They just use a headgasket to lower the compression, there are no internal changes.

 

There are plenty of high compression superchargers in the marketplace, just take a look at the E46 M3 supercharger market, or the S2000, or even 350z.

It is pretty obvious why the carrera S isn't supercharged from the factory, porsche has a rigid hierarchy in their models. Superchargers are for those who want more than the factory offers, just because porsche doesn't do it from the factory doesn't mean it can't be done correctly.

 

Are you kidding me...for that kind of money and they did a bandaid fix like that. Unreal..sorry...

 

Actually, Ruf does more than any of the other aftermarket supercharger kits - probably one of the reasons for the cost.

 

So a 400 dollar head gasket and less horsepower through the powerband is worth a 10k premium over the other kits?

 

Problem is using a thicker head gasket to lower compression is not the right way to do this. Maybe at the boost levels that they are running you can be OK but heaven help you if you turn up the wick a tad (more boost).

You look at manafactuers that use a huffer as OEM what goes into those motors. Even Ford with the 03-04 Mustang SVT and now the 07 Shelby GT 500 use forged pistons and Manley forged rods (Mahle for the Shelby) and a nodular crank. I guess the Ruf way is better than not doing anything as far as the compression ratio is concerned.

Dave

 

Metal headgaskets have been used for 50+ years to lower compression in an engine. Properly designed and installed, they are perminent and without weakness. Why would anyone either replace pistons and/or rods or install new heads when a gasket is just as good unless the engine was already torn down?

 

And a warranty.

 

Sure you can supercharge an X51, as long as it belongs to somebody else. Even supercharging a regular 3.8L is not recommended. You know that old saying, a fool and his money are easily parted.

It would be cheaper (and offer greater peace of mind to most) to buy a variant of the Turbo, the real experts (Porsche) have already done the work for you and will be around to stand behind the warranty.

Caveat Emptor!

 

+1 what Colm said.

 

I don't think debating if supercharging or not was the idea. The idea as I had understood was whether supercharging an x51 would be an issue. All of us, including yourself, know there is a 997 turbo. We all know that chipping a turbo + exhaust will add more performance than a supercharged 997 can achieve.

We all understand that NA the 997 GT3 is the car to buy if the goal is naturally aspirated horsepower. That vehicle produces over 100 WHEEL hp per liter. I realize a 997 S will never be able to achieve that.

What I don't understand is why people continue to think the standard 997 and 997s owners dont get it. The aftermarket for these vehicles is just as viable as it is for turbos. If not more so, as there are plenty more 997 and 997s's sold. Supercharged 997 owners are performance enthusiasts just as turbo or GT3 or whatever else owners. Hardly fools who don't know what to do with their money.

 

Have yet to hear of a vf-engineering/evo car blowing its motor and the company abandoning them. I have heard plenty of happy owners though.

 

So is the RUF kit worth substantially more money than the other kits?

 

Don't know an don't care. If I had to guess, you are paying a premium for the name and warranty. It is also more costly than the others as you have to remove the heads.

Why do people buy a Rolex when a $29.95 Timex gives you the same performance?

 

True...but then again I've read alot of posts where EVO owners have ecu issues - maybe becasue the installed base is larger?