Need advice-- 500 hp vs 600 hp?
 

Hi Guys,

I'm scheduled to take my car in next week for its first big performance upgrade. Ive got an '04 TT cab with 22k that recently went off warranty.

My rational side says start small-- a 500 hp upgrade (reflashed ecu, f-hose, billet diverter valves, spark plugs, and a drop-in performance air filter):), but my "6speed" side is telling me to go straight to the promised land-- 600 hp (Upgraded turbos, headers, exhaust,boost hoses, fuel pressure regulator and programming). :D

So, the question is should I be reasonable and start with 500 hp and see if it's enough for me, or do I just dig deeper into my wallet and gostraight for the 600? For those that have experiened a TT with both, is there a huge difference? Someone please save me money and talk me into the 500 hp as being enough. ;) I don't track the car (not yet anyway) so this is primarily for spirited driving.

Any input appreciated. GBG

My advice would be to start with the 500hp + an exhaust.

My advice from experience is go straight to K24/18 package. You will always crave more... it's like a drug addiction.

I've had my car at 500+, 600 and now 650 or so... there is a big difference at all stages of mods. If you drive the car daily or other people use it that may direct you to a decision. For most people 500+hp is more than enough.... for some 600+ is way too little... hilarious

if money permits always get more you will end up there anyway and pay double if you go in steps

I went from stage 2 (480HP) to stage 4 (550-560HP) in less than 3 months. As you, I don't track this car. I would recommend the stage IV package. You may keep your OEM clutch for a while, which is the only complaint I have. The LWFW is tricky and noisy if you drive it daily.

Get the 650 pack as ppl above have stated...500 is just not enough.

I went from test driving stock 996TTs, to owning a GT700 kit!

600 > 500 first difference in numbers. I myself just went to flashed ecu, diverter valves and performance filter. Just got the car today on the island, so I haven't taken her for a spin yet. But here is my theory, start with softcore drugs, and progressively go with more hardcore, you'll enjoy the trip more in my opinion.
Just my $0.02

+1...unless the 500hp upgrades are portable to the 600hp package (which you know the ECU tune is going to be an additional cost) you are going to spend more money in the long run doing it in stages.

Tom

Since you're on 6speeds and posted this thread, I believe you are a "power hungry" kind of a guy. You won't stop until you max out your car's capability (without going into the internal). If money is not a concern, go straight to 650+; you may find some discounts when doing all at once.

Aside: I have no issues with the LWFW every day. I wonder if the clutch from UMW and the LWFW from UMW together are just easy to use. Don't know.


I DD my lwfw/sachs clutched car. Switzer exhaust, gt2 clutch pedal mod, etc. I think it is MORE than enough for track and DD use. Not for drag racing or bragging. But, those in NA GT3's seem pretty happy at under 500hp ....


And, things are more likely to break in an expensive way at more HP. Tranny's break, etc.

So, in today's economic scene, you need to figure out what risk you can handle and what your need is..follow you instincts. But, to me, 530 or so is way more than enough for my needs and keeps my engine safe.


JB

If all you want is a strong street car & do not care about blazing 60-130s or TX mile, I would do the K16/16G hybrids with EPL tune. For less than $4K you will make 550+ FWHP and a ton of torque. I am installing this set-up now. Talk to Tony at EPL as he will explain the pros and limitations.

You'll save tons of money in the long run if you go with upgraded turbo's.......It's hard to stop modding!

I would go as far as the stock fueling will take you, which is some good hybrids, like K16/16g or K16/24 or K24/18. You will not regret it. It will give you about 500 whp and will not overtax the drivetrain. you will eventually need a heavier duty clutch. and definitely go aftermarket on the exhaust to allow the turbos to breath.

if you don't want to spend the money then go to a tune and exhaust and that should be good for 500 brake hp or so.

K16 based turbos (including hybrids) produce a lot of heat at 1.2 bar. Water injection is a nice option as it will allow a little more boost on pump & the ECU will not pull as much timing. EPL has claims a peak 40 WHP increase.