Upgrade handling on 981 Boxster, Cayman, 911, 991, 718, 987 - X73 sway bar install

[@flafeer]

I've gotten so much out of this series, thank you! I like your approach on how you tested this. I look forward to trying different bar stiffnesses on the rear of mine also. I especially love how you edit your DIY sections. You demystify installs in all your videos. Thanks!

[@TDS981]

Really nice feedback, I'm pleased it helps and you find it interesting. Thank you and stay tuned for more to come!

[@villaman4818]

Hi Daz....thought I'd comment on here too.... Got my 981 S (non PASM / PTV) booked in in two weeks to have both the PSE retrofitted and front /rear X71 anti roll bars ....looking forward to the mods !! Thanks for the video's.

[@TDS981]

More comments the better VIllaman great to get feedback, ideas and just hear from people that watch these vids. Make sure you come back and update us with your thoughts remember there is a little adjustment in your geo to change how the car feels. 😎

[@siddharthkothari3930]

Thank you so much for making this video! I'm actually getting the .14 bar fitted to my Boxster S right now. Having driven the 718, I agree - it handles just that much better (a bit more go-kart like if I remember correctly). Excited to see the difference with this new bar. As for the steering feel, I found a huge difference doing two things - upgrading the wheel to a newer gen (you get some in-expensive one w/ airbags from aliexpress) and changing the EPS software from the 981 to the 991.1 GT3 using a PIWIS 2

[@TDS981]

Excellent post, I've done the same things and it's just a little nicer than before. A little more complicated in my case since I have pcm4 so those wheels are not set up correctly for me.

[@flafeer]

Thanks!

[@deanoc]

Great video. Can’t wait to get north of the border again for some great roads, food, whisky and hospitality!

[@TDS981]

Good stuff Dean, appreciate the feedback. The roads are certainly my favourite part - west coast especially.

[@deanoc]

Test Drive Scotland Same. I’ve done my own “NC 1000” many a time and am often on the Calmac to Islay ferry from Kennacraig

[@TDS981]

@@deanoc yep love it

[@deanoc]

@@TDS981 I'll give you a shout next time I'm around. Guards red photoshoot

[@johnycarrera]

Thanks to TDS I’ve now done the X73 rear anti roll bar mod to my 981 GTS it’s made a big difference right away, really stable at the rear now..... very tempted to swap the front too, PASM is still lovely and soft, just the rear is more stable 👍🏻

[@TDS981]

John that's great to hear thanks so much for sharing 👍

[@61mja]

If you still have the bar you took off your Cayman (part no. ends in 12) and have no use for it, I’d be interested in it for my Boxster 🙂

[@johnycarrera]

@@61mja sure no problem, I’m in Glasgow might need to wait a few weeks due to lockdown if you want to collect it

[@61mja]

@@johnycarrera I’m down south, wonder if I could buy it from you and you’d be prepared to post it? Are you on boxa.net or similar where we could private message perhaps?

[@johnycarrera]

@@61mja if you message me on Instagram I’m sure we can sort something out @johnycarrera

[@dansquires7385]

an excellent and informative video that has proved v useful to me in understanding what is fitted to my new car. Daz has also been v helpful when I messaged him. Top content / top man

[@TDS981]

Thanks Dan very kind. 👍

[@fleamcbaggins3087]

TY fer putting this amazing content out there. Just bought my first Porsche and am looking forward to doing little things to personalize my new ride. Subs n Thumbs, les gooo

[@TDS981]

Nice one 👍 appreciate that. Enjoy it you'll have a blast.

[@randomstrumming]

Got to love the Netherley Road ;) Loving your vids, I've got a 981 Cayman S with PDK, PASM, PTV, had no idea there were so many different ARBs

[@TDS981]

Thanks Scott, that’s a nice spec you’ve done well. Crazy isn’t it, endless opportunities to mess around with it 🤣

[@theworldsyourlobster1583]

I’m looking at fitting the cayman R rear sway bar to my 987.2 3.4 pdk boxster it’s pasm , it looks like a very easy modification and the genuine sway bar is around the £200 mark .... another great video keep them up ... beautiful roads up there in Scotland was going up there this summer but Covid put a stop to that ...

[@TDS981]

Thanks for commenting, you should go for it really improves the driving experience and fun to play around with the car. 👍

[@warrenlucier5796]

I installed the R rear bar on my 2010 Cayman S which has the standard suspension and felt the difference and it was for the better. The bar is hollow and larger in diameter, which will require the larger bushings to mount.

[@lindaparker3140]

I have the base '13 Boxster w/ PASM and added X73, moderate concentric wheel spacers, tower strut braces, top front, rear lower. base tire size and combo is smooth, drivable, but not at all harsh even on FL two lane roads. jp

[@TDS981]

Nice one, where can I see your build? 😎

[@dndodd100]

Nice video. I have a 14 Cayman S PASM added the rear x73 bar first nice difference but didn’t seem as balanced reaction wise front to rear so I added the x73 front. Love it would never go back as you would expect the ride is slightly stiffer but the improvement in handling is worth it. Also added the 718 rear support that mounts between the sway bar mounts and 5mm wheel spacers all added up to a very nice handling car.

[@TDS981]

Thanks David, I found the same feeling when I tried the stiffest bar I could have toned down the geo to make it work I think. Quite like the sound of your set up, how many hrs labour to do the front bar. I like the sound of the 718 rear support, did you have to drill holes?

[@dndodd100]

Test Drive Scotland The front bar is a royal PITA compared to the rear. You have to drop the whole front suspension about 1-2” as I remember as well as support the gas tank. Probably took me 4-6 hours I did it about 2 years ago. I am an average home mechanic with tools. I also have a complete car scissor lift. Needed that plus 2 floor jacks to do the front. No regrets. On the rear 718 support yes I had to drill holes in the pan to mount it correctly. Not a difficult job.

[@TDS981]

@@dndodd100 wow that sounds like a bit of a challenge, well done for doing it DIY! 👍

[@kaybatbat1124]

Anyone have a link(or part#) to buy an X73 Front Sway bar? I can't find them anywhere.TIA

[@robvirgo735]

Another great video daz , tks

[@TDS981]

Cheers Rob nice to hear that👍

[@D992]

Superb vid 👍🏼. Fitting the new bar, does it affect the alignment of the car? I’ve had mine at Center Gravity and don’t want to mess it up. 👍🏼

[@TDS981]

No change to your alignment at all when changing the rear. You are merely stiffening 👍

[@BoomyZED]

Hi! And do you have a FAQ changing a front roll bar to X73 as well? What p/ns are required? Stock bushings reused in this case? Or need to order new ones? Looking to your reply, Guru 😀

[@TDS981]

Hi, thanks got watching 👍 not yet but it's on my to do list, sadly it's a little more complicated because you need to drop the subframe a little to slide the bar in and out. In terms of parts I guess a new bar, new brackets and bushings are required. This is the pn for the bar 99134370516.

[@gregjohnson9560]

Nice video! I have a '14 981CS, I would like to install the #15 bar with the larger bushings. Will the bracket mounting bolts need to be replaced with longer ones? Thanks in advance!

[@TDS981]

Thanks, I recall that the bolts are ok for both bars, the longer bolts are needed when you add the 718 bracing in the other video.

[@mitchlewis535]

Thanks for all the great videos! Rear Sway Bar: So I have a 2013 Boxster S with PASM and PTV. So if I understand your video, the 981-333-703-14 is a little stiffer than the rear bar in my car right now? And the 981-333-703-15 is even stiffer than the 14....correct? Exhaust: How did you get the crackle and pops out of your exhaust? I don't have PSE. If I added PSE would that be all I need? Thanks in advance! :-)

[@TDS981]

Hi Mitch, thank you for watching! More coming. You understand correctly. I would still recommend the 14 bar in your case, you could try the 15 if you are also planning on doing the front. Yes to make your exhaust pop and bang and be that noisy you need PSE it is a must have option of you are in any way immature 😂

[@mitchlewis535]

@@TDS981 Lol! Yes I'm 56 yrs going on 18 yrs. The PSE sounds like the way to go for me. :-) Thank you!

[@TDS981]

@@mitchlewis535 glad to hear it, every drive I attend someone asks me why the car sounds so good. It's nice to say it was built this way!

[@simonh3807]

Great information, thank you. I have a cayman without PASM. Would you recommend the stiffest bar?

[@TDS981]

If you are doing the rear only I would recommend the middle one ending part no. ending 14.

[@simonh3807]

Test Drive Scotland excellent, thank you :)

[@HoirkmanS]

Hi, very good video. I want to change my rear stabilizer too. You say different bushings are only needed for 15 version. My information says that stock ist 22 mm and 14 is 21,7 mm. What do think?

[@TDS981]

Thanks, you can reuse the existing bushings with the bar ending 14, it is solid rather than hollow. The bar ending 15 is slightly thicker and so requires the larger bushing. Suggest you watch the next video on the subject where we include the 718 braces.

[@AutoAmateur]

F***!!! I have to go to work for a few hours. SAVED for later! 🤩🙌🙌🙌

[@TDS981]

Let me know what you think, definitely a good idea for project 996👍

[@robvirgo735]

No don’t be stealing our ideas AA 😉

[@TDS981]

@@robvirgo735 he can steal them if he gives us a shout out on his channel 🍻

[@johnycarrera]

Interesting video, I’ve got a 981 Cayman GTS with PTV, I’ve no idea what anti roll bar is in it, but it definitely drives better on Scottish roads in the soft mode, in sport plus it feels flighty at the rear, it helped with a stickier tyre....PS4Ss.. the rear doesn’t feel as tied down as the 718 wonder if there’s an upgrade. I asked about using the X73 lower springs with PASM which was ok to do but would void the warranty, I wonder if the roll bar would too 🤔

[@TDS981]

John, you definitely should try the anti roll bar in the description with part no. ending 15. It will be stiffer than the one you have fitted and you should feel the same benefits.

[@Baerchenization]

I would bet the house on it :) You even void the warranty, if you do not fit Porsche tyres or non-matching Porsche tyres :)

[@TDS981]

Springs might be obvious but very difficult to tell with the bar since it's the same size.

[@johnycarrera]

I’m thinking they wouldn’t spot the anti roll bar, it’s weird because they were fine with the Zunsport grilles that’s protect the radiators! Definitely gonna try the thicker anti roll bar it looked very affordable, thanks for the replies 👍🏻

[@TDS981]

@@johnycarrera nice one 👍

[@jonatk6764]

Just received a 718 Cayman (14) ARB from a breakers complete with attached fixings and noticed that the 718 Cayman uses deeper fixing blocks (Part number 981.777.01) My 981 Boxster S with PASM has part number 996.333.777.01 fitted? I believe they are the original Block/saddles. The original bolts were not long enough for the Cayman fixings so I refitted the original 981 set up until I get longer bolts M6 50-55 mm 10.9 tensile strength Job is really straight forward as the video shows 👌 Just for information to this thread and video Thankyou. Daz

[@TDS981]

Hi Jon, that's good thanks for watching and your message. Keep them, in the next video you are going to see me fit a new rear brace to accompany the ar bar and you will need those fixings and some longer bolts. Stay tuned 👍

[@jonatk6764]

@@TDS981 Made a brace for my old 987 and had started to consider a homemade arrangement for the present 981. 👍

[@TDS981]

Good work, it's not entirely necessary but it does make a difference.

[@jonatk6764]

Test driven this morning. Superb mod. Subtle changes but just helps the cars steering and poise on the road. Would recommend 👍👍👍

[@TDS981]

@@jonatk6764 awesome glad to hear it!

[@simonbussey7530]

Is it possible to do a video on how to lift these cars? Where do you lift the front and rear from before putting the stands in place?

[@TDS981]

Can do Simon, thanks for the suggestion. I lift the front which in turn lifts the rear of the car high enough to get a stand in. 👍

[@deanoc]

It does help that the car is really stiff. I jack from the rear and put stands under the front points and 3” blocks of wood under the rear wheels. I then fashioned a bar to go across the rear subframe to jack the extra few inches needed centrally to get stands under the rear

[@gaccutler9526]

Interesting vid. I have updated the ARB on my non-Porsche to good effect, and would consider on the 981 Day. BTW so much crackling on over-run sounds like poor set-up to me, and doesn't improve the ambience of the car.

[@TDS981]

Each to their own, it sounds absolutely marvelous! Remember when the mic is right next to the exhaust it picks up absolutely everything!

[@yomama5785]

Awesome review

[@TDS981]

👍👍👍

[@godwinlee4485]

Hi Sir! love your videos. I've got a 981 Boxster S with standard passive dampers (non pasm), and I bought the 15 bar. Have you tried this set up? After watching your video I am worried that the 15 bar would be too stiff? Although I do feel the 2012 cars had relatively slow steering so the 15 bar may help. Please kindly let me know your opinions!

[@TDS981]

Hi, thanks for watching. If that's what you've bought then go for it and see what you think. It's only slightly stiffer, you'll need to upgrade the bushings with the 15 as they are a slightly bigger size. The anti roll bar has no effect on your steering feel or speed and the steering on these hasn't changed MY12 to MY16.

[@godwinlee4485]

@@TDS981 Thanks sir. Yes I've got the bushings as well. Just installed all of them today and it does feel flatter through high speed corners where previously I could feel the car rolling more. Have yet to try it on the twisties yet. Do you recommend getting the front bar as well or is it not worth the effort. I've got the standard passive suspension set up with the x73 15 rear bar at the moment. Handling seems improved but any opinions if the differnce between front to back is too big? Thanks for the help!!!

[@TDS981]

@@godwinlee4485 I felt a little more lean at the front Vs the rear so I think it would have a positive impact but the gain will be marginal. Please drive some more and report back 👍👍👍

[@godwinlee4485]

@@TDS981 Honestly I feel with the passive standard set up with the 15 rear bar handles quite well especially during high speed cornering. Do you recommend going to the 14 bar instead of the 15 bar instead as in the video you recommended the 14 for the Boxster over the 15? Thank You!

[@TDS981]

@@godwinlee4485 it's entirely up to you, no right or wrong answer here it's subjective.

[@nody31]

Question in respect of durability - my car is a 2012 2.7, with the lightweight hollow (11) bar. Got the x73 (14) bar , and the strut, but have delayed fitting them because of concerns about the extra stress the stiffer stronger solid bar will place upon the alloy subframe etc without having fitted the whole of the x73 system, can you kindly advise whether i am being over concerned, and how your setup is doing - many thanks!

[@TDS981]

The subframe / wheel carrier was designed for all of these parts. The only bit you are missing is a stiffer damper and spring combo.

[@nody31]

@@TDS981 Yep, thought i was being overly concerned - its because this will be the first mod I've done to my car which I've had from new - years ago i toyed with the idea of upgrading the rear bar, but didn't have the confidence - your video has spurred me on, thanks! Further question - any new videos coming ?

[@TDS981]

You'll enjoy it. I've filmed some content covering my latest changes. Hopefully I'll find some time to edit and turn into a video.

[@DWraysGarage]

Nice. Is a front sway bar redundant and do you think it risks undermining the stability and steering tightness you just baked in?

[@Baerchenization]

Do you think Porsche is selling original parts that undermine stability? Edit: well, maybe if you fit them on cars they are not intended for :)

[@TDS981]

Hi, I think adding the front sway bar would stiffen the front and give more feel but yes may compromise some of the improvements in turn in you gain from just doing the rear. The reason I haven't been able to try it is that you need to drop the sub frame to install so not convinced it would be worth the effort. Do you have any thoughts on this?

[@TDS981]

They are fitting only the stiffer rear bar to the 718 with pasm.

[@DWraysGarage]

@@TDS981 honestly, I am seeking someone who has done this and can't seem to find it here on YT. Might need to trawl the forums some. Trying to figure if the lack of front sway bar installs is difficulty/upside/both.

[@DWraysGarage]

@@Baerchenization I don't believe Porsche is selling products that undermine the chassis they build, but I don't put it past aftermarket suppliers to overplay. I have not sought out OEM sway bars to put on my car because, to your point, I think Porsche builds cars as they intend.

[@A80GAN]

Recently swapped for stiffer rear ARB on my 981 Boxster S as per this video as I was a bit disappointed with the 981 coming from a lightly mod’d and prep’d 991 GTS. Added chassis brace to 981 too. And also GT3 steering and PTV software. And a smaller steering wheel too! Car completely transformed, fabulous in the dry, but I fear I may have gone too far in eliminating understeer as it’s pretty lively at the rear end on wet roads now. Almost as if it’s too stiff which affects traction. Fine in the dry. Anybody else found this?

[@TDS981]

@@A80GAN everything is a compromise and if you change something you often need to adjust the geo to compensate. You can add negative camber and toe in at the rear to make it more stable if that's what you need.

[@A80GAN]

Yes. Going to fit my GT3 LCA’s and get geo done & see if that helps. Car is great in the dry so maybe it’s the P Zero tyres which aren’t helping too.

[@MadelnMachines]

Is there any way to stop or reduce all of the pops and bangs? I love the sound of the loud engine but I think i'd get annoyed with all of that other stuff all of the time.

[@TDS981]

The pops and bangs are part of the experience and most people enjoy it from the driver's seat, it's all enhanced here because the mic is at the tailpipe. If you drive without sports mode or alternatively press the button to close the valves on the sports exhaust it all calms down. Alternatively choose a car without the sports exhaust and you'll only get the engine note. Great thing about these cars is that you spec them so they drive and sound the way you want.

[@FL981S]

The crackle part of PSE is coded through the PIWIS tool when adding PSE after the fact. I would guess that since it's software the box that's checked to turn on the crackle tune could simply be left unchecked.

[@beano6584]

So the top two comes on the 981 cayman with x73........what’s the difference then?

[@TDS981]

The x73'd Cayman gets the 15 bar and the x73'd Boxster gets the 14 bar. The 15 bar is a little bit thicker than the 14 and so is a tad stiffer.

[@beano6584]

ahh right, ive 981 cayman on standard non pasm, I’m getting a set of kw v3 to fit and thinking of the x73 sway bars front and rear but concerned that v3 and x73 may be too stiff. Going to lover it 15/20 mm

[@TDS981]

@@beano6584 nice one will look and drive awesome, these bars do stiffen it a little bit but only noticeable on very rough surfaces. The front is a pain to install will need to move the subframe to replace it.

[@ed5616]

how is the ride comfort with the X73?

[@TDS981]

The car is slightly stiffer but still very capable over our roads here so pleased with it. I've since added more bits and will report back in a future video.

[@ed5616]

ok thanks jsut bougth a GTS with X73 without testing it 😅@@TDS981

[@TDS981]

@@ed5616 if you want a weekend sports car then it's the right choice, but still not too bad if being used daily. It's not GT stiff.

[@ed5616]

ok thanks, wont be my main car but sometimes it can be my daily for 2 weeks. Hopes I will not regret the X73 over PASM but everyone seems to say there is no big difference on confort, expect it handle much better @@TDS981

[@gsthree9534]

I think your S is the crackliest version of the boxster.

[@TDS981]

Yes it is quite loud but that's how PSE should sound when it's working properly.

[@kbrkr]

Unrelated to the Sway Bar, but is that the PSE exhaust? I think that would drive me crazy; for my taste. The burbles sound like a rasping cough. Then again I'm an old fart, but I think the Borla sounds so much better. JMHO.

[@TDS981]

Probably something you need to experience in person, what you are hearing is a sound clip from a mic attached to the exhaust tip. PSE on the 981 is generally regarded very highly.

[@edmaverik]

I am with you with the Borla exhaust!

[@Baerchenization]

Are you brutalising your undercarriage? I thought the 981 does not have jack-stand-points. Or is that only in the front? You could invest 500 bucks in to a store-away scissor jack to stimulate the economy again ;)

[@TDS981]

Would be nice to be get a quick jack or something but I add a protector between the jack stand and chassis.

[@robvirgo735]

I bought nice poly pads that lock into the four jack points, they then accept the trolley jack and saves the mounting points from damage...www.amazon.com/Universal-Porsche-Polyurethane-Protector-TMB/dp/B01LZYL94L

[@ReiWeil]

terrible sound....

[@TDS981]

Terrible comment