I read this on another forum but since I am not a member could not see the PDF that the original poster posted.
I suppose before I go into further questions on the topic I wanted to first find out if this change is in store for the 997.2S.

 

Why? according to some engineering papers I have seen, Porsche made the 9A1 motor so efficient the center radiator was not needed. I havent heard nor read anything about including one. I live in the desert and the temps we get here in the summer approach 120 and I didnt notice a heat problem. I like the fact its not there because its the most vulnerable. I saw a race at Lime rock where a GT3 had the right front radiator punctured and 15 laps later it finished with no coolant. The motor with all that oil 9-10qts still has some air cooled qualities about it.
Have you noticed or read about a prob?

 

Yes the center radiator will be std in 2011 production. Bluetooth and iPod option are std too. I expect this will be offset by a higher price.

The 997.2 does not need a center radiator under normal conditions. Under some stress conditions and very hot climates it may benefit from having one. I know people who regularly track their 997.2 PDK cars and have not experienced overheating or any other issues. Not needing extra cooling I would not add a center radiator as it just adds weight.

 

so, will MY 2011 be a 997.2 or the 991?

 

MY '11 and possibly '12 are 997.2 with the typical small yearly changes.

 

I live in avery hot and humid region . As it is I have always felt that one of Porsches (as well as BMW and MB too) weak trait is that with all the testing they seem to fall short with the pitfalls of my regional climate. From the widshield wipers right down to the ability to cool the car --it's needed here.
On my Turbo I even added intercoolers BEFORE many of the upgrades.

So --can this be retrofit ?
Also if Porche is placing these on the cars in 2011 isn't that almost an admission of a flaw in the current car?
Lastly - will this effect resale.
Afterthought --If I was negotiationg on a 2010 car this radiator issue woild be ahuge leverage point for requesting a discount.

 

Larry: I do not think that the 3rd radiator is needed in your climate. It may be helpful in Dubai or Malaysia or Singapore.

Retrofitted? I imagine it can be for a price. i would not do it if I were you, unless there is a specific proven reason. MDrums lives in Florida too, he tracks his car, and he never had a heating problem.

 

Went I track my 997.2 PDK. Both ( Oil & Water ) temperatures go very high!!!

 

Interesting thread. How come the 997.1's have a center radiator. Does it mean that they have three radiators and if so why.

 

I don't know enough to have an opinion --but if Porsche is adding it would that be the first step of "proof" ? Why else woild they do it ?

 

How high? Oil temps up to 240F and higher are often seen on the track. If you track your car you need to change fluids and other items far more often to mitigate that.

 

According to the PDF file, which was a Porsche document detailing the MY11 changes, only the S model w/ PDK gets the center radiator for "improved cooling". I posted the thread on that European oriented site assuming, wrongly as it turns out, that someone would have some factual information from the factory regarding the need for the radiator. The next time the PCNA rep visits my local dealer (Braman West Palm) I'll see if I can get a straight answer just to satisfy my own curiosity. I'll pass along anything resembling more than internet jabber!

 

Correct, and are normal temps to be expected especially in Sport Plus mode. 240-250 is where oil temp will settle in and I have never seen to exceed. Water temp will settle in right in the middle of the range.

Yes, only PDK S version get center rad. If you get an answer please post? Thanks!

 

Irrespective of the absolute need, I added a center radiator to my car about a year ago. A fun project, about mid-level of complexity for a garage hobbyist (I can do exhausts and suspensions but engine internals are above my pay grade - if that helps). As many other mods on my car, my motivation was the act of doing the work, the results, and the chance to do it with one of my college-age sons.
The part(s) are relatively inexpensive ($300-$400 or so). It requires a front bumper removal (straightforward). The only tricky/important part of the whole job is in replacing the lost coolant.
Mid/rear-engine cars have long and circuitous plumbing to get coolant from front to back. The standard technique of adding until filled, running the car, and then adding some more until there is no further drop is really insufficient. I purchased a coolant evacuation part that sucks out every last bit of air from the system and then sucks in the coolant until topped off. It added close to two pints more coolant than the traditional technique. The part goes for about $100 or less. I'd be willing to loan it out to 6speed family members if need be.
GL

 

Tony
thanks for the info. I wonder why they are adding one. The only reason I and think of is a nice bump in HP? OR a nice upgrade in upper RPM range?