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The only difference between the S and the GTS is the fact that the ECU restricts the throttle in the S at higher RPM's. At lower RPMs it's the same, but up top the GTS "opens" a bit more. This has been datalogged numerous times.
That's also why an ECU upgrade benefits the S vastly more than the GTS, and in the end they end up making about the same power.
The sport exhaust opens up a few HP for the S as well, but it really isn't enough to publish it as such.
Yes, it's all in the ECU. You cannot "swap" ECUs like you could in the old days in something like a 1998 Honda, but any good tune (FVD, Cobb, etc) will bring any of the 3.4L cars up to and beyond GTS spec.
It's the German way of nerfing their "lower model" cars and the tune brings it back to where it should be. Remember, the GTS is only an option package and nothing was changed on the motor. Almost all of those items could be had on the S model.
The only difference between the S and the GTS is the fact that the ECU restricts the throttle in the S at higher RPM's. At lower RPMs it's the same, but up top the GTS "opens" a bit more. This has been datalogged numerous times.
It's a little more than just throttle restriction. Ignition timing, variable camshaft timing and the direct injection fueling system have all been tweaked as part of the ECU upgrade.
Change "only" to "major" and the reply is accurate. That's where ~90% of the power difference is. Really saw no need to dig into minute details that are all improved upon via an aftermarket tune anyways.
Sorry Todd, just stating the facts. Oh and yes you can get those same modifications with an aftermarket tune that also includes paying $1+k and possibly voiding your warranty.
Sorry Todd, just stating the facts. Oh and yes you can get those same modifications with an aftermarket tune that also includes paying $1+k and possibly voiding your warranty.
Fair on the warranty issues. Any citation to mechanical differences in the injection system or other parts? Timing and the amount/rate of fuel added can very much be changed by the tune, and is in fact how they largely make more power. More fuel, more air, more bang. Timing is pretty much always adjusted up for tunes.
You can look up part numbers and I believe you'll find them all to be the same on the 3.4L Cayman/Boxsters.
There was someone who claimed that their tech was able to load a "GTS" program on their S, but it was one guy and who knows the validity of that comment. Most folks just go aftermarket as the popular tunes have proven to be very stable and reliable (and they make more HP than any of the OE Porsche tunes).
Nobody knows for sure what the exact differences are. What doesn't help is the GTS has a different engine assembly # than the S (MA123E vs D). Since the engine assembly includes the intake, the unique 'symposer' could be the whole reason, but doubt Porsche would go thru the trouble of a different certification just for that. No doubt the engine itself is probably the same internally, but slight intake and exhaust tweaks are very likely (on top of ECU ones). Somebody with time on his hands should compare part numbers for the cams; that's the only internal change I could see being different, but doubt it. The sport exhaust has to be identical IMO, but a part # change would also put that to rest.
Flashed my GTS yesterday, these are being installed today. About $4K installed for around 30 RWHP, probably more on an S. 100% reversible if need be. Nevermind your dash while flashing, it goes through all kinds of gyrations before 100% complete. Hope it's not too loud, but with PSE can always tone the exhaust down a bit if wanted.
Dealer installed headers yesterday, came home and updated flash to V2 93. With PSE closed it's about the same sound level as before with the PSE open. With PSE open it positively RIPS. Seat of the pants feel is a definite improvement in power and response, seems eager now, more lively. Opted for the Fabspeed protune but have not begun that process yet. No CEL, very happy customer.
06-20-2017, 12:37 PM
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