TT Surgeon

Light mods is the key, exhaust, gt2 bar and a tpc box are about all you need. Mine also has the gt2 clutch and all lines pinned/replaced. If never had any issue selling a lightly done car. Once you start changing turbos, internal components, 700hp kits, body kits.....then you're in frankenturbo territory and resale is tougher.

cemga

I did the TPC DSC controller and it made a big difference along with 25 mm rear sway bar and solid adjustable rear toe links, ECU tune and Europipe exhaust. Can go back to completely stock easily. Car is really fun to drive now with no understeer.

earossi

I've just completed my search for a car; so, I have recent experience of the dilemma of trying to decide about stock versus modded. My indy mechanic says that you shouldn't buy more than you can effectively drive. I think there is truth to that statement. I just sold my 993, that probably made about 300 hp, which was as much power as I "needed". The car was better than I am. But, I wanted more "guts" which is what took me down the turbo route.

I may be on the final push to get a 100% stock 08 that is so much more powerful than my 993. Why would I need more power than that? I want reliability, which I think I will get with the "stock" 480 hp engine in the car.

When I looked at modded cars, I was able to research the add-ons to decide if they were appropriate. But, what I could not assess was the skill set of whomever installed them. What was the "quality" of the installation? Hard to tell until something breaks.

And, as we all know, once you start down that slippery slope, you quickly loose track of what you have or have not done. And, of your bank account. In comparison to the 993, all the stock and after market stuff for turbos seems to be orders of magnitude more expensive than for the 993/964 cars.

Since I don't have my car yet, I can't tell you what I would change, if anything. On my 993, the exhaust sound was pitiful; so, I did do an aftermarket exhaust. That might be the only mod I would do if the turbo is to dull in the exhaust note area. But, the need to get to 600+ hp is not a need that I would be interested in pursuing. So, any "mods" that I consider will be ones that improve reliability. So, for instance, when the time is right, I'll replace the plastic coolant fittings and properly pin the metal ones.

Just my 2 cents.

C's Turbo

Go in small steps. The right exhaust alone may be enough for you. Also, love my short shift! Good luck

Domer911

this thread doesn't work for me without pics. Please post pics of your new ride.

TT Surgeon

Agree, small steps. Here's what I did;
When I got this one 2 yrs ago I wanted to do a Ruf 550 Rturbo conversion like my brother did on his '07 turbo back in 2009 at Ruf Auto Center USA. Unfortunately, that's no longer an option in the US. To me, an FVD conversion package being 100% German was the closest I could get these days. I wanted OEM like performance and reliability, not interested in max power, loud assed exhaust. FVD is one of the oldest pure Porsche tuners in Germany, specializing in turbos dating back 30 yrs to 930s and 959s, not the flavor of the month, but highly recommended.
If you ever get a chance to drive a Ruf conversion, you'll know instantly what I mean, you'd think it came right from the factory with this setup.
So far this package has been incredible, very reliable, very OEM like, no CELs, easily passes tough NYS emissions. Rhonda Roxburgh and ***** Brombacher have been very helpful in this endeavor, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their company. If I didn't do this, I would have left it pretty much stock.
Package basically consists of a custom FVD modified OEM exhaust, custom FVD sealed ecu from Germany (not a flash), bmc filter, and a letter of authenticity verifying the conversion package dates, mileage and installation, etc.

DocHW

^does the BMC filter make a difference soundwise?

Agree... with an exhaust and a conservative tune the car is more fun, nicer to drive and sounds better. Not just about speed. Also don't forget the dsc box, it works wonders on the stock suspension.

TT Surgeon

Slightly more sound, I never reuse or oil them, when dirty I just replace.
Ditto on the dsc.

shneapfla

Which ones are recommendable for the stock suspension? I saw there are some which require 3p-shocks?!

TT Surgeon

The tpc dsc box is designed to be used with stock suspension. The turbo already had the gyroscope thing, so only non turbo cars have to buy that in addition.

JG 996T

I have a stock 2008. I don't presently intend to add a tune for more HP. (i never did on my 996 turbo either).
But, here's my short list of 'improvements to be done':

1) DSC Sport (done and great improvement)
2) Porsche GT2 RS rear stabilizer (have but not installed)
3) Dension Gateway (have but not installed)
4) Exhaust (still looking)
5) Springs (either GTS 4 Sport, or GMG)

TT Surgeon

Good list.

993MAN

I did a tune, and to be honest after a few drives you forget about it anyway.
Lets face it, these cars are friggin brutal out of the box as it is.
This thing still scares me at times.

estrellajon

I don't see IC on your list JG. :-)

JG 996T

If I was going to be at the track more often, I might contemplate some GT2 RS intercoolers....