Not much there at lower RPM's
05-16-2003, 11:11 AM
#1
Intermediate
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Not much there at lower RPM's
Alright maybe this is greedy, maybe its because I've only owned the car a month now, maybe its just plain stupid but... First, my car runs like a top and I can't complain about that for sure. But, I really feel like my car is somewhat sluggish from 2k-4k rpm's. Is this normal for the 3.2? It really seems to pick up from 4k-5k. I would spend some money if there is a peformance fix and I am told by my mechanic the car is runnly perfectly. Is there hope or should I just quit my @!#4ing and just love my bone stock wonderfully running car. Thanks. guys.
05-16-2003, 11:51 AM
#2
Burning Brakes
As you have discovered, the 'power band' for the 3.2 IS in the 4K up to redline range (...i.e. keep her in this range for the most fun)! However, I did install one of Steve Wong's customized chips a while back, and it definitely improves the throttle response in the lower RPM ranges to some degree. I don't want to mislead you...it's not a tremendous difference, but I do see an improvement between 3-4K rpms.
05-16-2003, 01:05 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Yes, gr8fl has a good point...(and since you're new to your 911) let me add...I NEVER go past 4K until she's good and warm...then I rarely drop below 4K after that...
05-16-2003, 01:19 PM
#5
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I'd also check to see if you are running to rich. My car was a dog down low and it still was after a tune up. Had my mechanic put it on the gas analyzer and it was running a tad too rich. Leaned it out a bit and it had much more snap down low.
05-16-2003, 04:18 PM
#7
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Does the power band between 4 and 6000 rpm go for the SC also? I always try to shift before 6,000 as not to over rev the engine, am I making a newbie mistake that's robbing me of fun with my car? Thanks.
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05-16-2003, 04:23 PM
#9
Burning Brakes
Yes there is, and I'm glad you asked, because I neglected to mention them. The chip by itself (on a stock setup), may not do much, but Steve W's chip is 'customized' to take into account a new exhaust setup (Fabspeed euro premuffler w/ a GHL exhaust) and also is tuned for 92 octane (or better) gas. BUT, keep in mind that even with doing all of these, the result's will be noticable, but NOT a 'night & day' difference. Gr8ful is absolutely correct in his advice to 'drive it like you stole it' (after it warms up)! The key is to keep her in the 'power band'!
ps. For RC...the rev limiter will protect your engine...once she's warm, I approach redline ALL the time!
ps. For RC...the rev limiter will protect your engine...once she's warm, I approach redline ALL the time!
05-16-2003, 06:07 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
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Mass Air Flow - look at this discussion on Pelican for details: <a href="http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99842&highlight=MAF" target="_blank">http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99842&highlight=MAF</a>
As stated in that thread, I put on a euro style pre-muffler and MAF and went from 180 RWHP to 210 RWHP (the dyno chart is listed). This is almost 250 flywheel HP. The low end torque is greatly improved as well. Steve Wong, mentioned above, helped me with this and can aslo make custom chips to match the MAF. You need to read the full thread to get the whole story and filter through all the wasted comments.
As stated in that thread, I put on a euro style pre-muffler and MAF and went from 180 RWHP to 210 RWHP (the dyno chart is listed). This is almost 250 flywheel HP. The low end torque is greatly improved as well. Steve Wong, mentioned above, helped me with this and can aslo make custom chips to match the MAF. You need to read the full thread to get the whole story and filter through all the wasted comments.
05-16-2003, 06:09 PM
#12
It takes a while to driving at higher rpms , especially if you're used to V8 or V6. The flat6 music also makes you think you're really pushing the engine. (don't worry they love it).
3-4000 for puttering around, 4-5000 you're starting to rock, 5000 to redline - beware of the
cops.
You'll soon realize that you're going 10-15mph faster than you think.
3-4000 for puttering around, 4-5000 you're starting to rock, 5000 to redline - beware of the
cops.
You'll soon realize that you're going 10-15mph faster than you think.
05-16-2003, 10:03 PM
#13
You can spend a small fortune and still be disappointed with the torque below 4k. Don't ask me how I know...
The only real way to improve it is to change your gearing. A 7:31 Ring and Pinion is a sure fire way to add very noticeable torque down low...but it ain't cheap.
An MAF will set you back well north of $1k with a barely perceptable improvement down low. Save your money, enjoy your car. When it's ready for a clutch, look into regearing...when it's ready for valve job, think about performance cams. Neither of which is cheap.
Drive hard and don't be afraid of shifting into the red. It's really only dangerous when downshifting...ie., shifting from 5th to 2nd when you intended to shift from 5th to 4th...requires special care if you have a 915 gearbox.
Have fun and keep the revs up.
The only real way to improve it is to change your gearing. A 7:31 Ring and Pinion is a sure fire way to add very noticeable torque down low...but it ain't cheap.
An MAF will set you back well north of $1k with a barely perceptable improvement down low. Save your money, enjoy your car. When it's ready for a clutch, look into regearing...when it's ready for valve job, think about performance cams. Neither of which is cheap.
Drive hard and don't be afraid of shifting into the red. It's really only dangerous when downshifting...ie., shifting from 5th to 2nd when you intended to shift from 5th to 4th...requires special care if you have a 915 gearbox.
Have fun and keep the revs up.
05-28-2003, 04:50 AM
#15
Racer
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You should try a 2.2S. That's a really high revving engine. You need to keep it between 5500-redline to go quick.
Noisy? Yes? Fun? I think so?
If you want low end torque, you need to get a newer Porsche with a 3.6 engine. The 3.2 was in some ways the last Porsche-engine according to the classic european sports car concept, with engines that were supposed to be kept in the higher registers. However the traffic situtation, noise-laws etc. has made fewer and fewer people ask for that type of engines.
cheers
Christian
911 Carrera -84
Noisy? Yes? Fun? I think so?
If you want low end torque, you need to get a newer Porsche with a 3.6 engine. The 3.2 was in some ways the last Porsche-engine according to the classic european sports car concept, with engines that were supposed to be kept in the higher registers. However the traffic situtation, noise-laws etc. has made fewer and fewer people ask for that type of engines.
cheers
Christian
911 Carrera -84