Few questions on 997

First the simple questions :

- Does the rear wing add any downforce or is it just for cooling purpose ?

- I usually blip the throttle when i downshift to synchro the revs but also to hear the sound from the engine (I got used to doing that as my first car was an Alfa..). But now, the sound seems to have weakened and i need to press the pedal more than i was used to to have the same satisfying sound..Any ideas why ? Is my engine lazy ? (Its a replacement engine which now has 2k miles, so it's ran in..)

- After a long drive under the rain, and when i come back to my car after it was parked overnight, the car feels stuck when i drive off. Handbrake is not on. I hear a loud clunck as i drive of from my parking. It always happens after i drive in heavy rain and the car had time to dry.

 

I can at least help you with the parking brake issue. The brakes rust onto the rotors; you are just breaking them free. The rust is immediately ground off once you apply them for the first or second stop of your trip. If it helps, my Civic does the same thing.

Mark

 

We have a 997s with the aero package - both front and rear fixed spoilers. I think that somebody told me that the rear wing does not so much do downforce, more that it removes rear lift.

Slows it down a little in top speed too, not that this matters with a car this fast.

 

Andrew-

the above is correct on the brakes (and I have experienced that too).

from what I understand, the rear spoiler doesn't add downforce but does reduce rear axle lift at speed (i.e. over 100 or 120 mph), in addition to the engine cooling assistance.

not sure on the engine replacement-could it be a software problem (i.e. fly-by-wire throttle linkage not set correct)? I'd take it to a (different!) dealer and have them check it out.

 

I thought about the rotors but i never experienced that in any other car. Good to know it is just that as it always makes me cringe.

As for the throttle/sound..I'll prob do that. Ugh.

 

2. I blip almost every time when i downshift, never had an alfa so don't know what the differences are. I blip at slightly higher rpm than needed, and try to engage into gear at the right rpm. It sounds pretty good to me.

3. I hear the same big noise after I washed the car and parked in the garage for over night. I think it is what joker said, it is just breaking free.

 

1. It used to sound pretty good to me too ! Now i have to blip harder (Higher in the revs for the same sound..).

 

Would changing the exhaust help?

 

Yes but it used to make a sound that i liked so im just wondering why the sound isnt the same when i blip the same as i did. Maybe the engine isnt revving as freely as it should.

 

I see what you are saying. I recall reading something that 997 turbo owners states that their exhaust sound at new is very quiet, then as it adds miles, the sound got louder. This came from more than one owner's comment so I assuming this is probably similar to the "break in" concept. It seems like yours just went the other way.

After I got my 360 with tubi, now my 997C2S seems super quiet, lol.

 

Andrew, I sometimes think the same thing when I blip the throttle on downshifts in my 997 as well. No issues with brakes though or feeling sluggish.

 

I was pleased with the sound prior to engine change so that is why im wondering if something is not right..Havent had time to drop by the dealer though.

 

Quick Question Re battery. I think its about to die as it takes more time to start it when i turn the key in.

Can i buy a battery and replace it myself ? Or do i have to buy a Porsche approved Battery ?

 

Happens with my 997 as well.

 

I would try one of those battery maintainers and see if that helps.

 

Get the Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE).

Had it on our old 997 4S and I though it sounded really good (it's activated when the car is in sport mode).

 

I have it. I only drive the car in sport mode.

 

I'll get one after i buy a new battery, i think it's time for a new battery as i never changed it and the car is almost 4 years old.

 

Same with mine... after every rainy night or being washed.

I've got the PSE on my car and it seemed to get a bit quieter after several thousand miles. I was then shown how to unhook (one simple plug connection) the PSE so it stays open all the time, and it's been that way since. It's got a nice sound at idle, and sounds great all through the gears now.