darth g-f

Long story short, I bought a 996tt X50 a year ago. Reflashed it with UMW and it now has around 510hp from what I read.

Thing is, I'm a former F2000 racer and always craved for a faster car (owned a 300hp Elise, a 190hp Caterham and a 260hp turbo Miata). These cars were quick, with great handling but none really "fast".

But the 996tt is fast on a whole other level. Very rarely do I take the car out for a drive and I don't hit 100mph+. Often I go over 120mph. The car can easily take it and me too. But the law enforcement doesn't.

So I'm thinking of switching to a 997 CarreraS. This car is still quick but will keep me out of trouble. I know, if I keep the throttle planted, that car can still go quite fast. But with the Turbo, often I don't even want to go that fast. It's just too damn easy.

Am I kidding myself? Anyone ever had these thoughts? Can you resist the temptation to step on it for more than a few seconds and keep sane speed levels?

pnamueller

That would be a tough decision for me if I was in your shoes. I have a 996tt and live in colorado where there are plenty of curvy mountain roads for me to enjoy the power. Nothing like blowing by a car going uphill with all that power. I too cannot resist the rush of power the turbo brings, but I try not to overindulge on the interstate. Dont get me wrong, I still travel about 70-90mph on certain stretches, but I know where most of the traps are.

The 997s is a great car with a great sounding engine. I have driven a 9974s and my buddy owns a 9964s. Great car but you will miss the "tidal wave" as the wifey puts it. I know i would. I would prefer the turbo any day in the mountains over a 997s. Im just power hungry like that.

rmc1148

Its called self control lol Im 53 and after getting caught going 120 in a 50 at age 35 on my worked suzuki 1100 I learned my lesson.While I did drive slightlly slower in vehicles like my 928s and supra I still would drive like a nut, but after that ticket I grew up and realized public roads are know place to play.How would you feel if someone hit you kids or wife driving like that.

darth g-f

Well I don't drive that fast around other cars. Usually alone. But that makes you that much more visible to law enforcements.

I do happen to hit 100mph when passing. But going from 60mph to 100mph takes about 4sec at WOT. So often it is not even a conscious decision. Just trying to get things moving a bit.

After reading the 997 forum, I realise they still have issues with the IMS on the non Metzger engines. This would mean a potential time bomb if I go with a 997C2S...

2K7TTMIA

Metzger FTW!

rmc1148

Yes I came real close to buying a super clean 2004 c4s but the engine scared the crap out of me with the ims= cannot see spending close to half the price of a car on an engine lol. 100mph will get you a nice ticket amd maybe killed save it for the track.I still go 80 or so on turnpike thats it,but as said in my 20s-30s I drove hellbent lol.

Macster

What others advise: Learn self control. Until you do, I do not think moving from a Turbo to a NA car would have any real benefit to you.

By way of an example even with my lowly 2.7l 02 Boxster without self-control I could easily get a speeding ticket every day. Even when I had my 02 VW Golf TDi (with all of 90hp on tap) I managed to get at least one speeding ticket when I decided to speed at the wrong time. That car could run at 115mph easy though of course it required full throttle. In some ways that car was the better touring car then either my Boxster, or the Turbo.

Anyhow, as for moving from a 996 Turbo to a 997 NA car one of the biggest negatives is the depreciation hit you will take.

About the only reason I'd move to another car is if my Turbo, if my Turbo, let's see if I.... if the car,... heck I can't think of a reason I'd give up my Turbo.

Sincerely,

Macster.

SSST

Just keep it in 2nd and 3rd. Those are the two best gears anyway.

CincyScott

Knock on wood, my tickets have been in my daily drivers (law of averages I suppose). I'm much faster in the TT, but know where the traps are. About the only benefit of laser radar is the fact that the cops have to be stationary...and usually sit in the same spots.

I can honestly say I've never once pined for a less powerful car

darth g-f

It's not really about self control more than just some throttle is enough to light the afterburners. 0-60mph is 4.0sec, 60-100mph is 4,0sec and 100-120mph is 4.0sec. So basically, if I step fully on the throttle for 4 seconds, I'm over the limit.

I drove my friend's Z4 with about 200hp. The best part was I could nail the throttle for long periods without getting into any trouble. That's a bit too underpowered, but I figured a 350hp 911 would have at least, the advantage that I can be on it for more than 4 sec at a time... I think I will go a test drive this week. I'll let you all know.

BioBanker

Wonder if you've identified a new market for Kevin to tune cars for?

Would you prefer a 200hp 996tt that got 40mpg? You can probably have one!!!

David A

+1 I wouldn't give up that split crankcase.

Macster

There is a feelling expressed by some auto reviewer/writers that in some cases a less powerful car is a more fun car to drive.

Take your test drive.

Then you'll know.

I await your report.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Ghosteh

I've got a 2012 Prius that I'll trade you. You can step on the throttle for 3-4 minutes before you'll be in any trouble.

Dock

My suggestion is...SLOW DOWN.

You're having self control issues with the Turbo. Getting a 997S only changes the platform you're having self control issues with.