FVD Level 2 Tune quick review
#1
07-21-2014, 09:21 PM
FVD Level 2 Tune quick review
The Tune
FVD’s Level 2 tune is a step-up boost file, it produces an additional +40 lb-ft of torque over their Level 1 turbo performance software update. While the Level 1 file “woke up” the car, I couldn’t pass up on the promise of even more thrust-inducing torque in that sweet spot we like to call the ‘mid-range’ of the rpm band!
New Boost Pressure Sensors (BPS)
In order to run FVD’s Level 2 performance software file, the OEM BPS need to be upgraded to sensors capable of sustaining the added pressure generated by the engine (the stock OEM BPS simply cannot handle the added boost pressure and the ECU immediately triggers a boost pressure CEL and switches to ‘limp mode’). Bosch Germany manufactures the upgraded BPS however as it turned out, Porsche updated the intake manifold, and the shape/design of the BPS, in the later 2013 997.2 TTS models (my car), as a result the upgraded BPS initially wouldn’t fit my engine.
If you are considering this mod, be mindful of your engine model number. Porsche A.G. updated the intake manifold after engine # B 03675 to the new design! (A few calls to Porsche A.G. & Bosch in Germany confirmed this). If you have the older DFI engine, you should be O.K. However if you have the newer DFI engines, like I do, it will NOT fit. Unfortunately, Bosch Germany have not begun manufacturing the upgraded BPS for the latest intake manifolds in the later model 997.2 TTS/991 TT/TTS. How did we get it to work, enter the folks at HRD!
Straight-shaped BPS (later 2013 997.2 TTS), L-shaped BPS (older 997.2 TT/TTS).
Heinlein Racing Development (“HRD”)
HRD is a Porsche specialist shop that just about does it all! Tiv and his crew are specialists who focus on Porsche GT3 cup race cars but also do performance, suspension, body and a host of other upgrades to Porsche street cars. These guys know their stuff! HRD was the shop working on the FVD Level 2 upgrade for my car and they were the ones who identified the BPS fitment issue. Tiv@HRD was able to fabricate a special bracket that allowed the upgraded BPS to fit my engine. HRD was recommended by FVD and now I know why! These guys work magic on Porsches…I highly recommend them to any Porsche owners in the NJ/NY area! A few pics of their shop and some of their cars…(apologies for the cellphone quality pics)
Driving Impressions
With the upgraded BPS issue sorted out, the rest of the process is identical to FVD’s Level 1 software update. The engineers at FVD Germany simply email over the Level 2 ECU tuned file and the program is uploaded using the MyGenius tool. Quick and easy! If “boost rich” described the feel of the FVD Level 1 tune, then “boost on HGH” describes Level 2! The feeling is likely not unlike that of being thrust out of a slingshot!. How fast does the boost come on, I generated wheel spin in 2nd gear (and 3rd) when flooring it initially! It felt like the PDK appeared to hesitate to find the right gear until traction took hold and off we went! At WOT, the EP just sings…
Increase in horsepower is unchanged from FVDs Level 1, all the additional oomph is in the torque. I haven’t had time for a trip down to Undercover to avail myself of their dyno or Vbox but I am planning on a ¼ mile run at a drag strip and a track day in August so I will post hard performance figures after those. Butt dyno agrees though, FVD Level 2 hauls *ss!
Thanks to Rhonda and the folks at FVD as always but here in particular they went above and beyond. My original FVD’s Level 1 performance software would not work with the upgraded BPS due to the different scaling/calibration for the higher pressures. As a result, my Level 1 and stock files were rendered useless as those were calibrated for the lower pressure tolerant OEM BPS. FVD wrote two new files for me (a Level 1 equivalent performance file and a stock file – for dealers visits) scaled for the upgraded BPS. Simply awesome & amazing service! Thanks also to Tiv and his team at HRD, these guys are genius with Porsches. I’m looking to attend a track day with them at Monticello Motor Club in NY in August (a lovely 4.1 mile long private track)! Hard to believe but my Porsche experience just keeps getting better. These engines have so much potential…having an experienced partner, in FVD, to unleash their potential is priceless!
My TTS (I call her 'the sleeper')
FVD’s Level 2 tune is a step-up boost file, it produces an additional +40 lb-ft of torque over their Level 1 turbo performance software update. While the Level 1 file “woke up” the car, I couldn’t pass up on the promise of even more thrust-inducing torque in that sweet spot we like to call the ‘mid-range’ of the rpm band!
New Boost Pressure Sensors (BPS)
In order to run FVD’s Level 2 performance software file, the OEM BPS need to be upgraded to sensors capable of sustaining the added pressure generated by the engine (the stock OEM BPS simply cannot handle the added boost pressure and the ECU immediately triggers a boost pressure CEL and switches to ‘limp mode’). Bosch Germany manufactures the upgraded BPS however as it turned out, Porsche updated the intake manifold, and the shape/design of the BPS, in the later 2013 997.2 TTS models (my car), as a result the upgraded BPS initially wouldn’t fit my engine.
If you are considering this mod, be mindful of your engine model number. Porsche A.G. updated the intake manifold after engine # B 03675 to the new design! (A few calls to Porsche A.G. & Bosch in Germany confirmed this). If you have the older DFI engine, you should be O.K. However if you have the newer DFI engines, like I do, it will NOT fit. Unfortunately, Bosch Germany have not begun manufacturing the upgraded BPS for the latest intake manifolds in the later model 997.2 TTS/991 TT/TTS. How did we get it to work, enter the folks at HRD!
Straight-shaped BPS (later 2013 997.2 TTS), L-shaped BPS (older 997.2 TT/TTS).
Heinlein Racing Development (“HRD”)
HRD is a Porsche specialist shop that just about does it all! Tiv and his crew are specialists who focus on Porsche GT3 cup race cars but also do performance, suspension, body and a host of other upgrades to Porsche street cars. These guys know their stuff! HRD was the shop working on the FVD Level 2 upgrade for my car and they were the ones who identified the BPS fitment issue. Tiv@HRD was able to fabricate a special bracket that allowed the upgraded BPS to fit my engine. HRD was recommended by FVD and now I know why! These guys work magic on Porsches…I highly recommend them to any Porsche owners in the NJ/NY area! A few pics of their shop and some of their cars…(apologies for the cellphone quality pics)
Driving Impressions
With the upgraded BPS issue sorted out, the rest of the process is identical to FVD’s Level 1 software update. The engineers at FVD Germany simply email over the Level 2 ECU tuned file and the program is uploaded using the MyGenius tool. Quick and easy! If “boost rich” described the feel of the FVD Level 1 tune, then “boost on HGH” describes Level 2! The feeling is likely not unlike that of being thrust out of a slingshot!. How fast does the boost come on, I generated wheel spin in 2nd gear (and 3rd) when flooring it initially! It felt like the PDK appeared to hesitate to find the right gear until traction took hold and off we went! At WOT, the EP just sings…
Increase in horsepower is unchanged from FVDs Level 1, all the additional oomph is in the torque. I haven’t had time for a trip down to Undercover to avail myself of their dyno or Vbox but I am planning on a ¼ mile run at a drag strip and a track day in August so I will post hard performance figures after those. Butt dyno agrees though, FVD Level 2 hauls *ss!
Thanks to Rhonda and the folks at FVD as always but here in particular they went above and beyond. My original FVD’s Level 1 performance software would not work with the upgraded BPS due to the different scaling/calibration for the higher pressures. As a result, my Level 1 and stock files were rendered useless as those were calibrated for the lower pressure tolerant OEM BPS. FVD wrote two new files for me (a Level 1 equivalent performance file and a stock file – for dealers visits) scaled for the upgraded BPS. Simply awesome & amazing service! Thanks also to Tiv and his team at HRD, these guys are genius with Porsches. I’m looking to attend a track day with them at Monticello Motor Club in NY in August (a lovely 4.1 mile long private track)! Hard to believe but my Porsche experience just keeps getting better. These engines have so much potential…having an experienced partner, in FVD, to unleash their potential is priceless!
My TTS (I call her 'the sleeper')
Last edited by akunob; 08-12-2014 at 08:24 PM.
#2
07-22-2014, 06:53 AM
Great writeup and congrats on the new found power!
A few questions:
1). What is the new max boost pressure?
2). What other mods do you have and what mods were required for their stage 2 file other than the bps?
3). Which track are you going to run the 1/4 mile? I'm from the area as well.
Again- congrats!
A few questions:
1). What is the new max boost pressure?
2). What other mods do you have and what mods were required for their stage 2 file other than the bps?
3). Which track are you going to run the 1/4 mile? I'm from the area as well.
Again- congrats!
#3
07-22-2014, 07:56 AM
Congrats bro and nice review.
I've never heard of any other tuners changing out those sensors, I wonder how everyone else gets around it.
When you decide to go to the drag strip, let me know. I'd like to go as well
I've never heard of any other tuners changing out those sensors, I wonder how everyone else gets around it.
When you decide to go to the drag strip, let me know. I'd like to go as well
#4
07-22-2014, 11:37 AM
Great writeup and congrats on the new found power!
A few questions:
1). What is the new max boost pressure?
2). What other mods do you have and what mods were required for their stage 2 file other than the bps?
3). Which track are you going to run the 1/4 mile? I'm from the area as well.
Again- congrats!
A few questions:
1). What is the new max boost pressure?
2). What other mods do you have and what mods were required for their stage 2 file other than the bps?
3). Which track are you going to run the 1/4 mile? I'm from the area as well.
Again- congrats!
Sure, Old Bridge Raceway has open "Race Your Ride" styled time trials for $20 on Wednesdays and I believe Saturdays after 4:30PM (basically timed runs where you get a time slip etc). Weekends get rather busy so I was planning on going down on a quieter Wednesday. I'll send a PM when I am going with additional info on requirements and what to expect (e.g., how many runs does one get, helmet specs, etc.)
#5
08-12-2014, 08:20 PM
UPDATE:
Looks like I'll be reverting back to FVD's Level 1 tune! The new boost pressure sensors (BPS) simply weren't compatible with my car (differences are documented above) and as a result kept throwing ECU, and ultimately TCU fault codes. FVD engineers have been fantastic in their efforts to troubleshoot and rectify the issues.
Initially, BPS related ECU fault codes were triggering constant CEL. We isolated the cause to an incorrectly uploaded ECU tuned file (user error). We thought we had the issue sorted, unfortunately a new issue arose! During WOT hard acceleration (max boost and high rpm), the "Transmission Emergency Run" error message came on (see pic below), accompanied by the PDK going into "limp mode" where it appeared stuck in one or two gears and shifted with a very audible 'clunk'!!
The first time this occurred I thought, "**** I've just done the unthinkable and blown my transmission!" I pulled the car over, turned off the engine and cursed myself! I restarted the car and to my surprise everything appeared back to normal with no active error message. I drove home gingerly and researched the error message. Turns out it's not unusual and can be caused by a number of things including (1) overheated transmission (2) DME/DFI control module miscommunication with the transmission control unit (TCU) (3) needed PDK software update (4) low voltage and (5) valve control unit needing replacement. The process of turning off the engine and restarting acts as a "reboot" for the TCU and the PDK then functions normally. Being the knucklehead that I am, I took the car out again to try and replicate the condition that caused the error!! Sure enough, under WOT hard acceleration, I got the same message and the PDK went into limp mode again. Quick reset (ignition off/on) and all was good.
A trip to the dealer confirmed that the BPS triggered fault codes which then caused a miscommunication with the PDK TCU under high boost/high rpm. The dealer confirmed that my PDK passed all tests and was fine, and they cleared all the passive ECU and TCU codes. I informed FVD of this latest development and true to form, FVD was willing to step in and attempt to find a solution but I'd had enough. Random CEL I can deal with, but now my PDK transmission was potentially on the line (who needs a $15K-$20K PDK replacement bill)! I scheduled time to have the OEM BPS reinstalled and the car flashed back to FVD's Level 1 tune.
The fault isn't FVD's, the engineers were super fantastic in their troubleshooting efforts. The fault lies with trying to adapt a piece of hardware that, in hindsight, wasn't designed for my engine (newer 997.2 turbo S DFI 3.8ltr). I'm sure, given time, FVD would have found a workable solution but RELIABILITY has always been at the top of my requirements and I simply wasn't willing to put my faith in a piece of hardware (BPS) that had not been designed, manufactured nor rigorously tested for my car's engine. If/when Bosch manufactures a high boost BPS for the newer 997.2 turbo S DFI 3.8ltr, I may go down this road again.
Heck I'm not complaining, I'm going back to 0-60mph on 93 oct pump gas, with a standing start (no 1 ft roll-out) and passenger in 2.7 secs...there are worse things in life! One positive takeaway, as we push the performance boundaries on these .2 TT/S it appears that the PDK transmission is proving to be...dare I say, "bulletproof"!
Looks like I'll be reverting back to FVD's Level 1 tune! The new boost pressure sensors (BPS) simply weren't compatible with my car (differences are documented above) and as a result kept throwing ECU, and ultimately TCU fault codes. FVD engineers have been fantastic in their efforts to troubleshoot and rectify the issues.
Initially, BPS related ECU fault codes were triggering constant CEL. We isolated the cause to an incorrectly uploaded ECU tuned file (user error). We thought we had the issue sorted, unfortunately a new issue arose! During WOT hard acceleration (max boost and high rpm), the "Transmission Emergency Run" error message came on (see pic below), accompanied by the PDK going into "limp mode" where it appeared stuck in one or two gears and shifted with a very audible 'clunk'!!
The first time this occurred I thought, "**** I've just done the unthinkable and blown my transmission!" I pulled the car over, turned off the engine and cursed myself! I restarted the car and to my surprise everything appeared back to normal with no active error message. I drove home gingerly and researched the error message. Turns out it's not unusual and can be caused by a number of things including (1) overheated transmission (2) DME/DFI control module miscommunication with the transmission control unit (TCU) (3) needed PDK software update (4) low voltage and (5) valve control unit needing replacement. The process of turning off the engine and restarting acts as a "reboot" for the TCU and the PDK then functions normally. Being the knucklehead that I am, I took the car out again to try and replicate the condition that caused the error!! Sure enough, under WOT hard acceleration, I got the same message and the PDK went into limp mode again. Quick reset (ignition off/on) and all was good.
A trip to the dealer confirmed that the BPS triggered fault codes which then caused a miscommunication with the PDK TCU under high boost/high rpm. The dealer confirmed that my PDK passed all tests and was fine, and they cleared all the passive ECU and TCU codes. I informed FVD of this latest development and true to form, FVD was willing to step in and attempt to find a solution but I'd had enough. Random CEL I can deal with, but now my PDK transmission was potentially on the line (who needs a $15K-$20K PDK replacement bill)! I scheduled time to have the OEM BPS reinstalled and the car flashed back to FVD's Level 1 tune.
The fault isn't FVD's, the engineers were super fantastic in their troubleshooting efforts. The fault lies with trying to adapt a piece of hardware that, in hindsight, wasn't designed for my engine (newer 997.2 turbo S DFI 3.8ltr). I'm sure, given time, FVD would have found a workable solution but RELIABILITY has always been at the top of my requirements and I simply wasn't willing to put my faith in a piece of hardware (BPS) that had not been designed, manufactured nor rigorously tested for my car's engine. If/when Bosch manufactures a high boost BPS for the newer 997.2 turbo S DFI 3.8ltr, I may go down this road again.
Heck I'm not complaining, I'm going back to 0-60mph on 93 oct pump gas, with a standing start (no 1 ft roll-out) and passenger in 2.7 secs...there are worse things in life! One positive takeaway, as we push the performance boundaries on these .2 TT/S it appears that the PDK transmission is proving to be...dare I say, "bulletproof"!
#6
09-17-2014, 09:33 PM
UPDATE (9/17/14)
Problem solved, it appears the issue may have been an incorrectly installed sensor! I reinstalled the 3.0 bar BPS yesterday, re-uploaded the FVD Level 2 tune and bingo, everything worked! I put the car through its paces this evening and the consistent TQ pull through the rpm range (without going into "limp mode") was great.
During my drive, it occurred to me that a quick run to the drag-strip would provide some nice "real" data. Conditions were generally similar (to my previous outing at Englishtown Raceway) with the only differences being the new tune and temp was about 15 degrees cooler. The car ran a 10.6 @ 130mph on 93 oct pump gas (vs. 10.8 @ 127mph). That's a measurable difference, albeit slightly imperfect given the cooler temps. The additional torque was definitely felt during the run! Thanks to FVD and Rhonda, the car is definitely quicker!
Problem solved, it appears the issue may have been an incorrectly installed sensor! I reinstalled the 3.0 bar BPS yesterday, re-uploaded the FVD Level 2 tune and bingo, everything worked! I put the car through its paces this evening and the consistent TQ pull through the rpm range (without going into "limp mode") was great.
During my drive, it occurred to me that a quick run to the drag-strip would provide some nice "real" data. Conditions were generally similar (to my previous outing at Englishtown Raceway) with the only differences being the new tune and temp was about 15 degrees cooler. The car ran a 10.6 @ 130mph on 93 oct pump gas (vs. 10.8 @ 127mph). That's a measurable difference, albeit slightly imperfect given the cooler temps. The additional torque was definitely felt during the run! Thanks to FVD and Rhonda, the car is definitely quicker!
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#9
09-17-2014, 10:53 PM
Agreed, really knowledgable guys. What does FVD's stage 3 setup entail?
#10
09-17-2014, 10:59 PM
Great... I'm waiting to have time to go back, but my PS2 are not that helpfull last time I went (1.9 60ft) so I may change them before I go back 
#11
09-18-2014, 08:51 AM
Nice Run! Glad to hear all is sorted.
__________________
FVD Brombacher - USA
Contact me directly to get the latest FVD forum member discount!
Rhonda Roxburgh
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rhonda.roxburgh@fvd.net
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FVD Brombacher - USA
Contact me directly to get the latest FVD forum member discount!
Rhonda Roxburgh
+1-954-571-2050 x 1
rhonda.roxburgh@fvd.net
Visit our online shop for an extensive selection of tuning and original parts www.fvd.net
#12
09-18-2014, 09:18 AM
Glad to hear you got it sorted as well. Couple random questions I'm curious about:
What was your 60' time?
How much boost do you run now on the stg 2 tune?
I def want to get back to the track ASAP (maybe this weekend or if not next weds). Hopefully my exhaust will be here tomorrow, fingers crossed
What was your 60' time?
How much boost do you run now on the stg 2 tune?
I def want to get back to the track ASAP (maybe this weekend or if not next weds). Hopefully my exhaust will be here tomorrow, fingers crossed
#13
09-18-2014, 10:05 AM
Congrats Akunob- I'm glad you finally have it sorted out. I'm still waiting for my exhaust from Speedtech. It should ship out today or tomorrow. I'm down to go to the track tomorrow night for a baseline though. Let me know. I think the weather will work out.
#14
09-18-2014, 10:06 AM
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: GTA, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,666
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What is the FVD stage 3? Any pbox numbers. Just need to know if I should back down if I see you on the 400 series highways, lol.
Congrats Akunob, that is a great result, and excellent service from FVD.
#15
09-18-2014, 10:54 AM
Congrats akunob glad everything got sorted! Your 10.6 on 93 is fantastic!! You can drop tire pressure to 30 psi front and rear and that should get you a better launch - and it's free. Try that first before you spend $1,500 on R888's. Also, run a mix of race gas with the 93 pump. The ECU should allow for more timing. I bet you can drop a tenth or two with those two simple things!