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It's hard to believe it's been a little more than 5 years since I became part the Boxster world and Pedro's Board, but it's been one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. Here's a bit about how I got here.

I guess it all started back in the 1970's when I knew more than one person who owned a 914. It remains a "love/hate" car for many, but I was smitten. I loved the way it was so low to the road, handled like the proverbial go-kart, and it's engine was right behind my head. Life happened (marriage, kids, divorce, college costs, 2nd marriage) and I never did get myself a 914. However, after the last of my 3 kids was finishing college I began to think it might be time to make my long held desire come true....mid-life crisis, some say. My wife's cousin still had the 914 he bought in the 70's, and although I never told him, I always thought I might buy it when he finally was ready to sell. Then one day the phone rang, and he asked if I wanted to come up to his house to drive a new to him Porsche he picked up. Would I? Of course, but was happened to the 914? He sold it to his mechanic, as his wife was ready for something more comfortable. Ugh! They had bought a 987 Cayman. I knew nothing about the newer mid-engined P-cars, but one drive of the Cayman and I was in love! Yeah it was bigger than a 914, but it still had the balance and handling - plus WAY more giddy-up. That Flat 6 sound was intoxicating.

I started to seriously think about buying a fun, weekend car. I'd never owned an open top car, so that was a #1 priority. My budget was up to about $20k. Being a long time Honda driver, I was first drawn to the S2000. Miata's were in the convo was well, as my neighbor had one. Both these cars were fine, but had a severe lack of luggage space - something that is needed when one wants to take a multi-day road trip with his wife. Then, I remembered the Cayman, and recalled my wife's cousin telling me it was basically the same car as the Boxster - a car with two trunks!

Research began in earnest on Boxster's, and what is the first thing one learns about? The IMSB ticking time bomb, of course! I joined the forums and read every single thing I could about the issue. I'm not rich guy, and couldn't afford to have an engine grenade. I read all about the aftermarket fixes (ceramic bearings, roller bearings, etc.) that were out there and then claims they made. That's when I found this guy named Pedro. I read every word on the Pedros Garage site. I found out he was the tech expert on Boxster/Cayman for the PCA, too. Without going into the pros and cons of all the IMSB "solutions" out there, I found myself - not a true gear-head in any sense - drawn to the simplicity of the DOF idea. It just seemed to make sense to me.

I started to focus on the 986 as in was in my budget, and I preferred it's looks to the 987. Not being a Porsche die hard, I had no problem with the "fried egg" headlights that so many hated. It was a pure, analog, open top driver's car. I began the 986 search. Lo and behold, the man himself, Pedro, was selling one that fit the bill. He had "saved it from the crusher" as a roller, and installed a completely rebuilt 2.7L M96 - with DOF. My wife loved the dark blue over tan color combo, too. I reached out and expressed I was interested in the car, but it seemed the car had been promised to someone else. Heartbreak! But, after a few days, Pedro called me to say the other buyer had to back out and the car could be mine after all. We booked the first flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Pedro picked us up at the airport and drove us back to his garage. There it was - the first 986 I ever sat in. We sealed the deal, and after visiting family in Miami, drove it 1,300 miles home to Boston.

Since that day (September 24, 2015), we have had more fun, met more great people, and gone on more adventures than I could have ever imagined. We've driven the car about 50,000 miles since then, on too many trips to mention - multiple BRBS, Amelia Island Werks Reunion, Hershey Swap Meets, Boardwalk Reunion, etc, etc. The car has been a trouble-free dream. I've met folks from this board and the PCA Boxster Register, and made lifelong friends. They helped me with DIY projects and we've shared a few frosty, adult beverages along the way. I even served on the Board of Directors of my local PCA regional club. It's been one long Permagrin for me.

But, when I think back on it, getting to know Pedro a little bit and counting him as one of my friends, has been a real pleasure. I often refer to him to other as a peach of a guy. Yes, he' a businessman that wants to make money, but he's so passionate and sharing. He's always available with a FREE word of advice, either on PB or via email or phone. When it comes to Boxster's - he's been there and done that. I'm not sure if there is a "Pedro" in the S2000 or Miata community, but we sure are lucky to have him. So, thanks for all you have done and will continue to do for us, Pedro!

[img]https://i.ibb.co/KVcCCLs5sXqqnj/85-ABDA2-B-31-C1-437-A-9-B81-B1275-AB6-FF9-D.jpg[/img]

It's hard to believe it's been a little more than 5 years since I became part the Boxster world and Pedro's Board, but it's been one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. Here's a bit about how I got here.

I guess it all started back in the 1970's when I knew more than one person who owned a 914. It remains a "love/hate" car for many, but I was smitten. I loved the way it was so low to the road, handled like the proverbial go-kart, and it's engine was right behind my head. Life happened (marriage, kids, divorce, college costs, 2nd marriage) and I never did get myself a 914. However, after the last of my 3 kids was finishing college I began to think it might be time to make my long held desire come true....mid-life crisis, some say. My wife's cousin still had the 914 he bought in the 70's, and although I never told him, I always thought I might buy it when he finally was ready to sell. Then one day the phone rang, and he asked if I wanted to come up to his house to drive a new to him Porsche he picked up. Would I? Of course, but was happened to the 914? He sold it to his mechanic, as his wife was ready for something more comfortable. Ugh! They had bought a 987 Cayman. I knew nothing about the newer mid-engined P-cars, but one drive of the Cayman and I was in love! Yeah it was bigger than a 914, but it still had the balance and handling - plus WAY more giddy-up. That Flat 6 sound was intoxicating.

I started to seriously think about buying a fun, weekend car. I'd never owned an open top car, so that was a #1 priority. My budget was up to about $20k. Being a long time Honda driver, I was first drawn to the S2000. Miata's were in the convo was well, as my neighbor had one. Both these cars were fine, but had a severe lack of luggage space - something that is needed when one wants to take a multi-day road trip with his wife. Then, I remembered the Cayman, and recalled my wife's cousin telling me it was basically the same car as the Boxster - a car with two trunks!

Research began in earnest on Boxster's, and what is the first thing one learns about? The IMSB ticking time bomb, of course! I joined the forums and read every single thing I could about the issue. I'm not rich guy, and couldn't afford to have an engine grenade. I read all about the aftermarket fixes (ceramic bearings, roller bearings, etc.) that were out there and then claims they made. That's when I found this guy named Pedro. I read every word on the Pedros Garage site. I found out he was the tech expert on Boxster/Cayman for the PCA, too. Without going into the pros and cons of all the IMSB "solutions" out there, I found myself - not a true gear-head in any sense - drawn to the simplicity of the DOF idea. It just seemed to make sense to me.

I started to focus on the 986 as in was in my budget, and I preferred it's looks to the 987. Not being a Porsche die hard, I had no problem with the "fried egg" headlights that so many hated. It was a pure, analog, open top driver's car. I began the 986 search. Lo and behold, the man himself, Pedro, was selling one that fit the bill. He had "saved it from the crusher" as a roller, and installed a completely rebuilt 2.7L M96 - with DOF. My wife loved the dark blue over tan color combo, too. I reached out and expressed I was interested in the car, but it seemed the car had been promised to someone else. Heartbreak! But, after a few days, Pedro called me to say the other buyer had to back out and the car could be mine after all. We booked the first flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Pedro picked us up at the airport and drove us back to his garage. There it was - the first 986 I ever sat in. We sealed the deal, and after visiting family in Miami, drove it 1,300 miles home to Boston.

Since that day (September 24, 2015), we have had more fun, met more great people, and gone on more adventures than I could have ever imagined. We've driven the car about 50,000 miles since then, on too many trips to mention - multiple BRBS, Amelia Island Werks Reunion, Hershey Swap Meets, Boardwalk Reunion, etc, etc. The car has been a trouble-free dream. I've met folks from this board and the PCA Boxster Register, and made lifelong friends. They helped me with DIY projects and we've shared a few frosty, adult beverages along the way. I even served on the Board of Directors of my local PCA regional club. It's been one long Permagrin for me.

But, when I think back on it, getting to know Pedro a little bit and counting him as one of my friends, has been a real pleasure. I often refer to him to other as a peach of a guy. Yes, he' a businessman that wants to make money, but he's so passionate and sharing. He's always available with a FREE word of advice, either on PB or via email or phone. When it comes to Boxster's - he's been there and done that. I'm not sure if there is a "Pedro" in the S2000 or Miata community, but we sure are lucky to have him. So, thanks for all you have done and will continue to do for us, Pedro!

[img]https://ibb.co/KVcCCLs[/img]