2 month into ownership of my first P-car, stock 2003 c4s 6 speed MT with factory sports exhaust. I've tracked it once (2 days) so far, and although i didn't "catch the bug", i will probably do more in the future. I've put about 2500 miles on the car in a short period of time and plan on driving it year round (NJ/PA), though it's not a DD. Car now has 24.2K miles on it and has new LN IMS bearing, new clutch/flywheel. Enjoying every minute behind the wheel, love the sound of the SE, and plan on keeping the car for a long time.

Now my question for the experienced 996 forum followers:

I'm considering upgrading to a Fabspeed dual air intake and possibly also doing their ECU tune. If cost isn't a deciding factor is this a "why wouldn't you do this, you'll love the results " type of upgrade? i've read lots on this forum and really appreciate the level of knowledge offered (along with the occasional nasty comment). i'm perfectly happy with my current HP and sound, and before 2 months ago didn't even know what an ECU was, let along that they could be tuned after leaving the factory.

Is there any downside other than cost? If i'm gonna go with new air intake and tune, am i making a mistake by not simultaneously upgrading headers as well?

Thanks in advance.

 

The fabspeed unit looks nice when you open up the engine bay, but I think many will say that the stock unit is best. A lot of members go with the orange cap mod. Evoms seems to be popular as well.

 

You are better off using the stock air box with the cold air intake. If you install a engine bay air filter you will be sucking in hot engine bay air and you will lose power. Also confusing to the MAF to have a different air stream. Look for other upgrade options.

 

Wondering about this as well. Just looked at their site and it looks like $900 for the tune to get 13hp and 13ft/lbs. Anyone have first hand experience with this?

 

With all due respect, save the money on those things and instead, put it towards an IMS Solution upgrade. It's proven over and over, those so called "cold air intakes" don't work well on these cars. Money down the drain!

 

The age-old adage: "Want a faster car? Go to driving school."

 

Man!... do you get any fee with each IMS solution installation? Every time that someone ask for some mod, whatever it is realted to, you always answer with the same recommendation

 

Don't do the fab speed tune. I wont bash fab speed all around because they do sell some good stuff but in regards to the tune.. my self and my brother would say .. run the other way. We both had to deal with them... him. Would not recommend them... him.

 

You can see in my signature my modifications on my 996 C2.

It is a lot of money (ratio/996 value)
Once you start down the slope of modifications, you are into 5 figures really fast, if you have to pay for labor.

You have an aging car. Spend your money freshening up your wearable parts, like suspension and hoses. You can drop thousands just doing that.

As op stated, learn to drive your car first

 

that's for all the quick responses. with respect to the ECU tune, i have no preference for fabspeed over anyone else i just happened to be looking at their site for the air intake unit. what is the general consensus regarding tuning, exclusive of who you go with?

i love this forum, thx again.

 

After completing all of the necessary maintenance requirements, the only two worthwhile mods for the 996 are a short shifter and a Fister D exhaust modification to the stock mufflers.

 

I did complete suspension redo along with the lwfw and IPD plenum... I love the way my car feels. it does add though like mentioned and I did all my own work and still ran up about $15k real fast.

 

i will take your advise and save my $ for future required maintenance, and some more HPDE.

thanks

 

This^
The IMS Solution is a fantastic product. It will last the life of the car...Nutty, I want my cut!

 

Touché! You got me there man. hahaha... I wish I was getting some commission cause I'd be rich by now. I just hate seeing people throw money away on dumb stuff like cosmetic upgrades or crazy performance mods but never replace the one thing that is known to take out the engine. Oh well.