Should I go from manual to tiptronic??
12-10-2002, 10:56 PM
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Should I go from manual to tiptronic??
My 993 cab was recently totalled. In my hunt for a replacement, I have found a number of cabs with varying options (most on the net, ebay, etc.). The car I recently wrecked was a 97 cab, polar silver, manual transmission, and had the motor sound package.
My questions are:
How would it be, performance wise, to go from a manual shift to tiptronic? There a number of tiptronics for sale on ebay (one is a tiptronic S - is this the same thing?). I like shifting manually, but I also found it somewhat cumbersome each morning to drink my coffe and shift on the way to work - no good cup holder. Also, a tiptronic would allow my wife to drive it (she dosent do standard) - depending on how I look at it, this may be good or bad as I'd rather be the only one driving this :-)(. Does the steering wheel button give the same performance effect when using these to shift? Is the tiptronic reliable and maintenance free?
Second - what does a 993 sound like without the motor sound package (most cars I found for sale do not seem to list this as an option)? Is it much quieter? I really like the rumble that mine had when reved-up, I assume this was the motor sound package. Is this something that can be added easily (e.g., aftermarket?) I seem to recall someone wrote about drilling some holes somehwere in airbox - this kind of scares me - does drilling give the same effect?
Third - the silver was very very easy to keep clean, showed no pollen, watermarks, dust, etc. I find lots of black cars for sale which look great on ebay all waxed up - but I dont like to wash or wax my car too often (once every few weeks is enough). Am I asking for trouble buying black?
Thanks for any thoughts, ideas, etc. Its amazing how many times a day I can check ebay for new listings, thinking that my dream cab will show up. I recall when I bought my former one from ebay a year ago it took four months of checking, almost daily, until I found one that was perfect - 18K miles, all options, etc. It only took some black ice and 10 seconds to total it.
My questions are:
How would it be, performance wise, to go from a manual shift to tiptronic? There a number of tiptronics for sale on ebay (one is a tiptronic S - is this the same thing?). I like shifting manually, but I also found it somewhat cumbersome each morning to drink my coffe and shift on the way to work - no good cup holder. Also, a tiptronic would allow my wife to drive it (she dosent do standard) - depending on how I look at it, this may be good or bad as I'd rather be the only one driving this :-)(. Does the steering wheel button give the same performance effect when using these to shift? Is the tiptronic reliable and maintenance free?
Second - what does a 993 sound like without the motor sound package (most cars I found for sale do not seem to list this as an option)? Is it much quieter? I really like the rumble that mine had when reved-up, I assume this was the motor sound package. Is this something that can be added easily (e.g., aftermarket?) I seem to recall someone wrote about drilling some holes somehwere in airbox - this kind of scares me - does drilling give the same effect?
Third - the silver was very very easy to keep clean, showed no pollen, watermarks, dust, etc. I find lots of black cars for sale which look great on ebay all waxed up - but I dont like to wash or wax my car too often (once every few weeks is enough). Am I asking for trouble buying black?
Thanks for any thoughts, ideas, etc. Its amazing how many times a day I can check ebay for new listings, thinking that my dream cab will show up. I recall when I bought my former one from ebay a year ago it took four months of checking, almost daily, until I found one that was perfect - 18K miles, all options, etc. It only took some black ice and 10 seconds to total it.
12-10-2002, 11:06 PM
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Tell you what, I'll make you a deal on my 98 black tip cab and you can decide for yourself! 
Maybe only 2 guys have tips on this forum so there is not much help there, but if you do decide to get a tip, definately get Steve Weiner to chip it. I've had no problems with it, but then I have not had problems with anything. Off the line they are slower, but in the twisties at speed I would imagine the 2 transmissions and cars are comparable. Good Luck. BTW, I am selling mine and my SC to get a turbo, with a six speed and a sunroof!
Maybe only 2 guys have tips on this forum so there is not much help there, but if you do decide to get a tip, definately get Steve Weiner to chip it. I've had no problems with it, but then I have not had problems with anything. Off the line they are slower, but in the twisties at speed I would imagine the 2 transmissions and cars are comparable. Good Luck. BTW, I am selling mine and my SC to get a turbo, with a six speed and a sunroof!
12-10-2002, 11:42 PM
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If you use the car daily as it sounds like you do and you live in a location where traffic is regular and your wife wants to drive the car....well, I would get a tip.
I just sat is some traffic today in San Diego and it was not very fun, but then I do not drive it every day and usually use the car on the track so I live with it.
Good luck!
I just sat is some traffic today in San Diego and it was not very fun, but then I do not drive it every day and usually use the car on the track so I live with it.
Good luck!
12-10-2002, 11:46 PM
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JD,
Is your chip customized for a Tip. I recall a thread a few months ago about the possibility of Steve doing a Tip-specific chip but never heard anything more on the matter.
In any case have you seen a noticeable improvement in the low RPM range with the chip? I am getting a bit tired of the huge disparity between 1st and 2nd gear in my tip and am wondering whether thats changed (Eg. cornering hard and down-shifting its too easy to redline in 1st but lugs in second)
Thanks in advance,
Alex
Is your chip customized for a Tip. I recall a thread a few months ago about the possibility of Steve doing a Tip-specific chip but never heard anything more on the matter.
In any case have you seen a noticeable improvement in the low RPM range with the chip? I am getting a bit tired of the huge disparity between 1st and 2nd gear in my tip and am wondering whether thats changed (Eg. cornering hard and down-shifting its too easy to redline in 1st but lugs in second)
Thanks in advance,
Alex
12-11-2002, 12:40 AM
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Alex: The chip is for the engine ecu - not the transmission ecu. I agree with you about the 1-2 business. This chip does nothing for that but I get around it. The chip does really improve everything from 2-3k up though in acceleration, and I am one satisfied customer. BTW - Steve will NOT be doing the tranny ecu chip - not enough demand, but he did say something to me about some stuff that you could do illegally - don't know what he was referring to though.
BTW - Steve will NOT be doing the tranny ecu chip - not enough demand, but he did say something to me about some stuff that you could do illegally - don't know what he was referring to though.
12-11-2002, 12:42 AM
#6
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Hi, Barry,
I've never owned a tip but I've driven them. They are definitely more sluggish feeling than the direct connection that a manual clutch car offers. When you jump on a manual car, the car moves immediately. A tip car feels like it's low on compression. Before I bought my car, a friend who owns a Porsche warned me that I wouldn't like the tip. He was right.
Since you're buying a true sportscar, why would you want a tip? Porsches and all of the racing heritage that come with the marque are the definition of driving and driver involvement.
If you're worried about the extra effort of a black car, stay away. One drive after a washing and you'll be able to write your name in the dust on your paint, particularly on the rear of the car where the aerodynamics swirl around and dump the flotsam the car has been driving through. It's happened to me.
Cheers,
I've never owned a tip but I've driven them. They are definitely more sluggish feeling than the direct connection that a manual clutch car offers. When you jump on a manual car, the car moves immediately. A tip car feels like it's low on compression. Before I bought my car, a friend who owns a Porsche warned me that I wouldn't like the tip. He was right.
Since you're buying a true sportscar, why would you want a tip? Porsches and all of the racing heritage that come with the marque are the definition of driving and driver involvement.
If you're worried about the extra effort of a black car, stay away. One drive after a washing and you'll be able to write your name in the dust on your paint, particularly on the rear of the car where the aerodynamics swirl around and dump the flotsam the car has been driving through. It's happened to me.
Cheers,
12-11-2002, 09:16 AM
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wow, I guess I'll keep looking for a nice manual as from the few responses received, it appears a tipronic leaves a little to be desired. I tend to agree on the black car question and think I'll hunt for a silver manual.
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12-11-2002, 11:56 AM
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Barry
go to a dealer and test drive a tip. AS you can tell, opinions vary greatly. Only you will know if YOU like one or not. PErsonally, I enjoy my tip and it is perfectly suited to the traffic I commute in daily AND the thrashing I give it on the country roads. The performance difference is not huge, but the ratios in a manual box are better suited for brisk acceleration and, moreover, the ratios are more closely spaced (mainly because there are more!! 6 -speed manual vs 4 speed tip)
I would get the 6-speed if you have track days in mind. If not, test drive a tip.
Just my 0.02!
go to a dealer and test drive a tip. AS you can tell, opinions vary greatly. Only you will know if YOU like one or not. PErsonally, I enjoy my tip and it is perfectly suited to the traffic I commute in daily AND the thrashing I give it on the country roads. The performance difference is not huge, but the ratios in a manual box are better suited for brisk acceleration and, moreover, the ratios are more closely spaced (mainly because there are more!! 6 -speed manual vs 4 speed tip)
I would get the 6-speed if you have track days in mind. If not, test drive a tip.
Just my 0.02!
12-11-2002, 12:04 PM
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Well just to balance the opinions out a bit then (I've got a Tip Targa) - as you really should not make your mind up until you have driven both!
I didn't want an 'auto' at first - but I have to say I would not swap it now. I live in London and there is no way I would drive a manual in the traffic we get here.
Traffic aside - it's also great to drive on the open road too - (you even get the 'stick' feel if you want). Yes - 4 gears may feel a bit limiting - but practically I don't miss the 'extra 2'.
For me, there's so much more to a 'sports car' than changing gear
Just my English 2p worth.
Good luck whichever you choose - if it's a 993 I'm sure you will enjoy it.
I didn't want an 'auto' at first - but I have to say I would not swap it now. I live in London and there is no way I would drive a manual in the traffic we get here.
Traffic aside - it's also great to drive on the open road too - (you even get the 'stick' feel if you want). Yes - 4 gears may feel a bit limiting - but practically I don't miss the 'extra 2'.
For me, there's so much more to a 'sports car' than changing gear
Just my English 2p worth.
Good luck whichever you choose - if it's a 993 I'm sure you will enjoy it.
12-11-2002, 01:01 PM
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To quickly address some of your concerns:
1. If you need a cupholder, get the VW Passat cupholder that was recommended <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005180" target="_blank">HERE</a>. But see also Sean Spicer's warning about its proximity to a wire harness.
2. All the motorsound stuff can be bought relatively cheaply. Better yet, get an RSR muffler from Robin. If you don't want to drill your airbox cover then you can get a motorsound cover from Gert.
Good luck.
1. If you need a cupholder, get the VW Passat cupholder that was recommended <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005180" target="_blank">HERE</a>. But see also Sean Spicer's warning about its proximity to a wire harness.
2. All the motorsound stuff can be bought relatively cheaply. Better yet, get an RSR muffler from Robin. If you don't want to drill your airbox cover then you can get a motorsound cover from Gert.
Good luck.
12-11-2002, 01:45 PM
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NM98CAB,
Thanks for the info. Now I have to decide which comes first, an RSR muffler or the chip
BTW has anyone out there tried Supercups on a Cabriolet. Did you like or dislike? Thanks in advance.
PatentMan,
One other thing you might want to consider trying is test driving a 996 Tip. I test-drove one a while back; it has 5 gears rather than 4 and the low end performance was not nearly as sluggish as the 993. Overall I felt it was a significant improvement over the performance of the 993. But my two cents worth is that if you previously drove a manual and are NOT going to be driving in constant heavy traffic you will end up missing the manual. Good luck.
Thanks for the info. Now I have to decide which comes first, an RSR muffler or the chip
BTW has anyone out there tried Supercups on a Cabriolet. Did you like or dislike? Thanks in advance.
PatentMan,
One other thing you might want to consider trying is test driving a 996 Tip. I test-drove one a while back; it has 5 gears rather than 4 and the low end performance was not nearly as sluggish as the 993. Overall I felt it was a significant improvement over the performance of the 993. But my two cents worth is that if you previously drove a manual and are NOT going to be driving in constant heavy traffic you will end up missing the manual. Good luck.
12-11-2002, 01:59 PM
#12
I wouldn't get a tip. Not only are they slower and take away the sports car feel, but there is no demand for them at all. A guy here in Portland has had his for sale for quite a while. Its been a year I think. I actually bought and then sold my E46 M3 and his car was still for sale. Even M3's that blow up are in demand more than a tip. 
12-11-2002, 02:29 PM
#13
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Cupholders & auto transmissions...
As some might know, these are my favourite items in a sportscar... <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
Well, I'd say NO to tip & cupholder (in a sports car) but if have to choose from two bad things (cupholder or tip), I think cupholder isn't as bad as tip is.
And you said you like manual...
So, just get what belongs to Porsche: manual.
And maybe drink the coffee when you're at your work?
As some might know, these are my favourite items in a sportscar... <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" />
Well, I'd say NO to tip & cupholder (in a sports car) but if have to choose from two bad things (cupholder or tip), I think cupholder isn't as bad as tip is.
And you said you like manual...
So, just get what belongs to Porsche: manual.
And maybe drink the coffee when you're at your work?
12-12-2002, 09:20 PM
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6 speed drivers are such snobs. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />
My car is a tip. I like it. I'm 6'6" and I like being able to stretch out my left leg where the clutch would be. A great benefit in traffic, better on long drives. All p-cars are slow off the line as they are not meant to be dragsters. I can shift faster than a 6 speed and the tip transmission is bulletproof - no $3,000 clutch to replace.
I had wanted a 6 speed but I'm glad I got the tip. No plans to sell it so resale is not an issue...but if the cr is right there will always be a buyer - just like you.
My car is a tip. I like it. I'm 6'6" and I like being able to stretch out my left leg where the clutch would be. A great benefit in traffic, better on long drives. All p-cars are slow off the line as they are not meant to be dragsters. I can shift faster than a 6 speed and the tip transmission is bulletproof - no $3,000 clutch to replace.
I had wanted a 6 speed but I'm glad I got the tip. No plans to sell it so resale is not an issue...but if the cr is right there will always be a buyer - just like you.