Just got off the phone with Dodson. Upgraded clutch packages may be coming within 1-3 months. It's already in testing phases on their car, i.e not development phases. In the beginning you may need to send them the clutch unit after you split/cut from your trans, but after they get a dealer training network going just like how GTR's are, then you may be able to get it done at your local Dodson dealer like Sheptrans etc.

This is for the AWD PDK's like 991/997.2 Turbo's not the Carrera stuff. AWD PDK's have bigger clutches from the factory.

Also they mentioned the stock PDK should be good for around 900Nm/650tq or so assuming it's in good condition.

This kinda tells me the stock PDK clutches should be good for 700whp or so but who knows. Lots of variables there i.e the tune and torque ramp.

I hope the stock gears are strong.

 

Hey bro, just FYI there has been a Dodson PDK internal upgrade out for at least a year now. BBi autosport has done it on a couple cars. I *believe* Champion has also done it.
Few things though..
1 - the car shifts pretty harsh for a street car supposedly. Not enough interest by consumer to move forward with TCU tuning to try to fix that because no one is really making enough power to get the current PDK to slip
2 - It seems that everyone is running out of fueling first. People are working on it and some have alternatives but even at elevated power levels the PDK is not slipping.
3 - it's a costly upgrade because the PDK has to be cut open and welded back with EXTREME precision. Very few places capable of doing that and as a result, going to cost you.

 

Hey Chris, the PDK is what is stopping me from doing an engine build now that fueling is solved. I didn't hear much on the results of BBI's work on how the PDK they build was doing. Maybe I should ask Betim. Speaking of BBI did they upgrade your rods/bottom end when they built your motor?

 

I thought we spoke about what I had done about BBi but maybe not. I've spoken to a few ppl on the forum about what I was doing so I could be mistaken.
For the record, I never had my engine built, rebuilt, or even opened up. Apparently some guy who I never met, spoke with, nor interacted with has incorrectly told a few people that I blew my motor and had it rebuilt (tisk tisk). My lack of publicly addressing why I sent my car from coast to coast probably gave that rumor a little traction. Truth is, the only reason I sent it cross country is because I have the means to and wanted BBi to do the project based on other cars they have done. It all started with the passenger turbo eating a socket after a service (ouch). Said "fk it" and sent the car on vacation.

or

I'm a sandbagging ****, have a 4.0 built motor, Dodson PDK internals, and a fueling upgrade that i'm waiting until spring to unleash

 

Yeah I remember you started with a turbo issue. Don't remember what else but I recall that you said something about your motor sucking in some metal.

 

Lol!!

"or

I'm a sandbagging ****, have a 4.0 built motor, Dodson PDK internals, and a fueling upgrade that i'm waiting until spring to unleash "


If this is true, I can't wait to see the outcome. I feel if we can pass these limitations, we can have some SERIOUS 997.2's getting some serious results!!

 

Turbo (passenger) sucked in some metal. After that luckily are the beefy AMS intercoolers to catch anything large enough to harm the motor unless I was careless.

 

Chris is 100% correct. The Porsche PDK is a completely different animal from other dual clutch systems out there. Back in 2010 when we had our first development car (this one: https://www.flickr.com/photos/champi...7624594111624/) we experimented with a dozen different clutch materials and also created a VERY precise jig for cutting open the PDK clutch basket and re-sealing it to literally within 1/1000's of a mm. It's EXTREMELY tricky. If you're off by even the most microscopic amount, it won't work.

During the process we tested a lot of new clutch materials, and we did eventually find one that we determined could hold substantially more power then the OEM. However, Chris was also right when he said the shifting and drivability are terrible. At the time, it was not worth it because there were no means of making more engine power then what the OEM could handle (which is surprisingly a lot), so why make it shift terrible and drive rough if there was no need? Now that things are changing and there are some PDK cars out there that may soon have the fueling and engines to make over 700whp....we may revisit the project again, but for now it's not in the plans.

 

Thanks for clarifying and adding details/pics Tom! I knew you guys had been working with them but didn't know details and therefore didn't want to misspeak.

I agree though, with everyone starting to push the envelope, might be time to dust off the old drawing board on the PDK side

 

I think most people will be surprised at what the stock unit can hold. Between the clutches themselves and the extremely complicated electronics that control their clamping pressure and slip rate, very few people will ever need a PDK upgrade.....so far.

 

Its beautiful to see just how over engineered a Porsche Turbo is compared to a Nissan its so often 'compared' with in every respect. No substitute.