I have a 2001 996 turbo. It is nearly stock. I want to push up the power. I want to start around 650 hp. Maybe a bit more. I want to be able to upgrade if I want more power later. I want a car that is fast, but still fun to drive. I have read the modification threads on this forum going back years. The information is amazing, but also somewhat overwhelming. It seems like what people consider the “best package” is constantly changing and there is no clear cut answer.

I am considering packages from Evolution Motorsports, Ultimate Motorworks, and Protomotive. Based on what I have read here, it seems like whatever power level I initially go with I will eventually want more. EM seems to have many packages, which would be good if I decide to upgrade even more. I also see EM’s car at the top of the quarter mile chart. That is impressive. It is one thing to make power. It is another thing to go fast. I want both. I also read that EM uses Garrett turbos. I know Garrett products are well made and perform. I am concerned that EM was hot a while back but based on more recent posts, they are no longer used as often. Why is that?

It is difficult to find data on the packages provided by UM. I read about the monster builds in progress. They sound impressive, but I do not see any performance data. Did I miss it? I also read about the UM “stage 2 and 3” packages. They appear to generate good power and performance, but not many people have gone this route. Why is that?

Protomotive appears to have built some huge power cars. I noticed that they are second on the quarter mile list. Very cool power and performance. I see that they also offer some milder packages. I have also seen many photos of Protomotive’s work. I am not looking to have an engine that I can eat off of, but I do want clean, professional looking mods. Does Protomotive do clean, professional looking work? I don’t know much about the turbo setups Protomotive uses. They seem to be unique to Protomotive. What aren’t others using these turbos? I read that Protomotive is operated out of a barn or shed, rather than a standard type of shop, and only has one or two people working there. Should this concern me? Rightly or wrongly, I get a sense of comfort from a more mainstream operation. I guess it comes down to a warranty issue. If the product is good and fully supported, I probably shouldn’t care about the facility where it is built.

Sorry about my rambling and thanks for your input.

The Doctor is out.

 

Doc,

You have done your homework because in my opinion you have picked the top 3 tuners that I would work with. Don't know alot about UMW other than I know Kevin and he is a good guy with great products and superb customer service.

I am a Evoms customer and a very happy one at that. I know Todd the owner and he has been very good to me. I love my GT700 plus it rocks!

Protomotive I also have the privelage of knowing Todd the owner and he and his wife build some awesome cars. Proto uses Garrett turbo's as well. Tim (colorinc) and myself just did a self install of his Proto 650 kit in his garage without a lift. I am not a mechanic and he is not either. It is a very good kit for the money.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices, my advice is to drive each one and see what you like. You or anyone else is more than welcome to come to Michigan and experience my car.

Thanks

 

Doc, if you have patience, Info on the UM stage 4 will be available SOON. My engine is almost ready. Kevin (KPG) & I will be the test mules for this kit (which I am very excited).

As far as Evoms, there is plenty of info out there. They are a solid company with a proven track record, with good looking upgrades with plenty of R&D.

Proto, I really dont know much, But I'm sure we have a few members that can Chime in with there monster builds or entry level kits..Good luck with your choice, just do your homework!


Thomas

 

Something that is often overlooked when choosing a tuner... Make sure you have LOCAL support that can help sort out any issues you may be having.

I see to often people having to ship their cars to be fixed or sorted out. There are many good tuners out their.... It may be wise to use the one that is closest to you.....

 

I suggest you talk to each of them. Describe what you want in terms of performance, how much money you want to spend, time frame, etc..and how you drive. They will give you their options. Then simply pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

Have you ever driven a turbo with 600hp? or more?

 

Y AND WHERE is most important to choice of tuner. Our facility is located in NYC and it would be foolish for someone to go 1500 miles for performance increases/as it would be for a speed freak to come 1500 miles East for the same reason. Reputation in the specific business of Porsche is just as important. There is a redundancy of product out there for improving the performance of Porsche, in particular 996 TURBO. Local service is REALLY important...Local service does NOT want to take care of problems initiated 1500 miles away either. thanks for tuning in...Mark...formulamotorsports.com

 

Talk with all of them and then decide if they fit your needs.
EVOMS has the cleanest shop by far if that is what you want (and the widest product
offerings).SHARKEY at SHARKWERKS is a wonderful place to get EVOMS stuff as well !!!
UMW is extremely knowledgeble on the TURBO side of things and has really put 100%
effort into our cars (996TT) in the last year and has some promising (not yet on the road) high powered packages coming out soon.
Protomomotive (who I chose so I am biased)is operated out of a metal skinned pole barn
in the middle of northern Arkansas. They have (5) employees total including Todd
and Cynthia (wife/engine builder). They have a passion for this stuff and live it every day of thier lives. Todd (like most busy people) is hard to get on the phone, so I would suggest an email first. Todd is who EVERYONE goes to
when they are doing a very difficult "one-off" project and they need tuning
help. He is unique in this sense and is smarter than anyone in this area, Period.
Once again, talk to all three and add RUF in Dallas to your list (Wayne Corley), and Sam at the Speed Gallery. I didnt see where you are located
but also Protosport on the east coast builds some killer packages as well.

Good luck!

Marty K.

 

Marty,

I agree with everything you said about Proto except I would not forget that Garrett of GIAC is quite brilliant in tuning the computer as well. He was the one that got past the 1.3 TB shutdown. I do know that Todd at Proto is quite awesome as well!

 

DrBarneyFife, Since you are looking at a few different tuners you may want to add us to your list: http://shop.fvd.de/?AM=2&SM=1&LM=2&M...em=FVD99610054

We specialize in high horsepower daily drivers. Thanks, Rhonda

 

The question is, who is the best to go to in the southeast (excluding Florida)?

 

^^^^good question. I'm afraid no one.

 

I agree, If I leved in Arizona I would choose EVMOS. If I lived in SF CA, I would go with UMW. If I lived in Kansas, I would go with IA. Since I live in So. Cal, I have 1/2 a dozen to choose from.

Stay as local as possible.

 

It will be nice when information comes out about the prices and numbers of UMW. I love my tune from Kevin at UMW, and his customer service is awesome, it just seems like there is not much information. I like looking at numbers and understanding the power to price ratio, and this just isn't available. I don't even know what the different Stage's mean and what there cost is or prices. For instance Evoms, has there power clearly spelled out along with price, clear as day - customer service is apparently good but lacking.

Proto has plenty of happy customers that are willing to spill the beans, and there are tons of threads regarding there builds, including pictures - no webpage though - and still great customer service.

UMW does have a webpage, but it is not updated. There isn't but a few dyno sheets, and nothing is mentioned about the parts in the total packages of the Stages. I feel guilty stating this, and don't want to take away from Kevin's amazing customer service and product, but I don't want to call him everytime I have a question.

Go with who you feel comfortable, and know that you will be bound to them thru there software, or suffer a penalty for changing. Good luck, and it sounds like you have a great hold on it already.

 

As everyone says, pick the tuner you are closest to, as long as they have a reputable history.

TXGold, is that John Goodman in your avatar?

 

Hello Dr, where are you located?