My new 982 718 Cayman S PDK

[AndrewT]

My plan for the air intake grill mesh needs further thought. I had intended to affix the mesh directly behind the plastic grill with Gorilla tape. This may be turn out to be problematic, as the mesh would make the subsequent removal of the grill impossible as it wouldn't then be possible to get fingers in behind the grill to squeeze the clips from their mountings.

Rather than attach the mesh to the grill could you attach it to the panel onto which the grill attaches? This would enable you to still be able to remove the grill however any debris would build up between the grill and mesh requiring it to be cleaned out from time to time. Hope that makes sense?

 

[S_Keenay]

Brian,

Many thanks for your helpful reply - much appreciated. I'll book it in for an oil and filter change.

Stuart.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Andrew,

Thanks for your helpful advice. I've looked at this option, and yes, there is the possibility of debris collecting in the gap between the mesh and the outer grille. Shouldn't be too much of a problem though. A careful hoovering should do the trick. The challenge is fixing the mesh securely to the duct panel behind the outer grille. That job is still work in progress.

I'm not rushing into doing anything yet. Besides, Siberian cold temperatures have returned to the Highlands, so work in the garage is on hold for now.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

Heartening news for you 718 owners courtesy of some articles in this month's PP -

..(2017) deliveries of 718 models were up by six percent to around 25,000...

Porsche's 718 Cayman....picking up the What Car? Car of the Year Awards' Best Sports Car Less Than £50,000 title.

Clearly Porsche haven't got it completely wrong despite the naysayers in some mags and on the forums..!

The downside is that in THE GREAT DEBATE survey (718 vs 981), the verdict was a 75%/25% split in favour of the 981. However, no indication of sample size, number of 981 vs 718 owners involved, etc; so, pretty meaningless statistically.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Jeff,

I chose not to participate in the PP Great Debate on the 981 vs 718, as the result was a foregone conclusion. I have already said more than enough in both print, and on this forum, regarding the merits of the 718 CS PDK as I have experienced it.

With the passage of time and the inevitable demographic shifts, the 718 will eventually gain acceptance and respect amongst the broad range of Porsche enthusiasts.

It reminds me of the air-cooled vs water-cooled debate on 911's where engine sounds and "true Porsche values' were also an issue.......and still are.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

As a former FVD Brombacher customer having purchased the BMC air filter, I received news today regarding their newly listed ECU upgrade kit for the 718 CS 2.5lt. You may recognise the included air filter.........

This kit offers very good value for money for those 718 CS owners brave enough to invalidate the Porsche warranty. If I were in different circumstances, I would jump at this conversion after my car's warranty had expired. The FVD kit makes a mockery of Porsche's meagre +15bhp "upgrade" on the 718 GTS. Just shows the potential lying in waiting for further power upgrades on the 718, of which I am sure Porsche are already abundantly aware.

Parting shot, I think the exhaust noise issue will fade away once the true potential of the flat-4T becomes apparent.

Brian

tuning-kit-718-boxster-s-cayman-s-25-l-level-1-415-hp-383-tq.html

 

[Brian_Innes]

With the current "Beast from the East" Siberian weather hitting the UK this week, and the subsequent grounding of my 718 CS, this has provided the opportunity for looking further into the FVD Brombacher 718 CS 2.5t ECU power kit and sport exhaust muffler options.

With the vehicle warranty still current on my car, I shall not be removing the ECU from my 718 and sending it off to Germany for remapping anytime soon. It's not that I haven't thought about it, I feel it's too much of a risk with my car still being relatively new. The ECU controls everything, so any glitches arising would mean returning it to FVD. At this point in time I just don't have the bottle for it. It's a toughie, as I really could use the extra poke on my track days, and also on wonderful flowing empty roads in the north and west Highlands before the tourist droves arrive with their camper vans and SUV's. Regrettably, it's a risk I am not prepared to undertake at this time.

The dyno power graph of the ECU remap looks very impressive. A copy is attached below. The extra power and torque matches the factory profile almost exactly, albeit at a significantly higher output. There doesn't seem to be any narrow rev band "turbo rush" as can be the case with some remaps. I consider this offering from FVD to be the best I have seen so far and represents good value for money for the power gains achieved.

On the exhaust question, I have been looking at the 718 CS PDK Sport Muffler with exhaust valve for some time now. I'm still keen on this modification. I know warranty issues may still apply, but as the FVD exhaust kit is a cat-back bolt-on unit using the factory PSE switchable valve via the console switch and Sport Chrono mode, it's not a significant or radical departure from the standard OE PSE exhaust. The accessibility to fit and remove the exhaust on the 718 is relatively easy. My car is not used on salty roads, therefore the cat-back flange joint bolts and nuts are still clean and rust-free. I would of course be advising my insurer of the exhaust swap plan. On the noise issue, the exhaust is still switchable, so it doesn't need to be on full "blare" all the time.

To be honest I am very tempted to consider this FVD exhaust swap, particularly as I believe it would improve the exhaust note of my 718, and remove the droning that can occur at certain cruising and pottering speeds. It would also combine well with the BMC cotton air filter I have already fitted. If, by any chance I still own my 718 following the expiry of the warranty, then the addition of the FVD ECU remap modification would be even further enhanced by a few bhp and Nm.

This is all giving me food for thought in these cold winter days. Any comments on the above will be welcome.

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

Brian,

Some tuners use an OBD device to remap and others reprogram the original ECU.

Clearly there are advantages to the OBD approach as the car can be reflashed back to stock.

Either way the changes to maps will be logged in the checksum log but under normal servicing it will not be detected with dealer level PIWIS. If there is an engine or gearbox warranty claim PAG will request a download of ECU data using a unique access code to enable the dealer PIWIS to download additional data.

I’d suggest you also reach out to Ehresmann who have a more expensive tune but offer both upgrade approaches and an exhaust upgrade. He is also not pushing tunes as far as some others (FVD seem OK) because heat build up is triggering the ECU to reduce power.

If interested best to email him (info@ehresmann- automotive.com) to get their 718 powerkit catalogue.

Ralph

 

[Brian_Innes]

Ralph,

Thank you for your helpful response. The ECU remapping option is not a route I am considering at this time. It's early days in the life of the 718, and with any new and very complex power train a lot can still go wrong. You raised a very valid point about the warranty compliance people from Porsche checking the ECU for tampering. For me, at this time it's a no-go.

Yet, I find it very interesting to see the substantial power and torque upgrades attainable on the flat-4 turbo simply by remapping the ECU. It just proves to us enthusiasts how Porsche are playing us along with small crumbs of incremental power increases accompanied by big hikes in pricing. It's a well trodden path amongst performance car makers and Porsche are no different. It will not have gone unnoticed at Porsche that the aftermarket tuners have latched on to the considerable performance potential of the flat-4 turbo engine. I suspect there is much more to come yet.

Heat management issues are also a concern. Upping the power, ups the heat. Power increases of 65ps and 85Nm may cause heat related problems in other components. The 718 is still a young car, and I'm sure engine bay cooling and more efficient induction systems are currently a hot topic with the 718 R&D department.

Meantime, I'll continue mulling over the FVD exhaust swap idea. At least until this cold snap has ended.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

I have booked a geo check and adjustment next week, prior to a private 2 hour driver coaching session at Knockhill on March 28th.

The geo settings check will just be a fine tuning thing, following the recent swap to Michelins. I'll post the settings for your interest later.

The primary purpose is to reaffirm that I am still ok for the forthcoming track day season, and also check out my new Michelin PS4S N0 tyres. I'll also be able to fully appraise the new BMC cotton air filter recently fitted. Due to the recent wintry weather, the road mileage on my 718 has been somewhat limited.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

I had the wheel alignment geo settings fine tuned to my preferences following the fitting of PS4S N0 tyres last December. GT Tyres, Forres, my local Michelin tyre specialist has the Hunter 4 wheel laser wheel alignment rig similar to that used by OPC's.

GT Tyres workshop is also up to Porsche standards of presentation.........

I'll post the revised geo settings later.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

Here are my revised geo settings.

I have gone for the maximum negative camber set up I can achieve with the standard front top mount slots and rear eccentrics. I cannot get any more negative camber than these settings, while retaining the necessary degree of front and rear axle toe.

From past experience, I think these settings will work very well with the PS4S N0 tyres. My forthcoming shake-down track session at Knockhill on March 28th will confirm this.

My car's stance with these revised camber settings, now looks absolutely "the business".......well at least for a "cooking" 718 CS.

The combination of -20mm PASM, with 8.5" and 10.5" wide 20" alloys, and the chunky PS4S N0 tyres looks very promising indeed.

The Knockhill track session will confirm whether it all lives up to the look.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

Just returned home today after a 350 mile round trip south from the Highlands to Knockhill circuit in Fife. The weather forecast looked good but in reality, although it started dry, heavy hail showers blew in from the west across the Forth valley, dusting Knockhill with swirling white granules of icy hailstones.

As if this wasn't bad enough, the Knockhill track has been completely resurfaced over the winter, and the surface was extremely slippery. The final phase of new tarmac was only laid yesterday! It was still oily in places. The Hairpin corner for example, had low grip similar to that of the PEC Low Friction Handling Track. Top Gear style oversteer slides were the default result. High G-force figures and decent lap times were just not possible today due the lack of lateral grip. My best lap today was a 1.02, with 1.31 LH G-force.

However, I decided to press on with the test session as the principal purpose was to reassure myself that I was still up to scratch for the forthcoming track day season. The second purpose was to track test the PS4S N0 tyres and revised geo settings. I can say in all honesty, that due to the track conditions, it was me that was tested more than the tyres or geo. Today was the most challenging track conditions I have experienced at Knockhill for 30 years. Some corners had slightly more grip than others, but all in all I couldn't commit to any of the corners with full confidence. Having said that, the re-profiling of the kerbs will make the track faster and more even satisfying. Once the new surface is rubbered-in it should be mega. The PCGB track day in July promises to be a thrilling experience. Be there if you can.

So to the Michelin PS4S N0 tyres track performance. The best wet weather tyre I have ever experienced on any of my Caymans. Very consistent, progressive breakaway, not in the least snappy, and with astonishing wet surface grip on the parts of the circuit that could be considered "normal". Steering inputs are instantaneous and so sharp. Some of this may be due to the revised geo, but the sidewalls of the PS4S N0 seem to transmit a much better "feel" than the P-Zero N1's ever did. I did several laps in heavy sleet with the track absolutely streaming wet, and even at speeds of 115mph water dispersal was exemplary. Likewise, heavy braking in soaking conditions with the ABS pulsing like mad, did not present any dramas from the PS4S N0 whatsoever. Ultimate dry grip was not tested due to the track conditions today. That will have to wait until another time. On the homeward leg back to the Highlands, I took the scenic route from Grantown-on Spey across the moors where a dry, and traffic-free road beckoned. The new geo is absolutely spot-on for my 718 CS. The relatively high level of negative camber I have been able to dial-in is no doubt assisted by the -20mm lower PASM. It certainly sharpens up the steering, aided by the superb PS4S N0 tyres. The 2 degrees of negative on the rear axle is absolutely perfect for my taste. It doesn't cause the front end to push, and in concert with the new tyres, my 718 CS is now the sweetest handling Cayman I have ever driven, including my much lamented CR. (Qualification: I have never driven a 981 GT4 on the track.)

Finally, a word on the BMC cotton air filter. I can't say I notice any performance advantage on the track. On my 350 mile round trip today, the longest trunk route trip since fitting the new filter, the mpg was probably the best I have ever recorded on the A9 at 34.6 mpg. Normally this same route recorded no more than 31-32mpg. The engine is even more free-revving now. For example, today the rev-limiter intervened at 7600rpm while exiting the slippy hairpin corner. The engine seemed to soar towards the red line with an added eagerness.

Well worth the effort to fit the BMC filter I'd say.

As I passed muster today on a personal basis, the PCGB track days already committed to and confirmed, are Blyton Park, Knockhill, and Donnington Park. I'll be at Anglesey as a spectator, and possibly Oulton Park in October is looking positive at the moment.

Brian

 

[MrDemon]

Just returned home today after a 350 mile round trip south from the Highlands to Knockhill circuit in Fife. The weather forecast looked good but in reality, although it started dry, heavy hail showers blew in from the west across the Forth valley, dusting Knockhill with swirling white granules of icy hailstones.

As if this wasn't bad enough, the Knockhill track has been completely resurfaced over the winter, and the surface was extremely slippery. The final phase of new tarmac was only laid yesterday! It was still oily in places. The Hairpin corner for example, had low grip similar to that of the PEC Low Friction Handling Track. Top Gear style oversteer slides were the default result. High G-force figures and decent lap times were just not possible today due the lack of lateral grip. My best lap today was a 1.02, with 1.31 LH G-force.

However, I decided to press on with the test session as the principal purpose was to reassure myself that I was still up to scratch for the forthcoming track day season. The second purpose was to track test the PS4S N0 tyres and revised geo settings. I can say in all honesty, that due to the track conditions, it was me that was tested more than the tyres or geo. Today was the most challenging track conditions I have experienced at Knockhill for 30 years. Some corners had slightly more grip than others, but all in all I couldn't commit to any of the corners with full confidence. Having said that, the re-profiling of the kerbs will make the track faster and more even satisfying. Once the new surface is rubbered-in it should be mega. The PCGB track day in July promises to be a thrilling experience. Be there if you can.

So to the Michelin PS4S N0 tyres track performance. The best wet weather tyre I have ever experienced on any of my Caymans. Very consistent, progressive breakaway, not in the least snappy, and with astonishing wet surface grip on the parts of the circuit that could be considered "normal". Steering inputs are instantaneous and so sharp. Some of this may be due to the revised geo, but the sidewalls of the PS4S N0 seem to transmit a much better "feel" than the P-Zero N1's ever did. I did several laps in heavy sleet with the track absolutely streaming wet, and even at speeds of 115mph water dispersal was exemplary. Likewise, heavy braking in soaking conditions with the ABS pulsing like mad, did not present any dramas from the PS4S N0 whatsoever. Ultimate dry grip was not tested due to the track conditions today. That will have to wait until another time. On the homeward leg back to the Highlands, I took the scenic route from Grantown-on Spey across the moors where a dry, and traffic-free road beckoned. The new geo is absolutely spot-on for my 718 CS. The relatively high level of negative camber I have been able to dial-in is no doubt assisted by the -20mm lower PASM. It certainly sharpens up the steering, aided by the superb PS4S N0 tyres. The 2 degrees of negative on the rear axle is absolutely perfect for my taste. It doesn't cause the front end to push, and in concert with the new tyres, my 718 CS is now the sweetest handling Cayman I have ever driven, including my much lamented CR. (Qualification: I have never driven a 981 GT4 on the track.)

Finally, a word on the BMC cotton air filter. I can't say I notice any performance advantage on the track. On my 350 mile round trip today, the longest trunk route trip since fitting the new filter, the mpg was probably the best I have ever recorded on the A9 at 34.6 mpg. Normally this same route recorded no more than 31-32mpg. The engine is even more free-revving now. For example, today the rev-limiter intervened at 7600rpm while exiting the slippy hairpin corner. The engine seemed to soar towards the red line with an added eagerness.

Well worth the effort to fit the BMC filter I'd say.

As I passed muster today on a personal basis, the PCGB track days already committed to and confirmed, are Blyton Park, Knockhill, and Donnington Park. I'll be at Anglesey as a spectator, and possibly Oulton Park in October is looking positive at the moment.

Brian

Cool write up

tricky to test geo and tyres in the wet, but yes PS4S feel like you are in the dry, well nearly agreat wet weather tyre

just to point about G readings as people seem to like them, in the 991.2 GT3 at Silverstone (the one with a better geo) we pulled 1.67G !!!!

 

[Motorhead]

Sounds like a complete nightmare Brian, but good on you for persevering despite the very challenging conditions. Hopefully next time the sun will be out.

Keep up the good work..!

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Apart from the very slippy new tarmac, the other concern I had during the Knockhill track session was high brake disc temperatures. Due to the newly laid tarmac on some parts of the circuit, the PSM and PTV was working overtime during my 50 odd laps. As is usual, I had Sport Plus mode set on the steering wheel dial switch, with the PSM intervention backed off at level 1. However, I freely admit I didn't have the balls on this occasion to switch off the PSM altogether.

Brake disc temperatures taken with my hand-held laser device showed both front and rear discs recording readings of over 400 degrees. Not good news. The combination of electronic brake programming, plus the prodigious wet weather grip of the PS4S N0's, meant that the front and rear brake pads were in contact with the discs at times other than when I squeezed the brake pedal. Towards the end of the track session when the track was partially drying out, I could detect a lengthening of the pedal stroke when braking for the hairpin. At Knockhill, even in the tricky conditions on my day, this is a big stop, from 115mph down to 35mph.

As I have now done 5 track days with my 718, I have a new set of pads and a brake fluid change on the cards before the 2018 track day season starts. I would really like to fit a set of Goodridge braided steel brake pipes as I did on my previous CR, but as yet they are not listed as available for the 718 CS. This was a very successful modification on my CR as it completely eliminated the spongy brake pedal. I would have no hesitation in doing this brake modification on my 718 even though the warranty is still effective. My view is, it's only the brakes, not the drive train.

There are other steel braided brake kits available, but my preferred brand is Goodridge so I'll hang on for now until they become available for my car. The problem with rubber brake hoses is that when fluid temps get very hot, the rubber hoses expand like a balloon and give a spongy feel to the pedal. Steel braided flexible brake hoses eliminate this problem. It's not a problem that applies on normal road use as braking from speeds of 100mph and beyond is not a regular occurrence.

Or shouldn't be.........[]

Brian

 

[richardjjs1]

You are not serious SMOKERS PACK now that is sacrilege. But enjoy

#

On the 21st December 2016, following an agonisingly long wait, at times accompanied by bouts of self-doubts attributed to the sometimes disparaging reviews of the 4 pot turbo engine, I at long last became the owner of an individually specced Graphite Blue metallic 718 Cayman S PDK. The DVLA V5c form shows the "Vehicle Type" as a 982, not a 718 as the marketing suits have designated the emissions driven flat 4 turbo model. Whatever moniker you choose to label this new Cayman with, one thing is certain from the outset. This car provides a very different driving experience from my previous 987.2 Cayman R manual. I intend to report in more detail on this topic following the conclusion of my self appointed running-in period of 1000 - 1200 miles.

The spec I have chosen is mainly driver focused with a few comfort and safety options attuned to the purposes for which I intend to use the car. The full option list is as follows;

PDK with Sport Chrono pack, mode switch, and dynamic transmission mounts

Smaller diameter Alcantara GT steering wheel with mode switch

Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical differential lock

Porsche Sports Exhaust (PSE) with tail pipes in silver

-20mm lowered PASM sports suspension

20" Carrera Sport alloy wheels, front 8.5" wide, rear 10.5" wide

Sports seats plus

Side air intakes painted

Rear apron painted

PCM navigation module

Porsche Connect Plus

Alcantara gear selector and storage bin lid

Electrically folding door mirrors

Park assist front and rear with reversing camera

Lane change assist

Power steering plus

Cruise control

Seatbelts in silver grey

Smokers pack

Aluminium fuel cap

Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic light system

So far, I have driven the car only 214 miles, including a trip to Cullen on the Moray Coast on a surprisingly mild Christmas Day, where the attached photo was taken. First impressions are good. Having jumped two generations of Cayman from my previous 987.2 CR manual, to this, the 982, the upgrade in cabin quality and refinement is immediately apparent. Even allowing for my self-imposed 4000 rpm running-in rev limit, the early arrival of prodigious quantities of torque from 2000 rpm upwards, means the considerable poke of the 2.5 litre turbo is all the more accessible and rewarding.

Now, I had better cover the engine in the room.........Firstly, I absolutely loved my CR manual with it's fizzy, tactile steering and the glorious stepped urge as the revs soared through 4000, 5000, and again at 6000 onwards to 7400 rpm, as the variable valve timing and lift kicked in. It was pure shock and awe. The trouble was, this joy could not often be safely enjoyed on the public roads as illegal, licence threatening speeds were attained just as things were becoming fun. The 982 offers a very different power delivery experience with the new flat 4 turbo. It's sound is more of an industrial drone than a banshee wail, with a ECU induced pop, crackle, and bang to break the monotony. At this early stage I have been selecting Sport mode on the steering wheel dial and using the paddles to shift the cogs just as if I were driving a manual car. Picture this, approaching an intercity dual carriageway roundabout in 6th gear at say 70mph, click the left paddle rapid fire style down to 2nd or 3rd gear, throttle blipping pre-programmed in Sport mode, tuck the nose around the roundabout with the new delightfully quicker steering rack, squeeze the throttle on the exit and the car absolutely flies. No lag, no emissions flat spot, just pure and simple get-up-and-go. This car is more easy to drive by way of it's accessible torque delivery than any previous Cayman I have ever owned. I say this having owned 4 Caymans over the previous 8 years and driven over 75,000 miles in total.

I shall leave it there for now, as there are many more aspects of this new 982 to cover as I get used to living with the car. I am sure there will be things that will niggle and annoy, no car is perfect. Those who know me will attest that I am also a track day fan, and I shall be commenting on the 982's performance at Knockhill circuit in Fife, compared to that of my CR in due course. Hopefully on the same sticky track day rubber, in place of the latest evolution P Zeros with which the car was supplied with.

Meantime I am still digesting the owner's manuals and trying to get the hang of the Apple Car Play stuff. Driving I can do reasonably well, when it comes to computer software and smart phone techniques, I am still on a learning curve.

Brian

 

[Jmt]

Hi Brian

If it's any use I had my braided lines from HEL performance. Fit and quality are on par with Goodridge. I changed my fluid to SRF at the same time.

Also as your aware I'm off to the Nurburgring and Spa in mine tomorrow and after a delay in my new brake pads from Endless I changed to Pagid RS29 which I had from Performance Braking in Monmouth. The team there are excellent and also the price are very competitive.

Thanks Jamie

 

[Motorhead]

You are not serious SMOKERS PACK now that is sacrilege. But enjoy

Richard,

The advantage of the Smokers Pack is that instead of having a big ugly hole in the centre console there's a neat lid to keep the dust and other detritus out. The cigarette lighter also provides another power socket.

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

You are not serious SMOKERS PACK now that is sacrilege. But enjoy

#

Richard,

I am not a smoker. The reason for including the smokers pack in my spec is so that I can plug in my C-tek battery conditioner into the cigarette lighter socket. My 718 is not used on salty roads during the winter so the battery conditioner is in regular use for several months of the year.

As Jeff has also said, the soft-close lid for the cigarette lighter aperture tidies up the central console nicely.

As for the enjoyment factor, my 718 CS PDK has exceeded my wildest expectations by a country mile............

Brian