I'm about to add X51 to a C4S build and thought I'd get some opinions on it before I do. It seems like a huge cost, but when you factor in the parts separately, the fact that you don't need the $3k sports exhaust, and that Porsche often times underrates performance numbers, it seems like a good idea.

Is it worth the price of admission tho (it'll cost me ~$12k)? Is the power gain noticeable? Does it give it a nicer sound? Better throttle response (heard lighter parts in engine = better response time)? Do I still retain the option to turn the sport exhaust on and off? Any info you can give me so I don't wind up making a costly mistake would be appreciated.

 

Won't that push it toward the turbo price territory? I would take the turbo if the difference is no more than $15K considering the discount one can get for a in stock 2009 turbo.

John

 

John, it would put me at around a barebones Turbo. I rather have a very well equipped model down then a barebones model up. Add to that the fact that Turbo only comes in manual (which I'd ruin because I can't drive it well) or Tip (which I would rather ruin a manual and pay for repair then drive). The C4S is the car for me. It's just a question of what to get with it.

 

camhabib: I would take the turbo and manual. You may not drive it well now but with time, you will master it and it's an entirely different experience. I have a fairly loaded C4S now and I wish I bought a base turbo.

 

Camhabib,

I have struggled with this one with other customers. I guess it boils down to what are your intentions with the car? Do you plan on going to the track? I assume this is for a 2009 C4S?

The x51 air box is beautiful, you get a center radiator which in my opinion helps to complete the look of the front nose. If you can afford the option then do it. If the C4S is your car then you are about to make it a little more special. Porsche would not offer it as an option unless it was something that did not already enhance the existing product.

Enjoy.

 

It would be for a MY2010 being built in August. Would the X51 option still include the 3rd radiator for that? I don't remember seeing the radiator listed in the description for the X51 option on the build guide.

 

The X51 does not add substantially to resale value which is a more objective measure of "worth it". Another factor is whether or not the increase in power will be of practical benefit in your intended use. The obvious plus is that the design, engineering, and parts are all Porsche factory w/ OEM warranty. The 3.8 w/ PDK is extremely fast, and the 3.8 X51 w/ PDK will be even more so.

 

For the 2006 - 2008 997 there was a center radiator for the x51 and or a tiptronic transmission. I would think it would be the same 2010 x51.

Are you a track guy at all and do you plan on using your car in DE's?

 

I'm not buying this as a track car, but I will certainly be doing some auto-x and track days when I can.

Did the MY2009's (997.2) come with the center do you know? I believe the tip's needed the radiator, but since the PDK's don't, I'm not sure if they come with it or not.

 

Get the 09 Turbo Manual. It's 4wd and has a lifetime of learning and modifying that comes with it. You will not get bored of that car for a long time since it has so many options (increased horsepower, suspension upgrades, etc.).

Plus you can challenge yourself on learning a manual over time.

The 09 Turbo is one of the best Turbo's to ever come out: it has touch screen navi and all the other interior upgrades, PLUS it comes with the GT1-derived engine block! The new 2010 Turbo (if they ever release one) may not even come with that engine!

 

I would get the Turbo but I would add the X51 to the NA car if I specd the car . I once thought it was overpriced and still do however Porsche places it through such extensive testing and it's so much more than just a few bolt on parts. It's so rare and exclusive that it may not be as much as a resale nighmare as one might imagine.

I still say get the Turbo . I do feel its the better high HP AWD car.

 

Practice with a rental manual and get the turbo.

 

Ok, so here's what happened. I called up my dealer to tell him I may be interested in getting the X51 package on my C4S build. He called me crazy a few times, as the sticker for the car was over $150k, and told me he'd call me back in a few minutes. He called up Atlanta for me, and apparently, they have confirmed that the MY2010 911 Turbo will have the Tip replaced with PDK. I removed my deposit for the C4S and placed it on a Turbo. The car is a November build with a December delivery. Guides aren't out yet, so in a few weeks, when they do come out, I'll option it out and go from there. I think I'm going to be much happier this way - I get a car thats a model up for the same price, you can't beat that. Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

Amazing if true. Thanks for the update!

 

Something tells me if he ends up with the '09 C4S 385HP with PDK version, he won't be left wanting for more performance