Thank you John for introducing me to this forum. I am awestruck by the wealth of information here, and the remarkable level of knowledge among the members. I spent many hours last night glued to my computer screen.

Last January, I locked up the first 2003 996TT allocation from a local dealer. The expectation was that the car would not be ordered until July, would be built after the August shutdown, and I would receive it during October, or perhaps even November. Then, quite unexpectedly, I received a call a couple of weeks ago from the dealer -- they received their allocation earlier than expected, and my car was being ordered. Holly smoke -- Its suddenly becoming a reality and I already have sweaty palms.

I'm sure many of the old timers here are sick of repeatedly answering the same banal questions from neophytes such as myself. I beg your indulgence as I seek guidance regarding the following issues.

DELIVERY DATE

As everyone here undoubtedly can relate to, I am brewing over with anticipation about my forthcoming car. I've been told it will be built sometime between today and the end of July. Apparently, Porsche unilaterally picks a demarcation date between model years and, without any advance notice, suddenly switches from building 2002s to 2003s. Does anyone here have any inside knowledge, or even an educated guess, as to when Porsche will begin building 2003 996TTs?

PCM

Upon reading the posts here last night, I discovered that Porsche is making changes to their PCM -- my dealer confirmed it today. The prior NAV system was remarkably poor. Does anyone know what changes are being made to the NAV system/interface? Are they going to a DVD system? Touch screen? Quality interface? Anything remotely similar to the Lexus system?

DEM

I am committed to re-mapping the ECU for extras hp and torque. I've done a ton of research on the issue. I've discovered that there are basically three different options: (1) Willie Brombocker's (sp?) program; (2) GIAC; and (3) TRG's Unichip. Some say Gemballa offers a fourth option, but I'm informed its actually based upon Brombocker's program.

Upon reading the posts here last night, I was struck by the relative lack of posts about Brombocker and GIAC, and the unwavering focus on TRG's Unichip. I suspect the Unichip emphasis here arises from the relationship and cross-marketing between this site and TRG -- there also appears to be a concentration of forum members in the bay area. Does anyone else have a theory as to why there is so little discussion here regarding Brombocker and GIAC?

I'm currently leaning strongly in favor of the Brombocker system. I'll probably acquire it through FVD -- TechArt, Car Graphics, Fab Speed, Power Haus, and others also market the Brombocker program. This appears to be the only pure non-piggyback system. Moreover, after talking with numerous people throughout the country, this system appears to be the most reliable. Although some tried to hook me on a different system, no one had anything particularly bad to say about Brombocker's program (in contrast to the other systems I researched).

I've heard mixed, and remarkably divergent, things about the GIAC system (also marketed by EVO). Although it may not be a piggy-back system (Garrett reprograms the ECU itself), the system includes additional hardware mounted on the ECU. I've spoken to some knowledgeable sources who have very strong criticism of the GIAC system.

I know the least about TRG's Unichip. It’s a piggy-back system (for better or worse). Like the GIAC system, some knowledgeable people have remarkably strong criticism of the Unichip.

In the end, I'm leaning towards Brombocker because his system appears to be the least controversial and generates the least criticism (I know that doesn't sound like a good rationale, but I really don't want problems down the line). FVD has been remarkably helpful -- I even spoke with Brombocker last week.

I'm interested in all the input I can get. What do you folks know about Brombocker and GIAC? Why have many of you chosen TRG's Unichip over these other systems? What about Gemballa?

EXHAUST

I'm leaning towards modifying the exhaust as well. My goal is hp and torque. I could care less about changing the sound. To the contrary, I would prefer to minimize the unavoidable increased volume resulting from exhaust work. It appears the most popular systems here are RUFF and FAB Speed. Anybody have any experience with the FVD system? What system provides the best hp and torque increases, while minimizing volume increase? What hp and torque increases can I reasonably expect?

WHEELS

I've ordered HRE 540s. Although its probably too late to change my order, I might be able to do so if anyone here tells me I've made a horrible mistake.

SUSPENSION

I'm going ROW.

DRIVING SCHOOL

It was remarkably difficult to find a 996TT to test drive -- the few dealers that had one on the lot refused to put miles on the car (can't say I blame them). I finally found a dealer where the owner owned a 996TT and he graciously allowed me to drive his car. It was a truly exhilarating experience. However, I was totally unprepared for the dynamics of the car and I drove it like a complete idiot. I almost certainly gave the salesman whiplash as I repeatedly stepped on the gas, only to break a second later because it accelerated so damn fast that, before I was prepared, I was on top of the car in front of me. I was very herky jerky. I'm sure that, after a couple of days of continued use, I'll be much smoother. However, the test drive experience has led me to conclude that I could benefit from some instruction from a professional who is experienced driving precisely this car. Can anyone recommend someone in the Los Angeles area who has experience teaching people how to maximize the capacity and capabilities of a 999TT? I've heard about TracQuest. Does anyone have any experience with them?

Thanks in advance to anyone and everyone who takes the time to assist me with these important decisions. I'll try to return the favor as soon as I have some personal experience to share.

 

Craig,
If you look through the archives of this forum you'll find a lot of information covering the subjects of your questions.

A little comment on engine mods.
Based on what you said: [quote] I was totally unprepared for the dynamics of the car and I drove it like a complete idiot. I almost certainly gave the salesman whiplash as I repeatedly stepped on the gas, only to break a second later because it accelerated so damn fast that, before I was prepared, I was on top of the car in front of me. I was very herky jerky. <hr></blockquote>
Are you sure that you want to *start* off by adding more HP? The way it comes from the factory Turbo is very *easy* to drive compared to modified cars. As a result of modifications, the torque curve becomes peakier and the famous "kick in the butt" effect reminiscent of earlier Turbos comes forth. I am not saying that modified Turbos are impossible to deal with - they are not. But you can learn a lot from the stock Turbo. Take it to the track - you'll be amazed how fast this car really is.

Final comment. You may want to look into what RS-Tuning <a href="http://www.rs-tuning.de" target="_blank">www.rs-tuning.de</a> offers. Many German users suggest they are the most reputable tuners in the business.

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

 

The Porsche Owner's Club has a School coming up in June, and another in September, I think. I'm sure about the June school, September you can check at <a href="http://www.porscheownersclub.org," target="_blank">www.porscheownersclub.org,</a> or .com
The schools are at the Streets of Willow, adjacent to WSIR, a little more than 1 hour from LA.
You need a helmet rated SA 90 or newer, and you can use your street seat belts, tires, etc.
The first day includes lecture, skidpad, etc., the second is all track time with an instructor, all for only about $230.00

 

Craig, it has been a while since you posted so you may not look at this thread again.

I recently got on the production list for a 2003. I was told by my salesman that I couldn't order the navigation system because they were changing to a DVD based system and that was not yet available.

Also, I tried to add the X50 option and was told that it was too late because I couldn't make any further changes to the car. Somehow my salesman never became aware of the cut-off date.

 

Dave,

PCM2 (the new navigation system) is not presently available for MY03. I tried -- I asked my dealer to place the order, even though the option was not listed in the current option guide -- Porsche rejected it.

As far as the X-50 option, I was told by my dealer that it too is not presently available for MY03. That was over a month ago, and things may have changed.

 

Craig,
I've told my salesman that I want to push my date out to see if I can add both options. Problem is that I don't know when these options will be available. It's hard to believe that someone at Porsche doesn't know the availability date. I haven't figured out yet who to contact. I was hoping that I would find some info somewhere here on rennlist that might lead me to a contact.

 

With respect to PCM2, the release is pending Porsche final S/W acceptance; therefore it is not an official option yet.
It is merely one part of a complete telematics redesign across all Porsche vehicles for MY'03.
Wait about 2-3 weeks, then check back with your dealer. Barring any unforseen major bugs, it should be accepted by Porsche.
PCM2 has a larger LCD, integrated CD and a different button/keypad arrangement.

 

Dave,

I also considered delaying my order in order to get PCM2. However, my dealer could not provide a definitive date for availability and I didn't want to be waiting indefinitely. Thus, I will probably get an aftermarket system.

Craig

 

As an FYI, I was at the factory in Stuttgart about 2 weeks ago and they were already producing 2003 model cars. I saw 2003 Boxsters, 996's 996 TT's and even 2 GT2's being built the day we were there.

If you've never taken the factory tour or done a European delivery, I highly recommend it!

I have pictures on my website from the event.
<a href="http://www.smiley.net/boxster/" target="_blank">http://www.smiley.net/boxster/</a>

 

Thanks for the info Ken. How do you know the cars were 2003s?

 

Craig, If your in LA, you might want to check into Gunther for programming. He is well respected in Europe, does many Euro tuner programming he holds the record at the "ring", does only tuning for porsche turbos. This guy is a wizard. He comes out quite often to LA for tuning projects. Let me know if you want some info on him. He is scheduled to chip tune my ECU on July 8th. If your interested, you might be able to met him while he's here tuning my turbo.

 

Craig,
It's pretty easy to tell a 2003 Boxster from a 2002 with the body style changes, glass rear window, etc. plus we were also told that the cars were 2003's by our tour guide. While I can't absolutely confirm that the 996 Turbos were 2003's because I don't know the differences between the 2002's and 2003's, I can absolutely confirm the Boxsters were 2003's.

Oak & Craig,
One correction on Gunther, he doesn't just reprogram Turbos only, he did the ECU on my Boxster S. With Evo intake, Gunther ECU and TTP headers my Boxster S puts out 244.7 HP at the rear wheels, or about 30 more HP over stock. I would recommend him as well.

 

Ken,

Thanks again.

Oak,

I've heard mixed info about Gunther. By-Design loves him and Gemballa uses him, but I'm not aware of any other US tuner that uses his product (I'm not aware of any other Euro tuner that uses his product except Gemballa). In contrast, FVD/Brombacher and GIAC are far more widely used.

I'm informed that he uses the Brombacher program, but modifies/customizes it a bit (supposedly tweeks out another 5-6 hp). I'm not exactly sure how Gunther modifies the Brombacher program. Its not difficult to program more power simply by increasing the boost. If thats what he does, I'm not interested. If he does something else, without incresing the boost above the Brombacher setting, I might be interested.

I'm informed that Gunther is a "freelancer" -- not employed by any particular company, although closely affiliated with Gemballa. Therefore, there is no company (other than the retailer) standing behind his product (e.g., warranty -- unless you purchase his product through Gemballa -- then it will stand behind him). If something goes wrong, you have to wait for him to return to By-Design (I'm told once a month), assuming he's still around. Someone told me he works out of an apartment in Denmark (I have no idea).

That being said, I haven't ruled out the possibility of using Gunther. I was supposed to meet him during his last visit to By-Design, but work interfered. I will try again on July 8th.

Craig

BTW, I work about ten mins from By-Design. Lets grab a bite to eat some day.

 

Ken, How do like the Gunther program? the last time I spoken to gunther, I was under the impression that he only tuned turbos.

Craig, You are always going to get other people to criticize about something about another tuner,
but I have talked to and researched all the reputable tuners and their customers. You know what? All the customers that I have talked to seem to very satisfied. If you go with any of the reputable companies and tuners you can't go wrong IMHO.

When I had spoken to Gunther about the chip retune he mentioned that he remaps air fuel/ boost by blocks or cells. Not just a boost increase. Gunther programs for Sportec, TTP, Gemballa, and by Design.

As far as you go with a reputable tuner, I don't think you should have any problems. I have seen and talked to many modified turbo owners and have not ever had anyone have a problem directly related to the program. But if there is a problem, I am sure Gunther will address it.

These engines are quite over engineered, ie there is quite alot of overhead for power increase. From most tuners I have spoken to the general consensus is that the max HP for these engine is about 550-650Hp with out having to do major modifications.

I think most of these tuners have a solid program, just depends on where you want to spend your money.

Oak

 

Oak,

I really appreciate all your advice. I hope to meet Gunther on July 7-8.

BTW, thanks for the K24 info as well (another board). I spoke to my contact and I'm seriously considering it.

Craig (L.A.)