Hey guys,

I've only driven my 996TT with the Gemballa tune/flash that I inherited with the car 3.5 years ago. It boosts up to 1.0 bar in 4th gear under a good load at times and I've always reasoned that it must be pretty decent, but that was due to boost pressure alone and not anything else important.

So, I'm under no delusions that it's the best tune around by any means...but does anyone know how it actually compares with a current tune by GIAC/SoftTronic/EPL/UMW, etc? Better yet, does anyone around here remember actually having a Gemballa flash and upgrading to something else?

My car underperformed a bit at the track recently relative to where I thought it might be, and thus I've been considering all the variables that lead to it's performance. The tune and exhaust are pretty much the only power mods, and are likely not optimized for each other since I changed the exhaust to a higher-flow OEM modified unit.

Thanks for any feedback.

Just to compare. X50 200 cell cat/exhaust no other mods. Softronic Flash. 1.2 bar all day long. Can push and hold to 1.3 bar in 3rd.

I should have mentioned specifically that I have K16 turbos. Thanks Duane!

i have a cargraphic tune running 16/24's that i think is as old as the car itself, and my boost levels approximate those of duane996tt's. 1.2 at will, with occasional peaks of 1.3, weather permitting. i often think of getting a newer remap but i can't remember just why.

that tune you have is very very mild , as most euro tunes for that matter..

if i were you i would get a tune from protomotive or softronic etc etc....

also i woud get a real exhuast , that modified unit is ok for stock , but when you add a tune, you need something that flows a bit more.

Steve,
I would suggest picking up a Durametric and logging a 3rd or 4th gear pull (or however you intend to max-perform your car), then sending it to several tuners to get their input (you'll need some way to log to tweak a new tune anyways). The Gemballa tune may be on the milder side because some of the Euro tunes are geared more towards sustained load (think 5/6th gear WOT on the autobahn), which may cost some performance elsewhere if you never intend to use the car that way.

Thanks for the additional input guys! The good news is that I do have a Durametric so can accomplish the logging request pretty easily. I've been having trouble with the rear O2 sensors on my current tune even with O2 sensor extenders, and that alone started me down the path towards pursuing another tune that dealt with them comprehensively by disabling them. Then I had a conversation with a tuner who mentioned that my modified OEM exhaust was definitely holding me back too...just like it since there is no drone.

Steve,

Just my .02...
I had a pretty maxed out K16 car, (intake pipes, clutch, 997RS intercoolers, 911 tuning exhaust, etc) (stock FPR though).

The car had a GIAC tune from 2004 (so old they didn't have it on record when I tried to pay them to update it) and I went to a 911tuning (Proto) tune.

It was absolutely noticeable. Throttle response, parking lot cruising, etc. You should be cautious though -- there will be more mods!!!!

I would guess that an off the shelf tune presumes craptane gas.

lol your right.. not all tunes are the same... Specifically the older ones .. and yes the Euro ones seem to be more conservative due to the style they drive...

I appreciate the feedback guys, and I'm definitely aware of the slippery slope phenomenon I'm facing here!!

New exhaust
New tune
New clutch
Upgraded turbos
More fuel capacity
etc.

A time tested and proven tradition of owning a 996TT! I'm impressed I've been able to enjoy the car mostly in the form I got it for the last 3.5 years.

as a brit i think i should be insulted, but am not entirely sure lol

Yeah I'd be careful. I'd say the tune was probably decently done if it was the person I think it was who did it. Just make sure it's for the same octane level that you need now vs what the previous owner had? You don't want to be running a 93 tune with 91 for example. But indeed tuning has progressed a lot since the mid-2000s...

Thanks Sharkster! I live in the land of 92 octane and the car was tuned in California, so presumably for 91? Anyway, appreciate your feedback.

My pleasure.. and as long as it was tuned _for_ 91 then yes it's likely safe that way with 92... You could always try to contact Gemballa and give them your VIN number to a) confirm this and b) see if it's been updated in anyway? Just a thought.