I was thinking of adding a PSE to my 04 C2. I would like to do the install myself, with the switch. Any thoughts on this and ideas on cost? As stated before, thanks in advance for any thoughts and help.....

Dave

 

The PSE is great...I just had it installed on my C4S, and it sounds much better!

Are you sure you want the switch? I haven't installed it myself, but the dealer estimates around 7 hours (total) to do this, as the interior has to be taken apart for the wiring, etc. Not worth it, in my opinion, as you probably will never use the "quiet" mode

The mufflers should be fairly simply...a couple of relaxed hours should do it.

 

I've had PSE on my last 2 Carreras--it's the best option I've had on any car, and there's no way I would go to the trouble & expense of the switch. Driving in my neighborhood, I keep it under 3,000 RPM and it's not loud at all. The switch adds around 8 hours to the install (for an experienced Porsche tech--DIY would take who knows how long), and taking apart a good deal of the interior to run the harness from the engine compartment to the relay panel is only asking for squeaks/rattles. I had just the mufflers installed at a local independent Porsche shop for around 1 hour labor. You can get PSE for around $1,600 from Brandywine Porsche.

 

Had one put on my 03 C4S too with switch. The switch gets used often especially in the early morning when I leave the house and when accessing my security gates at work. Well worth the cash.

 

I had my PSE installed at an OPC here in greece where i live,
2 hours mechanical work i.e mufflers
2.5 hours electrical work i.e switch

8 hours seems to me very long. i have a feeling that there is a catalog that states how much hour should opc charge according the type of work undertaken to its car. they shouldn,t charge more or of course less, unless there was a problem. i.e rusted metals, that needed more time in order to unscrew bolts...

 

save yourself the time and hassle, just get the muffler installed fully open all the time. you'll never look back.

 

I actually started to tackle the switch install over a weekend, I bailed when I got to the "drop the engine" step to gain access. Just not worth all the effort IMO.

 

drop the engine?

what do you mean.

do no think you will have to drop it in order to pass through tha wires. definetelly cannot be done in 2.5 hours that my OPC charge me when they did install the switch.

 

Thanks for all the input....you've given me several things to think about.......
But I think I will move ahead with it...

Dave

 

Adding the PSE mufflers alone is a straight forward install like any other muffler installation job. Add the Switch and your job becomes a long task.

I added the complete system and it took over 10 hours (more like 12) over a three-day period. You can break it down into three parts: mufflers, electronics and then vacuum. Doug (DJ 996) mentioned the need to drop the engine. The TSB does mention this, but only if you have clearance problems when you remove the throttle body assembly and intake tuning pipes when installing the vacuum line. I was fortuate and was able to skipped that step.

Some people mention that you will get addition squeaks and rattles after you install the switch and run the wires from the dash to the engine compartment. This is not true. You do have to run two small wires (20 or 22 guage?) from the driver's side dash to the back and below the ECU then to the engine compartment, but I have no additional noise. Rather than removing the seats, center console and carpet per the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), I ran the two wires from the A-pillar to the B-pillar under the door sill and behind the seat belt panel and under the Bose subwoofer. Under the ECU, you will see a rubber grommet; this hole is where you will gain access to the engine compartment.

I would first install the mufflers alone and see if you like the system. You can then take your time, research and install the other two parts later. Definitely check out www.renntech.org. That is where I got the TSB for the complete install. Without the TSB, I would have been lost.

Lastly, in lieu of the switch, you could wire-tie the vacuum arm at the mufflers. This would make the system quiet all of the time. Simply remove the wire when you want it loud.

I personally use the switch (quiet mode) less than 10% of the time. Is it worth the effort? I still don't know, but it is definitely cool to have both systems on command!

 

Great info jeneric996. At renntech.org, how do I get the TSB's. I like the idea of having the switch and having a "company" car I can let my C2 sit.....
Thanks in advance for your help...

Dave

 

I believe you have to contribute to the site in order to access the TSB section or ask Loren for it. I'll send you a copy if I still have it.

 

Dave,
You can do it urself in a couple of hours and forget the switch--you wont want the sound to end!!!!
Where in NJ are you?

Mike

 

If it was up to me, Id just have the switch on sport mode all the time But Im hoping that dad installs the mufflers first, then sees if he wants to do the switch. (But he HATES having blank switches in the interior....)

It's not like dad will not have access to another car, especially if he does this during my winter break


~Apex


Edit: Forgot to add, located in Central Jersey, between Clinton and Flemington.

 

Hi Grizzy, as you all can tell, Apex Rex is my son...... This is my first Porsche and I'm having a blast with it...

Dave