How useful is it on a 997.1 or .2? I think the little "stop watch" on the dash looks tacky, but I could live with it if the package really adds enjoyment/useful performance. I would be getting a 6M, not Tip or PDK.

 

Its most valuable on a PDK. Manual cars not so much!

 

PASM is worthwhile and its going to be hard to find a PASM/PSM equipped car without sport chrono....

Jason

 

My car has PDK, and I can't imagine driving the car without it.

 

And if you have Power Seats, SC will give you additional personal memory settings.

 

If you don't like the wart, find a car without then purchase the sport mode retrofit.

 

Sport crono is a useless stopwatch......downright dangerous on the track

If you need it on a pdk car, retrofit it

 

It's hard to have a simple discussion about the sports chrono option because it 'touches' a number of functions on the car (stopwatch, PASM, etc.) and varies in function between the .1's and .2 due to the PDK.
I'll let some other experts speak to the .2, but on the .1 it's a mixed value. On the plus side, it offers a single point to aggregate the 'sport mode', with changes in shock and throttle settings; on the minus side, it limits the number of compatible shock/coilover upgrade to one (Damptronics) if you want to preserve the SC functionality. I went that route and it works nicely, but there are a number of excellent coilovers out there that lack switchable valving which SC implements.
Overall, unless you're going to do a lot of DE's and beyond, I'd recommend SC. But if you need to further improve suspension components, it probably is the wrong solution.

 

Too busy with Christmas stuff to check the manual, but I know I keep bumping into things that "only work that way if you have the Sport Chrono option" so it certainly includes a lot of things besides launch mode with PDK.

ADias or someone who has it? Doesn't the option provide a sport mode for the PASM? We have PASM on our S but not the sport chrono and I know ADias and I worked out one day that his dot two has at least one extra button next to where i have a button with the shock absorber icon. The manual calls the mode that shock absorber button invokes 'sport', but then it refers in many other places to a completely different "Sport Mode". That one you can invoke only if you have the Sport Chrono option.

A lot of little things programmed through the PCM only work as described if you have the SC option, but that can be fixed with a dealer option made available about six months ago. I remember reading what that provided and thinking it wasn't everything Sports Chrono provides.

Personally, I don't find the clock either thrilling or offensive. Maybe because I've been seeing gauges mounted in that location for fifty years, it's just another one to me. Looks like an attractive face but that's about all I can say about it.

As for being dangerous on track days? Gimme a break. It records your lap times or segment times for review after you finish the session. That certainly is better than trying to manipulate a stop watch and having to read the splits while still on track. And if it is your current preference to have an assistant record your splits, well the SC won't keep you from doing it that way. What it will do that an assistant will not -- at least not easily -- is let me pick a sequence of corners I'm working on, select a start point and a finish point and repeatedly time that segment while I try different lines and breaking points. At some tracks and some corner complexes, a single assistant could do that from a common vantage point, but usually it would take two helpers. Even with a team to help, my pulling a lever is a lot less trouble than ferrying an assistant out on the track, especially since I'll need special permission from the Chief Instructor or Safety Marshal to do that.

Knowing all that when we bought the car, I'd have picked one with the option, especially if I'm right about that extra sport mode. On the other hand, I'm not mourning the lost chance. No point fretting about past decisions.

Also, I may be wrong, but it always seems like the people who call it a 'wart' don't have it. I don't either, so probably you need opinions from the people who use the features it provides.

Gary

 

Lot's of ignorance on the Sport Chrono matter in this forum, guys. If you aren't sure, don't speak

It is highly recommended on both PDK and 6MT! (not only for resale) And it should be called "Sport/Chrono", not "Sport Chrono".

Here is why:

Even if you have a 6MT it adds an enhanced throttle mapping program to your car when you press the "sport" button. Essentially this gives you a sportier response to the ratio of your accelerator depression. (although it does not boost hp).

It also feathers the PSM (not PASM!) and gives you more control over your car while not completely turning off the the PSM assistance. PSM is the Porsche Stability Management system (wheels that slip to the wheels that grip, system) This is a half-mode that would not be available if you hadn't ordered the Sport Chrono option. (yes, even on 6MT cars)

It also hunkers down the PASM suspension (which can be overridden and turned back off if you prefer to keep your teeth in place.) And gives you a one-button activation for Sport Exhaust, PASM and PSM. (on both PDK and 6MT)

It also gives your car some memory slots for things such as power seats and lighting. Not a big deal.

(It gives launch control for PDK)

And yes, you also get the cheesy egg timer dash wart which some people like.

THIS ALL BEING SAID, there is now a PORSCHE FACTORY kit which you can order after the fact. It gives you the ECU (computer) software program and a sport button as if you car was ordered with Sport Chrono. Although you will not get the egg timer on your dash. There is an actual Porsche part number for this upgrade - many service depts won't know about it. It's about $870. MAKE THEM GET YOU THE PART NUMBER! Teach them

Suncoast can also sell you this kit. Your pick...

 

I have it and find the wart to be boy-racer cheesy. The functions are fine (although it's cheesy to have to pay extra to get them) and it's good for resale.

 

I like cheesy .
I like women in lingere too.

 

+1

 

but the rest of the functions are nice. My car is a PDK so launch control was the big plus for me, although I'm not sure that I can tell the difference between just flooring it and launch control from the seat of the pants timer

I kind of agree with the poster that says using the time on the track would dangerous. If I was seriously into doing track days I would just spend the 300 bucks for a lap time that is triggered by a transponder every time you pass it. I use one of these on my track bike and it works great and allows me to just think about riding and not having to add one more step down the front straight

 

I have never used it on my car. It came with the car I purchased but I do not think I would have selected it if ordering a car.