+1 The stock factory motor is pretty well maxed out. Very little gain with aftermarket exhaust and / or flash.

 

I was not saying that anyone had made the statement that a flash and an exhaust were going to give you 50+hp, but that is what OP was looking for so my comments were meant as advice (or a reality check depends on how he takes it) on what would need to be done to get 50+hp. Like I said I mean no offence to any vendors just happen to be an old guy with a lot more experience at this than most. Neither of of my Porsche's have stock exhausts (My Panamera is the car in AWE's video) and my 997S has parts in it from many vendors including VF engineering, and over the years I have spent a whole lot of money with tuners modifying everything from an Abarth to a Lamborghini.

 

You could always just learn to drive it faster. Go to track days, use the $3k for future tyres and brake pads and servicing and just have fun with it. I've realised there is no point in wishing for more power when you can't even push the thing to 80% of it's capability. I remember my first track day I had girls passing me in their boxters.

 

Why do people invest so much (15k+) into performance mods when adding that to the value of your car gets you to a completely different vehicle (especially in the used market)??

I can understand 5-10k for really considerable increases, really I would much rather just spend all of that on DE events and have a blast at the same time (and drive faster).

 

Well, yes and no.

With just bolt-ons will be hard, but you can get +50hp out of N/A... it's just most likely going to cost a lot of money and be very involved. You'll be doing things like engine head work, stroker kits, pistons, cams, intake, exhaust, tuning, etc... Most people will go forced induction because it's usually cheaper than the N/A route and will provide more bang for the buck.

 

Buy a Turbo!! Done!!

 

RaidersR1,Buy a Turbo!! Done!!




Agree +1 on that!

 

Thanks to all for the comments. I am not planning to add a turbo and I now understand I can't get the 50hp I was hoping for, based on my plan. I see many comments saying that ECU/intake/exhaust don't give much, but still everyone still seems to do it. I am just trying to understand which brands and parts to take for my mod.
This is very exciting being my 1st mod...
P.S.: yes, love to go to the track. Willow Spring (CA) N.1!

 

I would agree with you, and in my case the mods on the convertible cost a lot more that the 102K sticker this car had in 2006. It is for the most part worthless (and according to Porsche a kit car) to anyone but me. I cannot speak for anyone's reasons but my own. In my case it was merely to prove that it could be done. I have lived most of my life that same way. Long story and not car related so no need to bring it up on here.

 

I would spend the $3-4k on drivers ed. I say this not knowing your skill level so if you're advanced then nevermind. But if you've never been on a track or had drivers ed take a few sessions and you'll realize you have more car than you need.

 

Not trying to burst anyone's bubble, but I'm guessing if you put your car on a dyno you would likely find that you are not getting what those gains add up to. I have seen this way too many times over the years and with the stock ECU the car will only do so much.

 

$3-4K i would go with headers and 200 cells cats, good sound, better throttle repond...but definitely not 50 hp gain.

 

I've got a 2006 C2 and had the same thoughts. So far I've done the X51 headers, a Borla catback, an IPD plenum (still running the 74 mm one) and a K&N filter. You can feel the difference although I wouldn't say it could be more than 20-25 HP. I'll upgrade to the GT3 plenum and throttle body next and probably just drive it from that point. By the way, the Borla is pretty loud and I'm not sure I'll keep it.

 

The gains you get are not cumulative, I have known Joe (owner of Fabspeed) for a very long time (when he just starting out before he had a location), and I have had his exhausts on two of the Porsche's I've owned and a Lamborghini as well. I think there is a lot of confusion about mods and how they truly effect the cars performance. Once again nothing against any vendors. I have spent a long time telling people the same type of thing that the HRE video (which was really well done) has said about wheels, and over the years have tried to explain the same type of things about other mods. I am pretty sure if you ask Joe or any vendor this they will tell you that you are going to have to reprogram your ecu to get the most out of the bolt on mods they offer. When someone asks me what should I do to get the most out of my car, I always say the same thing first, learn your car. Take a drivers course, or just take it somewhere (nice big empty parking lot) turn off the traction controls and find out what you and the car (you will probably find out the car is far more capable than you are) can do together. I built the car in the photos when I post almost 10years ago, before arthritis had taken its toll on me. It has no nannies at all and is far more than I can handle at this stage of my life, and if I bought a brand new Porsche today outside of maybe changing the steering wheel I would leave it stock. Most people who know me would be amazed by that statement, but I am no fool, I know my limitations. I good first step is to learn yours.

 

I would think those two numbers are related either way...
anyways, u beating the GTS on that straight can be attributed to ur corner exit speed.


OP: IMO besides adding a turbo/SC, the best way to increase NA performance is by losing weight in the corners. I.E. get a strong light-weight wheels