The Boxster was created to fill a specific niche: an open, relatively inexpensive Porsche aimed at the enthusiast. Call it an alternative to the 911.
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This model represented a huge success for the brand–its top seller from its debut for the model year through the release of the Cayenne SUV. The Boxster looked great, delivered terrific performance, and didn’t ask for too many sacrifices in return. It offered plenty of cargo space and, with the top up, a quiet, comfortable interior.
Today, all of that still holds true.
But there’s a catch: Prices on the first-generation cars have bottomed out. “They’re not going to be going any lower,” says Charles L. Navarro of LN Engineering, a firm long involved with Porsche engines.
“I have a ’99 Boxster,” Navarro continues. “I don’t think I have come across anything I haven’t been able to purchase for it.”
Plus, the car has proved reliable: “It has over 100,000 miles on it. It’s been tracked. I haven’t had a single thing break. A Boxster is something I would feel comfortable with even my parents buying.”
But what about an issue that quickly comes up in discussions about these early Boxsters: the intermediate shaft bearing? Where the one found in the earlier, air-cooled Porsche engines receives a constant supply of engine oil, the IMS bearing found in these first-generation Boxsters is “sealed for life.”
However, that bearing’s life isn’t always infinite. And when it fails, the debris can take the rest of the engine with it.
Fortunately, solutions exist. The first is a higher-quality replacement IMS bearing from a company like LN Engineering–plan to replace it every six years or so. Or there’s LN Engineering’s popular IMS Solution, which basically backdates the Boxster engine to an oil-fed bearing. This setup doesn’t need any routine maintenance.
The other big question: standard Boxster or the more powerful Boxster S? The regular car came first, offering 201 horsepower from its 2.5-liter engine; for , Porsche increased displacement to 2.7 liters.
The other big news for was the release of the Boxster S: Its 3.2-liter engine offered 250 horsepower, while the package also added bigger brakes, more engine cooling and a six-speed transmission.
Boxster Expert Tips
Charles L. Navarro
LN Engineering
The original, air-cooled Porsche 911 remains an icon nearly 60 years after its introduction. Steve McQueen drove one on the streets, and many motorsports legends piloted one on track.
It’s the machine that so many want, and the market has responded with brutal honesty: You want a good, early car? Fine, just budget six figures.
But what about the rest of us who crave the scent of oil wafting through the cockpit? Look later–specifically at the -’89 cars collectively known as the G-series. Prices will vary depending on year, condition, body style and even color, but figure we’re talking new-minivan money.
The darlings of that group have been the -’83 911 SC and -’89 911 Carrera models. These are the ones that introduced the aluminum engine case and perfect amount of fender flare to the standard 911 model line. A full convertible joined the coupe and Targa models in .
The biggest difference between the two models centers around the engine. The SC received a 3.0-liter engine fed by Bosch CIS injection, while Porsche gave the Carrera a 3.2 paired with the more advanced Bosch Motronic injection. In round numbers, figure about 172 to 180 horsepower for an SC and 200 to 214 for a Carrera.
“Don’t overlook the -’77 cars,” adds Per Schroeder, marketing manager at Stoddard, a longtime Porsche parts house. “They typically have lagged behind the earlier and later cars in price because of issues with the 2.7-liter and prehistoric early smog controls.
“By now, the head and case stud issues have typically been fixed and the cars are all old enough to be de-smogged legally. These early G-body cars have the narrow flanks of the long-hoods while also having more effective 5 mph bumpers, making them simple classics that can also stand day-to-day daily driving in traffic.”
A lot of these G-series cars have survived the years, meaning if there’s a downside, it’s that the hunt could take a while. “There are no stinkers in the bunch here, so I would recommend finding the nicest one you can find for the budget,” Schroeder continues. “The problem is that the market for SCs and Carreras has gone nuts over the past five years as the older long-hood cars have topped out. The short-hoods, and especially the SCs and Carreras, have much of the same feel with the benefits of more modern reliability and usability.”
G-Series 911 Expert Tips
Per Schroeder
Stoddard
Leaning toward a modern, water-cooled 911? How about a 997-chassis car?
Rob Sass calls it today’s sweet spot in that category. Sass, who serves as editor of Panorama, the Porsche Club of America’s publication, is himself an owner of both 996 and 997 models. And while 997 prices quickly depreciated after the model’s debut–as they have with so many other luxury cars–they didn’t stay depressed for long and are ticking upward.
“They’re wonderful cars,” Sass notes. “The 997 is undeniably a beautiful car.”
The 997 followed the 996, the first water-cooled 911, but there’s a bit to navigate here. Still, the hunt makes it more fun, right?
The 997 made its debut for the model year, with the engines found in both the 911 Carrera and upmarket 911 CarreraS models featuring an IMS bearing setup similar to the one found in the original Boxster. Here’s the kicker: Up until partway through the model year, this IMS bearing can be easily serviced and replaced; after that, not so much.
From the LN Engineering website: “The larger, non-serviceable bearing used in the through model year Porsche Boxster, Cayman, and 911 models is the strongest of the factory Porsche intermediate shaft bearings, but they still can fail. As the bearing cannot be changed without complete engine disassembly, many experts agree that removing the grease seal off the IMS bearing will extend the service life of original bearing and is a must anytime you have the gearbox out to do a clutch job or replace the rear main seal.”
The 997 received a major update for the model year, though. Enthusiasts refer to these later models as the 997.2, with the earlier cars called the 997.1. In addition to updated styling, the 997.2 features an all-new engine: direct injection–no more potential for bore scoring–plus no more IMS bearing issues along with the optional PDK two-pedal transmission.
But small reality check: “They’re recession cars,” Sass notes. “They came out in the fall of .” Adding that shrinking market for luxury goods with the advanced PDK transmission, he continues, means a relatively small number of available cars today with a traditional stick shift.
So, which to buy? If shopping on a budget, Sass says that his pick for a 997 would be an early Carrera backed with good oil analysis and borescope reports. “If you follow best practices,” he adds, “it should be a gas and oil car.”
997 Expert Tips
Rob Sass
Porsche Club of America
The 924 gave Porsche a truly modern car for the ’70s–one that still works well today–with a front-mounted, water-cooled engine powering contemporary bodywork that featured flip-up headlights, ample stowage space and, in a pinch, room for four. To help weight distribution, Porsche fit the transaxle in the rear. For the day, it was rather cutting edge.
But as the competition got faster, the 924’s Audi engine seemed a bit anemic. So Porsche split the tree: The 924 would continue as a low-cost model, while the new-for- Porsche 944 would receive a true, Porsche-designed inline-four–basically half of the V8 found in the then-new 928–along with bigger brakes and those all-important fender flares. The 924 eventually faded away, though, with Porsche continuing to refine the 944 into the ’90s.
The first big revision came during , when Porsche revamped the 944’s interior. More legroom was added thanks to a slightly elevated steering column, and the new gauge cluster looked more Porsche 928 than VW Rabbit.
Then, for , Porsche split the 944 lineup itself: the standard, non-turbo 944, and the optional Turbo model. In addition to the force-fed engine, the Turbo model, internally called the 951, also received revised facias–a smoother front bumper and a rear apron–plus stiffer suspension and larger, 16-inch wheels. Thanks to its 217 horsepower–a 30% bump over the standard car–the Turbo could reach 152 mph.
The 944 line continued to grow. Porsche released the 16-valve 944 S for , with the Turbo S appearing for : bigger brakes, Koni dampers, stiffer bushings and a limited-slip differential. Porsche upped engine output to 247 horsepower, but only offered copies. Missed out on a Turbo S? All of those upgrades became standard on the 944 Turbo the following year.
“The 951s are still a great bang-for-the-buck ride,” says Glenn Sager, Porsche parts specialist at Porsche parts supplier Pelican Parts. “I’ve always loved the 944 body style, and the Turbo bumpers make it even more attractive. The seating position and ergonomics of everything in the cabin work for me. It’s simply a fun car to drive, especially when the car has added horsepower.”
Before 944 production wrapped up in –the 968 line would take over that slot in the lineup–Porsche unveiled a few more upgrades for the non-turbo cars. Displacement of the standard car increased from 2.5 to 2.7 liters, while Porsche pushed the four-valve engine to 3.0 liters, creating the 944 S2 in the process.
For years, 944 prices could best be described as budget-friendly, but they have been ticking up.
944 Expert Tips
Glenn Sager
Kenny McCluney
Pelican Parts
Porsche redid the Boxster for the model year. A year later, a sleek, hardtop variant joined lineup: the Cayman.
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“Overall, these are wonderfully balanced, modern sports cars that feel like nothing else built at the time, even other Porsche cars,” Don Weaver of Porsche parts house EBS Racing says of the Cayman. “It’s a bonus that you can spend a day at the track and, when it’s time to go home, roll up the windows, turn on the cold a/c, and crank up the Bose system.”
The upmarket Cayman S actually hit the market before the standard version, landing, pricewise, between the Boxster S and 911 Carrera. When it came to performance, though, the Cayman S ran nearly as quickly as the 911.
Power came from a 3.4-liter flat-six tuned to deliver 291 horsepower–15 more than the recently redone Boxster S could muster. The Cayman also boasted a stiffer body, and the weight penalty was only about 50 pounds. Porsche released a standard Cayman powered by a 2.7-liter engine for : less power, smaller brakes, but also a smaller price tag.
“In all honesty,” Weaver continues, “the S model will have the best equipment and the best of everything compared to the base. It’s not that the base models are bad at all, but if you can afford the relatively small price difference, you will want the power, brakes and the potential of a six-speed manual over the base car. Some will argue against this, but it’s the general trend.”
Another option worth seeking, he adds: Porsche Active Suspension Management, a system based around automatically adjusting dampers. “I wasn’t very interested in the PASM suspension until I owned one of these with the system,” he says. “It’s really fantastic and gives the car two distinctive personalities for road and track.”
As with the 911 of the same era, the Cayman’s engine featured an IMS bearing that can’t be serviced. But LN Engineering has some good news: “The incidence of failure with a -’08 M96 or M97 engine as found in the Boxster, Cayman and 911 that have the larger (but non-serviceable) IMS is highly unlikely. Best estimate is about a 1% failure rate.” LN Engineering recommends removing the grease seal to provide better lubrication for the bearing. The company also offers an IMS upgrade kit, but installing it requires engine disassembly.
Also like the 911, the Cayman and Boxster received new engines for : no more intermediate shafts, along with a move to direct injection. “Overall, these engines are really fantastic as they addressed just about every shortcoming of the M96/97 engines, including the deletion of the intermediate shaft–cam chains are driven directly from the crankshaft,” Weaver explains. “In fact, that engine type works so well that the 718 four-cylinder engine is simply the same six-cylinder engine less two cylinders, with bores adjusted for displacement.”
Today’s Cayman prices can vary a bit.
Cayman Expert Tips
Don Weaver
EBS Racing
Adult bumper cars combine nostalgic amusement with thrilling, safe entertainment tailored for grown-ups. Whether for corporate events, amusement parks, or private collections, these rides provide an exciting way to relieve stress and create unforgettable moments. This guide delves deep into the world of adult bumper cars, offering detailed comparisons, technical insights, and expert advice to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Adult bumper cars are designed to deliver the classic fun of bumper cars with enhanced safety, power, and size to accommodate adults comfortably. Unlike traditional children’s models, these rides feature robust construction, electric or battery operation, and ergonomic controls. They appeal to diverse audiences—from amusement parks and corporate event planners to private buyers looking for unique leisure equipment.
The convenience and thrill offered by adult bumper cars stem from their innovative designs. For example, duduamusements.com emphasizes inflatable battery-powered models that prioritize safety and portability. Meanwhile, jsfamilyrides.com highlights ground net electric bumper cars, which adapt traditional designs for higher durability and versatility in location placement.
Inflatable adult bumper cars, as featured by duduamusements.com, bring a novel twist to classic dodgems. Their inflatable exterior cushions impacts, enhancing safety during collisions. Lightweight and battery-powered, these cars are perfect for temporary setups like parties and team-building events. Their simple controls make them accessible to adults of all ages, ensuring a fun, stress-free experience.
Ground net designs, popularized by jsfamilyrides.com, feature a unique floor-based power pick-up system. These bumper cars combine the charm of traditional rides with modern electric technology. With rugged build quality, they’re ideal for permanent installations in amusement parks, shopping malls, and carnivals. Their ability to carry two passengers boosts their appeal for family rides or couple experiences.
Factorysalerides.com offers customizable bumper cars tailored to venue requirements. Buyers can select battery or grid power options and adjust sizes to accommodate different rider profiles. This flexibility is highly advantageous for business owners needing rides that fit specific spatial or demographic needs, enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Zamperla.com manufactures classic adult bumper cars with either trolley or floor pick-up power systems. These rides offer nostalgic appeal and modern safety standards. Suitable for indoor amusement areas, they can be themed or customized, making them versatile family attractions that encourage multi-generational participation.
Anchiamusement.com focuses on bumper cars that integrate cutting-edge technology and safety features. These rides deliver superior performance and comfort, making them suitable for high-traffic venues like large amusement parks or entertainment centers. Their advanced engineering ensures longevity and smooth operation, attracting thrill seekers and leisure lovers alike.
Ridesforcarnival.com offers adult bumper cars at competitive prices, often with seasonal discounts. These models cater to businesses looking to expand their ride portfolio without significant upfront investments. Despite the lower price point, these bumper cars maintain quality standards, making them a cost-effective option for fairs, carnivals, and smaller amusement parks.
Adult bumper cars offer more than just amusement. They provide a unique outlet for stress relief in today’s fast-paced world, as highlighted by jsfamilyrides.com. The combination of physical activity, social interaction, and controlled risk creates an engaging experience that promotes mental well-being.
Moreover, adult bumper cars serve as excellent tools for team building, encouraging cooperation and friendly competition. Their adaptability to various venues—from private homes to commercial parks—makes them versatile investments with long-term entertainment value.
Safety is paramount, especially for adult-sized machines. Inflatable bumper cars (duduamusements.com) provide cushioned impacts, while high-tech models (anchiamusement.com) incorporate sensors and ergonomic controls to minimize injuries.
Battery-powered models offer portability and ease of setup, favored for temporary events and private use. Grid-powered or trolley systems (zamperla.com) suit permanent installations requiring continuous operation.
Adult bumper cars vary from single to double passenger capacity. Customizable sizes (factorysalerides.com) allow buyers to tailor rides to their audience and venue space.
Commercial-grade bumper cars must endure frequent collisions and heavy use. Ground net electric bumper cars (jsfamilyrides.com) are engineered for robustness and long service life.
Theming options (zamperla.com) and color variations enhance attractions’ appeal, allowing operators to match rides with branding or event themes.
Proper installation ensures safety and optimal performance. Indoor rides like those from zamperla.com require flat, smooth surfaces, while outdoor models should be placed on level, debris-free grounds.
Routine maintenance includes battery checks, tire inspections, and structural assessments. Companies like sinorides.com and bumpercarsale.com recommend regular servicing schedules to prevent downtime and extend ride life.
The adult bumper car market is expanding, driven by increased demand for unique entertainment experiences. As www.jsfamilyrides.com notes, the stress-relieving benefits make these rides popular worldwide.
Investors can capitalize on high foot-traffic venues such as malls and parks. Additionally, private buyers are increasingly interested in personal bumper car collections for home use or exclusive events.
Adult bumper cars offer a unique blend of excitement, nostalgia, and stress relief. From inflatable models by duduamusements.com to the robust ground net electric bumper cars of jsfamilyrides.com, the variety available caters to diverse needs and venues. Customization options from factorysalerides.com and the classic designs of zamperla.com enhance versatility. High-performance rides from anchiamusement.com provide cutting-edge thrills, while ridesforcarnival.com offers cost-effective options for budget-conscious buyers. Selecting the right adult bumper car involves balancing safety, power source, size, and intended application to ensure maximum enjoyment and business success.
1. What are adult bumper cars?
Adult bumper cars are amusement rides designed specifically for adults, featuring larger sizes and enhanced safety features compared to traditional children’s bumper cars. They provide fun, interactive collisions and are commonly used in amusement parks, events, and private settings.
2. What power sources do adult bumper cars use?
They typically use battery power for portability or electric power via trolley or floor pick-up systems for permanent installations. Battery-powered models offer easy setup, while grid-powered rides provide continuous operation.
3. Are inflatable adult bumper cars safe?
Yes, inflatable bumper cars, like those from duduamusements.com, use cushioned exteriors to absorb impact, reducing injury risk. They are designed with safety as a priority, making them ideal for casual and temporary use.
4. Can adult bumper cars accommodate more than one passenger?
Some models, especially ground net electric bumper cars from jsfamilyrides.com, can accommodate two passengers, allowing for shared rides. However, most adult bumper cars are designed for a single rider.
5. How customizable are adult bumper cars?
Customization ranges from size adjustments (factorysalerides.com) to themed designs (zamperla.com). Buyers can select colors, sizes, and power options to fit specific venue needs and branding.
6. What maintenance is required for adult bumper cars?
Regular checks on batteries, tires, controls, and structural components ensure safe operation. Scheduled servicing, as recommended by manufacturers like sinorides.com, helps extend lifespan and prevent malfunctions.
7. Where can adult bumper cars be used?
They are suitable for amusement parks, shopping malls, corporate events, private parties, fairs, and even private collections, depending on the model and setup.
8. How fast do adult bumper cars typically go?
Speeds generally range between 4 to 12 mph, providing a safe yet thrilling experience suitable for all adult riders.
9. Are adult bumper cars profitable for businesses?
Yes, they attract diverse customers and can be placed in high-traffic venues. Their popularity for stress relief and entertainment makes them a lucrative investment.
10. Where can I buy high-quality adult bumper cars?
Reliable sources include duduamusements.com, jsfamilyrides.com, factorysalerides.com, zamperla.com, anchiamusement.com, ridesforcarnival.com, bumpercarsale.com, and sinorides.com, offering a range of models for different needs.
This comprehensive guide aims to empower buyers and enthusiasts with the knowledge to choose the perfect adult bumper car, ensuring fun, safety, and value for money.
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