Best sequence for performance mods
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From: Alpharetta, GA
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My thoughts = (in terms of daily feel/liveability/cost)
1. Short Shifter
2. Suspension
3. Decide your plan for total power/output...this will determine your next steps including any combination of the following:
3a. Turbos
3b. Flash
3c. Exhaust
3d. Clutch / Flywheel
3e. Brakes
Driver education supersedes all of the above
1. Short Shifter
2. Suspension
3. Decide your plan for total power/output...this will determine your next steps including any combination of the following:
3a. Turbos
3b. Flash
3c. Exhaust
3d. Clutch / Flywheel
3e. Brakes
Driver education supersedes all of the above
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From: Mojave, CA
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If you're doing DEs, would add intercoolers (preferably ones that have data showing they actually reduce IAT over stock) to the flash/exhaust combo and other suggested mods. There have been instances where flashed cars become slower than stock after a few laps due to high IATs and subsequent ignition timing reduction. Flashes are great for temporary power increases on the street, but I would highly recommend a more well rounded, systems approach type package for road course work. On the same token, the exhaust will free up power and also reduce EGTs.
Clutch is a toss up depending on its current condition.
Clutch is a toss up depending on its current condition.
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From: San Diego, San Francisco
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Thanks for the information guys as TEXECH stated the exact questions I have for my list of performance items.
Can you please clarify that a clutch upgrade is needed with a ECU flash and mild exhaust upgrade - street application only?
TEXECH - where are you getting the ECU flash and why did you choose them? I am looking myself. Thanks.
Can you please clarify that a clutch upgrade is needed with a ECU flash and mild exhaust upgrade - street application only?
TEXECH - where are you getting the ECU flash and why did you choose them? I am looking myself. Thanks.
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To everyone that has posted thoughts so far: Thanks so much. Its truly great to gain all this insight.
On the DE's - agree that for the track - suspension, brakes over anything else - with the exception of a good teacher/program of HOW to drive (been there - done that - but always happy to learn more from those I can learn from).
On the HP modifications - seems like everyone is in pretty good synch on what to do. There are any options - and no single defined best approach to tackle necessarily, but some things go hand in hand. And I appreciate the ideas/thoughts I didn't have - intercoolers for example.
The coolest part of all this? The potential in these cars is unbelievable!
Steve
On the DE's - agree that for the track - suspension, brakes over anything else - with the exception of a good teacher/program of HOW to drive (been there - done that - but always happy to learn more from those I can learn from).
On the HP modifications - seems like everyone is in pretty good synch on what to do. There are any options - and no single defined best approach to tackle necessarily, but some things go hand in hand. And I appreciate the ideas/thoughts I didn't have - intercoolers for example.
The coolest part of all this? The potential in these cars is unbelievable!
Steve
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An exhaust and flash in combination have the most fun factor as feel them in everyday driving. Instant gradification at the push of a pedal. If you plan to modify for power beyond this, then give serious thoughts to your end goal. Changing turbo's opens a whole can of worm or opportunities depending on your view of thing (and your budget). Intercoolers, fuel rails, injectors, FPR, and fuel rails need to be considered depending on which turbo's you pick. The flash you did for just the exhaust will be not be able to optimize these other mods. So you'll have to pay for another flash (or upgrade of the one you have) if you don't do all the mods at the same time. With higher power output goals, you'll also need to consider a stronger clutch assembly.
The thing you didn't mention is suspension which is unfortunately usually overlooked. The stock 996tt suspension in US form is not tuned to match the stock power. What saves most people from disaster is the AWD and substantial understeer PCNA has dailed into the car. By way of example the GT2 (also known as the widow maker) with the same engine (X50 version) has a substantially different suspension including relocation of the suspension pick up points and 2wd.
I would invest some money in suspension modifications depending on your intended use. For a street only car you don't need to get too radical. The factory X73 suspension is the safest bet as it has been through all the factory testing and you know it will work as designed. PSS10 are very nice for the street due to the adjustability and if you don't drop the car too far you won't need additional suspension components. A thicker rear sway bar is alway a help with an alignment to reduce understeer. If you intend to track the car more than occationally you can get into some seriously expensive mods.
The stock brakes are fine for everyday use but if you plan to do much track time these will at least need harder pads and better brake fluid. PCCB are fine of the street but not suited for track use.
The drive train and shifter have too much slack in them which is easily corrected using stock parts. (replace with a 997 short shifter, 964RS motor mounts and a 997 tranny mount). These are easy DIY's. Less than a days work and you don't reduce the comfort level of you car like most other mods will.
Lastly the most over looked mod is DE events. It is amazing how much faster your car will go better educated and more seat time the driver has.
The point is to try to achieve balance with the car in suspension, braking, and power. Remember anything you do to increase performance will most likely decrease comfort.
The thing you didn't mention is suspension which is unfortunately usually overlooked. The stock 996tt suspension in US form is not tuned to match the stock power. What saves most people from disaster is the AWD and substantial understeer PCNA has dailed into the car. By way of example the GT2 (also known as the widow maker) with the same engine (X50 version) has a substantially different suspension including relocation of the suspension pick up points and 2wd.
I would invest some money in suspension modifications depending on your intended use. For a street only car you don't need to get too radical. The factory X73 suspension is the safest bet as it has been through all the factory testing and you know it will work as designed. PSS10 are very nice for the street due to the adjustability and if you don't drop the car too far you won't need additional suspension components. A thicker rear sway bar is alway a help with an alignment to reduce understeer. If you intend to track the car more than occationally you can get into some seriously expensive mods.
The stock brakes are fine for everyday use but if you plan to do much track time these will at least need harder pads and better brake fluid. PCCB are fine of the street but not suited for track use.
The drive train and shifter have too much slack in them which is easily corrected using stock parts. (replace with a 997 short shifter, 964RS motor mounts and a 997 tranny mount). These are easy DIY's. Less than a days work and you don't reduce the comfort level of you car like most other mods will.
Lastly the most over looked mod is DE events. It is amazing how much faster your car will go better educated and more seat time the driver has.
The point is to try to achieve balance with the car in suspension, braking, and power. Remember anything you do to increase performance will most likely decrease comfort.
Thanks again - I really appreciate it.
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No final decision on that yet. Most very likely it will be EPL - everything I have heard/read about Tony is fantastic. But there are others that have equally good reputations and customer feedback/loyalty out there.
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A flashed ECU + stock exhaust = big problems at the track on a warm day. You need to open it up or rising temps can conspire to do bad stuff despite assertions to the contrary. How do I know? I didn't do the exhaust component and am still waiting for my motor to be rebuilt after being taken out by an imploding turbo last summer. Do it right. Best,
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A flashed ECU + stock exhaust = big problems at the track on a warm day. You need to open it up or rising temps can conspire to do bad stuff despite assertions to the contrary. How do I know? I didn't do the exhaust component and am still waiting for my motor to be rebuilt after being taken out by an imploding turbo last summer. Do it right. Best,
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Don't forget about the safety stuff: roll bar/cage, seats, harnesses. Last year was my first year tracking DEs and by the 3rd or 4th event I was sliding all over the inside of the car with stock sport seats and 3 pt belt. I recently added Recaro GT3 Euro seats, harness bar and 6 pt Schroth GT3 harnesses. It is amazing how light the steering wheel feels when you're not using it to brace yourself in a corner.
Have fun!
Tim
Have fun!
Tim
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https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ts-racing.html
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If you ask 20 people, you'll get 21 opinions. My advice is... it will save you some money if you do everything at once assuming you have the money. If you are on a budget, just do the flash first since it is the biggest bang for the buck. I know many people are running a flash w/o exhaust with no problem. Next one should be the exhaust. For everything else, put them in a box and draw them out one by one... and mod them in that order.