Say you were to buy a 997.1 Carrera Base (325 HP), what would be needed to attain a 997.1 Carrera S performance (355 HP)?


Just throwing this out there for discussion.

 

No matter which path you choose to add 30 HP to that car you'll spend vastly more money than you would adding to your initial budget and get an S to begin with and you still have a base car with smaller brakes etc.

 

+1

These engines are pretty dialed in so there isn't a ton of extra power sitting around.

 

want S power? buy an S =) It'll be much cheaper

 

I don't think the difference between an S and a base comes down to 30hp.
I test drove both and it feel like 2 totally different cars.


to me the base felt like a luxury car more than a sport car. it was nice cruzing around, power is there, but not impressive.


then I drove the S. that one feel like a sport car. brakes, acceleration, handling... just general feeling. it makes me smile when the base didn't.


don't get me wrong, all Porsches are awesome. it's just everyone's preferences...

 

Has no one had success with this?: http://www.goapr.com/products/ecu_up...97carrera.html

For $1200 APR claims its tune brings a C2 to 355hp.

 

Agreed, start with an S if you want S-like power and features (and pretty red calipers). I rationalized my way to an non-S on my first 997 and within a year traded up to an S.

 

I can't see how an ECU upgrade can get an extra 30 HP out of a NA engine.

You might try upgrading the intake plenum and throttle body and then upgrading the exhaust with headers, 200 cell cats and a low restriction muffler. I am guessing that might get a 5 to 10 HP bump at most.

 

I don't disagree with you at all but very curious to see if anyone can confirm results.

 

I disagree.



if you are going to buy a Carrera and willing to Mod it, it all comes down to options the car will come with.


Power is really not much of a difference, especially after 100+ mph.

 

I agree also, it would be so much easier just to trade it in.

 

Step 1: Invest both time and money in a good driving school or PCA DE.

Step 2: Progressively mod car to dial in your times at the track. I suspect this will involve more suspension work then performance mods.

If performance is your only goal, then I would save your money and just buy a Turbo.

 

Never f'ing fails. OP asks a specific question on how to increase power and all answers provided do not come close to answering it. Especially the standard, "you need to make yourself a better driver first."

OP, you can easily make up the power difference by installing a good set of aftermarket headers with 200 cell cats, and a IPD plenum. Preferably a full exhaust system if you have deep pockets. You'll spend $2.8K on the headers only and $850 on the plenum and $325 on the 82mm TB, but the power difference will be apparent.

 

Finally the answer I've been patiently waiting for. Thanks!

"If you want S performance, go buy one!" Yes, I'm planning on it.

 

The S is the better choice for obvious reasons. Owning a 997.1 S out of warranty is risky these days, especially with high potential for catastrophic engine failures in early models. the 997.2 S is the one to have, although much more costly. But with the .2 you get a much improved engine (385 hp), better balance and handling and less front end hop, larger touchscreen PCM/Nav and you can use an iPod.

Although most on here think of base models as a waste, they do offer much the same thrill for a lot less money, much better fuel economy, lower insurance, and you get to hold the throttle down to the floor for longer durations. Personally I think 350ish hp is ideal in these cars. My .2 S had a hard time hooking up under hard acceleration from standing starts. The car produced too much wheel spin, even with brand new michelin PSS. But once going, the extra power was nice.

Try and find a 997 with ceramic brakes if you can. GL with purchase.