996 Induction upgrades

[Mike IRL]

Has anyone upgraded the induction on their 996? K&N kit?
Are the claims of up to 23bhp increase realistic - I would expect some improvement but is standard breather that restrictive?
Like the one listed here:
http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/acatalog/porsche_996_engine_induction.html

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

The claims are not realistic. 2.3 maybe, but not 23.

The comparison I always use is the X50 retrofit kit from Porsche. It includes new cylinder heads, valves, camshafts, exhaust and inlet manifolds, DME reprogam, etc, etc, etc. It costs the thick end of £5000 for the parts alone, and the result? 20-25bhp. Oh, and as far as I know it uses the standard airbox.

If you decided to try the K&N, make sure you don't overoil it or you will knacker the MAF sensor in a couple of hundred miles.

 

[Mike IRL]

Nice reply

Figured as much but do these things even give a sound when fitted or are you aswell to just fit an upgraded panel filter?

For others benefit, here is the actual text from advert:
"Porsche intake system is restrictive, dyno tests have shown this adds upto 23 hp. The intake tube provides a direct, unrestricted path to your engine for maximum airflow. Hot under-hood air is isolated from the filter by baffles that incorporate the factory cold air duct."

On the exhaust side of things, what are the more popular upgrades?

 

[Diesel130]

Hmm ... I fitted a K&N filter to my RS2000 back in the early 1980's. Didn't seem to create any performance gains - just a funny sucking sound.

And, technically, you will need to advise your insurers that you have 'performance-modified' your car - so expect bigger premiums - doubt it is worth it ...

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

If you want a 'rortier' sound, perhaps consider something like the Schnell Cold Air Intake, which retains the original airbox, but removes the resonance chamber in it. Or take a look here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=277390

As for exhausts, the popular choice is the Porsche Sports Exhaust as it is switchable (£1500-ish). The cheapest sports-sounding exhaust is the Oettle system (£300 on eBay), but neither claim any power increase. I have no experience of others like Tubi, Miltek, and Fabspeed, but I do know some of them can be very loud.

 

[Black80XSA]

Not a cheap option, but at least some of the claims have been verified on the dyno, swapping the stock plenum for the IPD one..

http://www.roadsportsupply.com/IPD_Plenums_Porsche.html

 

[smj996c]

ORIGINAL: Mike IRL

Has anyone upgraded the induction on their 996? K&N kit?
Are the claims of up to 23bhp increase realistic - I would expect some improvement but is standard breather that restrictive?
Like the one listed here:
http://www.porscheshop.co.uk/acatalog/porsche_996_engine_induction.html

Hi Yes I have, I can't give you any exact figures for gains in power as I have not dynoed the car - what I can tell you is that in conjunction with a remap the car feels a lot more responsive in the mid range.

One thing I have seen though, when the vehicle is plugged into the diagnostic there is about 5-6% increase on the oxygen sensors with an induction kit than without, so must be an advantage.

Fuel economy improved as well which I found a bizzarre.

- Simon