Is there any worth in having an aftermarket ECU tune done on an '09 Carrera S 6spd, with very minimal engine/exhaust mods? All I have done is some minor exhaust work (cross-over pipes) and aftermarket air filters in the stock airbox. If I'm only going to see a few HP for $1K+ I'll spend the money elsewhere.

 

Probably not worth it. You might see some gains but not nearly as much as you would expect. Increase the airflow through the engine first by removing as many restrictions as possible. Things like a larger throttle body/plenum on the intake side, and high flow cats/headers on the exhaust side. Then go for a tune. This route is much more expensive.

If you are looking to spend about $1K, go for a DSC Sport box to replace the factory PASM box. Your suspension handling improvements will be more fun then a few HP gains on the engine side.

 

i would suggest to get ECU tune first. Its the single most apparent power gain you will notice. everything else will be small increments that are almost unnoticeable until the entire package is complete. then the sum of all parts will be worth it.
you also want to get a tune before putting in more items because sometimes the stock ECU may not be able to adjust properly to things you install. Were as a tune will be able to compensate for things like more air with GT3 TB.

It also depends on what route you want to go more, engine performance or handling.
I never go to the track and stock handling is just fine. I came from long line of mercedes and last one being S550 land yacht. I chose to add to the engine for a daily drive enjoyment. I added a little more power, lowered torque curve to below 3K rpm and made it much more linear. It used to feel like a turbo kicking in after 3K. I also have a much faster engine response than stock. All things i enjoy in a DD.
Others prefer suspension work. To each their own.

P.S.
No Tune will not be a tremendous difference, but you will feel it more than other things you install.
Make sure you drive the car for some time so you are used to it and quite intune so you can tell when something is different.

 

Much misinformation here. Tune is last, go for cats, exhaust, headers. Plenum, throttle body. After all that a tune may give some benefit. Up to that point the stock tune can adjust to most of the changes as needed.


NB: What tunes do program in (in addition to engine variables) is a change in the throttle tip-in ala 'sport setting'. They may also change the limiter settings. The first change makes naïve owners feel like they have hit the jackpot. Sadly that's not the case. The limiter change can be a real problem, esp if you have a warranty.


A good tune can give an improved throttle response somewhere between normal and sport but that has nothing to do with horsepower.

 

Completely disagree with you. My car ran like crap when I started adding as you suggest until I got a tune.
And yes my car ran properly to begin with.

Edit: I also disagree with you on your statement about a good tune. A proper tune should be able to provide better maps for the engine to use. If your tune just changes throttle input variables, that's a crappy tune and you should ask for your money back.

 

Don't know how much hp gain you'll get on a tune for the 997, or how much you want to make it worth it. On my ex-6GT3 I did an FVD-Brombacher tune, and got 17 rwhp. But my goal was better low-end driveability as I was no longer taking it to the track, and wanted better street response, which I got. Also, they were having a special at that time, $795 instead of the normal $1295.

If you opt for a tune, dyno your car before then after to validate the tune. Also, ask the tuner to provide dyno charts for their claimed increases.

 

'ran like crap...ran properly'. ok. got it. enjoy

 

Seems like you're being a complete *** just because you think your way is the only way.
When I say the car ran properly, I'm referring to the fact that before I started modifying, it ran fine and was in top shape.

 

No. I'm being a 'complete ***' because I am right. I'm glad you like your tune. It will not make significant hp on a mostly stock motor despite what you believe. It will make the car feel faster the same way sport throttle does. Sorry but don't blame the messenger.


If you like it you don't need to convince me. It's your car. If I wasn't a complete *** I would not have wasted my time responding to your post.


See we agree on something. Have fun.

 

By the way, I have a Revo tune with all the mods I mentioned earlier. I much prefer the way the car responds to the throttle with the tune. I do not credit the tune with adding HP though. Just making the drivability better for me. Maybe we both agree on this too but are saying it differently.

 

my car has no ECU tune, after installing headers, 200 cells cats, new plugs and coils, throttle respond is crisp instant.

Maybe get a tune next year, right now she run too good to messing around with.

 

Been there done that...DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.

Want to go faster...take driving courses at the track.

But for just some exhaust work...you are not going to get much for your $1000. It takes a lot more to get any really gains from this engine.