ESSENTIALS
The latest products on planet Porsche.
NINEMEISTER LIGHTWEIGHT FLYWHEEL FOR 981 & 718 BOXSTER/CAYMAN S/GTS/ GT4/SPYDER
Warrington-based independent marque specialist, Ninemeister, has long been regarded as a leader in the development of aftermarket tuning products for Porsches of all ages, a reputation sure to be further galvanised by the introduction of the firm’s new lightweight flywheel for 981 and 718-generation Boxsters and Caymans (Spyder, GT4, GTS or S models). A huge forty-five percent lighter than the factory part it replaces, this Cnc-machined, highcarbon-forged, billet transmission upgrade is a direct fit and can operate with the host vehicle’s standard clutch, if the driver so desires. Improved throttle response — coupled with faster progress through the rev range — is promised, culminating in noticeably faster acceleration. As you’d expect, Ninemeister offers a separate fitting service, as well as a wide variety of engine, transmission and chassis upgrades for many different Porsche models. Give the team a call to discuss your requirements.
Price: £834 ninemeister.com or call 01925 242342
TAROX SUPERSPORT BRAKE KIT FOR 993
The serious power produced by today’s sports cars — even in standard trim — is encouraging owners of older vehicles to modify and upgrade in a bid to combine classic styling with modern levels of performance. With both ballistic power from new cars and heightened output from retro rides in mind, British braking system manufacturer, Tarox, has released a variant of its Super Sport front brake kit (an evolution of the brand’s popular Sport-branded brake kit) for various Porsches, including naturally aspirated variants of the 993-generation 911. Complete with brand new hand-assembled calipers (the celebrated eight-piston B360-8) machined from the highest quality billet alloy, the Tarox Super Sport package includes heat-treated 360mm Cnc-machined billet discs (choose between F2000, Sport Japan, C83 or ZERO designs), hard anodised alloy disc bells, SP0239 uprated pads, alloy mounting brackets, the necessary bolts and braided fluid transfer lines. This sensational stopping system is guaranteed to bring your air-cooled classic to a swift, safe and stable halt and is offered with bespoke tuning to maximise performance on your specific Porsche, taking all other chassis upgrades and your driving style into consideration. Blue, red, gold or green anodised finishes are available (“we never paint or powdercoat”), with an especially tough hard anodised black option for trackday enthusiasts or those who have a less than meticulous car washing regime. Ahem.
Price: £3,240 tarox.co.uk or call 01706 222872
ELECTRIC WINDOW LIFT REGULATORS FOR 924/944/968
In this issue of 911 & Porsche World, we’re promoting the idea of buying a Porsche in time for what we hope will be a summer of fun on four wheels. That said, any used car may present the need for remedial work as a consequence of age or wear and tear taking its toll on working components. Failure of the electric window lift regulators fitted to Porsche’s transaxle family of cars are a prime example of what we’re talking about. Fortunately, the guys at Porsche Spares UK (formerly Woolie’s Workshop) are offering brand new replacement power window regulators suitable for the 924, 944 and 968. Reproduced in accordance with OEM designs and available to order direct from the Porsche Spares UK website as individual items (left or right) or as a pair, these high-quality motor mechanisms will restore operation of your retro ride’s power windows without breaking the bank, not least because they’re currently being offered with a generous discount. Porsche Spares UK supplies a wide variety of new and used 924, 944, 968 parts, as well as early Boxster items. Visit the company’s website to view what’s currently available.
Price: £109.24 each, £199.99 as a pair wooliesworkshop.com or call 01676 532346
GAZ GT ADJUSTABLE DAMPERS FOR 912 TARGA
As you’ll discover later in this issue of 911 & Porsche World, the lesser spotted 912 is one of our suggestions for buyers looking for the best bang for their buck during the year ahead. Acquiring a classic Porsche does come with the possibility of immediate spend on tired chassis components, however, something British performance suspension manufacturer, GAZ Shocks, knows only too well. With this in mind, the company has launched a variant of its Gt-branded adjustable dampers specifically for the 912 Targa, taking the model’s weight distribution and unique combination of body style and flat-four engine into consideration. Two flavours are available: GT dampers for soft-window 912 Targas (order part number GT62196) and later 912 Targas loaded with a hard rear screen (order part number GT7-2194). Bump and rebound rates can be adjusted to suit driving style or road conditions by way of an on-body knob, enabling changes to be dialled in to your preference with the parts already in situ. All units are individually tested and come with a comprehensive two-year warranty.
Price: £84.77 per damper gazshocks.com or call 01268 724585
BOXSTER AND CAYMAN: THE COMPLETE STORY
Last month, we dedicated most of 911 & Porsche World to the Boxster’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Reader feedback was hugely positive — we’re thrilled so many of you enjoyed the magazine. There are only so many pages we get to play with, however, which is why we’re always keen to point enthusiasts in the direction of further reading. With your applause fresh in our minds, this issue’s recommended read is Boxster and Cayman: The Complete Story, authored by our very own Johnny Tipler. Documenting the rise and rise of these hugely popular models, JT goes into great detail, examining construction, assembly and specification of every Boxster/cayman generation, as well as presenting fascinating ‘behind the scenes’ insight from none other than Porsche design legend, Harm Lagaaij. More than 400 photographs and illustrations spread across close to 200 pages document every flavour of Boxster/cayman, with real-world tests, road trips and exciting motorsport (including Porsche racing in the 1950s, revisited for context) covered. No stone has been left unturned, resulting in a 260x215mm hardback (or e-book) which should be considered an essential purchase for any owner of the devastatingly impressive roadster and its tin-top stablemate.
Price: £20 crowood.com or call 01672 520320
MEYLE HD WATER PUMP FOR 986/996
When it comes to maintaining your prized Porsche, you pays your money... and sometimes a bargain can bite you on the bum! Fortunately, the good folk at Heritage Parts Centre appreciate how both low cost and high quality are equally important for fans of the Stuttgart crest, hence the firm’s decision to stock reasonably priced Meyle HD (heavy duty) parts, including this water pump for the 996-generation 911 and same-age Boxster. The part’s carbide-silicon seal faces are superresistant to abrasive dirt, while a secondary seal is made from peroxide-cured hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), which boasts the ability to withstand excessively high temperatures, has a robust wear threshold and promotes better defence against oil and chemicals than standard nitrile rubber. To add further confidence, Meyle offers a four-year warranty on all HD-branded products, extending to a whopping 100k miles (providing installation has been carried out correctly and proper maintenance of the cooling system is observed). Cutting to the chase, you’ll be pleased to know Heritage Parts Centre includes free UK delivery, a new gasket and a fresh bolt set in the asking price.
Price: £134.95 heritagepartscentre.com
IPD Y-DESIGN COMPETITION PLENUM FOR 997.1
Following discontinuation of the 996-generation 911, the 997 marked Porsche’s return to the round/oval headlights reminiscent of air-cooled 911s. Though the first-generation 997 shared much of its underpinnings with the outgoing 911, there remained room for improvement when it came to the new model’s engine performance. Porsche tuning specialist, IPD, was quick to respond, introducing its Y-design Competition plenum (part number 97182) to replace the factory T-style air distributor, providing substantial extra power and torque by means of more efficient airflow. The hike in horsepower ranges from twenty-four to twenty-eight ponies (depending on engine displacement and condition), with maximum power gains experienced in the midrange, where — as many owners will attest — the flatsix is most usable and enjoyed. IPD’S Y-design Competition 997 plenum not only delivers enhanced engine output, it also creates a more linear power and torque band. Owners of first-gen 997s equipped with a Tiptronic S transmission even claim considerable improvements in shifting between gears. Suitable for both 3.6 and 3.8-litre first-generation 997s, this powerful plenum performs even better when combined with an IPD 82mm Competition throttle body.
Price: £680.94 design911.co.uk or call 0208 500 8811
ICARSOFT POR-V2.0 OBDII SCANNER
Reno-located Porsche parts specialist, EBS Racing, has announced the availability of icarsoft POR-V2.0 through its online store. This professional multi-system Porsche-specific diagnostic tool can read and reset even the most advanced codes, warning lights and service reminders. The PORV2.0’s most popular use is resetting oil change intervals, but you’ll feel like a pro when you can read those hard-to-reach codes and configure PASM, PAS, exterior and interior lighting, convertible and Targa tops, steering angle sensor, chronometer, HVAC, DME, parking brake, Tiptronic, ABS, TPM, memory seats, SRS, PCM, air-con… the list goes on. Covering all OBDIIcompliant Porsche road cars from the 986 Boxster to the 991, including the mighty Carrera GT and Cayenne (2011-2012 only), this amazingly comprehensive garage tool is easy to operate and comes equipped with a four-inch colour screen, a protective carry case, user manual, memory card and the required connecting cables. A lifetime of free software upgrades and a two-year warranty sweeten the deal. For a full list of features and a complete application list, visit the EBC Racing website.
Price: $149.95 ebsracing.com or call +1 775 673 1300