Wife's (new to her) car: 2011 Carrera S, CPO with 4 year/50K warranty, under 20K miles off the lot. Vehicle with 3.8L is rated 385 HP/310 ft-lbs of torque stock. She came from a 2005 Audi S4 Cabriolet with a killer 4.2L V8; gorgeous car but not a 911!

Just for vanity's sake, on my part, and since w'ere SOOO close I'd like to honestly say the 911CS has 400 horsepower (not that concerned about torque) with according to my math is about a 4% increase (4x3.85= 15.4). So, how do I make that happen? Some constraints:

1) Cost -- budget maybe $2-3K. Not willing to go much beyond that as we have a 5-year loan on the vehicle.

2) CA -- we live in California and any mods must be CA legal (in my searching many are not)

3) Cosmetics -- not sure about Pcars but some other makes' mods require alterations (hood scoops, giant exhausts, etc.) that render the cars much less attractive and my wife's car as is -- is GORGEOUS.

Your thoughts and inputs and insights greatly appreciated.

 

Full up exhaust system (headers/hi-flo cats/ low restriction mufflers), aftermarket air intake (questionable over stock setup), ECU tune to compliment the increased breathing and lower exhaust restriction should get you there. Don't believe what the manufacturers say about HP/TQ gains.

Or, spend the money on yourself (or the wife) and become a better, more efficient driver. You'll never miss that 15 HP you are looking for.

 

Should have bought a GTS with 408 HP.

 

To get an honest 400hp you are going to have to open up the engine. Your budget will not allow you to achieve your goal.

Better solution is to get a GTS or if you want even more power get a 2007-8 Turbo for around the same money.

 

Doesn't Sharkwerks claim a 12 hp increase with the xpipe?
That would bring you to 397 hp which is close enough to say 400

 

I say again..."Don't believe what the manufacturers say about HP/TQ gains".

 

Like mdrums stated a GTS is the best route but it probably isn't going to fit with your current game plan. An 07 turbo would also work but you already have a car.

Another choice but a bit out of your budget might be an FVD exhaust, headers and 200 cell sport cats, at around $4100. FVD claims a 23 hp gain at the crank. Here's a link and FVD's Rhonda is one of the best persons I have dealt with on the web.
http://www.fvd.de/us/en/Porsche-0/99...atalytics.html

 

how about some pictures, OP? While you're at it, throw one in of the new car, too!

 

I have 530 and would like 550-560. My theory is that if the OP bought a GTS, he'd want 420-425. Human nature.

 

IMO, going from 385 to 400 hp wont give "seats of pants" feeling. I would use the $2-3K on some other mod, the satisfaction per dollar spent is not worth it.

Am not doing HP mods to mine, want more horse, get a turbo...its just me.

 

Lots of good answers. Remembering the HP is at the crank not the rear wheels, that minimum gain will not be seen. When I got my car I want over 400 to. Did the ECU tune, Fabspeed CAI and IF I believe the claims I would be at GTS HP. didn't really feel it. There was some gain....but not WOW...it's so fast now. Your in Cali and so am I. The Mod intake will fail smog and the cats will too. Not all inspectors look around, but the one who did my car failed me because of the intake, looked around the car and went under the car to see the cats. I really don't know if changing the cats will help because of smog here. I initially wanted to go headers back with all new exhaust. Weight loss and power gains no doubt there. Very expensive though.

So my decision was...is now to take intake back to stock, better low end with sealed air box, and Fister Mod on exhaust for sound. I think the tune, Softronic for me, works well and helps the overall performance of the engine. So I'm going to hold off on performance mods for my car and when I can get a GTS or Turbo...then I will have more than enough power!!

I think taking the money to enhance your driving skills is the best bang for the buck. My brother in law has a Boxster and though he is down on power has good driving skills and beats my time in auto cross all the time.

Get better at driving. That will allow you to use the HP you do have to the max.

IMHO

Cheers

 

full exhaust, headers, 200 cats, plenum, gt3 throttle body, x51 carbon intake and a softronics will give you a total of +15 hp. there: 400 hp

 

Joel...the X51 should be more than 15HP right? Lot of coin there to just 15HP unless your being factitious. LOL

 

+911

 

He said X51 carbon intake, not the full X51 package.