I know there is many threads about all this, but with TPC coming up with the sub-10k single turbo kit, i begin to think seriously about making some mods on my 997.1 c2s

Instead of making walls of text (but you are welcome to do so as well) please let's try to put numbers out of 10 (higher=better):


TPC single Turbo kit:

Total cost (kit/install/maintenance): ?/10
Plus/resale value on the car: ?/10
Reliability: ?/10
WHP gain: ?/10
WTQ gain: ?/10
Track driveability: ?/10
Daily driveability: ?/10
Fun factor: ?/10


(insert name) supercharger kit:

Total cost (kit/install/maintenance): ?/10
Plus/resale value on the car: ?/10
Reliability: ?/10
WHP gain: ?/10
WTQ gain: ?/10
Track driveability: ?/10
Daily driveability: ?/10
Fun factor: ?/10


You can just copy/paste...

 

FWIW they are close to the same....they are just AIR being pushed through your motor!

I have had and installed 2 superchargers.

TPC turbo has to be an easier/more simple install
NO need for after-market exhaust...it is included in the price
Easy to make boost changes with the optional switcher

The one thing that I loved about my charger was opening the decklid when people were around....their eyes did this...


So the charger has the WOW effect but IMO the TPC will make the power quicker!
Do a search and you will see that the boost on the charger climbs with RPM's I compared two dynos I found on the forums one charger and one turbo and found the turbo was at full boost at approx. 3800 RPM and the chargers didn't see full boost until approx. 6900 RPM....

As far as resale value...LIKE any other mod....$.50 on the dollar,LOL!


GL with your decision......you won't regret the EXTRA power!

Stacy

 

is the "Turbo" word makes it more valuable in people's mind ?

... at least for P-cars ?

 

I am getting ready to start a VFE install on my C2S. I talked to TPC, VFE, Justatoy, and Cattman during my decision making process. Here are some of the main points why I went with the SC over the Turbo....

1. Probably the biggest reason why I went with a VFE kit over the single turbo kit is that I have a $5K full center exhaust installed from GMG. Its 100% ceramic coated and sounds so good its like sex for my ears. Although TPC was willing to work with me and develop a center exit version, the sound the car makes would be much different especially since the exiting exhaust gasses are muffled by the Turbo. Now I am not saying that a TPC C2 isnt going to sound great. I am sure they sound awesome, but I LOVE how my car sounds and I was not willing to part with that aspect of the car.

2. The VFE kit is well proven. The VFE kits for water cooled (M96 engined) Porsche's have been around in various forms since the early days of the 996. They are reliable, make reliable power, are based on a proven SC design, and most reputable Porsche performance shops have experience with them. Meaning, if you have an issue you cannot solve yourself, chances are places like GMG, RSS, Synergy etc etc have experience with the VFE kits and can help you out.

3. Well kept low mileage VFE kits pop up for sale about every two months. The one I purchesed only had about 8K miles on it when I bought it and with regular maintenance should be good for the life of the car. These used kits appear to go for anywhere from 4k-6k depending on what parts need to be replaced/sourced for install. Even with the 1k GIAC tuning fee, these kits are a bargain for the power that is provided.

-If I was looking to buy a brand new FI kit and did not have any other mods that I was in love with, the single Turbo would be an easy choice, especially if I lived on the east coast! Turbo kits are fairly simple in design and provide a unique driving experience that an SC simply cannot duplicate. TPC is a reputable company and although their turbo kits have not been around as long as VFE's SC's, there are many Turbo Caymans running around to attest to the kits quality.

Jason

 

Why don't you also consider the Twin Turbo kit IMA Motorsport has out. I twin turbo'd my 996 C4S and IMA is also Twin Turbo'ing a 997 GT3 (gnathologist / SEUNG has a thread going right now for it in the GT2/GT3/GT section). Or go with the single Turbo TPC kit.

Either way, SC or Turbo, just DO IT!!!!

 

A few years back I read some great reviews on the the Ruf and VFE superchargers and was very interested in going down that path. But in the case of Ruf the price seemed overpriced. I was interested in the VFE charger and spent time searching for an installer but couldn't find someone local. I did find a shop in New York, but before I pulled the trigger on the install, I started seeing posts of people having problem with their installation work. They didn't fault VFE but faulted the installer. So, I lost my nerve and didn't do anything until I noticed the thread on TPC's single turbo.

After a month or so of thinking through it I pulled the trigger and drove my stock car down to their HQ in Maryland. It took a bit of time to get it back, but now that it is, I'm very happy with both the performance and the sound from the new exhaust. I also broke down and upgraded the suspension which I think will be helpful for most people gaining huge increases in horsepower.

I've only had the car back for 2 weeks but it's been great. The only problem is speed! Yup, it's so darn fast that I'm worried about getting huge tickets or arrested. This might force me to take advantage of the many PCA track events so I can channel this need for speed into a place that's less likely to put me behind bars.

I think the turbo has certain install and tunability advantages (like pushbutton adjustable boost), but in the end I think both are great mods for your car. Based on what I've read and experienced, I think you should have high confidence in your installer however. Not everyone has Stacy living in their neighborhood so you need someone who can install it right.

 

Jason does bring up a good point regarding utilizing previous performance parts. We design this system to be completely inclusive, from just post of the intake plenum through the exhaust system. Either choice that is made will provide an extensive power upgrade. The system that Stacy put together(quite modified) did make very good power on Cattman's car, i reviewed the thread and the dyno plot looked pretty good.

The idea behind our system is that it is easily installed and easily configured for the specific user, whether running lower boost for the track user or more progressive settings for street driving, it is easily changed. Through incredibly refined tuning we are able to make more or less power both through a boost controller and through routine switching(octane). We have future plans for the system, larger turbo, and a non-intercooled "introductory" system(we have this on the cayman currently).

We evolved from our supercharger system(that we have sold lots of, included still selling them for 993 and 964 cars). Usability and refinement are the absolute most important to us. We know that this single turbo kit is the future of Added FI on the modern Porsche.

 

I wonder how many people who have voted actually have one or the other. My guess is 4 total: 2 SC's are me and Stacy and 2 Turbo are Bob and Casey.

I am really interested in knowing more about this TPC kit, as anything one can do to simplify installation is a bonus, especially for a guy like me who did it himself. In addition, if the exhaust sounds good, that's easily a few grand in savings right there. The tunability is nice, although I can do the same with a couple of tweaks, although they are definitely not as easy as turning a dial.

I would really like to visit TPC and check it out, I've got great respect for the work they did on their kit.

In the end, 6 psi is the same no matter how you shove the air into the chamber. If all things are equal, 6 psi should create the same output for either an SC or a T. No?

Couple questions for Casey:
-did you have to switch to larger injectors?
-did you have to drill into the rear bumper reinforcement?
-did you have to install a 3rd radiator in front, along with a dedicated Bosch water pump and all the goodyear water lines?
-who does the ECU tune?
-what is your recommended oil change interval?

Thanks!
CATTMAN

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lGkoxjFR7Y

Majority of the questions you asked are explained by mike, in here.

We recommend 5k oil changes... on FI and non FI cars.