Quote from email: Lim slip/PSM
"The mechanical rear differential lock supports the driving dynamics of the controll4ed PTM (Porsche Traction Management) all wheel drive system:
-higher traction on varying road surfaces
-higher traction during cornering in extreme driving conditions
-increased cornering agility in extreme driving conditions
By doing all that the rear differential lock reduces the need for active intervention of the PSM (Porsche Stability Management) but it does not interfere with the PSM. The PSM stays fully active."

Also from engineering: "The real benefits of the PCCB are:
-fast response to brake pedal action (they are more sensitive)
-very high fading stability (fading resistance is on an even higher level than on the regular prakes, under these extreme driving conditions you will have an advantage in terms of stoppiing distance)
-50% lighter than grey cast (unsprung weight)
-insenstive to corrosion"

And finally, engineering did not have a comparison of stopping distance of PCCB vs. non-PCCB which I had requested. This was not a surprise because of all the 8-dealers I called, such data is not available.

I have a feeling from all my research that a Porsche with PCCB.... stops in the same distance as does a Porsche with non-PCCB brakes in random panic stops in aggressive street driving. However, after 20-25 panic stops like on a race track, PCCB braking may be better because of less heat build-up. I saved my $8800 this time. These PCCB have gotten better (1st generation was not good), but one crack from a stone or a careless tire changer, the driver is out $5500. And for street driving, the only real gain is probably the less-weight at each wheel which may mean sslightly better control and very-slightly improved acceleration.

 

John,
Have you driven a Porsche with PCCB's ? If you are around Chicago come and drive mine. Then go and drive one with steel brakes. I think you would be suprised and the clamping power the PCCB's have VS the regular steel brakes.
My old GT2 had them (of course) and now this 997TT has them and I will not drive a Porsche without them as they are just awesome.
I agree though that with the high cost of replacing them when they are needed is ridiculous, but to me that doesnt matter as I probably wont have the car for a long time nor will i put 50k miles on it.
Also they wont hurt you when you go to sell the car down the road, neither will having the LSD option. The more "toys" the car has the more it will bring down the line, that is only true with factory stuff. Any other mods you do, you will not get compensated for.

Just my .03 cents (inflation)

Bajo

 

You may be right. However, when I talked to Skip Barber and Birmingham's racing schools which use Porsches, they both were not convinced that in 2-4 street panic stops, that stopping distances between ceramics and steel were any different. I should have driven one, but there was none to be found within a couple hundred miles. All but one dealer (in Calif) said no difference in stopping distance in street driving. Also Porsche would not commit to difference in stopping distances either.

I was not pleased with brakes on regular Carreras. These were not even close to my '06 M3's stopping power. But I thought with the turbo, the discs are larger and so would at least be comparable to my M3. Time just ran out on the decision. Many drivers in England remove the ceramics and keep them for later when they sell the car. They too say, that pads wear out too fast with ceramics, so for track they have gone back to steel.

It just looked to controversial for the $9K. Porsche had big problems with first generation ceramics, caused problems with customers even under warranty. But, most likely I am probably wrong, but what I will do is go to more aggressive Bremo pads if the turbo steel brakes are not suitable for panic high-speed stops. Some drivers even complained about stopping power when the brakes were still on the cool side. I have been research the damn thing for a month now and I found out this morning with the LSD add-on, the time for Nov 1st built is over for changes. Appreciate you comments, however.

 

John, as with everything there are 2 sides and it always comes down to personal choice. I have never tracked any of my cars and dont plant o anytime soon.
Dont worry about your decision about going with the steel brakes, I am postivie that they are more than capable of reeling the 997TT in, otherwise Porsche would not have put them on their cars.
Me I just like having them yellow calipers and BIG rotors that look rusty, LOL.

Good luck and enjoy the car as I am sure you will.


Bajo