Europipe, IPD Plenum, V1 + LI @ Technik 1 (997.2 Turbo S)
 

Just wanted to share first impressions following a few initial mods…https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...2-turbo-s.html

The mods were done sequentially (IPD plenum first and then exhaust two weeks later) in an attempt to try to discern the “effects” of the individual mods (note: I didn’t dyno the car after each mod, so the review is based on my humble driving perceptions and “butt dyno”). I make no definitive claims regarding HP/TQ gains however I conservatively estimate the combo added approx. +30HP/+35lb-ft.

My assumptions are as follows; IPD advertises gains of +30HP/+35lb-ft on their plenum alone (this has been dyno verified on a 997.2 Turbo S) and Europipe claims gains between +18HP to +20HP/+16lb-ft to 18lb-ft on their exhausts. Together, linear additive combined gains of approx. +50HP/+53lb-ft. I know a straight addition is not realistic so I conservatively haircut these presumed gains by 35% to 40% to arrive at my +30HP/+35lb-ft estimated gains for a total 560BHP/551lb-ft post-mods (vs. 530BHP/516lb-ft stock). Do you guys think I’m in the right ballpark or is this overly ambitious?

IPD Plenum
The change in the car’s behavior was noticeable immediately. Most prominent was the throttle response. Where previously there was a slight lag then boost, now the “pre-boost” throttle response is almost instantaneous. This makes for a different driving experience, best felt when cruising in that 65mph-75mph zone on the highway and the urge to (1) either pass or (2) “create separation” from those rear bumper huggers manifests itself, it’s almost telepathic…think acceleration, touch the throttle and ”wow, they shrunk so fast in my rear view mirror!” hilarious

In addition to the more responsive throttle, I definitely perceive slightly quicker turbo spooling and quicker boost response likely due to the improved airflow over stock. There appears to be more power on tap early and in the mid-range however, it appears to “level off” between 5K-6K PRM (on hard acceleration, the psi gauge would shoot up to 16psi or 17psi depending on mode [Normal vs. Sport] and then settle in the 12psi-13psi range after a few seconds). Do others experience this? I suspect the ECU is compensating for the increased airflow and earlier boost response and regulating. I used to smile often in the car, now I can’t wipe this wicked grin off my face! The IPD plenum works…thanks to Mike and Greg @IPD for a wonderful purchasing experience.

Europipe 997.2 TT/S sport exhaust
Where to start, is it the build quality, the perfect fit, the SOUND, the improved power, the SOUND!! I really can’t say much more than has already been exhausted (no pun intended) on this forum about the EP exhausts. It’s all TRUE! I totally underestimated just how great it would be when the aural sensation matched the performance of the turbo S! It’s a beautiful experience! The aural sensation through the RPM range to WOT is sublime. Thanks to Stef@Europipe for excellent service. Install at Technik 1 was thorough, detailed and perfect. No CEL! These guys are amazing. Motion picture is better than words... <exhaust video to follow>.

Valentine 1 (V1) + Laser Interceptor (LI)
V1 vs. Escort 9500CI vs. BelStir+ for radar detection (RD), and LI vs. Blinders for laser jamming…decisions, decisions, decisions (does it ever stop with these cars?) V1 vs. Escort based products came down to directional arrows and rear RD (w/ bogey count) and sensitivity (advantage V1) vs. GPS lockout and red light + speed camera database (advantage Escort products). I valued the directional arrows, rear RD and bogey count (here in NJ, state troopers are notorious for their highway ramp traps and accelerating from behind to nab motorists). I felt the V1 directional arrows and rear RD provided 360 degree protection (vs. Escorts forward only scan). I don’t run red lights so that database was less useful for me. The lack of GPS lockout and speed camera database were compromises (thankfully NJ isn’t a heavy speed camera use state…yet!) If needed, there’s an app for that! Both are top notch though.

LI vs. Blinder – both fantastic products however in my research, LI appeared to have slightly better performance against most commonly used LIDAR. That said the technology is always changing and I hear the Blinder HP905 is great. I figured I really couldn’t go wrong with either. I’m not sure if this counts as a save but I got an alert from a positive laser hit, I slowed down, drove 1.5 miles without incident but never say the cop (save or interference, who knows?!)

Gus and his team at Technik 1 are amazing and their stealth + rear-view mirror integrated V1 display install is super clean (and worth the price of admission). Thanks to fellow 6Speeders for their recommendation of Gus and his crew at Technik 1 in NYC. Knowledgeable and top notch! Thanks to Gus for some amazing install pics...

I know I said I wasn’t planning on an ECU tune at this time but the more I drive the car, the more I wonder just how much more power and overall efficiency I could realize from the IPD plenum and exhaust mods with a custom tune, FVD Genius Tune anyone? I know, slippery slope… stay tuned (no pun intended). See below for a few pics.

Europipe exhaust arrives
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

Stock exhaust off
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

Europipe installed
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

Sport cats & 85mm transition tubes (lovely welds)
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

IPD Plenum arrives
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

IPD Plenum installed
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

V1 rear view mirror integrated display
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

Stealth V1 & LI switches
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ine=1395108183

Nicely done! Great mods!

Very Nice :)

Thanks 07 RS4...the mod list can be never-ending

Thanks 997TT+C63

veryy nicee! i need to do that valentine install!:0

Congrats!!

But as you know, the factory ECU will employ it's check sum logic and not allow increases in torque beyond ~ 4,500 rpm no matter what mods you do, until you get a tune to defeat those parameters. When you do, the top end will pull like crazy and your car wont just "feel" fast, it will be fast!

Look forward to seeing what else you have in store!

Congrats. On 997.2 turbo (S) , can you only replace the OEM cats with high flow sport cats or straight pipe and keep the OEM muffler without cutting the OEM exhaust? In other words, are the OEM cats and muffler 2 separate pieces which can be individually removed?

looking good! you should do the GT3 82mm throttle body as well since you did the plenum.

Good luck with your tune, you'll be amazed with the difference! :)

The answer is YES, you can replace the OEM cats while retaining the stock OEM muffler in any 997.2 turbo. This is only possible in the 997.2 turbo/s (2010 - 2013 MY with the 3.8 Ltr DFI engine) as they have a modular designed exhaust system (the 997.1 exhaust system that comes with the Mezger engine is a one-piece unit and you could NOT do what you suggest above without some cutting!)

That said, while you would achieve moderate power gains with the addition of high flow sport cats, the exhaust sound would remain the same! Hope this helps.

Thanks Longboarder, glad to have my suspicions confirmed that the factory ECU was limiting the torque output ~ 4,500 rpm (I guess when I looked down at the gauges, the needle had moved into the 5,000 rpm territory). This is exactly what I felt. This undoubtedly strengthens the case for an ECU tune, as the idea of a restriction between me and the full power of my modded turbo S is painful. I was leaning towards FVD, gotta start researching best ECU mods...oh boy!

Rest assured, I'll be sharing as I go along, careful not to go overboard as the list of potential mods is almost endless (when you throw in cosmetic changes)!

Thanks kchu221, the rear view mirror V1 install is sweet as it stealthy and right in your field of vision. I'm sure you can find a good shop on the West Coast to handle it. enjoy

Thanks Mav. Interesting suggestion re: the GT3 82mm TB. I thought that would be something to consider if I ever wanted to upgrade IC or VTG (turbos). How would you describe the gains on/benefit over the stock setup with the existing turbo geometry?

As you can see, I put your picture posting tips to good use! Thanks again

Glad i could help out :D

I don't have personal experiences with the GT3TB but others on the forum have reported faster turbo spooling and immediate throttle response. I think the best mod if you upgrade your plenum would be to do the TB and y-pipe simultaneously. I will consider doing this soon!

Thanks for the explanation.

I thought for an 82mm GT3 TB there was another IPD plenum measuring 82mm as well.