Power tweaks - suggestions for a 2003 2.7 please?

[AndyKerr]

Hi guys. I'm a new convert to the Porsche cause, having recently bought an '03 facelift 2.7 manual from Paul French in Derbyshire. Overall I'm really happy with it (not quite as easy to flick the tail out through a roundabout as it was on my MX5 though [] - maybe I'm not trying hard enough []).

To be serious, I'm still getting used to it so no immediate tinkering (I got Paul to fit a K&N air filter, but apart from that it's all completely standard). At some point though I may want to consider a few tweaks. I know enough about cars not to fall for claims of the '100bhp for £50' variety, (and I wouldn't want to do anything to undermine the integrity of the car,) but can anybody suggest avenues to consider? The plan is to use it for fast road driving and occasional track days, bearing in mind that the driving experience is more important to me than power for it's own sake.

Things I've read about cover intake, exhaust and remapping but there's far too much information for me to process at this point without help.

I've read several threads in this section along these lines, but nothing I've read relates to the 986 2.7 engine, so I don't feel quite so stupid about asking the question.

Anyone?

 

[simonf]

I have the same model, and have read with interest the answers when similar questions come up. They solutions are always (in no particular order):

1) Quality tyres
2) Quality setup (Centre Gravity etc)
3) Driver training
4) Buy an S instead

The last option isn't meant as a joke. To get real gains from a 2.7 is so expensive it would be cheaper to buy an S. That said, I'm very happy with my 2.7 - think of the fuel and insurance you are saving.[]

 

[AndyKerr]

Thanks for that.

Option 3 is already in hand. Option 1 is well worth considering as I got offered a number of wheel options when I bought the car, and although I kept the original set (Conti Sports on 17" rims) I may still get a decent deal on another set. Option 2 is one I hadn't thought of but will investigate. Option 4 is out of the question any time soon.

I do agree about the car though. That flat 6 wail is just spine-tingling!

 

[Dylan1]

Agree with option 3- Linda bought me some racedriving tuition for my 50th and that made 3-5 secs a lap quicker- far more than any tinkering with the max 30 hp you could get after spending a lot of money.if the car doesn't handle true to your style then chris at CG will possibly help you ( though he is busy!) I suspect the s may be out of reach immediately but when you are ready it really is the big leap IMHO and is well worth the extra

Enjoy it as it is in the meantime []

 

[AndyKerr]

ORIGINAL: dyllan

Agree with option 3- Linda bought me some racedriving tuition for my 50th and that made 3-5 secs a lap quicker- far more than any tinkering with the max 30 hp you could get after spending a lot of money.if the car doesn't handle true to your style then chris at CG will possibly help you ( though he is busy!) I suspect the s may be out of reach immediately but when you are ready it really is the big leap IMHO and is well worth the extra

Enjoy it as it is in the meantime []

Please excuse the failings of an enthusiastic newbie: CG?

 

[Hoopster]

Centre Gravity - Suspension and chassis tuning outfit in Warwickshire (I think)

 

[AndyKerr]

Found them! I live around 20 minutes' drive from Atherstone, which is a bonus and will make things easier if and when I ask them to do some work.

Thanks to everyone who posted. I am grateful for the good advice I've received.

 

[simonf]

I would thoroughly recommend Chris at Centre Gravity. The guy is a genius - and a lovely chap too.

Tyres are more important than wheels. Many believe the handling is sharper on 17s, so don't be in a rush to upgrade to larger sizes.

 

[acer]

Read with interest about your car,the main thing for more power is the exhaust it seems,by doing away with the original the exhaust does seem to breathe better,the power from my 2002 3.2s is up from 252bhp to 289bhp just by changing the exhaust,without the the K&N filter.
I think JAZ sell the range.
The Amercian version exhaust sounds a little louder than the EU version.
But also I think its important to have the correct oils,Mobil 1 for the engine,Mobil-transmission,Swepco oil is quicker for gear changes as recommended by an American guy.
Obviously new spark plugs with the correct gap will help tremendously,not costing too much!
I'm using 18"GT3 Sport design split rims,with Pirelli pzero's they make a huge difference,grip is unbelievable and look great,the ride is harder though,but cornering is better than my caterham 7 used to be,like on rails.
Happy2Help[8D][8D]

 

[Mark_Bennett]

You may also find Michelin or Pirelli tyres give more "feel" than the Contis - which for me just didn't feel right at all on 17" wheels.

Acer, that is a stunning power hike for just an exhaust - please say which one it is? Did you have before and after Dyno teting to confirm this?

 

[acer]

The company is www.ebsracing.com
but the exhaust is called Borla High Performance Exhausts,they do quite a range they are a lot lighter and the air flow faster,the actual exhaust is called a Borla catback,you can view it on youtube.

There is another company called www.regal-auto.co.uk they set up the car via dyno rolling road.
Cheers

 

[berty987]

Experience tells me that the inlet of the 986 is where cheap gains can be achieved. A K and N replacement panel filer is one starting point , followed by the fitting of a larger throttle body (74 mm up from the standard 68mm unit). Assuming the car is the later 260 hp model with E gas throttle , you can fit the later cayman/ cayenne item in its place , providing you also fit a new mounting plenum as well. This leaves a dilemma as to whether to pay for the IPD cast aly plenum kit or make up a new intake yourself using a standard 996 3.4 plenum as the basis , with silicone reducers and custom intake hoses. Exhausts claim big figures but rarely deliver much more than 5-10 hp , typically all at peak power and from 6000 to the red line. An ECU reflash is probably the second most cost effective upgrade after the intake and plenum/ throttle body.