SeanP,

No worries, this is definitely a hot issue. I think the reason why TPC opted to do without the CARB certification is the same reason why their install requires modification of the OE airbox rather than a direct swap-in. Cost. Probably the reason why they're able to offer their kits starting at $8k.

There's a SMOG shop down here in San Diego where I had my last 4 cars smogged. My 997C2S had a full Gemballa headers->cats->muffler setup. It wasn't ridiculously loud, but any p-car fan knows it's not stock. It ended up passing the sniffer. The tech asked, do you have any aftermarket parts on this car? I said no, bought it this way. And that was it.

When I brought my Cayman to the same guy, he asked the same question. Then asked where the engine was. I told him it's in the middle and can't get to it without removing panels. That was the end of the visual. Since my car retains the stock CATs, it's very possible that like the Gemballa kit, it'll simply pass the sniffer, and just by the sheer inexperience of the SMOG technicians, visual will not pose a problem. My plan is to return to the same shop when I need to smog next year, see how it goes, and deal w/ it accordingly. Hope that at least answers your smog question.

That said, my biggest "problem" with my car now is trade-up options. You're not going to find too many cars out there that are under 3000 lbs, mid engine, RWD, with 400rwhp+ and have all the bells and whistles of a porsche. (I'm "over" porsche's stubbornness w/ rear engine cars and probably won't be buying another) 3 other production cars come to mind: the R8-V10, the LP560-4 and the F430. Understandably, it's going to be difficult for me to move on from here. If I can get a good price (probably not in this economy) on my car, I'm probably not opposed to looking at a R8-V8 this or next year to hold me off until I can afford the LP560-4.... we'll see = )

UPDATE on the kit: I'm getting close to 30k miles on the engine and just under 9000 miles with the TPC kit. Oil change at 25k and plan to do another at 30k. No other "special" maintenance was required. I ran into an issue a while back with potentially a bad injector, and was immediately overnighted another from TPC and was able to quickly remedy the problem. Again, I can't express how impressed I am with TPC's commitment to customer service. Tom, Casey, Josh, Mike and everyone over at TPC Racing continue to amaze me with their dedication to the sport, their product line and their customers.

I'm the kind of person that needs everything perfect and constantly look for things to fix and improve. I'm probably the best and the worst candidate to do an aftermarket turbo kit on a car because my personality made me nervous about driving such a highly modified car compare to stock. But will I do it all over again.

Yes.

 

Kevin, we gotta meet up one of these days in La Jolla soon, check out the ride, and have a brew!

 

I'm always down for a beer = ) Let me know!

 

Kevin:

Sounds like you will do just fine with this at the smog shop. "Where's the engine...." Cracking up....

thanks for the responses and being open with sharing your build and experiences. I have been looking at 2007 997 GT3's, but they are still in the $80's. A Cayman S with 30K miles of the same vintage can be had for mid to low 30's and with a $10K kit, will be a real contender for half the price. Just need to clear out the stable....

Best,

SeanP

 

Thanks for the kind words Kevin.

 

SeanP,

Don't mention it. Feel free to get in touch with me if you ever want to come down to check out the kit in person. = )

I love that GT3 motor, but I love driving the Cayman more... And that's BEFORE the extra 100rwhp.

 

Can anyone tell me what is the difference in performance on 6-speed vs tip on a 2006 Cayman S?

 

I'm gonna try and resurrect this thread

I just picked up a 2012 Boxster Spyder. Absolutely love the car, but want more power, and am looking at the TPC kit. I really want to check out someone else's TPC car before making the investment though. I live in San Diego...do you still have the car? Anyone else available to give me a demo or chat about the results?

BTW - I'm new to Porsche and new to the forum. Hoping to uncover the local community and meet some fellow enthusiasts. I've been a long time BMW dude. The precision of the spyder is just insane

Thanks!
Rob

 

Hi rob

Happy to help. Pm me your email.

Thanks.

 

Done, thanks

 

I'm back in a Pcar with my new Cayman R. I sold my R8V10 for tiny other car is an Aston Martin Vantage V12. O have also owned two TTRS cars.

The Cayman R is an last on the track (that's its only job),the handling is superb. But I do wish it had more power, and more torque specifically I have been corrupted by my other cars

Has anyone tracked a TPC car extensively?

I have heard the cars are not the most reliable, but I have also heard they are very reliable. Any thoughts from hose that have been running them for a while?

 

+1 In exactly the same boat. Well...minus the gorgeous aston (drool)

 

I can attest to this. I brought my 911 from a 6speed member who had the TPC turbo installed. I needed to pass an emission test to register my car. Took it in and it passed the sniff test but not the visual. The guy said you are missing cats. I send an email to TPC and they were extremely helpful. They told me the previous owner opt for a racing setup w/o cats. They send me cats for free. I never asked for that. Those cats are over $2,000 (I believe). It's rare in this day and age to have a company like TPC. Kudos to them. If I ever get a Cayman and needed for power. I would not hesitate to give them my business.

The Cayman R is a superb car, was lucky enough to drive it on the track during a Porsche event. I agree with you, it needs more power, other than that it's perfect.

PM Doc GTO, he did quite a bit track days with his 997 TPC turbo and love it.