user 72902

I'm looking for a Cayman PDK as a daily driver and wanted some feedback about the reliability of the PDK. For reference I've owned several Carreras (all manuals) but I'd like a Cayman as a daily driver. There is so much on the 997 board about apparent software related problems that I'm hesitating on a purchase if the same thing is prevelant in Caymans. I did search and did not find a bunch of issues which is good and I no longer track my cars so they are strictly street driven. Thanks in advance.

extanker

09 cay bought new 22k on it now. if you forced me to find any issues with the trans i would say it can be a little cranky the first 2 minutes [at most] in the very cold winter if you baby the car. if you just drive it normal like i should it is smooth. the other quirk is it does not like one foot on the gas the other on the brake pulling out [it can hesitate ] all these issues are my odd way of driving.i would recommend pdk

66mustang

I would agree with the above post. Also, if you don't find one with Sport Chrono you need to add it. It totally changes the car, I don't use it during my normal commute. On the weekends is when I have fun with it.

user 72902

Appreciate the comments!

Swells991911

Can sport chrono be added to the car? I thought it was a factory only option.

Sven76

It can. At least the sport mode everybody is so keen to get, the clock on the dash is extremely expensive and probably not worth the hassle. I have sport Chrono but could without sport mode. Either normal driving, then the standard mode is perfectly fine, for spirited driving or track I use the manual mode. Launch control nothing I've tried, not sure I'm overly interested in that.

gregbj8

I was told by my dealer that in the US on a 981 sport chrono can't be added at the dealer level. I believe that you could do that on previous gen Boxter/Cayman. Looks like another example of Porsche maximizing profit.

Swells991911

Was hoping that there is a software upgrade available. Most for throttle response and for the PDK. I wouldn't want to worry about the dash clock or the dynamic engine mounts. So would I then be able to add a sports plus button or be better off trying an aftermarket software programming? This is on a 2014 C2S. Thanks!

66mustang

I was talking about it on the 987.2 cars. I am not sure what they can with the 991/981

matttheboatman

Hello JW,

Going back to your original question the PDK has been uber reliable. It is the transmission of choice for full race 987s. Even with all those moving parts, I believe it will be less costly to own than a 6 spd manual which will require clutch work as a wear item before you will need to do anything to the PDK. The only (potential) issue is extreme driving in extreme heat. If you live in the desert, perhaps the 3rd radiator would be a good option to add as it is standard for places such as Dubai.

And, I agree with the other posters, if you go PDK be sure it has the Sports Chrono option which introduces some additional functionality such as Sports Plus mode, timer, launch control, and few other tid bits.

matttheboatman

I should also note that it has a "learning feature" whereby it shifts as aggressively as desired by the driver. Get in the car after your wife has been driving to get the groceries and you will feel like something is wrong as it will shift super smooth just like granny would prefer. Stomp on it a few times and it will begin to shift much more aggressively - allowing more RPMs between gears and more defined quick shifts.