to supercharge a 997?
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 418
From: Florida
Rep Power: 38
The only engine upgrade that I have that might effect the warranty is a GIAC reflash. Take all the other parts, add on installation and state tax, and you are close to that number. If you are installing a blower, why not first do a full exhaust system? The stock parts are low quality. The intake & reflash are sunk costs, if I do the supercharger. I will have to have a special fourth radiator put in for either the intercooler or motor, also, if I go this route. The 35 hp figure is probably close, at this time.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
The only engine upgrade that I have that might effect the warranty is a GIAC reflash. Take all the other parts, add on installation and state tax, and you are close to that number. If you are installing a blower, why not first do a full exhaust system? The stock parts are low quality. The intake & reflash are sunk costs, if I do the supercharger. I will have to have a special fourth radiator put in for either the intercooler or motor, also, if I go this route. The 35 hp figure is probably close, at this time.
I don't think you can do a "fourth radiator". Supercharger kits require a 3rd center radiator for the intercooler.
Going back to my original question, if you did spend $9K on engine upgrades, why not just do the SC instead? Even with the stock exhaust system you'll still pick up triple the HP that simple bolt-ons will offer. Not to mention the SC includes a flash and intake.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,953
From: ATL
Rep Power: 201
If you can get an SC installed for $13k, you still have to factor in several other upgrades to get the most out of it. Figure $4-5k for exhaust, $1k ECU, $4.5k race clutch + LWFW + pressure plate + LSD.
And that's on an "S". For a non-S you'd want a brake upgrade too.
However, if you've already tried plenum, full intake, full exhaust, LWFW, clutch, ECU, suspension, etc., and you still want more, then you have 3 choices:
1. SC your car
2. Strip out all your earlier mods, return your car to stock, get what you can for the mods, sell your car, and buy a TT, then start modding the TT with an full exhaust, ECU, LWFW, on and on and on and on. You know you will do this, so factor that into the cost NOW.
3. Not really sure.
My point is that the SC is a step in a progression that makes sense for some folks. I think I am one of those folks. I would like to buy a TT, but it's cost prohibitive considering that I'd likely spend more modding the TT than I would my 997S (mods are pricier on a TT).
Am I coherent? Not sure I'm making my point very well.
CATTMAN
And that's on an "S". For a non-S you'd want a brake upgrade too.
However, if you've already tried plenum, full intake, full exhaust, LWFW, clutch, ECU, suspension, etc., and you still want more, then you have 3 choices:
1. SC your car
2. Strip out all your earlier mods, return your car to stock, get what you can for the mods, sell your car, and buy a TT, then start modding the TT with an full exhaust, ECU, LWFW, on and on and on and on. You know you will do this, so factor that into the cost NOW.
3. Not really sure.
My point is that the SC is a step in a progression that makes sense for some folks. I think I am one of those folks. I would like to buy a TT, but it's cost prohibitive considering that I'd likely spend more modding the TT than I would my 997S (mods are pricier on a TT).
Am I coherent? Not sure I'm making my point very well.
CATTMAN
Last edited by Cattman; Dec 12, 2008 at 06:52 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
If you can get an SC installed for $13k, you still have to factor in several other upgrades to get the most out of it. Figure $4-5k for exhaust, $1k ECU, $4.5k race clutch + LWFW + pressure plate + LSD.
And that's on an "S". For a non-S you'd want a brake upgrade too.
However, if you've already tried plenum, full intake, full exhaust, LWFW, clutch, ECU, suspension, etc., and you still want more, then you have 3 choices:
1. SC your car
2. Strip out all your earlier mods, return your car to stock, get what you can for the mods, sell your car, and buy a TT, then start modding the TT with an full exhaust, ECU, LWFW, on and on and on and on. You know you will do this, so factor that into the cost NOW.
3. Not really sure.
My point is that the SC is a step in a progression that makes sense for some folks. I think I am one of those folks. I would like to buy a TT, but it's cost prohibitive considering that I'd likely spend more modding the TT than I would my 997S (mods are pricier on a TT).
Am I coherent? Not sure I'm making my point very well.
CATTMAN
And that's on an "S". For a non-S you'd want a brake upgrade too.
However, if you've already tried plenum, full intake, full exhaust, LWFW, clutch, ECU, suspension, etc., and you still want more, then you have 3 choices:
1. SC your car
2. Strip out all your earlier mods, return your car to stock, get what you can for the mods, sell your car, and buy a TT, then start modding the TT with an full exhaust, ECU, LWFW, on and on and on and on. You know you will do this, so factor that into the cost NOW.
3. Not really sure.
My point is that the SC is a step in a progression that makes sense for some folks. I think I am one of those folks. I would like to buy a TT, but it's cost prohibitive considering that I'd likely spend more modding the TT than I would my 997S (mods are pricier on a TT).
Am I coherent? Not sure I'm making my point very well.
CATTMAN
All the other upgrades (exhaust/plenum) are good for nominal gains and are completely unnecessary.
The stock clutch is fine with the SC.
You only need bigger brakes if you're a track money. If it's a street car, the stock brakes are fine. You'll never heat them up enough to fail on the street. It's pretty much impossible.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,953
From: ATL
Rep Power: 201
Deputy Dog,
Are you saying that exhaust upgrades are unnecessary with an SC? I am not sure that makes much sense. If you're going to get more in, you should be able to release it more efficiently.
My comment re. the other mods I should clarify, so thank you
. I guess I was suggesting that if one were willing to go as far as an SC, I assume they're after all they can get from their 997(s or non s), and therefore assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that they'd also spend the incremental dollars on the "usual suspects" mods, aka: plenum, etc.
CATTMAN
Are you saying that exhaust upgrades are unnecessary with an SC? I am not sure that makes much sense. If you're going to get more in, you should be able to release it more efficiently.
My comment re. the other mods I should clarify, so thank you
. I guess I was suggesting that if one were willing to go as far as an SC, I assume they're after all they can get from their 997(s or non s), and therefore assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that they'd also spend the incremental dollars on the "usual suspects" mods, aka: plenum, etc.CATTMAN
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
The exhaust mods complement the SC, but aren't necessary to see monster gains. The mufflers add nothing but sound, and the headers/cats are probably good for 20hp. Considering the SC will yield well over 100hp, the exhaust mods are not really significant and are "icing on the cake" so to speak.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 192
From: Shanghai, China
Rep Power: 27
Thank you DeputyDog ! When I view the TPC video in youtube, the wee sound just annoy the hell out of me. I do lots of highway cruising, it would definitely drive me crazy !
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,781
From: Redding, CA
Rep Power: 125
I think what doubleD is saying is that, with someone saying they have $9k in NA mods (he and I both have a difficulty imagining that), he's saying that you can SC it for a bit more ($4k more) and not do ANY OTHER MOD and you'll have way more power. He's not saying "don't do an exhaust". He's making a point.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,953
From: ATL
Rep Power: 201
Thank Deputy Dog.
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
The TPC kit sounds cool. For about 2 mins. Then it's like nails on a chalk board. Way too loud!
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,781
From: Redding, CA
Rep Power: 125
Thank Deputy Dog.
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
See what I'm saying?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
Thank Deputy Dog.
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
I suppose it depends upon each of our definitions of "necessary". I personally, cannot understand spending $13+k on an SC while not spending the incremental $4k for an exhaust system that will optimize its output.
If I'm dropping coin for an SC, an exhaust system is, to me, mandatory/ necessary if you subscribe to the philosophy that pairing mods by category is the way to go. There is something to be said for balance, and to me, it adds up to more than "icing on the cake".
Hope you understand this is not gospel, just one poor man's opinion.
CATTMAN
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,538
From: North Dakota
Rep Power: 504
I think what doubleD is saying is that, with someone saying they have $9k in NA mods (he and I both have a difficulty imagining that), he's saying that you can SC it for a bit more ($4k more) and not do ANY OTHER MOD and you'll have way more power. He's not saying "don't do an exhaust". He's making a point.
I've done it all at this point. I've got the plenum, headers, exhaust, supercharger, blah blah blah. I'm at around 435 to the wheels. That's around 500hp. The only mod that really made me stand up and take notice was the supercharger. Everything else just paled in comparison. Skip all the other crap and just do the SC. If you must do something else, do the mufflers for the sound.
My CG mufflers just developed a wicked rattle. I may pull them out and pop in some bypass pipes. Why not?
There is a wicked good deal on ebay right now. $180 for the pipes with tips.
Registered User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,781
From: Redding, CA
Rep Power: 125
What he said...
I've done it all at this point. I've got the plenum, headers, exhaust, supercharger, blah blah blah. I'm at around 435 to the wheels. That's around 500hp. The only mod that really made me stand up and take notice was the supercharger. Everything else just paled in comparison. Skip all the other crap and just do the SC. If you must do something else, do the mufflers for the sound.
I've done it all at this point. I've got the plenum, headers, exhaust, supercharger, blah blah blah. I'm at around 435 to the wheels. That's around 500hp. The only mod that really made me stand up and take notice was the supercharger. Everything else just paled in comparison. Skip all the other crap and just do the SC. If you must do something else, do the mufflers for the sound.
Back on topic. That's my short list of "make me stand up and take notice" mods.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,953
From: ATL
Rep Power: 201
We are in agreement. I am now into mods as follows:
-Mufflers $1,400
-ECU $1,000
-Plenum $1,000
-LWFW, clutch, pressure plate, install, $3,000
-EVOMS Intake $600
Next:
-Cats $1,600
-Headers $600
Total: $9,200
VS:
SC: $13,000
No brainer is to skip the $9k I spent and head straight to the SuperCharger aisle "without passing GO".
But now that I've done what I've done, to not SC is moronic. I'm so far down the road already with most of pre-req's/ optimizers.
Had I added it up this way at onset of the mod bug, I'd have SC'd first. But for me, and I suspect for many, the mod bug bites slowly then suddenly. And by the time you're manic, you're already, like me, $9k in. It starts so innocently, and before you know it, you're driving Darth Vader's Blakt Out Sled.
CATTMAN
-Mufflers $1,400
-ECU $1,000
-Plenum $1,000
-LWFW, clutch, pressure plate, install, $3,000
-EVOMS Intake $600
Next:
-Cats $1,600
-Headers $600
Total: $9,200
VS:
SC: $13,000
No brainer is to skip the $9k I spent and head straight to the SuperCharger aisle "without passing GO".
But now that I've done what I've done, to not SC is moronic. I'm so far down the road already with most of pre-req's/ optimizers.
Had I added it up this way at onset of the mod bug, I'd have SC'd first. But for me, and I suspect for many, the mod bug bites slowly then suddenly. And by the time you're manic, you're already, like me, $9k in. It starts so innocently, and before you know it, you're driving Darth Vader's Blakt Out Sled.
CATTMAN