6 Things I HATE About my Porsche Cayman 981 (and How I Fixed Them)

[@MrElnuno]

I never shift from 2nd to 1st in manual mode. I let the car shift on its own. It wont stall. all other shifts can be done smoothly in manual, but unless you are approaching a really slow, tight hairpin there really isn't any reason to be using 1st gear.

[@jasonpowell4635]

Hear you regarding seat belt rattling, I just click it into its socket as if someone is sat in the seat. Great vids btw.

[@alsatch_]

Good tip! Cheers 👍

[@jasonpowell4635]

I have beige interior (Luxor?) I don’t think I’d find a suitable bit of felt either.

[@The888Redlich]

If you push the buckle up to the top the belt loop is magnetic and holds there perfectly

[@scotia7566]

When did ‘let’s do business’ become your catchphrase?? Pleases don’t🙏

[@alsatch_]

Ha. Been saying that for years but don’t always remember. 😂

[@marcosvaldes8910]

Which Race Chip did you use? I looked for one on their website but there wasn’t an option for the 981.

[@alsatch_]

It was called racechip XLR, I think they have since released a newer version called XLR5.

[@marcosvaldes8910]

Waiting on a response from their customer support to verify. Thanks. @@alsatch_

[@marcosvaldes8910]

@@alsatch_ this was the response from Race Chip customer support. “Our RaceChips are generally only compatible with petrol engines with electronically regulated boost pressure or diesel engines with the current common rail injection system. Your Porsche (981c) Cayman S 3.4L does not meet this requirement. Unfortunately we cannot offer you a chip tuning. We are sorry.”

[@alsatch_]

@@marcosvaldes8910ah. I think the confusion here is the part I fitted was not a performance chip, it was a throttle response kit. They can only do performance chip kits for diesel and turbo petrol engines, for our naturally aspirated engines we only have the throttle response kits availabile to us.

[@981_pdk3]

My 981 is the base 2.7 PDK with FVD Brombacher stage 1 tune. This company I know offers PDK module but I don’t have that. My PDK change is super smooth even back to 1st. I have noticed the PDK is perfect on my 18” track wheels and Pzero Trofeo R. If I put on the stock 19” wheels the PDK is noisy in car parks and not quite as smooth driving. So on the 18” setup which does not need spacers the PDK is better than my brand new Macan GTS which gets a bit stuck on cambered curved roads where turning perhaps because it’s AWD there’s a lot going on.

[@pauljoyquilter359]

I far prefer the looks of the original wheels - they provide contrast to the white. It’s a very personal thing with cosmetics tho!

[@k4kya]

For both the throttle response and the shift speed, I think the Sports Chrono Packs "Sport Plus" mode solves both of them. My 981 Cayman GTS has it and the car feels like a completely different machine in Sport Plus. Couldn't agree more with the exhaust point though, mine has seized on one side and it sounds like the only option is a new exhaust system 😢. It feels like a design flaw, especially given that Porsche replaces the whole exhaust system if the same problem happens under a warranty.

[@knn3th]

The trick for the 'banging' seatbelt is just sliding it up to the top. Saves you a pound (and the ugly patch) 😉

[@awesometkd1390]

Where did you get that Porsche wall display? ❤

[@BobC59]

If your car’s wheel was on the correct side, the left side belt clanging wouldn’t be an issue 😜 Cheers!

[@vartechinc]

I added the x73 suspension and sports exhaust to my 981s along with pcm 4.0retrofit.

[@alfaroberts]

Finally following your advice to get iCarsoft, triggered by need to code replacement battery. Good vid! Planning a Northumbrian toad trip in May, so grateful for any route / accom tips. Maybe a travel vid next 😁🏎💨

[@disturbingkreationz]

Great video. I am thinking about going to the cayman from the Boxster.

[@BobC59]

I got my Cayman S as a result of looking for a Boxster. I previously had a Miata and S2000, so wanted open-top driving, but I love the Cayman so much, I do not miss top-down driving. As a nice bonus, the Cayman’s visibility is FAR better than the top-up Boxster’s, and you can drive the Cayman with windows fully down without any buffeting or other issues (I never hear a seatbelt rattle - is it possible that’s a right-drive-only issue??)

[@s10lucky]

Great video. happy new year too. I’ll definitely look at the head unit upgrade. Ive put up with mine for 4 years but it would be nice to have CarPlay etc. I put spacers on but think I should have gone 15mm on the rears. 🤔 I would avoid the manual 2nd to first on the paddles. They don’t like it and are far smoother doing it themselves.

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

I agree, there's just no way to get a smooth 2nd to 1st downshift manually. When gearing down manually, I only go as far as 2nd and then if I'm coming to a complete stop, I let the PDK go into first itself, (which it will do even if in manual mode).

[@RantsBants]

Brilliant and informative video. I’m looking to buy a used cayman for my 40th (already have a e30, ek9, x3m and a smart 453). I’m looking at 2013/2014 plates and I’ve seen prices from 18k-25k but then I find few for 30+ , I really don’t want the 718 as it has a 2.0litre , how much would you say a 2014 pdk cayman should be worth? Thank you

[@alsatch_]

There are a lot of variables to that question I think, prices do vary so much because of mileage, private or dealer sale. I recently matched my exact car on Autotrader to spec, mileage, year etc and it came back with 35k from a dealer (not an OPC) with 65ish k mileage. There are a lot of good ones out there so I’d say pick the colour, spec you want, and then wait- it won’t be too long before it comes up for sale. Good luck. You’ll love it I promise 👍

[@RantsBants]

@@alsatch_ thank you buddy appreciate the feedback

[@scottoconnor3484]

I’ve got a 981 GT4 and have done many of the same mods. Aftermarket Apple Carplay with backup camera, aftermarket wheels (19” lightweight track wheels from Apex), Bilstein Clubsport dampers, lowered, more camber. This car has a tuned 4.5 liter engine build, so no Pedal Commander, but I do use Pedal Commander on my Panamera Turbo.

[@alsatch_]

That sounds like a superb motor. Absolute weapon congrats 👍👍

[@scottoconnor3484]

It’s the DeMan conversion. Over 500 bhp, runs on 100 octane gas. Tons of torque over a wide range. Turns quick laps when running on slicks. Full racing buckets with harnesses, keeps the driver steady.

[@vzast]

thanks for videos, helped me a lot, to understand how things work, currently waiting for my 981 S.

[@alsatch_]

Good stuff thank you 👍

[@NixonR7]

Hey looks like you took the headlight washers out? Did you pay much / how did you cover the holes? Guess this was fairly expensive?

[@alsatch_]

Hello. I didn't take them out. the car came to me like this so i think the headlight washers would have been an option from factory, so the original buyer of this car must not have spec'd the car with that option.

[@NixonR7]

@@alsatch_ Thank you so much for the reply! Have a lovely day :)

[@tonykono5225]

Gorgeous car.

[@sundershanmugam4269]

Nice mods mate. Love the wheels . I've had the seizing PSE replaced under warranty by Porsche on my 981 GTS . Got Eibach lowering springs and 7 mm spacers waiting to be installed. By the way, I'm coming to your neck of the woods (Sunderland) for work this weekend. Would be good to catch up for a drive.

[@alsatch_]

Cheers. This weekend I have family commitments so wouldn’t be able to play out unfortunately.

[@sundershanmugam4269]

No worries buddy

[@gleneaton7090]

Hi There, on your wheels and tyres section of your video and in particular to wheel spacers, how did you get on with them?, what I mean is I’ve heard good and bad, the bad is “don,t fit them cause they possibly impact the wheel / car stability, balance Center points etc” however as a subscriber to your valued and worthy channel I trust your feedback and since you fitted them I’m hoping you found no issues and ultimately enhance the visual effect as intended. I’m thinking about fitting spacers to the rear end of my 987 Boxster Sport Edition, but I’m just a little concerned about the tyre rubbing on the top wheel arch due to reduce clearance when cornering, on humps and bumps?, appreciate your feedback which in essence is a question of whether you felt any impact at all as a result of fitting them? Thanks! Glen E.

[@phoeij]

I’m in the market for a 981S and your vids are really helpful. Love the front splitter and the white wheels. Keep up the good work!

[@D992]

How does Ersin get on with factory fitted phone kit please?

[@alsatch_]

It works, however volume could be better. It’s quite low and with road noise makes it a bit harder to hear. May have just been my phone/situation not sure

[@D992]

@@alsatch_ 👌🏽. The Porsche ‘Classic’ range will be out soon with an OEM headunit that includes Apple CarPlay etc 👍🏼

[@gavinhall4112]

@@D992do we know when exactly?

[@D992]

???

[@gavinhall4112]

No car likes the shift from second to first unless you're totally stationary. The solution - double declutch. Pop the car into neutral, release the clutch and push it back down again and first gear will slip in very nicely. With practice this is one seamless action. 👍

[@gavinhall4112]

Just realised I wrote this without checking if your car is a manual - no idea about PDK. However, as another commenter said, first gear is for pulling away from stationary really.

[@capitalexotics]

Yeah, that’s one of my comments on my 991.1! PCM 3.1 unit literally 10X the price of this new unit. Wish I would have known about this before the largest expense. To add insult to injury, Porsche doesn’t even let you keep the old PCM, says you have to purchase the broken unit because they send the old one back to Germany. I’m pretty sure Porsche Germany refurbishes these units, friend with the same 991.1 2016 black edition, when he got his replaced it came up on the start screen as a boxster. He wasn’t very impressed! Don’t quote me on the refurbishing. Some heroes, like Al Satch, don’t wear capes!

[@callelindstrom4789]

I have two things I hate about my Boxster 25 (718 4.0) 2021. The 14 ways seats. Horrible comfort. Way too hard. Second, the overpraised PDK. Sorry, but its a horrible transmission in many ways. Its fantastic when tracking, fast lane driving, B-roads etc. But in low speeds, over speedbumps and in slow traffic when it have to shift from second gear to first, stop and throttle. Omg. Hate it. Its jerks, sound ”clack-clunk” like its broken. I consider to change the car to a manuell transmission for this reason. 😡…sad because I want a automatic. No friends, its not broken. All my PDKs have had the same behavior…

[@sundershanmugam4269]

That's how a dual clutch is meant to work , almost slipping in very low speed or 2ns to 1st shift. Also happens in my 981 GTS , about the only negative thing about PDK. Rest is amazing

[@bigsighmusicdroneblogs1843]

More re uploads 😊😊

[@gleneaton7090]

Again I think you have a great handle on things which is why I subscribe to your channel. A lot of stuff I am going through as an owner and driver you have already gone through and experienced it. Appreciate the effort you put in to sharing your experiences 👍

[@alsatch_]

Thank you I appreciate that 👌👌

[@williamholleman8673]

Nice

[@mattyp3119]

Car looks great 🎉

[@usa91b]

As a new Porsche Cayman S owner, I really appreciate your insight and education. It's been very helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@alsatch_]

Thanks man. Hope you’re enjoying your ownership. Super fun cars 👍

[@macbook9084]

In your opinion which is the better drive your 997 or the 981? Thanks

[@D992]

I’ve had both. 981 PDK hands down. 👌🏽

[@alsatch_]

Cayman is a more balanced drive, but the pdk does take away a bit of the driver engagement. 997 starting to feel a bit old now compared to the 981/991 era however that’s no bad thing. All depends how much of the driving you actually want to be responsible for, or if you want the car to take care of some functions.

[@stephenfoster6940]

Plenty of good information gained from first-hand experience. That is more than enough to attract views without the misleading title - “HATE”? As you said, it’s more like “didn’t like”. The wheels must be a nightmare to keep clean and looking good. Totally understand why you still have the car after intending to use it as a stop-gap. The case for keeping it will get stronger with the transition to EV versions.

[@jonfrench7133]

Stance does look spot on, what size spacers did you go with ?

[@alsatch_]

From memory I have 7mm front and 15MM rear but that is with the RS SPYDER wheels, a more aggressive spacer may be needed for the standard Cayman alloys I’d have to double check the numbers. Cheers 👍👍