My point exactly. X50 was an $18,000 option why not get a car with it?

You can get almost 600Hp with a flash, exhaust and upgraded wastegates.

 

Knowing what we know now, you could get the X50 package for 1/4 of what it cost back then...
as it's already been said here, the biggest benefit of getting an X50 is it ALREADY has the K24's, which is a stepping stone to 18G's. The intercoolers are a benefit also, but not one you would notice much until you over the 600whp mark.

and you meant 600 crank hp right?...

 

Yes 600 crank...

My K24 dyno results below on pump gas.

Doing 24/18g as we speak.

 

I thought the x50 also gave you a better gearbox w/steel synchros....

 

Common misconception that has been perpetuated .... (no offense)

There is no difference in the trannys with the X50 option- unfortunately Porsche Sales once made a statement in a sales blurb, pre-release, about beefier synchros and it has been a rumor ever since.

If you look at the Porsche parts catalogs, you will see there is only one part number for the tranny- same one in a 996TT as in the X50 version.

 

Ok, if this is true along with all the other additional "upgraded" components outside of the turbos themselves, the package starts to make a lot more sense.

Justin

 

Rumor smashed! I love the quick clarification responses here.

 

...so I'm guessing the option to get the gearbox oil cooler is BS as well?

 

Pretty sure the oil cooler is a GT2 feature, but not an X50 option...

 

Same tranny in the TT/X50/GT2/Turbo S the only difference is that the GT2 has an oil cooler and the AWD output shaft is covered by a bolt on cover.

Porsche sales literature and order guide definitely mentions tranny in the X50 package... shame.

 

I thought the GT2 tranny DID have the steel synchros? I've always heard that that is THE upgrade for the 996tt tranny, when we eventually destroy our brass synchros? More rumors? Part numbers anyone?

 

This is a DIRECT quote from the order guide:

 

The GT2 gearbox is certainly different....w/steel synchros and a cooler...

Interesting that the X50 box is no different from standard. I've had some very learned Pcar people of significant repute tell me the X50 box was different and a good reason to choose an X50 car.

$18k is a lot for a couple of turbos, slightly above average i/c's and programming. But I guess its factory. That same package from Ruf would be $40k....so I guess its all relative.

 

As others have already alluded to on the thread, it makes no financial sense to "add the X50" package to a non X50 equipped 996TT...but you can do something very similar or more aggressive for a lot less money. The intercoolers themselves will be prohibitively expensive if I've been reading correctly, and there are plenty of great turbo options out there. I also agree with the statement that the X50 package is a much better choice to those of us who plan to leave the car bone-stock or to simply pursue a reflash mod only. Anyone planning moderate to serious mods won't need the X50 package since they will quickly surpass it.

That being said, I hope you find a suitable X50 equipped car in your price range. Why not start with the best overall platform that provides an easier/cheaper upgrade path and already has the upgraded intercoolers?

 

You are right Steve, nothing I disagree with here. In my particular case I do have plans to modify for power down the road. That on top of the fact that these things can be added later gives me a broader list of cars cars to choose from. When it comes to the cost to add later vs now, for me its not about the overall money spent. Right now I would rather get into the car that I want while still showing some reservation on my initial dollar output. I'm lucky in that recession has not had the effect on me that it has had on many people, but I'd rather hold back a little now and be safe, than be sorry later.

Justin