Is part of the reason you get so much Hp through ECU reprograming because you are undoing the fuel efficiency that Porsche programed into the ECU.

I mean does fuel efficiencey through ECU reprograming just go down the tubes because you are trying to get more power by making the fuel/air mixture richer ?


This is the only explanation that I can think of for why the car didn't come with 70 more hp to start with. I'm sure Porsche engineers were aware that they could boost the performance by remapping the ECU but probably didn't do so for a reason - probably fuel efficiency....

Am I way off ?

 

more boost= more fuel....

 

also timeing adv depending on program most important air in air out .... get a europipe and unclog your car

 

Fuel efficiency is part of the equation, but a small part. Afterall, it is a sports car (really a supercar).
Passing emission requirements is the primary reason. Each country (and CA) has different requirements, and auto manufacturers have to please them all.
Another small part of the equation is reliability. A conservative fuel and ignition map will make sure it lasts a long time. It's quite embarassing (and expensive) to have engine failures. Just ask Nissan (4 cyl Altima) and Mazda (RX-8) right now!

 

I've found I get better gas mileage after chip and intake/exhaust on most cars including the 996tt. primary reason being that I don't have to open the throttle as much when passing or accelerating etc...better throttle response and more low end means on average your throttle is open less...until you hit WOT and blow the average that is. But you get the idea.

dw

 

So a remapped ECU not only voids your warranty but also makes your car more likely to break down

 

If that's what you are worried about... your on the wrong forum...
I have over 80K miles on my car with 1.2 bars to 1.5 bars of boost during that time... no engine problems....

 

Why, lol ?

Because I don't want to do something to my car that will void my warranty and decrease its longterm reliability ?

My car is the only car I own and I would be stupid to do anything to it that would compromise the reliability of my sole means of transport (if indeed ECU reprogramming does decrease reliability like roadsterdoc stated). If it was my weekend car it would be a different story, but its not, so reliability and my warranty is definitley a big concern for me.

Anyway there has to be a better compromise...

The flash program or whatever that conceals the ECU reprograming from the dealership sounds like a good solution. That way at least I can keep my warranty incase any thing does goes wrong with the car.

- Thanks for all the info on here guys. I feel like I'm learning alot already

 

I think what Markski is saying is... this is a performance forum and information is shared for those who wish to increase performance. Sometime increasing performance voids warranties and if you don't want to risk it... keep the car completely stock. Also just because you increase power does not mean you will have reliability issues. I have an 03 Cobra with over 560 RWHP when it only had 367 stock. The car has over 23,000 miles now and idles, runs, and behaves better than stock. As long as I have it pointed in a straight direction that is. You are probably right if you only have one car and and don't want to risk it don't do it. Hey but what fun is that? Pick up a cheap beater and mod that thing.

 

I wasnt trying to sound snobby... maybe you got me wrong.... my point was that a lot of do mod, some light and some very heavy, and we normally do not have issues with reliability and or warranty- if you are worried about the above mentioned... then just stop here and enjoy your stock car... YOU seem to try to get an answer and or approval from us about the best case scenario- "I WANT A FAST CAR, KEEP MY WARRANTY, SAVE FUEL, ETC..."
If you notice I also drove my car as if it was my ONLY CAR- 80K miles in 4 years.
my best advice is to enjoy what you have before you get bored and someone else will. Getting dvs, filter, exhaust, ecu will not void ur warranty in most cases- a gift certificate for my mechanic and his service advisor during Christmas goes a long way.

 

Regarding decreased reliability, I think it will only affect the lifetime of the engine. Perhaps decrease it by 10% (this number is a guess). Lets say a stock eninge is good for 200K miles before needing a rebuild, then a modded ecu car may need a rebuild at 180K miles.
These mods do not seem to increase the risk of catastrophic failure as the only cases I have heard/read about are engines that are pushed over 700hp and at very high rpms.
An engines life depends on on how the car is driven. If you are at full boost and over 6000rpm 50% of the time (which is imposible), then the engine insn't going to last as long as one that is in boost and over 6000rpm 1% of the time.
These mods have proven to be an excellent upgrade with no known documented negative results. If you are looking for reassurance then do more research. Search the forums, the internet and talk to the vendors. Just don't ask the dealer!

 

Honestly Tarek, you are asking the obvious. Mark is right, not just that your in the wrong forum but you shouldn't be looking to modify the car if you are that worried! We have been through this in the BMW/M3 world where I answered questions and things will not change anywhere else regarding modifying and less reliability engine wise and voiding warranty from mods, its in any car manufacturer, and not true (less engine life from uping boost or ecu upgrading) Also fuel efficiency for a car of this calibur strikes me as funny, I mean its a supercar not a prius :/ ? But I know where you are coming from with you're curiousity!

 

I've also wondered if the ECU tuning over enrichens the part throttle mixtures. If you're running a little too rich at no or low boost it would reduce spark plug life. On kits where the fuel pressure is raised it seems like they would have to retune all the part throttle maps too.

 

A stock car can have issues if not maintained correctly or abused. Most people that spend significant money to mod their cars will also take good care of them and not have issues out of the ordinary. The good news for you is that you can stick to body mods and aesthetics, and never have to touch the engine. But if you ask expect blunt and honest answers.