Shank996TT

First off, I just got my car back from Manhattan Motorcars. They shipped the car via PASSPORT Auto transport, and I got the car the very next day from Manhattan to Chicago....Very pleased with Passports communication and service.

I purchased Guard Gears directly from Paul Guard in Northern California (3rd thru 6th Gears and 2nd thru 6th synchros.) Bobby Singh of Manhattan Motorcars installed the gears but had many obstacles from initial delivery. I did expect some issues with tuning and have learned that these gears are not direct swap on. Certain shims had to be machined, Guard had to resend 3rd and 4th gear due to some minor measurement differences, as Guard did provide excellent support, even late night, and fedex overnight service. It turns out that for 2002, different "sub-manufacturers" made the factory gears and though they were to Porsche spec, they had 1 to 3 mm size differences. Finally gearing was complete and I got to drive it tonight on the highway. The acceleration was incredible, and significantly noticable torque increase...You cover more distance in each gear from 3rd up. Second to Third gear wide open throttle shifts were much smoother than before. What I noticed during deceleration, was a winding down whining sound much like an airplane preparing for landing. IMO, its has a very pleasant yet noticable sound coming from the gears.

Bobby also installed a 3 stage shift light by SPA. A carbon fiber piece where the cassette holder was harbors the control unit for the shift light and DEFI PSI Boost guage with playback feature. The three lights for the shift light are installed just above the tacometer. If you are considering getting the gearing, I highly recommend the shiftlight.

RS Tuning K24 turbos were installed to replace my previous smaller turbos. Fabspeed supplied me with a GT2 exhaust with 100cell race cats to replace my other more restrictive 400 cell system. The Fabspeed sound has a deep growl (I can see where some of you may think its too loud) but its very well deserving for that car. Good job Fabiani! Now the car sounds how a Porsche should. I haven't experienced the RUF, but if I felt like springing a few more bucks for a more refined exhaust...Ruf is the alternative.

Bobby also installed the H&R Coilovers. I haven't experienced any noise coming from the suspension. Though I heard it may be normal to hear the noise, Bobby tested it, and so far after 60 miles on twisty roads, it was not only quiet, but smooth and well balanced. I did not notice any body roll, or squatting during acceleration.

Also thanks to Mr. Tripple's idea, I also had the C4s chin spoiler with sealed holes. The car sits at a hair below GT2 spec, and the spoiler not only does not scrape, but looks IMO more aggressive, though perhaps less pretty. A look I was trying to achieve.

Ronal supplied me with the identical style rims I had before, but without the former logo. Luckily I was able to sell the old rims at break even.

Next step is to have The Racers Group install the GT3 sways, unichip, and add'l injectors if deemed necessary.

Pictures to follow. For the first time since I purchased the car back in September, I am happy!

In summary, the gearing, synchros and the SPA 3stage shift lights are highly recommended, Fabspeed exhaust can be subjective, H&R coilovers are fantastic, and ya follow it all up with the UNICHIP - and your in business! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />



<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

Truble

Shank,
I have an 02 TT with the Fabspeed GT2 Exhaust and Fabspeed (eibach) coilovers. My next step is to upgrade the turbos. Could you give me more information on this? What is the expected HP gain? What are the costs? Is this the logical next step or is there something else I should do first?

Thanks,
TMR

Shank996TT

Chad, I do plan on DYNO'ing the car. Infact, GRD (the Chicago based UNICHIP dealer will install the Unichip and dyno tune it. They are getting a 4 wheel dyno and with the help of TONY from TRG, they'll install the add'l injectors based on the results. One question: Did you or do you have to change the tranny oil to release the metal filings (being new gears) - If so, how many miles later?


TRUBLE:
If you plan on installing K24's - they fit without any problem on the Fabspeed exhaust. If you are happy with the sound of the Fabspeed, then definately keep it. If you add bigger turbos in concert with the exhaust, you should really consider the Unichip from The Racers Group. The cost of the mods I have/will do follows:

Unichip: $3500 (parts & labor)
Fabspeed: $3500 Retail Price
RS Tuning Race K24 Turbos: $5000
Add'l Injectors: $3300 (parts & labor)

Guard Gears: $4975 (parts only)
Labor for gears: $2500
Sachs Clutch/PP/Disc $1250
Flywheel $1100
SPA Shift Light: $199
DEFI Boost Guage w/control unit: $299
H&R Coilovers ($1900 parts)

Email me for any specific questions.

Shank996TT

Chad what is your rear wheels' negative camber set to? Mine is 4 degrees - is that too much? Feels great though.

-Ryan

Jack

Shank: -4degrees camber is way too much, IMO --I'm surprised you can get that much negative in the rear. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

ngoldrich

Shank,

fwiw - using Kuhmos with a stock suspension other than H&R lowering springs -

we did tons of tire temp and pressure testing.

-1.5 was the max in the rear without destroying the tires.

I destroyed in 2 15 minute sessions a set of tires. Chunked and blistered. The tire temps were at 260 degrees pushing the car very hard at MidOhio.

With your race suspension, you may be able to put a little more epsecially if you are not using Kuhmos, but my guess is that it will be -2.5 or less...

I am running -1.3 rear -1.2 front and my tires temps are 185 - 200 pushing the car hard.

Dont know if it helps, but thought I'd mention it.

BTW - In my old 935 race car with big radial slicks we only ran -1.0 on the rear

In my Lola CanAm we run more with Bias slicks.

Norm

Shank996TT

Goldrich,

Thanks for the info. -4 degrees is what the mechanic told me. I have to take pictures of it now, since I'm worried

Take a look at the picture when I post it and does it look "TOO OFF?"

BTW, whats a Kuhmos? Slicks?

-Ryan

Shank996TT

Check out the rear wheel camber....



<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Shank996TT

C4s Chin Spoiler - Tripple-Style

Jack

Shank:

Hard to tell, but it doesn't look like your rear camber is set at -4 degrees, maybe -2.5 or so. That's my guess, fwiw.

Shank996TT

SPA Shift Lights...

ngoldrich

Shank,

I agree with Jack, that does not look anywhere near 4 degrees. I am not even sure that you can get 4 degrees negative. But I could be wrong.

Could be an optical illusion, but it does look like -2.5.

My Kuhmos are DOT R compound track radial tires.

Norm
2001 996 TT

Shank996TT

Ok, kewl as long as everything looks kosher, I'm fine with it. Not sure why the mechanic told me it was Negative 4. Anyhow, it just feels real good around hard corners. Just have the GT3 Sways and TRG drop links left to do for suspension.

THanks,
Ryan

BC

Shank - nice pics - what building are you on top of downtown (Chicago)?
Looks like your facing east.
I can't quite imagine you driving that car through the Chicago downtown streets without scraping - but you said you had no issues. Maybe the coilovers make sure you don't have as much suspension travel in those potholes?
Born and raised Chicago.

Now that I am in San Diego, its the stupid street drains at intersections - and the car isn't even lowered.

HBdirtbag

glad to hear you got the results you wanted.