Looking at buying a 2013 white S at my local dealership. Getting a great deal but the car does not have sport chrono. My question is can I add Sport Chrono aftermarket? Otherwise I would have to buy a 2014 which means not as good of a deal on the 2013.

 

I don't think that's possible

 

You can, just not the dashboard wart/stopwatch. They can program in the code and add a button, though. Not sure about dynamic engine mounts.

 

IMO, the single most important benefit of sport chrono are the dynamic engine mounts. They are only a factory option. A side note, I would not buy a 991 without SC because of the the mounts.

 

Just curious, for street use, can you really tell the difference in the engine mounts?

 

The question you should ask yourself is: do you want to track the car? The G recorder is cool as is the dash chrono. It is my understanding that the mounts and the redline shifting are essential while tracking just how much use will you put these features in road driving? Do you realize that a 991 redlines in 2nd gear at around 75mph?

 

I don't track the car, but I got the SC because of the engine mounts and resale. Don't forget you may not save money in the long run if the car is not marketable when you go to sell it. You may want to look around for another 2013.

ChuckJ

 

Honestly i do not think it is simply a question of tracking the car. I agree with Haku the dynamic engine mounts make a notable difference.

 

How so? This was a question the dealer could not answer for me.

 

I've struggled with wondering where the quantitative proof is also. The least they could do is show us some charts instead of just telling us it reduces engine vibration, improves cornering stability, etc.

ChuckJ

 

That's what the dealer told me and then suggested that the option was more glitz than function for a non tracker.

 

I thought the sports chrono also has launch control. I will keep looking but not very many 2013 left

 

Does the car have all the other options you want?

I dont think SC is a big deal.
The mounts are probably nice, but I doubt its very
noticable.
Mostly, the silly SC clock does not do much of anything ; )
SC is more for the satisfaction of having it than any real need.

Just saying why pass up a good deal over something small when there are other options that are more essential.

 

I won't answer your question with the techy babble as there's enough of it available on the net. I'd rather give you my take on it from the perspective of why someone buys a 911. Which for me is all about handling. I do most of my 911 driving on curving country roads. I do not track my car.

The physics of the rear mounted engine on 911's have always had an effect on the stability (especially the rear end), and handling of these cars. The effects are noticed at varying speeds and are a lot to do with loads, angles, direction, and road conditions. As you know Porsche have been dealing with these challenges and unpredictable effects over many decades. The introduction of technologies such as PDCC, PTV, PSM etc. have all been steps to improve the driving experience and the introduction of the Dynamic Engine Mounts is another positive step in improving the handling.

Is it noticeable? For me, an emphatic YES. Optimal handling is of primary importance to me and is the reason I bought a 911. Anything that helps, and is affordable, will always be included on my options list.

IMO, whether you track the car or not, if handling is of significant importance to you, the engine mounts make a noticeable difference.

 

I had a 2009 with aftermarket SC. It did have launch control, although I never used it. My 2012 991 is noticeably more drive-able on tight corners, fast, but I'm not sure if is totally due to the mounts. I can drive much faster around the same corners without feeling I'm on the edge.

ChuckJ