GoKart

Considering a 2.7 to drive regularly, a couple days a week.

Looking for input from the current or former 2.7 crowd.

How do you / did you like these cars?

Are they a long term keeper?

Snakebit

Haven't had my Base 987.1 2.7 5-speed for long, but if you are wondering about the actual power VS the S, I have no regrets whatsoever. In fact, I have fallen in love with the way the 2.7 plays the flat6 game. It's WANTS to sing that song, if you know what I mean.

In my opinion, I would rather have the more serious S suspension prowess than the extra ponies. Coilovers to the rescue.

​​​​Besides, that 2.7 seems to have a pretty good record for no-fuss reliability too. Not to mention a less inflated acquisition co$t, at the moment.
​

9eight7

I bought my 2.9 in 2015 before the GT4 was released. If I could go back in time I would have waited the extra months/year and purchased the GT4 new or used. This is purely based off of my lap times because I feel my base is limited as everyone except a Miata runs away from me on straights (S2K, M 2-4 all generations, all non base P cars, mustangs, cameros, R8 ‘V8 & V10’, Civic R, Integra ‘not stock’, IS350, etc. If you plan to street your car 90%+ of your time then I would be completely happy with a 2.7 or 2.9.

Gr8shot

I have no regrets whatsoever in purchasing a 2.7. It has about the same power to weight as my previous 350Z but it is so much more engaging to drive. Engine is responsive in all rpm ranges but really comes to life above 4k rpm. I just have the stock exhaust but it still sounds great.

Fresh.Sizzle

An S2000 or an IS350 should not be able to simply walk away from a 2.9 Cayman on a straight, something doesn't add up.

Not that the Cayman is a rocket, but the S2000 is astonishingly slow (as slow as an RX8), if you ever got a chance to drive one.


I would routinely outrun IS350s and S2000s in my previous 350Z, and now in the Porsche have always been either almost neck and neck with a 350Z (3rd gear onwards), or even 1 or 2 feet ahead (1st, 2nd gears).

PhillyNate

I can only speak to the 987.2 2.9 and say if I got rid of it to move to an “S” of any variant I would miss working for the power. It’s useable power. Almost all of it. My friend has a 997.1 3.6 liter and I work to keep up and that’s fun in a way.

Fresh.Sizzle

I have ZERO regrets.


It depends on what car you are coming from, and what your expectations are.

I have a few sport bikes and a race bike for the track, but I still ABSOLUTELY enjoy the little Porsche for what it is. What is fast to you might be slow to me, and vice versa.


I would suggest that it is not so much about the actual speed or numbers on a paper, but rather the sensation of speed and driving character that matters more.
These cars are not fast, but they are quick.

I have driven/owned much MUCH faster cars that were more muted and not as much fun, and I would find myself doing Mexico level speeds just inorder to get the same amount of thrill or enjoyment that the little Porsche would provide at a more manageable and agreeable speed.

Fresh.Sizzle

Also... if it's good enough for Chris Harris, it very likely is good enough for you.

ekam

Harris's daily driver ...

Fresh.Sizzle

Chris Harris owns (that he bought with his own cheddar) a few Porsches including a 2.7 987 Cayman. He sold his 997 Carrera but kept the Cayman.

Also his fleet consists of journalist Porsches that have been 'lended' to him by the dealerships, including the 991 GT3 Touring that he crashed and totalled.

Fresh.Sizzle

Back when I had the 997.1 C4S cabrio, I thought it would ruin my 987 experience and completely overshadow it and that I wouldn't want to drive the 987 after driving that,

>but in fact I would still look forward to and enjoy taking the 987 out aswell -especially during around-the-town errands. Although a 2.9 or 2.7 987 can't hold up to the power level and torque of a C4S and is underwhelming in comparison, but the 987 felt so small lol, agile and nimble in comparison. So much fun! A full exhaust system and headers did really awaken and pep-up the car too.


Also to be fair the 997 C4S was tiptronic, whilst the 987 is stick so that also plays a part in positive engagement and preference.




p.s- If you feel the 2.9 or 2.7 is too slow, upgrading to a 987 S won't help either as it is really not that much more faster.

ZuffenZeus

I always felt HP wars were so pointless at times. Coming from the muscle car culture of the south, that's all they talked about, but a lot of those cars with double the HP couldn't hold a candle to a Porsche on the track. Power-to-weight people! The 987 base is my third Porsche and if I didn't know the specs, and you told me it produced more than 300 HP, I'd believe you. Driving it feels as fast as my 911s. The mid-engine handling is definitely superior to the 911 and it has all the quickness with power right where you need it. I've mentioned this before, if you listen to people that build these engines, they will say that the base model Cayman is less prone to bore scoring and IMS failure. This is primarily because Porsche chose to use cast pistons over forged pistons which lessened the problem. Yes, they still have the other variables like Lokasil, but very few reports of bore scoring.

Also, the 6305 IMS bearing is another element that has proven itself to be very durable over the older versions. These two modes of failure are what haunt all the M9X based Porsche Carreras of that era. The Cayman still maintains a lot of the analog feel (e.g. hydraulic steering) of older Porsches. It seems after the 997/987 era, Porsches has made the newest offerings bigger, less engaging, and full of techno-nannies.

There is nothing wrong with making these cars daily drivers. In fact, I'd argue that's better for the overall health of the car than making it a garage queen. I tell this to everyone that wants these cars, you must always remember to put aside some money for repairs. This is not a Corolla.

Nothing can park these cars quicker than a repair estimate. What is the magic number? I would say maintain a $5,000 annual service fund for anything that comes up. Think about it. Standard service like replacing the clutch, flywheel, RMS, and AOS could eat up 5 grand easily at many Porsche shops. Learn to do many of the repairs yourself like brakes. Easy DiY project. The calipers and pads are no different from any other car and can be done for under $1000, but if you take it to a Porsche dealership, expect to pay $1000/wheel. Yikes!!! Anyway, the 987 Caymans represent some really great Porsche values right now. Just get the car you want inspected before you hand over the money.

Cheers!

9eight7

You are correct, I am comparing to track prepped cars and higher HP cars. Honestly, the 2.9 is a fantastic platform where I've greatly learned to improve my car control. It is a long term keeper in my book (I just want a little extra oomph to keep up with my GT buddies).

PhillyNate

Again, speaking for the 2.9 above 5k rpm this car is not a bicycle.

sectachrome

I hear this "I need a faster car for the track because people pass me" thing a lot and I don't really understand it. Unless you're competing, what does it matter?