don't wanna make a big deal of it, seeing other fellows with more serious problems but here they are:
* engine ticking heard at idle at any temp.
* hesitation @ about 2500 to 3000 rpm, it,s like the power cuts off then comes back (could be related to ticking).
* the shifter moves in my hand while in gear (all gears), like it kind of has a little play in it after it engages the gear.
* a strange sound at the rear in bumps(like an empty metal barrel hitting the floor), not a rattle, just a thomping sound.
* few other rattles but i can live with.

Not sure thats anything but others will know more than me. I think there is always engine noise.

Thats probably the dip in the torque curve. Take a look at the torque curve. You can find the charts by downloading the CS article in the files section. Peak torque is flat from 4400 - 6000. There is a dip right where you feel it.

Never heard that one.

That might be the hatch thump. Do a search on hatch rattle. Its been discussed and dealer can fix it.

Best of luck. I dont think you got anything to worry about.

+1 - going to dealer on monday to investigate lifter noise. i don't expect them to say anything other than "they all do that"

+1 - mine cuts out at these revs when cold. happens every morning pulling out of my street on the way to work. very repeatabe. only happens when stone cold. i'm not worried about this one.

+1 - gotta be the "trunk clunk". my dealer was successful at curing a terrible case of this.

+1 - particularly at the base of the b-pillars. i've traced it to the fasteners that attach the bottom of the side glass to the b-pillar. i'll be discussing a fix with the dealer on monday.

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- chris

'07 987CS
'71 911E

The ticking is normal.
My knob also plays a little in nuetral or any other gear.

My Boxster and my CS both have slight valve tick - not a big deal if its just noticeable and not the predominant sound - not to be confused with expansion ticks which are more sporadic and can be easily heard when the motor is shut off.

Slight play of the gearshift while in gear is normal too.

Neither symptom should change much over time though. After storage one winter, I started the Boxster and valve tick was quite loud - after several minutes it subsided to its 'normal' level - must have been a lash adjuster that got a bit of air in it and then purged it.

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GT Silver CS
1980 Honda CBX
2004 Suzuki SV1000
2006 Subaru Legacy
2002 Honda Insight

thanks guys for the input, i will check with the dealer on that trunk clunck, i'll also have him check the play in the shifter, i think i'll do a search on the ticking/hesitation thing as i remember it was addressed before in this forum, something like an oil pressure regulator fault.

Although the original Poster's question has been answered, I just want to add that it is unfortunate that these items, which I agree appear to be problems, are actually part of the Cayman's DNA. For me, these problems (lets call them what they are) make for a significantly less enjoyable driving experience.

I'm sorry that you feel that way.

The torque curve is not an issue at all. I drive around shifting at the break point and never notice it. If you accelerate hard and/or go to sport mode, the lag isn't there at all. It only happens when you softly accelerate to an rpm that you needn't be in for casual driving.

The hatch clunk has an work order to fix it at the dealer. Some cars, mine for example, never even displayed the sign, but received the repair when visiting the dealer for a CEL that was the gas cap.

Gearshift slop? I don't have any on my car. I have never tried to move it around while it is in gear. I would imagine it has some clearance that can be felt - most cars do. But I haven't noticed any.

Ticking? That doesn't appear normal to me. I would get it looked at.

A 100% totally enjoyable driving experience here. 12,000 miles and climbing.

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The search tool is your friend. It is very
likely that your question has already been
answered countless times.Very,very likely.
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Cayman S - a portable amusement park

- 2006 Cayman S
- 2003 Dakota SXT
- 1963 Studebaker Avanti, R2, 4-Speed
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LL

There have always been problems in Porsche's "DNA". Valve guides in 993s, chain tensioners and airboxes in 911s, flywheels and awd in 964s to name just a few. There have been a recent number of fires in new Ferraris (430 and 599) resulting in total loss. Bad DNA? Either the overall experience the car provides outweighs the problems or its time to find another ride. It's only a car, it should be fun or it should be gone.

Engine ticking? I get it too and like it.
Shifter moves in the had? I like it.
Strange sound in the trunk? Get that too. Don't like it.

My Cayman makes a slight churping sound or squeaking sound over bumps when the passenger window is down from the passenger side.

I think of it like this, the Cayman is a MACHINE. Machine's make noise because they're alive.

Other cars are APPLIANCES. Appliances are dead and make no noise and don't have any little quirks.

Definitely do not buy a Ducati if you don't want strange little noises and rattles.

You sound like more of a Honda, Lexus man.

I would say no. Fires are just part of the ownership experience with a Ferrari. Like, hey your car's on fire! I know, Ferraris do that. Part of the DNA.

hawc, after 2 carreras, 2 turbos, clk55, s8, almost an m5, i don't think i'm a honda or a lexus man, may be an acura man for a while when i had my nsx.

Sorry, i shouldn't say you'd be happier in Japanese cars, but I'm curious, is the Cayman the first Porsche that has a little too much 'character' i.e. weird sounds and things going on?