(2000 – 2002) Porsche Boxster (V1) – Ultimate Guide
While the original 986 Boxster was a sweet ride, its performance began to lag behind newer competitors like the Honda S2000. Powered by a 2.5-litre flat six-cylinder engine, the base model was upgraded to a 2.7-litre engine in the year 2000. The well-served 2.5-liter engine was decent, but the more powerful and longer stroke 2.7-liter Boxster engine had several advantages. The displacement of 2687 cc came from lengthening the stroke to the same 78mm as the Boxster S. Therefore the engines share the same connecting rods. Two-stage variable intake manifolds is added to improve mid range torque. Electronic throttle was also adopted.
Power for the 2.7 was up 16 hp vs the 2.5, now at 217 bhp @ 6000 rpm, with torque up 9 ft lbs, to 192 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm. 0 to 60 mph dropped from 6.7 seconds to 6.5 seconds and top speed rose from 149 mph to 155 mph. Not big increases, but in reality the difference is more than that. From 4,000rpm to 7,000rpm, the increase of punch is more noticeable, as seen by the 0-100mph of 15.5 sec, which is far quicker than the old car’s 18.0 sec and not far behind Boxster S’s 14.2 sec. Power wasn’t the only reason for the upgrade. There were problems caused by the porous cylinder blocks of the previous engine and these were eliminated by improving the casting process of the upgraded 2.7.
The gearbox options in the Boxster 2.7 were the same as in 2.5, but they got new type designations due to improvements. Externally, the 986 Boxster 2.7 looked like Boxster 2.5. Inside the side airbags are standard and the plastic feeling has been reduced. The fuel tank is a larger 64-liter. Alcantara trim is available on the options list.
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