From reading various threads online, here, and on rennlist, I believe it has been verified that a 997.2 Turbo and Turbo S have the exact same engine and no physical differences. The change is in the software only with regards to performance.

So if you want all the options that come standard in the Turbo S, it would probably be the way to go. If you don't want those options and just the raw performance, a non-S Turbo with a software tune gets you there.

 

Zero911, you are largely correct, the stock engine internals are identical between the "non-S" and "S". There are three differences that I identified during my research though, (i) The added power (+30hp) on the "S" is achieved through different intake-valve timing and increased turbo boost pressure, (ii) the "S" gets a beefed-up version of the ultra-quick PDK and lastly (iii) the "S" gets slightly modified front-suspension geometry, giving it more precise steering feel.

The first you can achieve with a software tune, the latter two you can't (i.e., beefed up PDK and modified front-suspension) without additional hardware mods!

When I factored the above and the fact that I also get the dynamic engine mounts, Porsche’s brake-based torque-vectoring system (PTV), ceramic brakes (PCCB), and the Sport Chrono package (not to mention dynamic cornering lights and spyder CL wheels) as standard, the extra $10K for the "turbo S" seemed more like a steal than a bargain! See below for a nice caranddriver article, which addressed it all.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...turbo-s-review

 

Good Info, Nice read, Thanks

 

I have had 3 .1TT, two coupes and one 08 Cab all 6sp cars. When I made the decision to go to the .2 the dealer had an S and a standard TT Cab. The S was about 15k more but had more miles and less options. when I test drove the cars I could not feel the difference between the two cars on the road and I just did not think the extra 30hp was worth the extra money. So I went with the 2010TT Cab which had all the options of the S, centerlocks, PDK, sport wheel, Sport Chrono, PCCB's, dynamic lights, PTV, paint, full Natural leather and many more options. This car had a window sticker of close to 180k, so it's essentially a TTS for 2010.

 

Congrats Conrad on your newly acquired TT. You need an EP ASAP my friend.

She's a beauty and enjoy her in good health mate.

 

Being my first Porsche with CL wheels I'll be honest and say it was intimidating taking the wheels off for the first time but it really isn't as bad as everyone makes it seem. IMHO its easier and faster than taking of a standard 5 lug you just need the correct torque wrench and practice. I've swapped my CL wheels at least 6 times just trying different wheels and after the 3rd time its straight forward. I wouldn't want anyone to be discourage on buying a S due to the CL wheels. Just understand it will cost $500 more since you would more than likely need to buy a torque wrench.

 

Hmm, I had not heard about the PDK change. Good to know. I'll have to look into what they did there. Thanks!

 

I agree on the great performance options. I was lucky to find a non S with them.

In respect to the beefed up pdk, I've never heard of that. It is possible that the pdk was beefed up on all turbos. So, I took a closer look at the c&d article. It is riddled with errors. The person that wrote didn't really know the car, so I wouldn't trust any "fact" from that article. Among the mistakes:

Overboost on the non S lasts 10 sec, wrong it lasts 20.

S comes with paddles, wrong it comes with the paddle equipped sport wheel.

S comes with its own special leather. Wrong, two tone interiors are available otherwise the interior is the same.

Dynamic engine mounts. Correct, but they are included with sport Chrono and are not a separate option.

Ride stiffens in sport plus mode. Sport plus has nothing to do with the ride, which we all know.

I downplayed the centerlocks, but they are a cool option. I just don't prefer the factory wheel, already own a set of 5 lug Champion rg5s, and really like the turbo II wheels. Even at the bargain $10k the S is, it was another $10k I didn't want to spend!

 

Nice.

 

Thanks!

Were discussing the possibility that the S has a different muffler than the non-S. Could explain the difference in sound - the S seems quite a bit louder. Would add to list of "undisclosed" differences as well!

 

That would be one change I would consider going for. I would love to hear more of the actual engine noise, and less of the muffle.

 

Yes they are slightly different, but not worth a swap. Mostly software.

 

Very insightful review as expected and thanks for the chuckle regarding the audiophile setting (you might remember I am even nuttier about audio than cars, all-out system with tube preamp and the works).

Also very interesting comparison between BMW and Porsche 997.2 Turbo PDK shift speed. You probably remember too I have 2011 M3 with PDK which I absolutely love and alternate driving with my manual 997.1 Turbo; I also drove 997.2 Turbo PDK but only for about half an hour. Don't remember the lag being significant, but... it was a short drive, unlike yours.
Is the 997.2 lag that bad and when you switch to Sports setting, does the shift speed then the same between M3 and 997.2 PDK?

 

Funny i'm a audiophile freak myself but overall I find the pcm .1 quality to be decent
off topic but i just love my rack of mac.....no tubes here as I find them too granny for my taste

MCintosh Rack by supralx570, on Flickr

 

^^^Beautiful! You have the MX-151 too? I frequent this forum and there are quite a few Mc diehard's there: http://www.avsforum.com/f/86/ultra-h...ht-gear-20-000
Below is my system, Thiel, Krell, and Theta Casablanca III HD Surround Sound processor. Note the turntable LOL and Conrad Johnson tube pre and phono stage.

Sorry C for the thread jack, but I can't resist showing my gears .