X51 Question
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,213
Likes: 861
From: 01776
IMHO if you already have a 997S, spending that kind of money for X51 is ludicrous. For 1/4 the cost you could put in a chip, exhaust, tuned intake and get the same power boost...or much more,...and have money leftover to do the brakes and suspension!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
I agree the pricing is preposterous. I went for it in my build because of the mechanical and electronic enhancements, PSE, my assumption that 381hp 306lb ft torque is the sweet spot for the normally aspirated 3.8liter platform, and that it is Porsche built and engineered. This probably makes me a tool of the Porsche marketing machine, but Porsche engineering is a reason why I am purchasing this car and not an Aston.
It also helps that I don't have to economize. If I were, I'd be happy with an S then go aftermarket in a few years once the warranty expired. The S has proven itself in test after test to be a fantastically balanced sports car.
It also helps that I don't have to economize. If I were, I'd be happy with an S then go aftermarket in a few years once the warranty expired. The S has proven itself in test after test to be a fantastically balanced sports car.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Saint Petersburg, FL
This is a post I made over on Rennteam. It pretty much sums up my thoughts on the X51.
Let's see, the X51 gets you an enlarged PORSCHE factory carbon fiber air box with two (not one) intake snorkels, optimized PORSCHE factory aluminum intake manifolds, modified PORSCHE factory valve heads, revised PORSCHE exhaust manifolds with larger bores and an ECU reprogrammed by PORSCHE. This is not to mention the PSE which is included in the US$16,900 price tag. And while PORSCHE claims 381 HP, reoports indicate that all of their X51 test cars have been dynoing out at 400+ horsepower. The X51 is the real deal and it is 100% factory PORSCHE.
Sure you can save money and void your warranty but why not buy PORSCHE for your PORSCHE? And sure you can get a 997 GT3 (someday) but it won't be nearly as drivable day in and day out on real life roads (and yes I drive my car every day in all conditions).
Having driven an S without it I know with certainty that the X51 is worth every penny. It turns the Carrera S into a total beast.
Sure you can save money and void your warranty but why not buy PORSCHE for your PORSCHE? And sure you can get a 997 GT3 (someday) but it won't be nearly as drivable day in and day out on real life roads (and yes I drive my car every day in all conditions).
Having driven an S without it I know with certainty that the X51 is worth every penny. It turns the Carrera S into a total beast.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 19
From: Raleigh, NC
x51 is a nice package no doubt. Bolt ons might get 380 hp, but it will stress the oem parts on the car. There are pros and cons for each. Spend more money on X51 from Porsche, spend less money on Bolt-on kits...etc....
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 2
From: Bethesda, Maryland
Originally Posted by AeroSmith
Yes, according to my service manager, they can be installed by the dealer. Getting one is another matter.
But "Holy Bat-Guano", if they do have to dig into the engine as well could you imagine haveing the dealership do this?
I would either live with 3.8 S power or go to some pro aftermarket tuners...
Race Car
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,972
Likes: 0
I would have considered spending the money on the X51 if I didn't have other go fast crack pipe needs, but that money ended up buying me an *entire motor* with hot cams, custom install, decked heads worth about 390 hp.
For me, it was crazy to spend that on purely a street car, but others say the sound alone is almost worth the price of entry.
For me, it was crazy to spend that on purely a street car, but others say the sound alone is almost worth the price of entry.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Saint Petersburg, FL
Originally Posted by JFScheck
Oops, didn't see it was you that posted this or I would not have doubted the response.
But "Holy Bat-Guano", if they do have to dig into the engine as well could you imagine haveing the dealership do this?
I would either live with 3.8 S power or go to some pro aftermarket tuners...
But "Holy Bat-Guano", if they do have to dig into the engine as well could you imagine haveing the dealership do this?
I would either live with 3.8 S power or go to some pro aftermarket tuners...
