Hi everyone

I've just acquired a 997.1 Turbo, Tiptronic, and have been really enjoying it. I'd like to explore the possibility of hotting up the power output dramatically. I've had a good look around this wonderful site, and I apologise for the newbie question. I'd like to increase the power from 480 hp to as much as is economically feasible, without being silly about it. (No intention to race track, drag race, etc - but I wouldn't say no to 900 hp if it was going!) I'm not up for engine rebuilding, and get the sense that the most I can hope for in that case is 700 hp or so, at the wheels. (I hope - maybe 750 or so?) I'm in New Zealand - so would love to hear from any New Zealand tuners who could help me out. If that's not possible, I'd appreciate any recommendations out there for a "moderately reasonable" significant power upgrade, without putting the engine (or presumably entire powertrain) under too much pressure. I'm not opposed to upgrading the Tiptronic if necessary (I had my reasons for buying a Tiptronic, just trust me on that) and am willing to spend, I dunno, 20K USD or so, if necessary. (Negotiable on that.)

All and any suggestion are welcome. Vendors are welcome to contact me - as are enthusiasts with good advice. I'll listen.

 

what kind of fuel do you have available? e85? what kind of octane on regular fuel?

 

Hi & thx for replying. In NZ we can get up to 98 (unleaded) at the pumps, and I’m pretty we can also use Avgas for Motorsport purposes, which is, AFAIK, 100 Octane, with some lead....the latter requires some schlepping in 5 gal cans tho, so is not as practical. Would find a way if it helped.
Gratefully, LP

 

If you are in the waikato area, you are welcome to try mine. I got a ByDesign tuned stage 2 cobb ap3, 3" catless exhaust.
Not 700 hp but big difference compared to stock. I test drove a stock 997.2 turbo with PDK (not the TTS and no sport chrono) last week and mine
feels quicker from standing start and on a roll.

 

If you go the E85 route you may want to pin the cams. Also pin the coolant lines. Upgrade the intercoolers and or add water / meth injection. These cars have issues dealing with heat. Otherwise, a 3" exhaust with a stage 2 tune and you'll be in the 500-600HP range. Beyond that you would need to upgrade the turbos.

 

ccfd, that is very generous indeed. I'm not in the Waikato area (I'm in South Island) - but get up there every now and then. I'd love to take you up on your very kind offer. Not in a hurry, mebbe this summer some time. How do I get in touch with you?

 

Hi Shatterpoints. I'm quite happy to upgrade the turbos. I guess, thinking about it, my biggest concern is continued reliability, not cost per se. I'm hoping to find one place in NZ where I can just driver her in, let them keep her for whatever time it takes, and drive her out with 700 hp +. Sounds like a better, catless exhaust, is crucial? I'm trying to find out, as a newbie, where to start. I saw a 900 hp 997 somewhere on youtube, but it seemed like there was too much messing around. Looking for that sweet spot in terms of reliability and longevity vs power, with $$ a secondary - though still real - consideration.

ccsfd - you have any idea where I could go in NZ to get thing thing hotted up somewhat ludicrously? Willing to spend $10-20K, maybe a hair more. No particular interest in keeping her stock - can always revert to stock if I had to. And be careful what you offer - I may well turn up on your doorstep in my 997 some time this summer. Planning a road trip anyway

My last Porsche was a 67 911, which was a great wee go-kart - but yeah, definitely a newbie here. I would be very grateful for any input from Them What Know. Again, happy to upgrade turbos, do the other fancier stuff - just wary of snake oil pitchers

Best to all

LP

 

Shatterpoints, sorry, I just re-read your post a little more closely. (Just waking up here, NZ morning, 7.30 am) I have 480 hp already, I think. When you say 500-600 hp range I presume you mean more like 600 hp? Maybe my Q should be, leaving aside any caveats, what would I have to do to get 800 hp out of this car? It *seems* possible, and life is for enjoying, right? I could run her on 100 LL without too much trouble....

LP

 

You are talking 700-750hp to the tires and you don't want to build the motor? That is a terrible idea.
If your claim is true and you plan to drive it regularly, 600hp to the tires is PLENTY and will be a drastic difference from stock. If you want to hit the 700hp mark to the tires, you are going to be breaking all sorts of stuff...only a matter of time. You also say e85 is not readily available in your area so that is another challenge.
Stick with turbos, intercoolers, coils, full exhaust and a good tune - that should put you close to a reliable 600 to the tires and just enjoy.

 

...for taking the time to educate this newbie. I WAS actually starting to think about rebuilding the motor....but your points seem sensible. I learned a while back not to ask for advice then ignore it A “terrible idea”? Sounds like it’s probably a terrible idea then.

I’m surprised there is such a big/noticeable difference bw 480 and 600 hp at the tyres, but if there is, great!

E85, no, don’t think so. Leadfree 91, 95, 98 at pumps, 100 LL with a bit more trouble.

many thx for the frank advice

LP

PS if anyone from NZ is reading this, still looking for a good Porsche tuner to do the work....

 

Dont think theres many specialist who actually do big mods for porsches in NZ. Not many modify their 997TTs here. Only other guy
I know whos modified his is nzskater on here. Theres some but not many independent workshops
in North Island, I think maybe 2 or 3 in Auckland but they pretty much do the normal servicing and repairs. Theres International Motorsports
http://www.imsracing.co.nz/motorsport/ they race and build porsches (mostly cup cars and GT3s). You dont seem to mind cost too much so might
be a good idea to give them a call.
I would source my parts from US specialist like Sam @ ByDesign (other specialist you might prefer after doing some research) and fit the parts myself.
Im in a rural area 2hrs from Auckland so I do all the work myself.
Nowadays you can log 2 or 3 runs on your set up and send the logs to these specialist tuners and you usually get a file to load up within a day or two.
Easy, depending on which way you will go with the reflashing/datalogging device. I picked Cobb AP for ease of use and datalogging plus it gives
you a lot of info on the screen, using it as extra gauges you can pick and configure yourself. You can also review datalogs yourself on your pc
to see if everything is good or not so good to discuss with your tuner. Not too sure about other flash devices if you can do the same.
you can order pretty much everything online to reach your goal but shipping and customs cost would hurt. Send me a PM and I'll give you my number
if you ever up my way.

Post some pics too mate.

 

480 bhp is factory. With just a tune you're going to be around 550 or so. With intercoolers and exhaust you can get into 600bhp. You're main issues for making more than 600 is cooling, turbo efficiency and then engine internals.

This is accurate.

To make more power you need to change VE (Volumetric Efficiency) The way you accomplish that is by changing the amount of air the engine flows. The 997.1's intake and headers are good for 700-800 so you wont pickup any benefits there. The exhaust is a must as it is the only real limiter in the OEM system. To support the power goals you need to deal with the poor cooling the OE intercoolers provide. The do88 intercoolers are probably your best bet for this as you are not exactly worried about cost. The exhaust I'd recommend is Europipe or Speedtech 3" catless. On top of the IC upgrade you should add water/ meth injection to keep temps steady through repeated use. The factory turbos will be the limiting factor if you want to make beyond ~600bhp or so. You could get away with more but you will generate a high amount of heat and will be less efficient in general. As far as tunes go, Kevin with UMW is good. Be cautious with remote tuning, the off the shelf (ots) tunes provide the power figure but each have their own throttle characteristics. This makes it so that while different tunes make their power, each one's drive-ability will vary widely. Next if you are adding power you should get yourself a nice DOT4 brake fluid and good brake pads (I use Ferodo ds2500's). Lastly It would be worth while to swap out your suspension. That is another long topic to cover and plenty of people have very strong opinions on.

 

I think just the basics will make you very happy! (exhaust, do88 intercoolers and ypipe, cobb stage 2 pump gas flash)

 

Hey, I just wanted to thank you - and everyone else who's responded - for your time and help in answering my Q. I know I'm a bit naive about all this - that's why I'm here - and it's really nice to have people take the time to help me with my Q's. Gotta plan now