rkwfxd

...but here goes.

If all goes well I will be picking up a 1990 C2 Coupe with a Tip in a week or so.

I've been looking into minor, non-invasive engine performance improvements such as G-pipe, Cup pipe, Hi-Po Cat, drilled / open airbox, and Steve Wong chip.

I have also noticed that some guys with manuals lighten the flywheel.

So here goes, does the 3.6 + tip combo even have a flywheel?

If so, will the tip still work properly if it is lightened?

Does the torque converter replace the flywheel or nullify any lightening of it?

PS I have searched.

TIA

JohnK964

Just a torque converter nothing to lighten. I love my Tip MY 91. My car has a G pipe was on it when I got it so I have nothing to compare to in that respect.

azander

Autos have a flexplate which assumes the role of the flywheel in a manual. It's already very light. ... You can explore modifying the valve body for a firmer, quicker shift. However, there's not much you can modify on the tip box that would be considered 'non-invasive'.

I think the G-pipe is the one you want with a tiptronic. It adds a bit more midrange torque.

For a sporty ride, focus more on a nice suspension setup, perhaps a little on brakes, and ensure everything else is running tip-top, imo.

rkwfxd

Thank you gentlemen. If the car ends up in my garage the top priorities will be FULL service and maintenance.

Change Oil and Filter
Adjust valves
Change plugs
Change plug wires
Change Transfluid (flush system)
Change all belts including power steering and distributor
Change PS fluid and possibly replace reservoir
Grease all suspension points
Flush brake system
Install stainless steal brake lines
Check / Replace pads and Rotors

These are old cars so I want to start off as fresh as I can.

After that, while it is already clean, it is not up to my standards so a full detail will be in order.

Once all of that list is complete, then I will start playing with mods. But it is fun to look in the mean time.

So.... where does one look for "modifying the valve body?' Is this like the old B&M shift kits? If so, who makes one for the tip?

Thank you again.

A914MAN

There's not much in the way of mods for the early Tips. Best thing you can do is leave it in drive, drive it aggressively (once warmed up and where it's safe) and work on left foot braking.

My own experience with two different Tip cars is that while its like video game fun to shift it yourself in manual mode, the brain for the Tiptronic is more responsive than you shifting it, providing you learn how to keep the revs up and keep it in the optimum performance map.

This is my own .02. My two Tip cars were a '90 C2 and a '00 Boxster. The difference between Tips in those cars was pretty remarkable, and as I understand it the PDK is amazing, but I've not drove one of those.

rkwfxd

Thanks for the tips. If I wanted all out performance I'd be looking for a MT. The tiptronic will be a better all around vehicle for me so I will learn to drive it as you suggest.

azander

The transmission is a version of the ZF 4HP22. There may be something, but I wouldn't bother. Enjoy it as-is. Once rolling on it's not too bad.

jimq

If you leave it in 3 around town it will start in first gear instead of second like it does in D.
A Gpipe gives a nice burble deep sound. Its not overly obtrusive cruising but can get pretty loud at full throttle especially going thru tunnels and around barrier walls. Had mine on there for 14 years and still like the sound.

JohnK964

I truly love the howl with the G pipe on my Tip car

Spokes

If you are doing all of the above I would add Distributor caps, rotors and coils.

Tip (my experience with 993) great solid box. Keep the ATF clean, never had a problem.

NoSub Dan

+1 G-pipe on my Tip.

rkwfxd

Thank you. I will add those to the list.

Still don't have the car. Hopefully by Thurs as that is my birthday. Maybe Sat? I'll post up once I get it home.

ronone10

After you do the necessary maintenance, the want list starts to take over. Agree on the g-pipe , suspension was on my list and I finished with 18" RH wheels.

Enjoy!

rkwfxd

Yes I have been down this road too many times with motorcycles and 4X4 and now cars. My poor wife. "Why can't you just leave anything alone?" But she puts up with it.

For now I am going to focus on replacing a hand full of missing fasteners and maintenance catch up. Keep it stock and try to limit ordering parts to once a month.