I am by no means unhappy with the power in my X51, but as usual, being a product of my environment, I want more, now... what are my options here, I think exhaust, but then, X51 exhaust is already an improvement over stock, intake, the same, in fact everything in the X51 package seems to be if not optimized, then close to it, except maybe the ECU? or... what am I missing here? an S/C maybe?, but as to that, I understand that they move the powerband to the upper end of the rpm's and I would prefer power to be early in... come to think of it I really don't want to mess with the engine that much either, anyway, any suggestions are appreciated ... cheers,

 

An aftermarket exhaust would add some power and lighten up the car. Also, softtonic has a great x-51 tune that will add responsiveness to the lower end. Other than that, you're pretty maxed out unless you go with forced induction or shedding weight.

 

I just got my 997 so I am no expert but from my readings I would say an IPD plenum (can also upgrade tb with new plenum), tune, and more agressive exhaust would net some more power.

 

you may be spending lots of money for little return, Best would be a ECU tune and call it a day. That has been the best bang for the buck IMO. Any larger investment would make me consider a different car.

 

I think you're pretty much maxed out in NA mode. Perhaps a Softronic ECU will eek out a bit more performance. S/C or Turbo is the only way you will get that OH SNAP feeling again . If you're not ready for this, then may I suggest a lightened flywheel with sprung disk. Your car will be more responsive, I can vouchsafe that.

As for the S/C moving the power band forward, not completely true. Agreed that it will make most power at redline, but the boost already comes on at 2800 rpm, and you will feel this improvement from there on.

 

I think the X51 already has larger plenum...from 76 to 81mm, does that sound right...i'm sure somebody is familiar with this...?

 

pretty much what i'm thinking, possibly losing weight shedding the heavier stock exhaust, but it sounds great already and I've been pretty smug about getting that simply unplugging the PSE relay so that it is on all the time...and kostenlos, as they say...anyway, how 'real' is the hp gain with say akropovic or tubi or...
man, I don't think I could live with the price tag on those, especially the akro

 

and just look at that avatar, you're soo good lookin...

 

Yes, X51 already has the larger plenum and throttle body as part of the package.
To the OP, you made a thread recently about potentially upgrading to a GTS, obviously you're craving more power compared to your current car. How about looking at 997 Turbo? There isn't much more you can do to you current car, infact I wouldn't touch it at all, so if the power bug continues to bother you, don't waste your money will minor mods that will only hurt the value of your current ride. Go for the turbo!

 

you should think about weight reduction.. do you need your rear seats?


also a lightweight battery would help.

 

As you can see by my sig that I have about every mod in the book and on a similar car to yours. I would keep your headers and PSE. Swap the cats for 200 cell, add the softtonic tune and reduce weight (rims, battery, rear seats, ect. If you're interested in weight loss, search for "the ultimate weight loss thread" which gives you the weights of about everything on our cars. Other than that, you'll be waiting your money. I went and test drove a 997.1 turbo and am much happier with the responsiveness of my car over the whoosh of the turbos (especially on the track). Just depends on your goals.

 

I have considered the turbo, had a 996tt before this, the power is great, but , wasn't feeling the 996 interior mostly, really really not feelin it, I put 997 gt3 seats in and that was a vast improvement, but the dash and well, all of it