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997.2 Power Kit Upgrade? Worth It?

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Old 05-30-2017, 11:23 AM
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Frank996
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Default 997.2 Power Kit Upgrade? Worth It?

I received a mail from my local Porsche dealer with additional "Porsche Tequipment Original Zubehör" and saw there was the Power Kit upgrade for the 997.2 on the list.

They are selling the upgrade kit for CHF 11'406.65* (which would bring it from 385 to 408 bhp) plus labour.

Initially, I got a tad excited about the upgrade possibility, but then thought maybe it's not worth it. I mean my 997.2 C4S is really really quick as it is (PDK and Chrono Pack) so what would the additional HBP bring to the table? Top speed? I'm never going to even get close to V-max so not a selling point for me.

So,

1) What exactly would the additional 23 bhp give me?
2) If I went for it, should I have it done when getting the car serviced anyway to save on labour?
3) With the power kit upgrade I guess my C4S would then "become" a GTS 4 as I believe this is the main difference between the C4S and GTS?

Any takes on this/recommendations would be highly appreciated...

PS. * Not that it makes any difference but CHF 11'406.65 = USD 11'650 and everything is very expensive in Switzerland...

Last edited by Frank996; 09-22-2018 at 04:15 PM. Reason: GTC changed to GTS
Old 05-30-2017, 11:38 AM
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mcfisticuffs
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1) Bragging rights and a thinner wallet.
2) The power kit installation will be so intrusive that the half hour of labour you will save won't be worth it.
3) The GTS will have many other suspension related upgrades that your C4S won't receive with the Power Kit.

But yes, you should do it
Old 05-30-2017, 11:53 AM
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Frank996
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Thanks mcfisticuffs.

I was hoping for a "yes you should do it" so thank you :-)
Old 05-30-2017, 12:00 PM
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Redhot2474
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Default Waste of $

Originally Posted by Frank996
I received a mail from my local Porsche dealer with additional "Porsche Tequipment Original Zubehör" and saw there was the Power Kit upgrade for the 997.2 on the list.

They are selling the upgrade kit for CHF 11'406.65* (which would bring it from 385 to 408 bhp) plus labour.

Initially, I got a tad excited about the upgrade possibility, but then thought maybe it's not worth it. I mean my 997.2 C4S is really really quick as it is (PDK and Chrono Pack) so what would the additional HBP bring to the table? Top speed? I'm never going to even get close to V-max so not a selling point for me.

So,

1) What exactly would the additional 23 bhp give me?
2) If I went for it, should I have it done when getting the car serviced anyway to save on labour?
3) With the power kit upgrade I guess my C4S would then "become" a GTS 4 as I believe this is the main difference between the C4S and GTC?

Any takes on this/recommendations would be highly appreciated...

PS. * Not that it makes any difference but CHF 11'406.65 = USD 11'650 and everything is very expensive in Switzerland...
I have a softronic upgraded ECU, fabspeed intake, and Center muffler bypass and bet you that added another 40HP all for $2500, if $ is no object then just buy a turbo 😜
Old 05-30-2017, 12:02 PM
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love2drive
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Default not worth it in my opinion

I assume the power kit you are referring to is the X51 Power-kit and not some software re-map. Software remaps (such as from Sharkwerks) cost far less than $10K, with similar "claimed" gains in hp. Any modification you do will give minimal gains to the 997.2 power/torque experience. You're better off getting the best tires available (Michelin Super Sports). I've compared the 997.2 C2S to my GTS. There is a difference in pull, but not enough to warrant $10K+ for the sake of real power gains. For me, the appeal is mostly psychological, not to diminish the value of that. I only point out.. there is a difference between substantial power gains, and marginal ones. That is my honest opinion from experience.

A GTS4 is loaded with standard performance and aesthetic options that make it a value proposition over the equivalent C4S with added individual mods. A GTS (like mine) offers the wider body rwd..something a C2S can not be optioned with.
Old 05-30-2017, 12:10 PM
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vern1
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Originally Posted by Redhot2474
I have a softronic upgraded ECU, fabspeed intake, and Center muffler bypass and bet you that added another 40HP all for $2500,
Am not sure if you are being serious or not.....
Old 05-30-2017, 12:24 PM
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classyvw997
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Originally Posted by Frank996
I received a mail from my local Porsche dealer with additional "Porsche Tequipment Original Zubehör" and saw there was the Power Kit upgrade for the 997.2 on the list.

They are selling the upgrade kit for CHF 11'406.65* (which would bring it from 385 to 408 bhp) plus labour.

Initially, I got a tad excited about the upgrade possibility, but then thought maybe it's not worth it. I mean my 997.2 C4S is really really quick as it is (PDK and Chrono Pack) so what would the additional HBP bring to the table? Top speed? I'm never going to even get close to V-max so not a selling point for me.

So,

1) What exactly would the additional 23 bhp give me?
2) If I went for it, should I have it done when getting the car serviced anyway to save on labour?
3) With the power kit upgrade I guess my C4S would then "become" a GTS 4 as I believe this is the main difference between the C4S and GTC?

Any takes on this/recommendations would be highly appreciated...

PS. * Not that it makes any difference but CHF 11'406.65 = USD 11'650 and everything is very expensive in Switzerland...


I am always one to influence people to modyify, however, if you were looking for a bump in power, I would highly recommend utilizing the services of a company that specializes in that solely. After thorough research I ended up sending my ECU to AMR Performance. Granted I drive the turbo model, but I believe they offer software for the n/a platform as well. Just my two cents, worth looking into!
Old 05-30-2017, 12:35 PM
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wjk_glynn
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Originally Posted by Frank996
...What exactly would the additional 23 bhp give me?
Here's a drag race between a 997.2 C2 (silver) vs. 997.2 C2S (yellow).

You need to jump forward to the 2m33s mark to see the actual race.


That's a 40 hp difference, so you'd get roughly half that...

Karl.
Old 05-30-2017, 12:48 PM
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scorcherjf
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It's not exactly the same as comparing half the difference of a C2 and C2S. The power curve on the powerkit/GTS is virtually the same except it keeps pulling a bit higher until 7300rpm peak power (compared to 6500rpm peak for the C2S). Basically, it will feel the same as a 997.2 C2S until you get over ~6500rpm. The max torque is still rated at the same 310ftlbs and this is what most people "feel".

Comparing a C2 and C2S isn't the same since the power curves are differently shaped and the area under the power curve is different, whereas the area under the power curve for the C2S and GTS (X51) is the same until above 6000rpm.

Honestly, I don't think it would be worth it and you definitely won't feel it unless you're constantly ringing it out to 7500rpm. How do I know? I've had a 997.2 C2S and a GTS now and have spent quite a bit of time at the upper end of the RPM range with both (with telemetry from my AIM solo to compare as well). If you do track the car, then yes, that extra 800-1000rpm where you make more power than a regular C2S does help a bit, but it won't be a drastic.

See this Porsche "dyno": http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/...515c60b6_o.jpg
Old 05-30-2017, 01:08 PM
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snake eyes
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Originally Posted by mcfisticuffs
1) Bragging rights and a thinner wallet.
2) The power kit installation will be so intrusive that the half hour of labour you will save won't be worth it.
3) The GTS will have many other suspension related upgrades that your C4S won't receive with the Power Kit.

But yes, you should do it
3) GTS doesn't have any suspension upgrads over a C4S. The optional upgrade of SPASM can be had on a C4S

What you get with a GTS that you can't option on a C4S is this only
Sport front Bumper
centerlock rims
Gt2 Side skirts

(ive never seen a C4S with the powerkit but it was an option)
Old 05-30-2017, 01:22 PM
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snake eyes
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BTW my thoughts on power kit!
Might as well trade in the 997.2 C4S and find yourself a GTS or GTS 4
Old 05-30-2017, 03:13 PM
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wjk_glynn
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Originally Posted by scorcherjf
...the power curves are differently shaped and the area under the power curve is different, whereas the area under the power curve for the C2S and GTS (X51) is the same until above 6000rpm...
Ahhh... very good point. I'd forgotten about that.

Just for reference, here's independently measured performance results for various 997.2 models...

Karl.
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Old 05-30-2017, 03:35 PM
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Any increase in insurance for modifications in Switzerland?
I have had lots of modified cars. I pretty happy with my stock cars currently.
Turn key, start, go, brake, stop. Repeat.
Old 05-30-2017, 03:41 PM
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Well the power kit is OEM, so I think it would come with emissions warranty and be certified, long as a Porsche dealer installed it. If the kit is 10K or so, the install is going to be at least 5K more.....its engine out, swap heads and cams, put it all back together. If it was a 5K kit and the install was 5K....I might do it. You figure at some point, Suncoast and the other places just want to get rid of them.
Old 05-30-2017, 06:27 PM
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OKB
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your looking at 20hp. for $12,000.
I put in BMC air filters, 250, a agency power muffler, Xpipe exhaust 1600, and a EVOMsit tune 1400
the car feels totally different and is more drivable and responsive. It feels like 25 to 45 more hp. It feels as good or better than any other newer gts or upgraded 3.8 that I have driven.


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