Hi all. Looking for advise from others who have modded their 997 (s's) so thanks in advance. As stated my 06 997s is now out of warranty. Not a single issue in 35k miles by the way, thank you Porsche engineering. Even after those miles in 6 years (got it in 05) it still it a hoot to drive and makes me excited to get somewhere/anywhere i can open her up (it has the sport exhaust and i unhooked the electrical attenuator flap so it is always open and load, which i think sounds 100x's more fantastic going through all the revs not just kicking in at around 3k RPM). However, like the turbo thread ongoing, i too am in the same place that I want more. Not crazy, or for the sake of talk or appearance. Just to make me feel the way it did the first time i broke it loose. I had initially thought that the no brainer path was to spend 11k or so and put in a supercharger as well as all the goodies to allow it to safely happen. But, it this really what i need to do? Spending money for the sake of showing off the receipt is of no interest to me. Neither is drag racing or real track use. I do like to go to a couple of annual DE event and to just just generally feel the ear to ear "pull". Recommendations/ideas? Thank you again.
I would not supercharge your 997, if you get the power bug grab a Turbo. Personally I would add a little more flavor to your car in NA form to help you enjoy your car all over again. PM me if you would like to discuss further, I would be happy to help and have the resources.
softtronic or APR chip flash will gain ~30 bhp. add an intake and maybe a new exhaust (maybe not, if you already have the sports exhaust) and you'll definitely notice the increase in power. might install a new clutch and lightweight flywheel at the same time.
first put an oem 997 ssk shifter in .... you'll really like it. it's 350 dollars and bolts right in and you can do it in 30 minutes. i had a 996 shifter than 997 shifter and now the 997ssk in my 996tt. second join your pca chapter and go to a performance driving school.
First turn of the traction control, then learn to keep it on the road when the tail comes up to meet you, never shift below 5800rpm. I'd suggest that before I spent a dime, and this coming from someone with over 100K in mods on a 997S.
I do not want to sound like a jerk, but lets face it, 98% of owners of sports cars can not handle them at even 70% of their limit. When I built my car, I still thought I was in my 20's and had the skills I had when I raced, well I am in my 50's now and I do not have those same skills and the car (all traction controls were removed) can be handful unless you pay complete attention to driving, and always have two hands on the wheel. I have spent a small fortune doing mods on cars for almost 40 years, and these days I realize how insane it all was, and I tell anyone who asks my opinion this. Learn to drive your car the way it was meant to be driven, no electronic crap, and pushed to its sweet spot. For most drivers you will go white knuckled and piss your pants before the car gives in. Once you can do that then mod, but start with better suspension, you need to keep the car on the road. Best of luck.
Thank you for all the input. I have taken two of the Porsche driver experience courses and they were great fun and make the DE events much more fun. The reality is that i can not afford the learning curve of turning off all electronic assists on my own car. This car is also my occasional DD. I would have joined the miata racing club if all i was interested in is having white knuckles while being able to afford and understand both the limit of myself and car (no slight there, would love to have another hobby). Bumping along with a racing suspension and no additional power would be a great learning tool for racing etc. and a ton of fun but my life does not allow for that (racing cars). When i get a chance to drive (commute generally, even if it is for long distances) it is the burst of passing power, the feel of the car as it enters the on/off ramps and the NA soundtrack that i love, but now need beefed up. In fantasy terms, i am a drug addict that desires no other temptress but have become overly dependent/immune and the rush just isn't the same and i am thinking of how to get the next big rush. So far it seems that i just need to make her breathe a little better. Chips always sound so "supra". Is that an unfair assumption/bias or is it something you do to a Porsche.
I chipped my Porsche. I don't think it's a "ricer" thing only, most of the Porsche guys I know have an ECU flash word of warning, I would suggest against lowering the car by more than half an inch; the car comes from a factory with that ride height for a reason. I lowered my first 997 a little over an inch and it went from never bottoming out/scraping to doing it everywhere. I totally understand the drug analogy. I saw a line the other day, "speed is a disease whose only cure is poverty"
You do not need to lower the car to make a difference, you would be surprised what better sway bars can do. I am suggesting someone go crash their car, what I was trying to say is these cars are not made to be shifted at 4000rpm, and you might surprise yourself, go to an empty parking lot turn of the traction control and see what you can do slowly at first. More power is not going to do much but cost you money, and for me at least the thrill is not in 0-60 it is an L turn at 60. Best of luck.
exactly, sway bars and alignment is all you really need. especially w/ SportChrono and the adjustable dampers.
Just don't put that on a bumper sticker or you'll never talk yourself out of a speeding ticket again. All the best, Andrew.
+1. I used to own a performance parts retail/wholesale company, and I saw many people who wanted to upgrade their cars, but couldn't drive them very well even in stock form. After years of sponsoring drivers schools and being around guys who could actually drive to their car's limits, it is clear that the majority of the performance "shortcomings" people saw in their cars was due to the ability of the driver, not the car. If you're really chasing the initial thrill you had for your car by putting money into upgrades, you'll never be satisfied. The newness wears off, and you'll be back looking to upgrade or buy another car in the near future. That's the sickness of gearheads, not an issue with your car! You're better off getting something else now, like a GT3/GT2, or a whole different brand.
