I am currently in the market for either an 02 or 03 996TT and would like to get some help on the following questions:

1.) What were the differences between the 2 model years? I know x50 was offered both years but what are other differences between the 2 model years?

2.)What exactly is included in the x50 option? I've read that x50 included bigger intercoolers, bigger turbos (?), etc. Anyone have a link on what exactly is included?

3.) Does it make sense to hold out for an x50 car (probably pay the premium over non-x50 car) or just purchase a non-x50 car and modify it? How do the modifications affect extended warranty coverage?

4.) I see a lot of "Stage 2, Stage 4, EVOMS, etc." on people's signature lines. What do they mean? What is included with each stage? Anyone have approximate cost of each stage upgrade?

I tried doing a search on this forum but couldn't quite find answers so I regret if this has gone over before. I would be more than happy to compile some form of FAQ (unless there already is one and I just didn't know where it was) and request for the admin to make it sticky!).

Thanks in advance

Carlo
(currently looking for a 2002 or 2003 996TT)

 

stage 2 means that its chipped only. stage 4 means new turbos, exhaust, dvs, filter,etc... a stage 4 usually is around 570 hp... that goes for most tuners.
Evoms, IA, sharkwerks are all tuners and sponsors of this site...

I can tell you that for under $10K you can get 600 hp...
good luck,
markski

 

Carlo,

No real difference between the 02-03 (they use PCM2). In 04 they changed the NAV etc... The X50 isn't worth the extra money (at least not then) but if it's a grand or so more then take it. You get GT2 intercoolers, K24 turbos (laggy but more powerful) and steel synchros. Nothing else really.

Head over to our site, EVO's or IA's and you'll see a list of what's entailed with the stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 and then GT series.

If you're getting an X50 you automatically bypass the Stage I-2. Your first level would be a Stage III (around 550HP), where you'd get an Exhaust, Diverter Valves, Programing and an intake.

 

Go to www.evoms.com. There you can see all the details about their various mods for TT's (components, performance specs, prices, list of dealers, etc.).

Have fun!!

 

"

That's why I started with the X-50 to begin with. I wanted staight forward reliable hp (for track use) so I thought I would start with the porsche hot rod and do intake, exhaust, and ECU and be done with it, as I have.

If you are going to be a "modder" you are better off getting the lesser value car and doing it yourself. Just my 2 cents

 

Tom did you get these yet

http://www.sharkwerks.com/products.php?pid=68

 

I should have also mentioned about any future mods and my preferences:

- I like horsepower but I want reliable HP (like Tom mentioned above). I don't have a lot of tolerance for non-reliable cars. Once upon a time, I had a modified 300ZX Twin Turbo that put out 400+HP when everything was running right...but for 80-90% of the time, something was always not quite right. I just don't have the patience for that anymore.

- The first mod I would do to a stock car will most likely be suspension and exhaust (turbo's are quiet enough cars and I do like to have a little bit of an exhaust note). I do not track cars with any sort of frequency (at most 3-4 times a year nowadays and I will get a dedicated track car if I did more than that).

Tom- You mentioned 'modder'. Having read the above, would you consider me as one?

 

Modder? Nope. I would recommend going with an X50 car, then add exhaust, diverter valves, ECU tuning (chip), PSS9 coilovers, and other small modifications and you're set. I'm kinda in the same category as you, and that's what I'll be doing. Best of luck with the search.

-Awais

 

Stage 2 is the same mods that a Stage 4 is, just the K24 turbos of the X-50 are a given on the Stage 4.
Ex. If my car was a X-50 to begin with I would be at Stage 4.
To me the diff of 50 hp between the 2 & 4 isn't worth it. It is either stay Stage 2 or go all out on a GT600-850 for me.

 

Alex, thank you and yes got em from my local "EVO" dealer and they made a SIGNIFICANT difference. before my ECU was flashed they changed my sustained boost from 0.9 to 1.0 and was very happy! thank you.
cm no, you have already been there done that, you are approching this car correctly, the exhaust and ECU flash and suspension are good starts and if you see what the guys do here not really considered any big mod stuff. this car IMO needs basic upgrades to the suspension, SSK, (LWFW but not for everybody), also IMO I would change the stock diverters and go to turbo silicone boost hoses. Then go enjoy and feel comfortable you have one of the highest hp best performing cars in your neighborhood, but stay out of Sharky's neighborhood.

 

Hehe you are too funny Glad you did. It's a cheap mod but works darned well so glad you got those done!

Since you track a lot and you already have the hoses your next best mod would be additional cooling and maintaining that HP so I'd save up for the Ic's..

 

If you are going to get a cpo'd ( certified pre-owned) from a porsche dealer then go with the x-50 if you are going to buy a car without warrenty then buy the best priced car and then mod-it . It is my understanding that most mod's will void any warrenty, and these cars can be quite expensive to repair.
Good luck

 

It looks like most of the cars I will be looking at will not be CPO'd (some may have a bit of factory warranty left). However, I am planning on buying an aftermarket warranty with the purchase.

 

If you are going to buy an aftermarket warranty, be sure to read the fine print about engine upgrades. More often than not, a repair is only void if the upgraded part actually caused the damage, but be positive. It might change your plans on modifying, lean you to the X50 now, or change your mind on the warranty itself.

 

Thanks to everyone who've responded so far.

I have a question - anyone know what the difference is between 01 and 02 model year cars for the 996TT?

I am clearly understanding that there are no differences between 02 and 03.