had before, but maybe for good reason. I honestly prefer the C6 and C7 to it. Feels more right. The Cayman is damn near car perfection though.
The Cayman its a keeper but he does not need to get rid of his C8, both cars are great, but different. For me a perfect C8 would be one that could have a manual shifter. It already is a ME witha strong V8, but only lacks a nice MT shifter.
The remap/upgrade the 981 Cayman GTS really needs is the throttle… Give me a linear throttle map all the way to the floor, please! The dance at the limit of traction in a GT4 or Spyder is so much more pleasant and controlled.
Did the gt3 steering map on 981 gts with x73, it's now lighter on center and weights up more than before when loaded. Also significant bump steer. It wouldn't give you the hydraulic steering granularity where I heard "you can feel a coin on the road", nor did I feel that in the 987.1 and e60 m5 I test drove before.
I too have a 981 GTS with X73 and the calibration and I agree 100%. The most noticeable change is there is more texture off center. On center the feel still leaves much to be desired and the bump steer is more noticeable. However, it is nice that the change is just software.
Do soul long tube catted headers. The sound will make you love the car even more. Upgrade steering to GT3 calibration. Find someone with a PIWIS 2. Can be done in 5 min and you feel it immediately. I have done a number of cars. Come to NY and I will do it for you. It’s so easy I could never charge anyone to do it.
I can soooo relate. I have a 981 Boxster GTS manual. I haven’t driven it as much as I want lately so I sometimes think about selling it. Then I get in it and turn the key. Instantly those thoughts disappear. There’s so much to love about it. I’m not reaching for the limits of its capabilities. I drive it for the way it feels. And it still feels amazing.
You can own a manual Boxster and keep your PDK Cayman. Two different driving experiences on the road. Reasonably priced options. Can spec or mod differently to your hearts delight and still be under the cost of a brand new or low mileage GT3.
Could not imagine driving, touring, without using a clutch, left hand working the stick, thinking, does this next curve require a down shift... Will stick with my 72 911T, with the least power of the other offered models, for I get to work the shifter, manual steering and being connected to the car and the road. Now which one do I take out to workout some nice curves? the 73 914 or the 76 912E...
I feel everyone has that same feeling as they grow with their car. I have had mine for almost 9 years now (not a porsche) I am at a cross road of do I mod and take it to the next level or do I just part ways. The never ending dilemma of car enthusiast
I have a 718 Cayman and I have a deposit on a Boxster GTS and while I love the looks of the 718, the 981 is better looking. But he's wrong about the PDK. I've test driven PDKs and the manual is the way to go if you want engagement.
Sounds like Paul needs to write in with a Car Debate! Speaking thes thoughts is one thing, putting them down might just be the way to decide for certain! Or at least for now.
I feel exactly the same way about my Cayman 987.2. I thought many times about selling it, but then I drive it and I completely change my mind. The only car I would change it for is a Ferrari 360, but the potential maintenance costs and the fact that I wouldn't trust it to take it on longer road trips is just killing my excitement for it. So here I am still with my 175k km 987.2 falling in love with it again and again, every time I drive it. And btw, I have the exact same feeling you described about the tires when I switch from 19" (summer) to 18" (winter/track) wheels. It's just so much more nimble and just feels lighter, but with the same excellent steering feel.
From one Paul to another, keep it, do a few mods and be happy. Especially since you get to drive other cool cars. Often. So you are not missing out. I know my FK8 is a keeper- but I still look at and happily test drive any other enthusiast vehicle. And yes, when I am driving it I have no doubts. Great to drive and great to own. Not always the same thing.
Bilstein PSS10 coilover kit (981 w/o PASM) or if you PASM, you could get the Bilstein B4 Damptronic setup. You've already got a spectacular wheel and tire setup so to me the suspension is where you can change the dynamics of vehicle even more. Maybe changing up the sway bar setup a bit (don't assume "stiffer" is better. In some cases a softer sway bar actually will perform better but that will require some research on your part). I always upgrade the stereo in my cars. Usually an aftermarket subwoofer b/c they give the most substantive improvement for a smaller investment than redoing the entire system. EXHAUST!!! I am unsure if you have the Porsche Sport Exhaust but a well designed aftermarket system can give your car a more soulful and engaging exhaust note which can bring more enjoyment. YMMV on this point as its more subjective. TONS of options there including a very important component -- HEADERS! I think the headers can make a huge impact in how your Cayman GTS sounds along with the right exhaust. Can get VERY pricey but again it won't change the overall dynamics of the car from a handling perspective (Sure you can shave a few pounds but probably not gonna notice that much). It can just bring some visceral enjoyment to the car. POWAH BABY!! You might also find a little more power when you uncork the exhaust but truly that requires an ECU tune. Most of the ECU upgrades for the 981 GTS are going to give you about 20Hp and about 20ftlb of torque. This isn't a huge jump but combined with your lower weight wheels, maybe lower weight exhaust where you shaved off maybe 20-25lbs of total weight (and whatever the unsprung weight was, you're gonna find some greater gains)...but that extra 20Hp and 20lbft will be a nice bump to give you a little more passing power and corner exit thrust. I think your 981 looks gorgeous as it it is and any cosmetic mods are entirely up to you...again I think it looks perfect with your wheel setup. Nothing I'd personally change in that department. But if you want to personalize it a bit more...maybe a Black UTAH plate???
I decided several years ago that I would keep my 981 GTS for life. It will never get sold by me. My daughter will inherit it when I am gone - and she will love it as much as I do. The best car I have owned, and hands down the best driver experience I have ever had.
Honestly though, how do you upgrade from this though? You could get something faster, but is it going to have better handling and steering feel? You could something lighter and more tossable, but is it going to be fast enough? Is it going to be as nice as Porsche? As practical? As affordable to run? I used to have a '22 BRZ and now I have an '18 230i M Sport, while the BMW is an "upgrade" for speed, interior quality, and noise, there are a lot of things that are down graded- the steering, the handling, the weight. While something might seem like an upgrade on paper, the actual experience of may not be in some ways. I'm just really not sure what would truly be an upgrade compared to this car without spending a lot of money or having to compromise in some ways to live with such a car.
This is where I was with my last car, a Focus ST. I had it for 11 years (since new), done a bunch of bolt ons to enhance the driving experience. Several of my choices made the car worse to live with as a daily driver. In a case of "they don't make them like they used to," it was hard finding something that was a good successor. At the same time, I was feeling ready to move on, but I wasn't willing to settle. Fortunately the Integra Type S now exists!
Also a sapphire blue 16BGTS here, I won’t ever let it go. Nothing sounds the same. You would enjoy a few days of top down driving where the sounds are that much more intense. Nice wheels, that and brakes are my only temptations in terms of modifications.
Camber plates or lower control arms should be first performance mod, would have definitely went 18s or 19s instead of 20s but maybe doesn't matter with a tire sponsor, lastly exhaust for fun. Anything more than that get a 981 or 718 gt4.
With you! Haven't had my 991.1 C2 for nearly as long, but I'm confident it'll be my final car. Have a couple mods I want to do for it that I'm confident will be worthwhile: Numeric shifter & cables (manual), GT3 steering map, and maybe headers for a bit more sound. Eventually, when the suspension needs to be refreshed, I'll add GT3 lower control arms to get the full GT3 steering experience.
Todd, I just finished watching this video. You perfectly captured the agonizing illness all car lovers struggle with. The problem is, all the vehicles (or at least most of them) are great in their own way. One wants to experience them all, and the reality is, that is just not financially possible for most of us. We ordered what was to be a final sports car, a 992 911 Turbo in Shark Blue, after owning a few great cars but never a Porsche. We figured, since we are not getting any younger, why not scratch that itch? It is a great car. But then, it was so good we thought "Well, the GT3 RS must be on another level entirely!". So, after much research and hand-wringing, a reasonable and lower mileage 991.2 GT3 RS surfaces. Now what? Do we sell the Turbo (which we really, really like) and get the RS instead? The wife says "Absolutely not. Get the RS, but we are not selling the Turbo! I like it! too much!". So, now we own both and could not be happier. My only regret is that we did not go down the Porsche "rabbit hole" years ago. We feel very fortunate to daily experience, what in our opinion, are two very different but both extraordinarly fun and capable vehicles. Do what makes you happy. Our time on this planet is short. Don't be the guy in the cemetary with the most money! Live the dream.
I went from an MTS 981S with every sport option into an MT CGTS with the same spec. The 981S looks and sounds better but the 4L makes the 718 a keeper. Just get a 981 GT4!
Before that steering remap, look at swapping out the suspension and steering rack bushings for ones that are a bit firmer. That won't cost as much and may do good things for the steering feel and suspension responsiveness. R egarding power, the 911 engine of this generation was also a 3.4 liter and developed 375 HP vs. 340 for the Cayman GTS. The difference? ECU mapping.
Hi, from Japan!! I think your car has already been a masterpiece. You don’t need to modify anymore. For new driving experience what about if you try to adapt new driving skills. In my case, I practiced right foot acceleration and left foot brake for shortening the driving time with my AT car. Thanks for the challenge, I have been enjoying to drive everyday even the driving speed is normal.
Contentment is a difficult state of being for car enthusiasts to achieve let alone remain. First, admit and concede that we're going to make changes and dial things in, if we deny this it will be like a bull in the chute, not a peaceful place. Second, have that end goal in mind and then set out a path of breadcrumbs toward it, planning and dreaming is half the fun. Last, in my experience, make one change at a time and revel in it, love it and laugh out loud over it with happiness and satisfaction as you drive, drive and then drive. My encouragement is to find that car that you not only love but appreciate, give it a nickname, make memories with it and then, after years and years, look back at maybe decades of adventures and think contently, "well done!"
While I agree good tires are the essential 1st upgrade, I've performed most bolt-ons mods to my 987.2 Cayman S once I started to loose interest. I always thought the 987 exhausts were too quiet, so I got a great aftermarket one and while you're in there...did everything else connected to the engine. Also coilovers and better sway bars, so it corners better and has a more aggressive stance. If I decided to "move on", it would be the 981 GT4, but for far less money, I've built a compelling substitute that has more torque and I can retain hydraulic steering too. I have performed mods on other cars which I've regretted, but if done right, I think you can breathe new life into an old flame.
987.2 is honestly the goldilocks of sports cars. The GT4 would make a better track car no doubt, but as a 981&987 owner, nothing beats the way the 987 drives with mods. The front end is just so f'n good.
You will regret selling it, the 981 GTS is probably one of the best all round sports cars ever made, why? (1) The engine, its the same as that found in the 991.1 911. Its right sized ~ 340 HP and 380 Nm of torque. There are no problems with this engine, its free revving and with the PSE sounds great. You have a high quality 911 engine that won't let you down. (2) PDK gear box, one of the best gear boxes ever made. Put it into Sport+ and launch it, tell me it doesn't put a smile on you face. (3) Its a genuine mid-engined car ~ 55/45 weight distribution with a chassis giving torsional rigidity ~ 40,000Nm/deg movement - that is about the same as the 992 911 and one of the most rigid chassis ever made in a production car (4) External looks, almost timeless design, so good Porsche barely changed it for the 982. (5) Interior, the interior is high quality - all alcantara and leather. The alcantara, if cleaned yearly always looks new, every touch point is quality. (6) There isn't going to be another one ever - the next Cayman will be an EV. The deal I have with my wife for where we live the most is simple, I can have 4 fun cars - this is what I have, 981 GTS (PTV and all the other fruit, Burmeister and DAB), 720S, 296 GTB (non AF) and 991.2 GT3 RS (I also have 600LT in BC). I have kept the 981 GTS because it does everything well in the real world and appears timeless. Perhaps the time to change it is when you can genuinely drive it to the limit round a track with a near perfect friction circle - very few people can do this consistently, most not at all. The only changes to my car were tires, Pilot Sport 4S, camber -1.3 all round and brake pads, pagid yellow. Over the years I did five seasons of Carrera Cup across two continents, so I'm a reasonable driver and my advice would be this - be very wary of new shiny toys and as Colin McRae once said corners are fast drivers, straights are for fast cars.
@@sao007I don't understand buying an automatic Porsche either, but to each their own I guess. But I'd definitely suggest getting this one with a stick if he's looking for a change for the better. That's just my opinion though. They make fun manuals. Can't remember how the gearing is tho.
@@kadedoneyou are right. But the newer ones have such long ratios that you hardly change from second gear. So pdk beats it unless you track it extensively.
Thanks for the update, Paul. I know you and Todd talk a lot on the podcast about bringing your cars on road trips, but I've never seen you take the Cayman on one (at least not ones you've filmed or talked about) - it's always another one of your cars. Have you thought that bringing the Cayman on one of your road trips instead of one of the other vehicles in your fleet might help keep the love going as you mention here that you always find yourself enjoying it when you're actually driving it?
@@andreisevostianov9525 Yeah, I was on the 2023 Utah Adventures trip and he drove it on that, but that's local to him. I was referring to their big multi-state, cross country road trips. Todd has taken his 300Z, Elise and Emira, but (as far as I'm aware), Paul has only taken the C8 or his 928.
@saviordream the concern is always if people will watch. Paul’s Cayman is old enough that it’s not really news and it’s not as interesting as the Elise so we’re not sure filming this car on one of our roadtrips would be interesting enough to draw people in but I was thinking about this while editing this piece. It’s not been on any of our roadtrips outside the adventures!
Great video! If you sell it, just be sure it’s replaced with another Cayman! Perhaps a Cayman R 6-speed (lighter, hydraulic steering, LSD, arguably more design personality) with the sport seats for daily driving. A few minor mods (aftermarket exhaust, Tarett sway bars and drop links, GT3 LCAs, GT3 master cylinder, slotted discs, GT3 brake ducts, SS brake lines, center radiator, IPD plenum, GT3 throttle body, tune), and you’ve made improvements in power, sound, steering feel, handling, braking, cooling, and overall fun-to-drive! Yes, I’m biased, as I just described my current car . . . 😊
I feel the same with my 981 GTS manual. I look at the values and think, I can make some profits but then I drive it and realize I can't let it go. Although instead of modding it I would prefer to get a 997.2 GT3 but those won't become affordable any time soon.
If you're looking for more texture and feedback from the steering, electronic tuning doesn't make sense. I don't have experience with tuning EPS, but I do know that the reason for EPS usually feeling dull is simply the weight of the electric motor acting as a damper in the steering shaft, you can't tune that out. For more steering feel, it makes more sense to look into the rubber bushings and mounts, I'm pretty sure the GT3 uses spherical bearings instead of rubber bushings in some parts. Not sure on the details, but that's probably a better (and cheaper) place to start. Ps: BMW E90 M3 control arms on non-M E90s and E82s are a popular upgrade for this very reason.
I owned a 981 Boxster GTS for several years and moved on to a 718 Cayman GT4. If you asked me to pick a "forever car" between the two of them, it would genuinely be the 981. Yes the steering is a bit weak, but I miss the sound of that engine, which was wonderful at any speed and just the best sounding car I've ever had at high revs.
great car the cayman 981 gts I had the 987.2 s which gave me a lot of satisfaction even from stock, with a few small adjustments it becomes a car that excites
I'll reveal my bias here, however perhaps go and drive a 981 GT4 back to back (again) and see if it ticks all the boxes you think you're missing. Having made the switch, the GT4 on the right day, the right road and in the right company is all the car you need.
If you’re in the Seattle area with the Cayman, feel free to shoot me a message and you can use my PIWIS for free if you want the coding done. I’ve used it pretty extensively on my Cayman and Macan.
Dunno why my first post disappeared. Upgrade to gt4, do some mods to the gt4, do ohlins, girodisks, swift springs, add camber, do plates and fit a 265 front tire. Add a bit of power via headers and tune and you're at over 400hp and perfection.
If you decide not do that steering mod. you're always going to wonder if you could've elevated your porsche steering to the GT3 level. Either way 1K less in your pocket isn't going to delay you that long from getting your next sports car.
Whoa whoa whoa. People who drive glass Porsches… how come Todd can have two Cayennes?😅. Ok I got it. First you steal Todd’s Emira, then… ok I have no answer. Thanks for the great drive!
I went down the modification route with Triumph TR7 to make it a better autocross car. Plus 2 wheels, lowered, bushings, etc. Eventually a 16v Sprint engine. It was no longer the car I loved, sold it after almost 25yrs of ownership.
Nothing wrong with owning multiple Porsche sports cars. As you are well aware they all can be a bit different. I have a 718 Spyder manual and a 718 Boxster 4.0 manual as well as others and even these two brothers feel different enough for me.
I just watched Paul have a therapy session in his Cayman. I'm good with that. 😄
Felt the same to us. Thanks for watching!
i have a similar phenomenon where when I have something parked for more than a few days you start thinking about it not being as beloved, and once I drive/ride it again, i'm back in love.
Here's the solve: don't keep it parked 🙂
Don't tell Paul what to do, Nate!
I have that relationship with my BRZ. The impulse is that something else makes more sense when browsing the Internet, but then I drive it to work in the morning and think “nope keep it!”
@@volodymyrshoniia2424he’s right though!
@@phattyhales I didn't say he wasn't 🙃
I mentally disown my fleet of motorcycles nearly every winter while they're just sitting for 1/3 of the year. April usually changes my mind
Bro this vid is hillarious cuz it represents all petrol heads sickness we all love cars so much we can’t settle for only one but since most of us can’t afford more than one we’re constantly deliberating what could we buy instead of the present one that would make us more content and get that fix and excitement that comes with a new car. As for me i have a glorious car i love my boxster gts 4.0 shark blue so much i don’t think I’ll ever sell it but that still doesn’t stop me from looking at emiras c8’s m2’s and other cars I could have afforded when I bought my bgts and ask myself should i have bought them and after that the same ocd process happens again from time to time 🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻🤦🏻
Totally agree. I have a spyder and never selling
is it your daily?
@@jaco5five6six yes. But still have an older Boxster and drive that too
GT3 steering reflash. I had this done to my 2015 Cayman S and it definitely is an upgrade. I was able to get it done by my local Porsche specialist for about $100 since he already had the tools and interface, he just had to read up on it. The feedback when the tires are loaded mid corner is subtle versus stock, but the feedback is much greater at all other times even when just going straight down a road or through sweepers. It's not far off my NC2 MX5's hydraulic steering now and is well worth doing.
The other simple mod that is worth doing is installing aftermarket intake air filters. The BMC filters I have installed are apparently very close to the filters Porsche used in the GT4, and they really liven up the sound with delicious induction noise.
Todd: You can’t buy another Cayman.
The two Cayennes in Todd’s driveway give each other a nervous look.
Yep. We fully expected folks to note this - and you’re not wrong! Thanks for watching!
Just said pretty much the same thing…should’ve known it was already stated.
@@EverydayDriver embrace having two of the same car and just tell people don’t be crazy and own three of the same car, because that’s really nuts.
@@EverydayDriver as in the movie "Contact": Why [have] one when you can [have] two for twice the price!
Didn't he get suckered into a Geely Emira lol. With the Exige toyota engine, Evora like chassis and same shitty gear box. What can I say.
My last few cars goes as follows, 981 Cayman, 718 Cayman, 991.1 911, and now a 981 GT4. Very much agree on the looks of 981 vs 718, but you also get a more mechanical analog drive. Also, when you compare it to the price of a 718 GT4, those cost significantly more. I would say a 981 GT4 is what you are looking for.
I paid a local tuning shop $150 and they loaded the GT3 software for me on my 981 GTS with x73 and pdk. I am much happier. You gain feel and texture as the steering more naturally loads up. You can feel the grip of the tires more now. I’m very happy with it and it’s worth experimenting.
I also added BMC engine fliters which increased intake sound and gave it a little better response. While I was having the GT3 coding done I also had PTV turned on. For cars without the PTV option you can still enable it and get the benefits on turn in (braking force is applied to the inside wheel). I did notice the car turns in sharper now!
hey I also have an 981 GTS with PDK, could you tell me more about the PTV Flash ? Can every Porsche Tuning Shop activate it ?
I've done the steering coding you mentioned, it's a tweak rather than a fundamental change but you will appreciate the removal of that dead zone off centre, wheel will move around in your hand as the road surface changes. More natural feeling and a little more feel at the limit of grip.
The only way to actually get better front end feel and handling characteristics is to do plates, toe arms, 265/295 tires and probably a pasm delete coilover. Your right the remap is cool but it's not significant
Hey Paul, I have a Boxster GTS and just did the remap. It shouldn't cost $1k. I went to a local Porsche specialist with PIWIS and was done in less than an hour and they charged me about $150 for it. Just give it a try, if you don't like it's easy to go back. I found it a bit lighter but loads up better. You can also turn the PIWIS into engineering mode and enable PTV and keyfob open or close of the roof if you are a boxster owner.
14:25 Yes you can own more than one Cayman. I have the exact combo you are talking about. 981 GTS PDK as daily driver and a 981 GT4 as weekender.
I do not know how you could top that with the same amount of money.
The 981 is a great car. I like that way it looks better than the 718 and sure sounds much better. It handles great already so not much else to do. I would keep it !
Get a thinkdiag for $100. I have a launch x431 and the thinkdiag can basically do all the same coding. I recoded all sorts of things. Most importantly, the oil temp gauge to be accurate. But little things like turning off the upshift arrow, rolling down and up the windows with the key fob, emergency brake light flashing, turned off tge seat belt chime, and a few other things. Another great function is checking the oil level sensor reading directly effectively making it an electronic dipstick. And of course, resetting the service reminder.
Gts 4.0 for about $90k or GT4/Spyder for 110-120k. Damn these porsches dont depreciate at all.
Especially Special addition, like never
@@dnice362 Which is a real good thing if you own one :)
Yep, I found a local CGTS 4.0 with 49k miles selling for $84k at a dealer. They definitely hold their value, even the old 2016 981 GT4s never went below 70/80k.
And since this summer Cayman / Boxter is not made anymore... (They will only be electric but that is not a real Cayman / Boxter anymore). So expect the prices to go up up and up...
The hedonistic treadmill is a trap. Plus we are at the point where they literally don't make cars like this anymore.
hedonic
@@patricebaumel perhaps, moronic.
@@patricebaumel either works.
@@TasteTheRambo true!
The last 30s of this vid perfectly encapsulates the mental gymnastics every car person goes through…on the daily.
I have both a 2014 Sapphire blue 981S Cayman and a GT4RS so maybe I can add some ideas here. My 981CS is our daily driver and the car I take most to the track. Modified with Brembo GT Big Brake kit (yellow calipers look unbelievable with sapphire blue), ducktail spoiler, GT4 rear diffuser, TechArt front spoiler, GT4 side vents. Wheels are the 20” Carrera style in satin grey. Car is gorgeous, especially with the Luxor beige interior, great combo. I’ve loved this car for almost 3 years now. The way my driveway is set up, if there’s a car on it, you can’t get 1 of our cars out of the garage. My wife ordered a car so now the 981CS is the extra car that has no spot in the garage. So I’m selling it with great regret and living in Florida, cars just fall apart if you leave them outside and I can’t do that to such a beautiful car even if it didn’t block the garage. Having 2 Caymans was an absolutely fantastic experience. Each is different but the platform’s basic goodness is felt in both. They are different enough, 2 generations of the same basic formula, but their similarity shows you their breadth of capability. One’s Dr. Jekyll, the other, Mr. Hyde.
Too funny. I JUST had the steering in my 991.1 coded to GT3 a few days before this video came out. It transformed the car. At low speeds the steering feels lighter but more direct, and it loads up so progressively and more precisely into corners. Worth every penny. You can also activate Porsche Torque Vectoring as well. Both solid upgrades to an already excellent car and only a couple hundred bucks if you have an Indy shop code it. If you have PSE you can also lock the valves fully open to ramp up the excitement. No drone, keeps it oem, sounds 10000x better. A friend of mine did it to his and it’s easily one of the best sounding Porsches I’ve ever heard. Keep it. There’s more to explore with the 981.
I use to be against mods because previously it made more sense to sell and the money you wouldve used to mod buy the better car. Since the last few years the automotive industry doesn't make sense. New car prices are outrageous, finding a good spec how you want is time consuming and expensive. Even slightly older cars worth a damn barely depreciated and many actually appreciated. Making it worth it mod the car.
Base 981 PDK guy here. lol that spec is making most of you groan, but honestly it’s still thrilling. Chasing more power and better this and that will never end. Focus on being happy and enjoying what you have. Unless you have money to burn of course. 😂
Yep well put
To me that 2.7L is the best sounding non-GT3 Porsche engine, nothing wrong with that spec at all.
@josephvargo1
There is some wisdom to this
- better to savor driving less hp quickly than too much hp slowly
@josephvargo1
On a road course anyway
Those wheels look rad!
Think you’ll find a lot of steering feel from a sharper tire that’s also narrow enough to be well supported by that rim width. Tiny bit of tow out on the front, more caster, more roll spring, more shock force all contribute to steering feedback. It’s there just put a quality shock on it like a MCS 2W remote and you’ll have completely different cars at your fingertips.
Agreed but he can't go to a front 265 tire unless he does a camber plate. Rear toe also is a big issue. He should do : gt4, all those adjustments and he's got near perfection
Two must do 981 mods:
GT3 power steering software upgrade and GT4 subframe braces.
I have a 981 Boxster S that is heavily optioned as ordered and I added the X73 suspension kit. I also added an exhaust as it adds 10 hp on this engine and sounds absolutely amazing.
I also installed a 30ah 13.5 lb lithium battery that weighs 35 lbs less than stock as weighed on a digital scale. This is one of the best handling car ever made and extreme satisfying to drive and own. Don’t bother with engine mods as 370 hp is max without touching the factory long block.
The 981 Boxster was called maybe the best roadster ever in 2012 by Evo magazine and Car and Driver magazine.
Agree the 981 is the prettiest variant of the series.
No offense but Porsche isn’t making gas powered Caymans of Boxsters anymore. You’re an idiot if you sell this car, unless you sell it to me lol.
And I'll bet dimes to doughnuts you can't feel that 10 HP! lol
I've said it here before, but your review of a 987 S was the last straw before I bought one of my own eleven years ago. That's also how I found your channel. I had to trade mine in after about 6-7 years of, yes, daily driving. All I'll say is, don't do it, Paul.
What did you trade it for ?
@@MatroX67toyota corolla
those wheels look amazing against the blue! Well done!
Think this might be my favorite Paul only piece so far. Great conversation and glad we would help you with your car debate. :-)
You don't "need" to sell it, just need a larger garage! ;-)
981GTS 6MT owner here. It sounds like you are longing for an extra pedal. The manual gearbox is truly wonderful to use. My car has X73, which is firm, but given how good your roads are, I think it would only enhance your experience. I do have mods on my car, and they really do make the car a more cohesive package. I have the steering recalibration, Porsche short shifter, and (best of all) catted sport headers. The headers transform the car and just make it sound so much more exciting. I've had plenty of time behind the wheel of a 981 GT4, and they're wonderful, but obviously come at a cost. Adding X73 and headers really make the car feel closer to a GT4 in terms of experience without sacrificing its daily livability (unless you have crap roads).
Given what you have, if you still like the PDK, then keep the car, and try a set of headers and the steering recalibration. If you don't like them, you can sell the headers and the PIWIS easily, and still sell the car if you're not happy. The next mod I really want to do is the DeMan re-gearing since 1. I hate the stiff clutch in the 981, and 2. I love using the gearbox but the gears are too long to enjoy them legally. And honestly, the GT4 suffers here too (at least the 718 has a lighter clutch, but that's whole other tax bracket).
Also thanks for the info on the wheels, I've been debating on changing the wheels to see if that would alter the steering feel as well.
Will never understand people talking about X73 like it's something special. One way MCS blow it away. 2/3 way are in a completely different universe
@andrewrossnagel9433 Yes, that's fair, but my car came with it. I wouldn't advocate installing it vs. an aftermarket setup.
Or better yet, soul catless headers. Still miss my 981 gts with the soul catless
@angelo12321 true, but having heard both, catless is more wild and may be a bridge too far for Paul.
How much is the DeMan re-gearing? Sounds awesome and expensive!
Kudos to Paul on how good the Cayman looks. Really a testament to taking care of the paint and it won’t show age
I sold my 718 GT4 and went to a 997.2. I've tracked a 981 GT4, my 718 GT4, and a 991.2 GT3RS in open track days, in regards to Porsche-specific track time. These are amazing vehicles, but on a public backroad they are way too capable to get much out of them. I am infinitely happier with my 911 as a car that is predominately seeing public backroads, not dedicated track use. Unfortunately, and especially in the internet age, the Internet tells you what you should get and everyone has an opinion that is usually not based on actual experience, but rather what they "think" a car is like. Lots of people that cannot afford any of these cars will tell you what you should or should not drive, and everyone wants to tell you what is "better" than what you have. Your perspective in this video is fantastic, it really is. Learning what you want instead of going through cars like water and losing lots of money in the process, is valuable.
Have a 981 Spyder. Love it. Recently went on a trip and rented a 2023 C8 Z06 for a week. Great car, unbelievable value for the money, and GM has FINALLY figured out how to do a decent interior. Wasn't considering selling the Spyder, but glad I had a week in the Z06.
When I got home, I took the Spyder out and immediately knew it was 'better' (for me anyway) than the Z06. Driver engagement much higher in the Spyder than Z06.
When I'm asked what is it about Porsche that's so great, my answer boils down to "systems integration.' Porsches may not have the most powerful engine, the 'best' suspension, the 'best' brakes, the 'best' sound, the 'best' transmission, etc. but every individual system is (at least) very, very good and the way they've integrated all of them produces a truly spectacular vehicle.
You can also update the PDK software to a newer version, supposedly shifts smoother.
HAHAHAHAHAHA. He should just get a manual.
Simple rule: don´t mod a car out of its class. If you feel the urge to do so - get rid of it and get a car out of another class. I am loosely quoting you too guys ;) And if you cannot afford your next dream car yet (like let's say a McLaren, Lotus or a GT4), stay with your faithful current dream car. And keep dreaming. It's a wonderful state of mind. Paul, that´s what you are doing and your are right! I also had a 981 for a while and it was the prettiest, I loved it and miss it.
Consider some camber plates in the front and a track alignment. That will improve the front end bite and steering response. Also consider some quality racing seats that will connect you with the car more. No major changes to the car, just enhancing what is already there!
Get a 2016 GT4 to keep forever, the GTS has been a lot of fun but the GT4 is everything it lacks that you have been yearning for. Also it is 90-100k instead of 140-150k so it is not such a stretch. My dream garage currently is Aston Martin DB12 Volante for GT car, 2016 GT4 for twistys and a 4x4 van for overlanding and towing the boat to the lake.
Sell the C8 when it’s time. This one’s a keeper.
Keep the C8! Sell the cayman it’s a girl’s car
@@davidlepoidevin4239 You are an absolute fucktard lol. I've never heard such a dumb car opinion is my life. You have to be no more than 15 years old. ItS A GiRlS CaR. What a dunce lol.
Completely agree. The C8 is a very meh car. The only thing that's cool about it is the fact that it's a midengined Corvette, which we obviously never had before, but maybe for good reason. I honestly prefer the C6 and C7 to it. Feels more right. The Cayman is damn near car perfection though.
Yikes @@davidlepoidevin4239
The Cayman its a keeper but he does not need to get rid of his C8, both cars are great, but different.
For me a perfect C8 would be one that could have a manual shifter.
It already is a ME witha strong V8, but only lacks a nice MT shifter.
The remap/upgrade the 981 Cayman GTS really needs is the throttle… Give me a linear throttle map all the way to the floor, please! The dance at the limit of traction in a GT4 or Spyder is so much more pleasant and controlled.
It's a very beautiful and well balanced car.
You inspire me to get out and drive my 06 Cayman S on back roads to the Jersey shore this weekend. Thanks Paul!
You in Jersey? I have yet to find any good back roads in southern NJ. I used to live fairly close to the Tail of the Dragon, so I’m definitely spoiled
Did the gt3 steering map on 981 gts with x73, it's now lighter on center and weights up more than before when loaded. Also significant bump steer. It wouldn't give you the hydraulic steering granularity where I heard "you can feel a coin on the road", nor did I feel that in the 987.1 and e60 m5 I test drove before.
Shouldn't take $1000. I did it for free when doing track alignment at a porsche indie shop
I too have a 981 GTS with X73 and the calibration and I agree 100%. The most noticeable change is there is more texture off center. On center the feel still leaves much to be desired and the bump steer is more noticeable. However, it is nice that the change is just software.
Do soul long tube catted headers. The sound will make you love the car even more. Upgrade steering to GT3 calibration. Find someone with a PIWIS 2. Can be done in 5 min and you feel it immediately. I have done a number of cars. Come to NY and I will do it for you. It’s so easy I could never charge anyone to do it.
That's super clean. Looks great in blue with those rims!
I can soooo relate. I have a 981 Boxster GTS manual. I haven’t driven it as much as I want lately so I sometimes think about selling it. Then I get in it and turn the key. Instantly those thoughts disappear. There’s so much to love about it. I’m not reaching for the limits of its capabilities. I drive it for the way it feels. And it still feels amazing.
Just keep it! It’s delightful!
Paul you should build a track slayer out of a PRHT NC miata
I Did the GT3 map and PTV coding last week. Game changer 👍🏻
You can own a manual Boxster and keep your PDK Cayman. Two different driving experiences on the road. Reasonably priced options. Can spec or mod differently to your hearts delight and still be under the cost of a brand new or low mileage GT3.
Could not imagine driving, touring, without using a clutch, left hand working the stick, thinking, does this next curve require a down shift...
Will stick with my 72 911T, with the least power of the other offered models, for I get to work the shifter, manual steering and being connected to the car and the road.
Now which one do I take out to workout some nice curves? the 73 914 or the 76 912E...
I’d love that exact car in a manual.
In my opinion pdk is so 'good' it's boring. Gotta have the Porsche in manual.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 oh, I’m sure it’s absolutely incredible but I’m not chasing ultimate lap times.
I feel everyone has that same feeling as they grow with their car. I have had mine for almost 9 years now (not a porsche) I am at a cross road of do I mod and take it to the next level or do I just part ways. The never ending dilemma of car enthusiast
I tried the GT3 remap on my ‘16 CGTS. Didn’t like it at all around town and during spirited driving. Went back to stock.
YMMV, or course.
Years of ownership can give insights into how to mod in a way that is tasteful, balanced, and holistic.
I have a 718 Cayman and I have a deposit on a Boxster GTS and while I love the looks of the 718, the 981 is better looking. But he's wrong about the PDK. I've test driven PDKs and the manual is the way to go if you want engagement.
I now understand CPO (Certified Paul Owned), 8 years and it looks brand new off the showroom
@9:44 RIP Bird
Sounds like Paul needs to write in with a Car Debate! Speaking thes thoughts is one thing, putting them down might just be the way to decide for certain! Or at least for now.
I get it, I feel the same feeling of satisfaction when I drive my Chevy Cruze RS turbo through the valley and the forrest near the mountains
I feel exactly the same way about my Cayman 987.2. I thought many times about selling it, but then I drive it and I completely change my mind. The only car I would change it for is a Ferrari 360, but the potential maintenance costs and the fact that I wouldn't trust it to take it on longer road trips is just killing my excitement for it. So here I am still with my 175k km 987.2 falling in love with it again and again, every time I drive it. And btw, I have the exact same feeling you described about the tires when I switch from 19" (summer) to 18" (winter/track) wheels. It's just so much more nimble and just feels lighter, but with the same excellent steering feel.
From one Paul to another, keep it, do a few mods and be happy. Especially since you get to drive other cool cars. Often. So you are not missing out.
I know my FK8 is a keeper- but I still look at and happily test drive any other enthusiast vehicle.
And yes, when I am driving it I have no doubts.
Great to drive and great to own. Not always the same thing.
Bilstein PSS10 coilover kit (981 w/o PASM) or if you PASM, you could get the Bilstein B4 Damptronic setup. You've already got a spectacular wheel and tire setup so to me the suspension is where you can change the dynamics of vehicle even more.
Maybe changing up the sway bar setup a bit (don't assume "stiffer" is better. In some cases a softer sway bar actually will perform better but that will require some research on your part).
I always upgrade the stereo in my cars. Usually an aftermarket subwoofer b/c they give the most substantive improvement for a smaller investment than redoing the entire system.
EXHAUST!!! I am unsure if you have the Porsche Sport Exhaust but a well designed aftermarket system can give your car a more soulful and engaging exhaust note which can bring more enjoyment. YMMV on this point as its more subjective. TONS of options there including a very important component -- HEADERS! I think the headers can make a huge impact in how your Cayman GTS sounds along with the right exhaust. Can get VERY pricey but again it won't change the overall dynamics of the car from a handling perspective (Sure you can shave a few pounds but probably not gonna notice that much). It can just bring some visceral enjoyment to the car.
POWAH BABY!! You might also find a little more power when you uncork the exhaust but truly that requires an ECU tune. Most of the ECU upgrades for the 981 GTS are going to give you about 20Hp and about 20ftlb of torque. This isn't a huge jump but combined with your lower weight wheels, maybe lower weight exhaust where you shaved off maybe 20-25lbs of total weight (and whatever the unsprung weight was, you're gonna find some greater gains)...but that extra 20Hp and 20lbft will be a nice bump to give you a little more passing power and corner exit thrust.
I think your 981 looks gorgeous as it it is and any cosmetic mods are entirely up to you...again I think it looks perfect with your wheel setup. Nothing I'd personally change in that department. But if you want to personalize it a bit more...maybe a Black UTAH plate???
LOL I cannot let go of my 981 either.
Amazing video ❤
I decided several years ago that I would keep my 981 GTS for life. It will never get sold by me. My daughter will inherit it when I am gone - and she will love it as much as I do. The best car I have owned, and hands down the best driver experience I have ever had.
Honestly though, how do you upgrade from this though? You could get something faster, but is it going to have better handling and steering feel? You could something lighter and more tossable, but is it going to be fast enough? Is it going to be as nice as Porsche? As practical? As affordable to run? I used to have a '22 BRZ and now I have an '18 230i M Sport, while the BMW is an "upgrade" for speed, interior quality, and noise, there are a lot of things that are down graded- the steering, the handling, the weight. While something might seem like an upgrade on paper, the actual experience of may not be in some ways. I'm just really not sure what would truly be an upgrade compared to this car without spending a lot of money or having to compromise in some ways to live with such a car.
This is where I was with my last car, a Focus ST. I had it for 11 years (since new), done a bunch of bolt ons to enhance the driving experience. Several of my choices made the car worse to live with as a daily driver.
In a case of "they don't make them like they used to," it was hard finding something that was a good successor. At the same time, I was feeling ready to move on, but I wasn't willing to settle. Fortunately the Integra Type S now exists!
Also a sapphire blue 16BGTS here, I won’t ever let it go. Nothing sounds the same. You would enjoy a few days of top down driving where the sounds are that much more intense. Nice wheels, that and brakes are my only temptations in terms of modifications.
Camber plates or lower control arms should be first performance mod, would have definitely went 18s or 19s instead of 20s but maybe doesn't matter with a tire sponsor, lastly exhaust for fun. Anything more than that get a 981 or 718 gt4.
If the suspension is still original just order the x73 kit from suncoast. Best deal out there for the 981 and it’s easy to install in a weekend.
With you! Haven't had my 991.1 C2 for nearly as long, but I'm confident it'll be my final car. Have a couple mods I want to do for it that I'm confident will be worthwhile: Numeric shifter & cables (manual), GT3 steering map, and maybe headers for a bit more sound. Eventually, when the suspension needs to be refreshed, I'll add GT3 lower control arms to get the full GT3 steering experience.
Keep it and love it while grabbing the next car.
Todd, I just finished watching this video. You perfectly captured the agonizing illness all car lovers struggle with. The problem is, all the vehicles (or at least most of them) are great in their own way. One wants to experience them all, and the reality is, that is just not financially possible for most of us. We ordered what was to be a final sports car, a 992 911 Turbo in Shark Blue, after owning a few great cars but never a Porsche. We figured, since we are not getting any younger, why not scratch that itch? It is a great car. But then, it was so good we thought "Well, the GT3 RS must be on another level entirely!". So, after much research and hand-wringing, a reasonable and lower mileage 991.2 GT3 RS surfaces. Now what? Do we sell the Turbo (which we really, really like) and get the RS instead? The wife says "Absolutely not. Get the RS, but we are not selling the Turbo! I like it! too much!". So, now we own both and could not be happier. My only regret is that we did not go down the Porsche "rabbit hole" years ago. We feel very fortunate to daily experience, what in our opinion, are two very different but both extraordinarly fun and capable vehicles. Do what makes you happy. Our time on this planet is short. Don't be the guy in the cemetary with the most money! Live the dream.
This is Paul in this video, but we greatly appreciate your thoughts and appreciation of the struggle here. Congrats on a great Porsche garage!
Vredestien makes great tires. I rolled the dice on a set of the Pinza AT all terrains for my truck and love them. Great on and off road.
I went from an MTS 981S with every sport option into an MT CGTS with the same spec.
The 981S looks and sounds better but the 4L makes the 718 a keeper. Just get a 981 GT4!
Before that steering remap, look at swapping out the suspension and steering rack bushings for ones that are a bit firmer. That won't cost as much and may do good things for the steering feel and suspension responsiveness. R
egarding power, the 911 engine of this generation was also a 3.4 liter and developed 375 HP vs. 340 for the Cayman GTS. The difference? ECU mapping.
Hi, from Japan!! I think your car has already been a masterpiece. You don’t need to modify anymore. For new driving experience what about if you try to adapt new driving skills. In my case, I practiced right foot acceleration and left foot brake for shortening the driving time with my AT car. Thanks for the challenge, I have been enjoying to drive everyday even the driving speed is normal.
Contentment is a difficult state of being for car enthusiasts to achieve let alone remain. First, admit and concede that we're going to make changes and dial things in, if we deny this it will be like a bull in the chute, not a peaceful place. Second, have that end goal in mind and then set out a path of breadcrumbs toward it, planning and dreaming is half the fun. Last, in my experience, make one change at a time and revel in it, love it and laugh out loud over it with happiness and satisfaction as you drive, drive and then drive. My encouragement is to find that car that you not only love but appreciate, give it a nickname, make memories with it and then, after years and years, look back at maybe decades of adventures and think contently, "well done!"
This car is way outside what my car budget would ever be, but man do I love the spec you went with.
obviously the answer is to build an overlander cayman to keep up with todd
The Cayman Dakar - we like this idea! Thanks for watching!
Keep it. No other car will ever be able to replace it.
While I agree good tires are the essential 1st upgrade, I've performed most bolt-ons mods to my 987.2 Cayman S once I started to loose interest. I always thought the 987 exhausts were too quiet, so I got a great aftermarket one and while you're in there...did everything else connected to the engine. Also coilovers and better sway bars, so it corners better and has a more aggressive stance. If I decided to "move on", it would be the 981 GT4, but for far less money, I've built a compelling substitute that has more torque and I can retain hydraulic steering too. I have performed mods on other cars which I've regretted, but if done right, I think you can breathe new life into an old flame.
987.2 is honestly the goldilocks of sports cars. The GT4 would make a better track car no doubt, but as a 981&987 owner, nothing beats the way the 987 drives with mods. The front end is just so f'n good.
You will regret selling it, the 981 GTS is probably one of the best all round sports cars ever made, why? (1) The engine, its the same as that found in the 991.1 911. Its right sized ~ 340 HP and 380 Nm of torque. There are no problems with this engine, its free revving and with the PSE sounds great. You have a high quality 911 engine that won't let you down. (2) PDK gear box, one of the best gear boxes ever made. Put it into Sport+ and launch it, tell me it doesn't put a smile on you face. (3) Its a genuine mid-engined car ~ 55/45 weight distribution with a chassis giving torsional rigidity ~ 40,000Nm/deg movement - that is about the same as the 992 911 and one of the most rigid chassis ever made in a production car (4) External looks, almost timeless design, so good Porsche barely changed it for the 982. (5) Interior, the interior is high quality - all alcantara and leather. The alcantara, if cleaned yearly always looks new, every touch point is quality. (6) There isn't going to be another one ever - the next Cayman will be an EV.
The deal I have with my wife for where we live the most is simple, I can have 4 fun cars - this is what I have, 981 GTS (PTV and all the other fruit, Burmeister and DAB), 720S, 296 GTB (non AF) and 991.2 GT3 RS (I also have 600LT in BC). I have kept the 981 GTS because it does everything well in the real world and appears timeless. Perhaps the time to change it is when you can genuinely drive it to the limit round a track with a near perfect friction circle - very few people can do this consistently, most not at all. The only changes to my car were tires, Pilot Sport 4S, camber -1.3 all round and brake pads, pagid yellow. Over the years I did five seasons of Carrera Cup across two continents, so I'm a reasonable driver and my advice would be this - be very wary of new shiny toys and as Colin McRae once said corners are fast drivers, straights are for fast cars.
Would be great if you could import an Alpine A110. I think you'd love it.
Maybe a manual porsche next?
Automatic porsche make no sense
@@sao007I don't understand buying an automatic Porsche either, but to each their own I guess. But I'd definitely suggest getting this one with a stick if he's looking for a change for the better. That's just my opinion though. They make fun manuals. Can't remember how the gearing is tho.
@@kadedoneyou are right. But the newer ones have such long ratios that you hardly change from second gear. So pdk beats it unless you track it extensively.
@@donjohn2239 I'd still go manual personally. Still need to shift gears regardless
@ For me it wouldn’t be so fun when you change between two gears. I would rather buy a miata for sure then.
An actual good exhaust is a must
Thanks for the update, Paul. I know you and Todd talk a lot on the podcast about bringing your cars on road trips, but I've never seen you take the Cayman on one (at least not ones you've filmed or talked about) - it's always another one of your cars. Have you thought that bringing the Cayman on one of your road trips instead of one of the other vehicles in your fleet might help keep the love going as you mention here that you always find yourself enjoying it when you're actually driving it?
He took it to Utah and Colorado Adventures last year. I'm sure there were more. It's just only those that I saw with my own eyes.
@@andreisevostianov9525 Yeah, I was on the 2023 Utah Adventures trip and he drove it on that, but that's local to him. I was referring to their big multi-state, cross country road trips. Todd has taken his 300Z, Elise and Emira, but (as far as I'm aware), Paul has only taken the C8 or his 928.
@saviordream the concern is always if people will watch. Paul’s Cayman is old enough that it’s not really news and it’s not as interesting as the Elise so we’re not sure filming this car on one of our roadtrips would be interesting enough to draw people in but I was thinking about this while editing this piece. It’s not been on any of our roadtrips outside the adventures!
Great video! If you sell it, just be sure it’s replaced with another Cayman! Perhaps a Cayman R 6-speed (lighter, hydraulic steering, LSD, arguably more design personality) with the sport seats for daily driving. A few minor mods (aftermarket exhaust, Tarett sway bars and drop links, GT3 LCAs, GT3 master cylinder, slotted discs, GT3 brake ducts, SS brake lines, center radiator, IPD plenum, GT3 throttle body, tune), and you’ve made improvements in power, sound, steering feel, handling, braking, cooling, and overall fun-to-drive! Yes, I’m biased, as I just described my current car . . . 😊
in 10-12 years I hope to find one of these well kept.
I feel the same with my 981 GTS manual. I look at the values and think, I can make some profits but then I drive it and realize I can't let it go. Although instead of modding it I would prefer to get a 997.2 GT3 but those won't become affordable any time soon.
If you're looking for more texture and feedback from the steering, electronic tuning doesn't make sense. I don't have experience with tuning EPS, but I do know that the reason for EPS usually feeling dull is simply the weight of the electric motor acting as a damper in the steering shaft, you can't tune that out. For more steering feel, it makes more sense to look into the rubber bushings and mounts, I'm pretty sure the GT3 uses spherical bearings instead of rubber bushings in some parts. Not sure on the details, but that's probably a better (and cheaper) place to start.
Ps: BMW E90 M3 control arms on non-M E90s and E82s are a popular upgrade for this very reason.
I owned a 981 Boxster GTS for several years and moved on to a 718 Cayman GT4. If you asked me to pick a "forever car" between the two of them, it would genuinely be the 981. Yes the steering is a bit weak, but I miss the sound of that engine, which was wonderful at any speed and just the best sounding car I've ever had at high revs.
great car the cayman 981 gts I had the 987.2 s which gave me a lot of satisfaction even from stock, with a few small adjustments it becomes a car that excites
I'll reveal my bias here, however perhaps go and drive a 981 GT4 back to back (again) and see if it ticks all the boxes you think you're missing.
Having made the switch, the GT4 on the right day, the right road and in the right company is all the car you need.
If you’re in the Seattle area with the Cayman, feel free to shoot me a message and you can use my PIWIS for free if you want the coding done. I’ve used it pretty extensively on my Cayman and Macan.
Dunno why my first post disappeared. Upgrade to gt4, do some mods to the gt4, do ohlins, girodisks, swift springs, add camber, do plates and fit a 265 front tire. Add a bit of power via headers and tune and you're at over 400hp and perfection.
I sold my 981 Cayman S in 2020 for a Lotus Elise. Even having the gold standard with me for 4 years now, I sometimes still miss the 981.
If you decide not do that steering mod. you're always going to wonder if you could've elevated your porsche steering to the GT3 level. Either way 1K less in your pocket isn't going to delay you that long from getting your next sports car.
I have a 981 Cayman and love it. Only thing I may upgrade it to is a 718 GTS (4.0?).
Whoa whoa whoa. People who drive glass Porsches… how come Todd can have two Cayennes?😅. Ok I got it. First you steal Todd’s Emira, then… ok I have no answer. Thanks for the great drive!
I went down the modification route with Triumph TR7 to make it a better autocross car. Plus 2 wheels, lowered, bushings, etc. Eventually a 16v Sprint engine. It was no longer the car I loved, sold it after almost 25yrs of ownership.
Those wheels are way better than the factory Paul!!!
Nothing wrong with owning multiple Porsche sports cars. As you are well aware they all can be a bit different. I have a 718 Spyder manual and a 718 Boxster 4.0 manual as well as others and even these two brothers feel different enough for me.