Bolt-on Mods and X51: Let's start the debate again!
12-27-2005, 09:49 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Bolt-on Mods and X51: Let's start the debate again!
I'm reading through the February 2006 issue of Excellence Magazine and browsing the article on the X51 power kit for the 2006 997 Carrera S. To sum up:
-It adds 26 horsepower (+7.3%)
-It adds 11 pound-feet (+3.7%)
-It also costs $16,900 (+20% over MSRP of car)
Ignoring the issue of whether this package is worth it, I read with great interest the details of the modifications. The article highlights that it includes: new mufflers, a revised airbox, different spark tuning, revised cylinder heads, camshafts, exhaust headers, a different varioram intake plenum, and new programming for the BOsch Motronic engine management.
We should immediately NOTICE that the X51 modifications included: new mufflers, a revised airbox, an intake plenum, and ECU reprogramming. So, if changing these items on a car didn't add a whole lot of benefit, then why is Porsche charging an arm and a leg to do so. Now, I realize that they are also changing engine components but perhaps that's to beef up its durability. To my eye, anyone that helps their car 'breathe' better with the bolt-on mods that we always talk about here surely can't be harming their car if Porsche is following this route as well. At the very least, perhaps we add some increased throttle response, some modest increase in horsepower and torque, and a wicked cool sound to boot.
And, given that earlier engines on the 996 weren't as tuned as the newest 997, perhaps the yield is even better for much less of a cost.
So alright, let's get this thing going: what do you guys think?
-It adds 26 horsepower (+7.3%)
-It adds 11 pound-feet (+3.7%)
-It also costs $16,900 (+20% over MSRP of car)
Ignoring the issue of whether this package is worth it, I read with great interest the details of the modifications. The article highlights that it includes: new mufflers, a revised airbox, different spark tuning, revised cylinder heads, camshafts, exhaust headers, a different varioram intake plenum, and new programming for the BOsch Motronic engine management.
We should immediately NOTICE that the X51 modifications included: new mufflers, a revised airbox, an intake plenum, and ECU reprogramming. So, if changing these items on a car didn't add a whole lot of benefit, then why is Porsche charging an arm and a leg to do so. Now, I realize that they are also changing engine components but perhaps that's to beef up its durability. To my eye, anyone that helps their car 'breathe' better with the bolt-on mods that we always talk about here surely can't be harming their car if Porsche is following this route as well. At the very least, perhaps we add some increased throttle response, some modest increase in horsepower and torque, and a wicked cool sound to boot.
And, given that earlier engines on the 996 weren't as tuned as the newest 997, perhaps the yield is even better for much less of a cost.
So alright, let's get this thing going: what do you guys think?
12-27-2005, 11:03 AM
#2
Three Wheelin'
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Not sure about 997s...
But I will be recording a run with my friend in his 40th anni. which has the x51 package. I will run it against my bolt-on mods and we will see the difference.
I think the x51 is nice to have, but I cannot justify the $$$ IMHO. For 16k, I'd get a Evo SC and have change to take everyone on rennlist out for drinks
But I will be recording a run with my friend in his 40th anni. which has the x51 package. I will run it against my bolt-on mods and we will see the difference.
I think the x51 is nice to have, but I cannot justify the $$$ IMHO. For 16k, I'd get a Evo SC and have change to take everyone on rennlist out for drinks
