Hey Guys,

I just picked up a RUF 3600S with the 3.6L X51 engine in it...345 HP, plus some mods from RUF that get the total to 365'ish. The engine is brand new, and as such, I am not reving it like crazy until break in. But the X51 has the torque way up high in the RPM band, yes?

I have run it up a little, and the engine seems to really come alive around 5500 RPMs. Under that, it isn't much different than my previous 01 Boxster S, which really surprised me. I heard the X51 motor is weaker down low than even the standard 3.6L engine. True? How far do I have until the rev limiter kicks in? How big is my "power band"?

I trust the RUF guys implicitly and I don't at all mind a rev-happy car. I am just looking for some insight into how it should behave once it is broken in and I can start running it harder. Or just any impressions / feedback from X51 owners in general.

TIA

 

Sounds like you need to talk to RUF and get a copy of the dyno sheet from them for that engine. That will answer your question about where the power is versus RPM. And they should be able to tell you where the rev limit is set also. Is there a problem contacting them?

 

They were going to dyno the engine once it was broken in, but I bought it before they had a chance. lol They are inquiring with the German office.

I just wondered about people's impressions of X51 engines. What they were like to drive.

 

Congrats! sounds like a great car. I have an 04 40th anniv edition with the x51 and it pulls a lot stronger than the non x51's that I have driven, especially at 5,000 and above which is where it really comes alive. One thing that I would really strongly advise is to start taking it up to 7,000 in 2nd gear after about 400 miles. Do NOT wait until 1,000 miles!

I also have the Fabspeed Maxflo mufflers which probably gives me another 8 hp or so and the combination is quite good over 5,000. Nice sound and great power.

I don't think you will really appreciate the x51 until you get about 350- 400 miles and be able to feel/hear the difference at 5,000 rpm +.

A really fun thing is to see the look on the drivers of WRX sti's; E55's and Mustang SVT's etc. that think you have the 320 hp version until you pull away from them in 2nd gear and beyond! Great fun!

 

Why do you recommend taking it to 7k RPMs after only 400 miles? Just curious.

 

I was frustrated keeping it below 4200 and I mentioned it to a friend who has a Porsche and who was told by the service mgr of the Porsche dealer in Rancho mirage, CA to start reving to 7,000 at 350- 400 miles to properly break in the car. So I called the guy (Jim Corbiel 760-773-5100) and sure enough he said to ignore the factory reccomendation and break it in much more aggrressively to get a much better running car for the rest of it's life. Turns out he managed the Porsche racing team for many years and really knows his stuff.

By then I had about 425 miles on the car so I went out and did what he said and my car runs great and he saved me a ton of frustration. Call him, he's a really nice guy.

Chuck

 

Cool, thanks for the info.

Man, this is one cool car. The engine note and exhaust are awesome, and there is even a nice burble on deceleration. I can't wait to see what she can do once she is good to go. I have about 330 miles on the engine now. Life keeps intruding and keeping me from driving!

 

YUP...when I got my new engine, everyone at the dealer including the service manager said break it in hard....so I did 500 easy miles, then broke it in hard....Its only been 7000 miles, but no issues yet...

 

The car pulls very strongly form 4000 to its redline at 7300 rpms. Post some pictures of your Ruf!

 

I keep telling everybody to break it in the way you are going to drive it. I have built a lot of engines and never had one break due to aggresive break in.

 

I have an 03 C4S with the X51 package and, like others, now that it is broken in is sweet. Above 5000 rpm it kicks in and with PSE sounds just right.

There are other less expensive and more powerful options (supercharging) but I wanted to keep the Porsche warranty valid.

 

Here are a few:











The windows are tinted now, and from the side at a little towards the front, it has a much more aggressive stance and look than my old S had, especially with the top up. For some reason, these pics really don't show off the body kit with as much impact as it has in person.

 

Where are the wings? That thing must fly!

 

This is a beautiful car, CONGRATS!! Great choice by the way, I always loved RUFs!

 

Thanks, guys. The engine DOES seem to be feeling stronger as I break it in...or is that my imagination? lol

I can't wait to get back to MSR!