Porsche 987 Boxster and Cayman Common Torque Specifications (Maintenance and DIY Jobs)
Complete torque spec reference for Porsche 987 Boxster and Cayman (2005–2012) — all variants, both generations. Covers 987.1 (M96/M97, IMS risk) and 987.2 (MA1, IMS-free): wheels, engine, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, and axle nuts. Values in ft-lbs and Nm.
Variant Coverage
The 987 spans two distinct generations with very different engine families — and very different IMS situations.
987.1 Boxster 2.7L (M96.25, 2005–2006): Wet-sump M96, IMS bearing risk — same as 986.
987.1 Boxster S 3.2L (M96.26, 2005–2006): Wet-sump M96, IMS bearing risk.
987.1 Boxster 2.7L / Cayman 2.7L (M97.20, 2007–2008): Wet-sump M97 with VarioCam Plus and a single-row IMS bearing. Still carries IMS risk — fewer aftermarket solutions than M96.
987.1 Boxster S 3.4L / Cayman S 3.4L (M97.21, 2006–2008): Wet-sump M97, IMS risk. The Cayman S launched in 2006 with this engine.
987.2 Boxster 2.9L / Cayman 2.9L (MA1.20, 2009–2012): All-new direct-injection engine. No intermediate shaft. No IMS bearing.
987.2 Boxster S 3.4L / Cayman S 3.4L (MA1.21, 2009–2012): Same MA1 family — IMS-free. Direct injection, higher compression, revised cooling.
⚠️ Know your generation: M96/M97 (987.1) = IMS risk. MA1 (987.2) = IMS-free. Check your build date and engine number if unsure.
Wheels & Tires
Wheel Lug Bolts — 987.1 (original silver bolts): 96 ft-lbs (130 Nm) — Factory spec with Optimoly TA aluminum paste on threads and shank (not on the spherical face). Star pattern, re-torque after first drive. Porsche later retroactively approved 160 Nm for 987.1 with newer OEM bolt part numbers.
Wheel Lug Bolts — 987.2 and updated bolts: 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm) — Factory spec for all 987.2 models and 987.1 cars with current OEM bolts.
Engine & Cooling — M96/M97 (987.1, 2005–2008)
Applies to M96.25 2.7L (2005–2006), M96.26 3.2L (2005–2006), M97.20 2.7L (2007–2008), and M97.21 3.4L (2006–2008). All wet-sump with IMS bearing. M97 adds VarioCam Plus but torque specs are essentially identical to M96.
Engine Oil Drain Plug (M14 x 1.5): 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm) — New crush washer every time. Remove fill cap first.
Engine Oil Filter Housing Cap: 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm) — "25 Nm" marked on the cap. Hand-snug plus a quarter-turn. Replace O-ring every filter change.
Spark Plugs (new): 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm) — Used plug re-seat: ~25 Nm. Hand-thread fully first. Do NOT use anti-seize on M96/M97 plugs.
Water Pump Housing Bolts (M6): 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — Criss-cross pattern. M96/M97 pump is IMS shaft-driven — replace the IMS seal while you have access.
Thermostat Housing Bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — M6 into the engine block. Install dry; gasket seals.
AOS Mounting Bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — M6 into aluminum sump. Known failure item — inspect hoses and misting valve at the same time. Lightly grease both O-rings with Kluber Syntheso Glep.
Ignition Coil Pack Bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — Torx T25 into aluminum valve cover. Inspect boots when coils are out.
Flywheel Bolts — M96/M97 (TTY, one-time use): 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm) + 120° additional rotation — Replace every removal. Never re-use TTY bolts.
Engine & Cooling — MA1 (987.2, 2009–2012)
Applies to MA1.20 2.9L and MA1.21 3.4L. All-new direct-injection engines with no intermediate shaft and no IMS bearing. Many specs carry over from M96/M97; water pump arrangement differs.
Engine Oil Drain Plug: 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm) — Same as M96/M97. New crush washer each time.
Engine Oil Filter Housing Cap: 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm) — Same as M96/M97. Replace O-ring each service.
Spark Plugs (new): 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm) — Hand-thread before torquing.
Water Pump Housing Bolts (M6): 9.5 ft-lbs (13 Nm) — Slightly higher than M96/M97. Five M6 bolts. MA1 pump is crank belt-driven (no IMS).
Water Pump Pulley Bolt (M8): 17 ft-lbs (23 Nm) — Separate M8 bolt for the pulley.
Thermostat Housing Bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — M6 into block. Install dry.
Ignition Coil Pack Bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs (10 Nm) — Torx T25 into aluminum. Same as M96/M97.
Flywheel Bolts — MA1 (TTY, one-time use): 19 ft-lbs (25 Nm) + 120° additional rotation — Matches M96/M97 procedure. Confirmed by 997.2 Torque Spec Book (applicable to 987.2). Replace every removal.
Drivetrain (Engine Mounts, Transmission & Gearbox)
Engine Mount Top Bolts (M8, to chassis): 17 ft-lbs (23 Nm) — Thread into aluminum. Do not overtighten.
Engine Mount Main Nut (M12 thru-bolt): 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) — Primary load-bearing fastener at each mount base.
Transmission Mount M12 Bolt (to crossmember): 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) — External Torx. Some variants use TTY bolts — verify against your WSM.
Transmission Bracket Bolt (M10): 48 ft-lbs (65 Nm) — Applies to G87.00 (5-speed) and G87.21 (6-speed).
Transmission to Engine Bolts (M12): 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) — Bell housing to block. Tighten in stages.
Transmission to Engine Bolts (M10): 33 ft-lbs (45 Nm) — Perimeter fasteners. Criss-cross pattern.
Manual Transmission Drain Plug: 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm) — New crush washer. Remove fill plug first. ⚠️ Some sources list 16–18 ft-lbs; PCA specifies 30 Nm.
Manual Transmission Fill Plug: 22 ft-lbs (30 Nm) — Same as drain. Remove first, tighten last.
Brakes
Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts (Front & Rear, all variants): 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm) — T55 Torx head. ⚠️ One-time use — replace every removal. Start by hand to avoid binding.
Brake Bleeder Screws: ~6–9 ft-lbs (8–12 Nm) — Snug only. Fine threads in aluminum — use a 1/4" drive torque wrench if possible.
Suspension
The 987 shares the 986's suspension architecture: MacPherson struts up front with the "tuning fork" split lower wishbone, multi-link rear. Applies to all 987 variants. Always torque suspension fasteners at ride height — torquing with suspension drooped causes premature bushing wear.
Front Suspension
Strut Top Bearing / Mount Nut (3 per corner): 24 ft-lbs (33 Nm)
Lower Control Arm to Subframe (front inner bolt): 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm)
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Nut (to wheel carrier): 56 ft-lbs (76 Nm)
Thrust Arm ("Tuning Fork") to Subframe (inner bolt): 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm)
Strut Pinch Bolt / Drop Link Nut at Wheel Carrier (M12): 63 ft-lbs (85 Nm)
Sway Bar End Link to Sway Bar (M10): 48 ft-lbs (65 Nm)
Sway Bar Bracket Clamp Bolts to Subframe (M8): 17 ft-lbs (23 Nm)
Tie-Rod End to Wheel Carrier: 56 ft-lbs (75 Nm)
Tie-Rod End Lock Nut (steering rack side): 37 ft-lbs (50 Nm)
Rear Suspension
Strut Top Bearing / Mount Nut (rear): 24 ft-lbs (33 Nm)
Control Arm & Toe Arm Eccentric Bolts (alignment cams): 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm)
Control Arm / Toe Link to Wheel Carrier: 56 ft-lbs (76 Nm)
Toe Control Arm to Rear Subframe: 74 ft-lbs (100 Nm)
Diagonal (Trailing) Arm to Control Arm: 118 ft-lbs (160 Nm)
Diagonal (Trailing) Arm to Rear Subframe: 133 ft-lbs (180 Nm)
Rear Subframe (Crossmember) to Body Bolts: 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm)
Damper / Strut Lower Bolt to Wheel Carrier: 81 ft-lbs (110 Nm)
Sway Bar End Link Nuts (rear, M10): 48 ft-lbs (65 Nm)
Sway Bar Bracket Clamp Bolts (rear, M8): 17 ft-lbs (23 Nm)
Hub & Axle Nuts
Front & Rear Hub/Axle Nuts (all four corners, all variants): 340 ft-lbs (460 Nm) — Right-hand thread all corners. Needs 3/4" drive torque wrench — most 1/2" drives don't reach 340 ft-lbs. Install a new cotter pin after torquing. No impact gun for final torque. ⚠️ Some sources cite 325 ft-lbs for the rear — factory spec is 460 Nm (340 ft-lbs) all corners.
A Note on These Specs
These values were compiled from factory workshop manuals, Porsche Club of America technical Q&As, and trusted community resources including Planet-9, 6SpeedOnline, RennTech, Pelican Parts, Boxa.net, and LN Engineering. Each spec in the downloadable reference doc includes a source link.
Proceed at your own risk. We make no warranties about the completeness or suitability of this information for your specific vehicle. Always use a calibrated torque wrench, wear appropriate PPE, and consult a professional if unsure. When in doubt, refer to the official Porsche Workshop Manual.