To tune or not to tune - need opinion
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: AR
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Guys, I've had my TT for a few days now and already got bitten by the tuning bug. My local Porsche dealer has an offering that includes a Europipe exhaust, BMC sport filter and a Softronic ECU tune for $11k out the door including all labor and taxes. And it would not affect my warranty / cpo according to the dealer.
What do you guys think...should I take the plunge...
What do you guys think...should I take the plunge...
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 523
From: AR
Rep Power: 70
Just a quick thought regarding the various comments here that the OP should "go for it" if the dealer provides a written guarantee for the warranty with mods.
here's my take assuming the OP did the same mods through a 3rd party:
1) the softronic tune is easily reversible so if any issues were to arise the OP could simply reflash to stock before pursuing warranty coverage.
2) The EP1 is pretty much bullet proof and won't impact warranty coverage.
3) BMC filter - no impact
4) Dealer's word on coverage is "flexible" at best, can't know what they will cover until something goes wrong
I would not pay the $4k premium for "peace of mind" from the dealer. Short of the engine exploding you can put that $4k in the bank to cover future repairs if for some reason your existing warranty doesn't cover them. If you really want peace of mind then negotiate him down to $9K or less and then the equation changes, but at $11K he is simply robbing you
here's my take assuming the OP did the same mods through a 3rd party:
1) the softronic tune is easily reversible so if any issues were to arise the OP could simply reflash to stock before pursuing warranty coverage.
2) The EP1 is pretty much bullet proof and won't impact warranty coverage.
3) BMC filter - no impact
4) Dealer's word on coverage is "flexible" at best, can't know what they will cover until something goes wrong
I would not pay the $4k premium for "peace of mind" from the dealer. Short of the engine exploding you can put that $4k in the bank to cover future repairs if for some reason your existing warranty doesn't cover them. If you really want peace of mind then negotiate him down to $9K or less and then the equation changes, but at $11K he is simply robbing you
Last edited by aa909; Dec 7, 2012 at 08:11 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,260
From: Austin
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Just a quick thought regarding the various comments here that the OP should "go for it" if the dealer provides a written guarantee for the warranty with mods.
here's my take assuming the OP did the same mods through a 3rd party:
1) the softronic tune is easily reversible so if any issues were to arise the OP could simply reflash to stock before pursuing warranty coverage.
2) The EP1 is pretty much bullet proof and won't impact warranty coverage.
3) BMC filter - no impact
4) Dealer's word on coverage is "flexible" at best, can't know what they will cover until something goes wrong
I would not pay the $4k premium for "peace of mind" from the dealer. Short of the engine exploding you can put that $4k in the bank to cover future repairs if for some reason your existing warranty doesn't cover them. If you really want peace of mind then negotiate him down to $9K or less and then the equation changes, but at $11K he is simply robbing you
here's my take assuming the OP did the same mods through a 3rd party:
1) the softronic tune is easily reversible so if any issues were to arise the OP could simply reflash to stock before pursuing warranty coverage.
2) The EP1 is pretty much bullet proof and won't impact warranty coverage.
3) BMC filter - no impact
4) Dealer's word on coverage is "flexible" at best, can't know what they will cover until something goes wrong
I would not pay the $4k premium for "peace of mind" from the dealer. Short of the engine exploding you can put that $4k in the bank to cover future repairs if for some reason your existing warranty doesn't cover them. If you really want peace of mind then negotiate him down to $9K or less and then the equation changes, but at $11K he is simply robbing you
Just sayin'....I can offer you the same package with a Tubi exhaust, GIAC software, and BMC filter for about $7700.
And our warranty is in writing.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 523
From: AR
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so you are willing to pay a 70% premium for "piece of mind"? at the end of the day an extended warranty represent only a ~4% premium over purchase price (used of course) for piece of mind, so the math makes no sense to pay a 70% premium on the margin for AM parts.
Now if you're that worried that a well tested, widely used and reversible tune is going to void the warranty then just skip it, otherwise you are essentially paying $4k-$5K premium for piece of mind on a $2K tune, unless you really think the EP1 and BMC air filter are going to damage your car
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Toronto
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LOL, name calling? that always works
so you are willing to pay a 70% premium for "piece of mind"? at the end of the day an extended warranty represent only a ~4% premium over purchase price (used of course) for piece of mind, so the math makes no sense to pay a 70% premium on the margin for AM parts.
Now if you're that worried that a well tested, widely used and reversible tune is going to void the warranty then just skip it, otherwise you are essentially paying $4k-$5K premium for piece of mind on a $2K tune, unless you really think the EP1 and BMC air filter are going to damage your car
so you are willing to pay a 70% premium for "piece of mind"? at the end of the day an extended warranty represent only a ~4% premium over purchase price (used of course) for piece of mind, so the math makes no sense to pay a 70% premium on the margin for AM parts.
Now if you're that worried that a well tested, widely used and reversible tune is going to void the warranty then just skip it, otherwise you are essentially paying $4k-$5K premium for piece of mind on a $2K tune, unless you really think the EP1 and BMC air filter are going to damage your car
NO! I was/ I'm being sarcastic!
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 523
From: AR
Rep Power: 70
You know when I first read your post I thought you were being sarcastic but wasn't sure. next time you need to include a 
or something to hammer home the sarcasm!! otherwise you're going to get similar replies from smart a$$es like me
or something to hammer home the sarcasm!! otherwise you're going to get similar replies from smart a$$es like me
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Joined: May 2008
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From: SF Bay Area
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Enough said skip the dealer offer go see Tom, BTW Tom's are usually good guys
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From: Toronto
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Hahahahaha- Noted for next time!
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Posts: 1,524
From: Long Island
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Lots of good advice coming your way.
What I did first was work on the things, IMO, I thought I'd get the most out of everytime I take it out.
Exhaust, suspension, OEM aero front, GT2 sides and rear valance (all painted to match/clear filmed) and wheels. While these cars are a blast to drive fast, I've found it extremely difficult to do so on a regular basis, both in Arizona and Texas. Don't track my car, which is where it should really be for truly pushing. With that, I get a lot out the upgraded appearance, stance/handling and great exhaust sound that I can enjoy all the time while driving anywhere.
I know I'll eventually get the tune as the desire for that rush will never fade, just wanted to share the order I'm doing things.
Enjoy, awesome cars...
What I did first was work on the things, IMO, I thought I'd get the most out of everytime I take it out.
Exhaust, suspension, OEM aero front, GT2 sides and rear valance (all painted to match/clear filmed) and wheels. While these cars are a blast to drive fast, I've found it extremely difficult to do so on a regular basis, both in Arizona and Texas. Don't track my car, which is where it should really be for truly pushing. With that, I get a lot out the upgraded appearance, stance/handling and great exhaust sound that I can enjoy all the time while driving anywhere.
I know I'll eventually get the tune as the desire for that rush will never fade, just wanted to share the order I'm doing things.
Enjoy, awesome cars...
It's funny how you constantly want more power in a street car - that you can NEVER utillize. I sold the turbo almost a year ago and replaced it with a dedicated race car. Funny, I never think I need more power.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: NYC : Miami
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11k is NUTS for that stuff.. filter 150, exhaust 4k, tune 2.5k
where does 11K come from!?!?!?!?!?
exhaust is 2 hrs labor rest is easy, 1.2.3
Dont get taken for 11k my friend. Regardless of warranty
where does 11K come from!?!?!?!?!?
exhaust is 2 hrs labor rest is easy, 1.2.3
Dont get taken for 11k my friend. Regardless of warranty
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,335
From: Rye, NY
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The Europipe is $4.7k, right from the guy in Belgium. Tune depends on whose you get and there is basically no labor.
Getting the tune and exhaust, you might as well budget a clutch soon as well.
Warranty? Maybe the parts themselves. Issues with the turbos? Will the warranty cover that? Does Champion cover that? Not so sure. If they do, it is for a very limited time. I like to look at warranties as disaster protection. If you have a water pump or a clutch issue, I can bear that. If the motor blows, it's a different story. Do the tune and exhaust, you can get it close to 600hp, I guess. At that point, you no longer have warranty coverage for the motor. You've gotta pay to play.
Getting the tune and exhaust, you might as well budget a clutch soon as well.
Warranty? Maybe the parts themselves. Issues with the turbos? Will the warranty cover that? Does Champion cover that? Not so sure. If they do, it is for a very limited time. I like to look at warranties as disaster protection. If you have a water pump or a clutch issue, I can bear that. If the motor blows, it's a different story. Do the tune and exhaust, you can get it close to 600hp, I guess. At that point, you no longer have warranty coverage for the motor. You've gotta pay to play.
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Montreal, Quebec
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11K is WAY to high! 7500-8000k is what this package should cost installation included.
