Selo

Has anyone done an analysis of bang for the buck for additional HP? I have a 997.1 Cab and am considering some upgrades to add a little grunt. At one end we have the air intake and a chip, and at the other extreme is the TPC turbo. I realize the turbo is a much bigger cash outlay, yet is it the most efficient way to add HP when looked at in a $/HP analysis?

cbzzoom

TPC is something like 100 horses for $10k , or $100/horse. It's the best deal by far, and in fact I would say the only sensible mod for power.

You'd have to spend $5000 on intake + exhaust + tune to get 20-30 horses, and even then you might lose low end torque. Not a good deal.

Doing a precise analysis is not really possible because manufacturer's HP claims are at best not well standardized for direct comparison and at worst outright lies or intentional mis-measurements.

Dr_KarlB

A while ago someone posted how the HP gain from the intake was about equivalent to the effect of running with 1/4 tank of gas vs a full tank.

Perhaps the best bang for the buck is a diet and running with low fuel ? :-)

yemenmocha

PDE is a good investment and this "mod" carries to all future cars you own as well.

Luxter

A new GT3RS at about $135,000.00 + options will get you to somewhere around 450 HP?
997 is a great car, keep it stock, change oil, do your maintenance and enjoy driving. Spend your hard earned $$ on your significant other. She'll appreciate.
That's what I do (less the last advice, ha, ha!)

Selo

Of course that's the best advice. but I've never been accused of being completely sensible. What's life without a few indulgences? In fact, if you show me someone without any vices, either the person is incredibly boring or totally lying. I don't care to be friends with either.

Luxter

^^^ That's exactly why we are here on this forum.
I am just totally scared thinking about adding a T- or S-charger to 997.
One, I would have to invite strangers to under my car's hood. Two, look at the forums (all kinds of forums, not only the P-cars) and posts related to "issues" with modified cars.
Unless you change your camshafts you will not increase the HP of NA car. Intakes and headers are just presents for your car and perhaps will add that extra sound if that's what people are after. And that's cool with me.
My other DD is a Subaru WRX. I've done some mods to it (what people call stage 2), but never went outside of the envelope. So far so good with close to ~90T Mi on it and original turbo and clutch.
Minimal gains of HP at the useless RPM’s are not for me. Drivability? Yes. Bragging rights? Nahhh.

stevepow

One man's indulgence is another man's "whoa - that's too much indulgence!"

p987yow

My experience with mods is if you want more horsepower/torque - buy a car with more of both.

Luxter

We often forget how beautiful cars we already own. I love my 997 just the way it is.. ^^ YES to the above!!!

Edgy01

Modifying these cars for a significant gain in HP -- via either a supercharger, or a turbo charger, cannot be done cheaply. It also comes at a significant loss in reliability. Just be forewarned. Years ago I had a turbocharged 911 that had been modified from a NA engine. it was routinely expensive to maintain, fuel adequately with sufficient octane fuel, etc. Unless you're absolutely smitten with your current 997, I strongly suggest that you begin to shop around for either a 996 Turbo or 997 Turbo. Their prices are coming way down anx are very affordable. Of course, there is a substantial penalty that you will pay in future maintenance. (Roughly double that of a NA 997y engine). I wouldn't consider any significant modification of the M97 engine. It works well as it is, while the engine block that is used for the GT3 and 997 Turbos is more robust for such changes. Am assuming that you have a M96 engined Carrrera (non-S). Now go look at another car!

winkingchef

If you want the most HP/$ here is your process:

(1) Sell your 911
(2) Buy Corvette C6
(3) (using the difference in $) Mod the **** out of it
(4) Pull all those skanky corvette birds

I'm only partially kidding.

cbzzoom

This is a good point. 996 Turbos are an absolute steal, same engine as the 997.1 Turbo but much cheaper. 996 GT3's were super cheap last year, but it looks like the market has wised up a bit and those prices have stabilized.

rlips

Take all the money you would have spent on mods, go to you nearest PCA drivers ed event, and get as much seat time as you can. I guarantee your car will be significantly faster.

Selo

That's just downright snarky.