Hi there

First things first I have a 2006 C2S and it already has X51 manifolds, PSE, Centre Radiator kit, X51 undertrays etc.

I now want to add:-
X51 Intake manifolds
X51 plenum
X51 Throttlebody
X51 carbon intake
Other stuff required, sleeves, hoses, tank vent hose etc.

This will give me pretty much the full kit all I shall be missing is the cylinder heads which are pointless as Porsche did so little to them and changing these turn a 4-6hr job into one two to three times longer, making it a lot more expensive.

I can do the above for about $4500 cost in parts and can do the installation myself, as I am capable with such stuff.
But when I look at images of the X51 intake design and standard I see a problem, check these images:-


Stock Engine Varioram design










X51 Engine - Varioram deleted












My Questions
So this question is to those out there who know how these engines work:-

1. Would installing the X51 plenum/Intake manifolds throw a CEL/Check engine light as its essentially deleting the Varioram, as I believe the stock none X51 design has butterflies/secondary plenum to help torque, wheras the X51 design deletes this. Can anyone confirm this or will it all run OK on the stock map without any check lights?
Obviously getting the X51 map would be ideal to get maximum potential from the added components.

2. Is any modification to the DME/Pins required if installing the above, I've looked at the X51 installation guide and not come across anything, but I don't know the ins and outs of how these engines work. Here is the installation PDF if anyone wants to download and view it:-
http://freepdfhosting.com/79289d48bf.pdf

If anyone knows the answers to my questions or can put me in touch with someone who has done this or knows what is required it would be hugely appreciated, if its a case of it will no way run on the stock map without throwing CEL's then I need to see if Porsche would be willing to load my car with the X51 map for a free or a fair charge. I am buying the parts from US and Germany as they are vastly cheaper than buying from UK. Shame the UK is so expensive really, its crazy I can buy it from the USA and Germany and its more than half the UK price even after adding shipping / taxes.

Thanks in advance

P.S. I could just get an IPD competition plenum/GT3 throttlebody as many are running this on stock map without issue, but that is goodbye warranty! Its also obvious the X51 plenum and intake manifolds are a big factor in the improved horsepower. I've asked Porsche the above questions and they are unsure is the answer. Obviously someone will know its just asking the person knows.......

 

Have you driven a car with the X51 package on it? I've often wondered if the extra 29 HP (including the cylinder head mods) is noticeable (or useful) enough to justify the cost. I'm sure you're already aware of the need to convert your single air intake engine hatch to a dual air intake. I have to admit that the X51 intake looks really nice.

 

The X51 is a thing of beauty!

 

Yes it is and would be noticable, is it worth the cost, I guess that depends on the person.

I've done mine bit by bit over time, X51 exhaust manifolds, centre radiator, undertray etc.

To do the intake and stay within warranty though is basically do it all in one step as outlined above.

Problem is though is the stock Porsche map work with the X51 parts fitted or will it throw a CEL due to the stock design having dual plenum's and butterflies in the intake manifolds, Varioram as Porsche calls it.

 

You'd be missing the cylinder heads along with the different camshafts also.

 

yup!

btw, i did drive a bunch of 996 c4 and c4s to compare whether x51 is worth it.

Car #1 - 996 x51 c4s
Car #2 - 996 non-x51 c4s
Car #3 - 996 non-x51 c4

Cars 1 and 3 were about the same, both pulled strong. Car 2 felt a little lower in power.

So, yes, it does make a difference. but each car varies a little depending on mileage and maintenance also.

 

As far as I know, Porsche hasn't used the term Varioram since the 993.

.

 

Agree - I just assumed it was a typo for variocam.

 

Did not change camshafts I believe and did very little to heads, worth 3-5bhp max.

 

Product description says X51 powerkit includes "race-tuned camshafts".

 

Despite what you will read to the contrary, there are no special cams. When you buy the x51 .1 kit it comes with instructions to install current cams in new heads. Suncoast will email you the installation instructions for the kit if you are interested. The 997 cams may already be the equivalent of a once available upgrade to the 993 or 996.

 

I guess when it comes down to it, all our cams are "race-tuned".

 

Look at the money we just saved

 

I have a complete upper intake manifold from the 3.8 Carrera S (manifolds, tb, all injectors, rails etc) Pm me if interested.