Power lose

[Marc B]

I recently took my 993 to a well known independent for its 70K service and to have a performance chip added and a sports air box in the hope of gaining about 15 hp. Whilst the car was in I had a call from the garage and was given a list of faults that needed attention and which I wasn't expecting, but o.k, if they need doing they need doing. I had 80% of the work carried out. I asked if they had fitted the chip and was told that they hadn't as a lot of 993's supposedly loose 20/30 hp due to the stretching of the drive chains, or something along that line ( please excuse the lack of clarity, not really my area). I asked them to clarify any power lose and they said that they would do a power check on a rolling road type of machine. Sure enough they said it had lost ABOUT 20/30. But no actual figure. In order to rectify the problem the engine would have to come out and the chains adjusted, and as that was a big job one would then normally have a full top end rebuild (£4500.00) The outcome was they said that it wasn't worth chipping the car until this was done as it wouldn't make any difference.

I find this hard to believe. Does this sound right to you guys? Does any one know how to gain 20/30 hp at a reasonably sensible cost? Any input greatly appreciated.

 

[Guest]

I am certainly no expert on this, but it sounds like you might benefit from a second opinion. At the very least you will then get another quote to compare for a rebuild.

 

[burrow01]

Hi,

I read recently in an article written by someone who worked at Reynolds that the design life of the chains was 250,000 miles... (was this in PP?)

Why were you having the car chipped - did it feel down on power?

Are there any other signs of engine wear - smoking, oil usage etc?

70,000 miles would be very early to require a top end rebuild I would have thought (are you sure the milage is genuine? or maybe it is a 996 engine....)

What was the other work required before they recommended a top end rebuild?

If you are 20/30 Bhp down, there could be other causes - I had the Distributor cap and Ignition leads replaced on my 3.2 once, and it felt like I had another 30Bhp, they had obviously been breaking down over time

Obviously typing at the same time as Maurice.... []

 

[burrow01]

Good job we both said similar things []

 

[Marc B]

Many thanks chaps for the reply's, I wanted the car chipped purely for a little more fun on track days (fed up with cars out accelerating me on the straight). Until I was informed I was down on power I had no idea that there MAY be a problem. I have no smoke or horrible noises etc. The mileage is also correct. And you would know the independent garage I took the car too (not saying any thing negative at this stage). Other work, just minor maintenance, new pads, sensors & anti squeal shims, wipers, lambda sensor, rocker covers & gaskets (upper & lower), transverse arms and some bits and pieces + service. I would still like to add a little power???

 

[Gordon Attar]

Seems a bit fishy would talk to Maurice offline and get a second opinion

 

[968er]

Personally would say if you are looking for a quick power gain, get an 'on the fly' remap for your car. These cost about £600 but it is well worth the money.

Can never understand why people do not say where they have had a less than happy experience, as it gives the rest of us a heads up.

 

[burrow01]

I think if you look in this months 911 and Porsche World there may be a clue...

 

[968er]

Don't buy it, go on, reveal all[]

 

[burrow01]

Have a flick though it in WH Smiths... []

 

[Marc B]

Could you tell me what exactly is a 'on the fly' remap?

I didn't want to say to much about the independent as I am not sure if what I was told by them is right or not hence the post and didn't want to unfairly sleight them (JZ Machtech) and still don't . I am still very surprised that that the only way to get back my supposed power lose was to carry out so much work as previously posted. I love the car and really would like to not only not regain the lost power but to increase it a little as well.

 

[mike cooper]

Seem to remember an article in Porsche and 911 World about two years ago. Colin at 9M had fitted a 993 motor in a 3.2. usual comments about pre and post varioram etc but I am sure there was comment passed at the time that the timing gear sprocket is an interference fit on it's shaft and it is possible these can move by a few degrees causing (would you believe 20-30 bhp power loss). Worth a phone call to clarify this. Hope this helps.

Mike Cooper
DMS Automotive.

 

[968er]

On the fly means that the car is hooked up to a computer while on a rolling road and all adjustments are made through the computer interface. This means that the remapping is bespoke for your particular car, not a generic mapping.

 

[Marc B]

Thank Mike/William, I shall look in to both.

 

[968er]

Would highly recommend 9M, as they did my last 993 which resulted in a gain of over 20 bhp.

 

[Marc B]

I took a look at their web site, they look very impressive but Liverpool is too far for me, being just outside Southampton. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[pse_SC]

Marc B
When dyno'd, my car was about 25-30 down from the supposed 285, which concerned me. Had it checked (via fault code) at the very helpful independent that I would recommend (AUTO 2000, Bedford) and the loss was traced to a faulty oxygen sensor. Now replaced, the increased power is suprisingly noticeable.

Personally, I have no hesitation in not giving JZ any business. When I went to them with my first Porsche (a humble but marvellous 924) quite a few years ago, they turned their noses up at me. Their loss (of business).

At the end of the day it's your choice.

 

[968er]

ORIGINAL: mike cooper

Seem to remember an article in Porsche and 911 World about two years ago. Colin at 9M had fitted a 993 motor in a 3.2. usual comments about pre and post varioram etc but I am sure there was comment passed at the time that the timing gear sprocket is an interference fit on it's shaft and it is possible these can move by a few degrees causing (would you believe 20-30 bhp power loss). Worth a phone call to clarify this. Hope this helps.

Mike Cooper
DMS Automotive.

Actually remember this article, but it stated that it was up to 15 bhp in the RS engine, did not say what it might be in a detuned standard engine.