2007 Porsche Cayman Rear Wheel Drive Coupe S Parts: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2007 Porsche Cayman S is a mid-engine rear-wheel drive coupe that blends precision handling with classic Porsche driving dynamics. Whether you're restoring one, performing routine maintenance, or upgrading for performance, knowing the right parts and sources is essential. This guide covers common replacement parts, performance upgrades, and practical tips for getting the best components for your Cayman S—without overspending or settling for low quality.

Understanding the 2007 Porsche Cayman S Powertrain and Chassis

Before diving into parts, it helps to understand what makes the 2007 Cayman S unique. It uses a 3.4-liter flat-six engine (M97.21) producing 295 horsepower, paired with either a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. The rear-wheel drive layout and mid-engine design mean certain parts—like the IMS bearing, coolant pipes, and suspension components—have specific failure points and upgrade paths.

Engine Parts and Common Failures

The M97 engine is generally reliable, but a few components are known to require attention:

• IMS Bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing): Early 987 Caymans (2005–2008) can be prone to IMS failure. Many owners replace the original single-row bearing with an upgraded aftermarket bearing or retrofit a ceramic hybrid unit. LN Engineering offers popular IMS Retrofit kits. OEM replacement bearings are available from Porsche dealers but cost more.
• Coolant Pipes: The plastic coolant pipes on the rear of the engine can crack, leading to overheating. Upgraded aluminum coolant pipes (e.g., from Pelican Parts or Suncoast) are a common preventative fix.
• Water Pump: The water pump on the M97 is a wear item, typically replaced every 60,000 miles. Aftermarket options from Bosch or Geba are often cheaper than OEM while matching quality.
• Oil Filter Housing Gasket: Leaks here are common. Use OEM gaskets (Porsche part number 948.107.324.03) or aftermarket equivalent from Victor Reinz.
• Spark Plugs and Coils: Plugs should be changed every 30,000–40,000 miles. Use NGK laser iridium plugs (PFR6X-11) for optimal performance. Coil packs (Bosch) can fail; replace in sets.

Transmission and Drivetrain Parts

• Clutch and Flywheel: If your Cayman S has a manual transmission, the clutch and dual-mass flywheel may need replacement around 80,000–100,000 miles. Sachs is the OEM supplier, and aftermarket options from Spec Clutch or South Bend Clutch offer higher torque capacity for track use.
• Transmission Mounts: Worn mounts cause sloppy shifting. Upgrade to polyurethane mounts from Powerflex or OEM replacements (Porsche part number 987.424.117.00).
• Axle Shafts: The outer CV joints can wear. Reboot kits are available, but if the joint is damaged, complete axle assemblies from Porsche or aftermarket (Cardone, GKN) are options.
• Differential: The limited-slip differential (optional) may need service; check fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Suspension and Steering Components

The Cayman S is praised for its handling, but rubber bushings and dampers degrade over time.

• Shocks and Struts: OEM dampers are Sachs/Bilstein. Replacement with Bilstein B6 or B8 (if lowered) is a direct fit. For track use, consider Öhlins or KW coilovers.
• Sway Bars: Upgraded sway bars (e.g., H&R, Eibach) reduce body roll without sacrificing ride quality drastically.
• Control Arms and Bushings: Rear lower control arms can develop play. OEM arms are expensive; aftermarket arms from Eurospec or TRW are good alternatives. Upgraded polyurethane bushings from Elephant Racing or Powerflex improve precision.
• Tie Rod Ends: Replace worn outer tie rods with OEM or Moog units.

Brake System Parts

The 2007 Cayman S came with 13.0-inch front rotors and 12.5-inch rears (pre-2009). Common upgrades and replacements include:

• Brake Pads: OEM Textar pads are fine for street use. For better bite and fade resistance, use Pagid RS29 or Hawk HP Plus for track days.
• Rotors: OEM Zimmermann or Brembo blank rotors work well. Drilled/slotted rotors (e.g., StopTech) are purely cosmetic unless you track hard.
• Brake Lines: Upgrade to stainless steel braided lines from Goodridge or StopTech for improved pedal feel.

Body, Interior, and Electrical Parts

• Headlight Lenses: Cloudy plastic lenses can be polished or replaced. OEM units from Valeo are costly; aftermarket assemblies from DEPO are more affordable.
• Door Handle Cables: A common failure; the cables snap. Replacement cables are $30–$50 (Porsche part number 987.531.149.03).
• Convertible Top (if applicable): The 2007 Cayman is a coupe, so no top—but if you own a Cayman S variant, no worries.
• Battery: The Cayman uses a special AGM battery (Group 48) due to the trunk-mounted location. Interstate or Optima offer compatible options.

Where to Find Quality Parts

• Porsche Dealers: Best for OEM parts that are safety-critical or require exact fit (e.g., sensors, wiring harnesses). Expect higher prices.
• Specialty Porsche Parts Retailers: Suncoast Parts, Pelican Parts, ECS Tuning, and FCP Euro offer OEM and quality aftermarket parts with competitive pricing. FCP Euro also has a lifetime warranty on everything.
• Online Forums and Classifieds: Rennlist, Planet-9, and PCA (Porsche Club of America) forums have classifieds where owners sell used parts—good for rare or expensive items like a factory sport exhaust.
• Independent Shops: Local Porsche specialists may have parts on hand and can advise on best options.

Performance Upgrade Recommendations

If you're looking for more power or sharper handling, consider these popular upgrades for the 2007 Cayman S:

• Cold Air Intake: K&N, BMC, or EVOMS intake can free up a few horsepower.
• Exhaust System: A cat-back exhaust from Fabspeed, Soul Performance, or Cargraphic improves sound and reduces weight. Headers (e.g., from MaxSpeed) add horsepower but require a tune.
• Engine Tune: A chip tune from Softronic or APR increases throttle response and raises rev limiter. For serious power, a supercharger kit from TPC Racing adds 100+ hp.
• Lightweight Flywheel: Replaces the heavy dual-mass unit for quicker revs (note: increased gear rattle).
• Corner Balance and Alignment: Adjustable camber plates (from Ground Control) and a proper alignment transform turn-in.

Practical Tips for Buying Parts

• Verify Part Numbers: Use the Porsche PET catalog (available online) to cross-reference part numbers. Adapters or slight variations exist between 2005–2008 model years.
• Check for Recalls and TSBs: The 2007 Cayman S had a recall for fuel pump wiring and a TSB for coolant pipes. Ensure any replacement parts address known issues.
• Consider Used Parts: For cosmetic items or non-wear mechanical parts, used OEM parts are often half the price. Look for sellers with good feedback.
• Avoid Cheap Knockoffs: Counterfeit suspension components and brake parts are common on eBay. Stick to known brands and authorized dealers.
• Factor in Labor: Some jobs (e.g., IMS bearing replacement) require significant disassembly. If you're not doing it yourself, account for 3–5 hours of labor for small jobs, 8+ for major ones.

Final Recommendation

For the 2007 Porsche Cayman S, prioritize parts that address known weaknesses: replace the IMS bearing proactively with an LN Engineering retrofit, upgrade to aluminum coolant pipes, and use OEM or Tier 1 replacement parts for brake rotors, pads, and suspension bushings. For performance upgrades, start with an exhaust and tune—they offer the best bang for the buck without compromising reliability. Always source from reputable retailers like FCP Euro, Pelican Parts, or Suncoast, and verify part compatibility using your VIN. With careful selection, your Cayman S will continue to deliver thrilling driving for years to come.