I have an S and now regret not getting a GTS instead.

 

This is not your last PCar so don't worry too much about it. I have a Non-S, love it but will not spend any money on performance mods as you probably won't see the return on your investment when you sell it.

Next Pcar will be a GTS or a Turbo

 

Not sure about the 997.1. It really depends on what can you came from and whether it's a step up or not. I couldn't do a 997.1 base since I came from a 987.1 S. I figured a 997.2 base was the same (if not better) than a 997.1S and I have no regrets.

What I do regret, quite a bit, is not picking up that GT3RS for around $100k ... stupid ... stupid ... stupid. Easier said than done I suppose, dropping $100k on a car but they are even less attainable now.

 

I've had my 997.1 C2 since 2008 when I bought it new. They were practically giving them away then with the bad economy and all. Have zero regrets - it has been the best car I've ever owned. Performance perfect for a DD - I love the tractability of the engine, and the stiffness of the suspension.

The only mod I've done over the years is the exhaust hack - opening the closed-up muffler outlet to make it a bit louder. Sometimes i think of doing other mods, and then I drive the car and nope - she's perfect as is.

I have done all the maintenance myself since new and the car has treated me really well.

 

Ok, so I am game, what is the exhaust hack? How much is involved, approx how much cost to do it and other than a bit louder, any performance gain and better yet, any downside like emissions since I am in CA.

 

The base DFI 997.2 car is very very fast. I certainly wouldn't mind having that "base" car in my garage. I haven't driven a base 997.1 but they certainly look nice.

 

http://fdmotorsports.net/category/fister-exhaust-997

 

I went this route and in my opinion there is a significant increase in volume that sounds really good. The costs are listed on the site and for me it only took about a week to deliver them. Although I planned to install them myself I was a bit impatient so ended up having Hergesheimer Motorsports in Lake Forest do it. They have some pictures of my install on their Facebook page (although incorrectly captioned as a 996).

There are no claimed performance gains and no emissions issues - the modification is done to the muffler itself beyond the emissions equipment.

 

I would suggest you test drive both and come up with your own conclusion. It surprised me that the difference between the two is $8K, not far from the original list price. You would assume it's a lot less than that considering it's 10 years old. For those who are happy with the non S, of course you are, you don't miss what you never had. I drove both back to back and you do notice the difference. Then I hop into my 997 and it's a world's apart.

 

Are the Fister lighter than stock? I want weight saving along with sound

 

No, they are not lighter. Because the modification is made to stock 911 mufflers, the modified mufflers are probably a little (a few ounces) heavier than stock because of the pipe that is added.

 

When I had my 996 c4s, many Porsches ago, I took off my mufflers and took them to my indie, with photos, and he duplicated the so-called hack.
I was disappointed when I picked it up, kind of quiet, but under acceleration it was great. A really good cheap upgrade.

I plan on doing the same thing with my new to me 997.2 non s pdk, and center muffler delete.
My 997.2 is the quietest porsche I've ever driven. Not looking for more power, just nice sound.
I love this car!
Kevin

 

I'm convinced with non S. Price difference is $6-8k . With that money, I can buy the wheels I prefer , exhaust I prefer plus have money toward body kit.

 

That sounds like a great plan. It's good that you've reasoned through all this to understand and focus on your priorities. Good luck! please let us know what your hunt captures.

 

Get center muffler delete pipes (lots of companies do them - Fabspeed, Sharkwerks, etc). Dropping the centre muffler will save you around 20 pounds of weight from the bum, and, together with the Gundo hack, you'll get a great-sounding exhaust note.