Edgy01

Just a reminder to the new Porsche owners that the 997 came from the factory with a "cold air kit" for routing exterior air directly into the engine, rather than pulling it off the top of the interior of the engine compartment. Porsche has been doing this for decades. These aftermarket "cold air kits" actually defeat the design objectives of pulling in cool air from outside the engine area. Unfortunately, many are suckered in by the notion that they can spend $100 and suddenly pull in another 5-10% more HP output by using colder (denser) air with a kit.

Here's an example of a "cold air kit" on a friend's 1958 Speedster Carrera GT. These things came from the factory with that sort of design. (The engine is one of the rare roller-bearing 4-cam Carrera GT engines). Contrast it with the more modern 997 engine area. Same duct concept, essentially, pulling in exterior air. (Only about 50 years separate the technology).

(Greg is fortunate to own this Speedster, a MB Gullwing, and a 1963 split window Corvette, among his toys).

ADias

So right, but some still succumb to the aftermarket CAI fraud.

CORSASCHNELL

I agree with your comments but is the OEM air filter element optimized for best performance?

Edgy01

Without resorting to buying and retrofitting the X51 (carbon fiber) box into your 997 you have as optimal an air filter arrangement as was possible. Just recall that there is really very little to be gained by mickey-mousing around in that department. Maybe 5% more HP? You actually will do considerably better by optimizing the octane you area running. Since I see that you are also from California you are suffering from the crappy 91 Octane stuff that is robbing you of power. Careful use of octane additives to get it at least up to 93 octane will do far more than going at your engine compartment with a Dremel tool.

Here's the fancy dual filter airbox:

alexb76

So ture! CAI is just a myth.

What a gorgous car and engine... I still can't get passed 991 engine being hidden?!

pissedpuppy

wow - that '58 engine / engine bay is really a thing of beauty!

buddy911t

What a contrast between old and new. Plastics aren't doing anything for the looks of the engine bay.

buddy911t

Raising the hood to examine the workings of the engine (even a limited view) is something car guys have been doing since they invented cars. To see those 2 stupid fans in back of the 991 is just a disappointment.

Quadcammer

Thats a gorgeous engine? what exactly is gorgeous about that? Its a bunch of plastic, a little aluminum on the intake, and some carbon fiber.

Porsche engines have always been fugly as hell, but the 58 is doing it way better than the new cars.

right, and therefore, theres not much to look at.

I can count the number of times I've looked at my engine, just to look at it, on one hand. Who the hell does that, espeically on one of these new cars? i bet you guys also sit in your garages with wine and just look at your cars?

That said, if you absolutely must see the maze of black plastic, the fan panel takes all of about 20 seconds to get off.

Spokane5150

^ Defender of the 991 Universe. LOL

Chaos

Go thru Mid America or Ecklers corvette catalogs,150 hp for $600 in bolt ons!

Quadcammer

<defender of common sense

Macster

For show those stacks are ok but I hope the owner of that nice (understatement) red car doesn't drive the car like that. That poor roller crank engine being exposed to the dust in the air. Oh my.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Spokane5150

Perhaps there are filters in the hood? You're right! That motor is irreplaceable.

Quadcammer

no its not