Observations, Issues, comments and questions.

[mhall1019]

Time sure flies when you're driving fast!

My '02 70k mi tt-6spd with X50 (X51?) turned out to be an X0. Loren's information from PAG indicated 420hp rather than the 450hp from the VIN decoder available here and the X51 option wasn't on the list. The PO has offered me a modest refund but refuses to believe its not what he thought it was.

The thing is, 420hp seemed to make the car scary fast. But after a month of driving I've concluded that, on hard acceleration, the rear end squats and the front end gets light and the car gets squirrely like the thrust is making the car go sideways. Is this a reasonable assessment?

If a suspension upgrade is in the cards I will want something that works well (i.e. somewhat comfortable and controllable) on the the bumpy back roads and an occasional DE since this is a daily driver. I'm leaning toward the PSS10s because I've been buying Bilsteins since 1977 and have had good luck with them. But the PSS9s I put on a 993 C2 were a bit on the harsh side and the rear height adjustment required taking half the suspension apart to be able to turn the piece that the sway bar end link mounted to. Unless I was doing it wrong. It looks like the 996 version is the same design. That piece ought to be a sleeve that is sandwiched between two nuts. Are the PSS10s worth $600 more than the H&R coilovers and how do they compare for primarily street use? Or is there a better choice in the same $ range? If this solves the squat problem with 420hp, will it still work at 550?

I am trying to get good quality replacement components cheap, like exhaust, bigger intercoolers, headers, mostly things that will work with the k16 system I have now and with future upgrades. Does anyone know if the 997 intercoolers are comparable in capacity to the 996 X50/GT2 intercoolers and reasonably easy to install. I know they are cheap and available. It seems that I've read somewhere that the 997 intercoolers have been adopted from the 911 Turbo (996) and optimized. In order to improve charge-air cooling, the ducts in the rear side sections of the body have been modified. By increasing the cross-section of each duct by approx. 10 % it has been possible to reduce flow resistance and to improve the air flow into the radiator cores. This results in more efficient intercooling for increased power and torque.

So, they are the same size as which 996 intercooler? but with better heat removal due to improved convection?

Does being adopted from the 996tt mean the plain tt or the GT2? And, if they are the larger ones (which is very likely considering the output of the 997) how difficult would they be to install on a 996? Is there anyone with that experience? Yea, I know, I really want intercoolers with metal ends.

The seals on the output flanges of my front diff are leaking slightly. It took about 4 or 5 ounces of lube to fill it back up - I wasn't going to change out the fluid until I pull the flanges and replace seals when I do the front suspension. Is this a common problem? This is a job I am not looking forward to doing, but if I have to, I will do it and take pictures.

What is the deal with these brakes (red, monoblock)? Stopping power has always been one of Porsche's fortes (forti?) but these leave a lot to be desired. The rotors are down to the limit and I need new pads - I'm sure that replacing rotors and pads will improve things but are these calipers up to the task?

I had the pollen in the pollen filter carbon-dated and there is some there from 2001. I'm considering replacing the filter even if there are no holes in it. I'm glad I got a well-maintained car.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom or sympathy.

Mike

[wross996TT]

The thing is, 420hp seemed to make the car scary fast. But after a month of driving I've concluded that, on hard acceleration, the rear end squats and the front end gets light and the car gets squirrely like the thrust is making the car go sideways. Is this a reasonable assessment?

I do believe an aftermarket suspension is a plus for ride and handling. The front end is lighter than the rear and there is a lot of power when you stomp on it. Perhaps you should take it to a track with an instructor to get the hang of it! For your use I would still do coilovers vs. springs.

I am trying to get good quality replacement components cheap, like exhaust, bigger intercoolers, headers, mostly things that will work with the k16 system I have now and with future upgrades.

So why are you upgrading ICs and headers for K16s? Absolutely NO reason to do this. You should really do some searches rather than just replacing "typical car upgrades". There is very little difference in capability of the 996TT, GT2 or 997TT ICs. Yopu get nothing for headers until possibly >650hp. Get exhaust, DVs and flash...until you decide on where you want to be in the end...

The seals on the output flanges of my front diff are leaking slightly. It took about 4 or 5 ounces of lube to fill it back up - I wasn't going to change out the fluid until I pull the flanges and replace seals when I do the front suspension. Is this a common problem? This is a job I am not looking forward to doing, but if I have to, I will do it and take pictures.

No this is not typical....you probably have a bad front diff (actually a seal as you say), but when mine had a very minor leak (actually just moist, no loss of fluid) Porsche replaced the entire front diff. (under warranty) They did not want the dealer opening up the diff...

What is the deal with these brakes (red, monoblock)? Stopping power has always been one of Porsche's fortes (forti?) but these leave a lot to be desired. The rotors are down to the limit and I need new pads - I'm sure that replacing rotors and pads will improve things but are these calipers up to the task?

I have no issues with my brakes, I think they are quite good. Perhaps your car was a little abused? They are plenty good for your current hp (and mine)...now if you want to go >650hp...there are better brake systems out there of course.

IMHO you should get to know your car, learn to drive it and then sit down and think about where you want to be ultimately. Talk to the tuners (Kevin, Todd(s), etc) and then line up your mods. Drive safe.

[deepblue5280]

My comments inline.....

My '02 70k mi tt-6spd with X50 (X51?) turned out to be an X0. Loren's information from PAG indicated 420hp rather than the 450hp from the VIN decoder available here and the X51 option wasn't on the list. The PO has offered me a modest refund but refuses to believe its not what he thought it was.

This really stinks, was it presented as an X50 by the seller??

The thing is, 420hp seemed to make the car scary fast. But after a month of driving I've concluded that, on hard acceleration, the rear end squats and the front end gets light and the car gets squirrely like the thrust is making the car go sideways. Is this a reasonable assessment?

Rear squatting could be either a soft suspension or the rear bushings...mine squatted as well, but I also have 200-300hp more than stock. in addition to suspension I swapped out the dog bones and the bushings, helps with tire wear as well.

If a suspension upgrade is in the cards I will want something that works well (i.e. somewhat comfortable and controllable) on the the bumpy back roads and an occasional DE since this is a daily driver. I'm leaning toward the PSS10s because I've been buying Bilsteins since 1977 and have had good luck with them. But the PSS9s I put on a 993 C2 were a bit on the harsh side and the rear height adjustment required taking half the suspension apart to be able to turn the piece that the sway bar end link mounted to. Unless I was doing it wrong. It looks like the 996 version is the same design. That piece ought to be a sleeve that is sandwiched between two nuts. Are the PSS10s worth $600 more than the H&R coilovers and how do they compare for primarily street use? Or is there a better choice in the same $ range? If this solves the squat problem with 420hp, will it still work at 550?

Nothing wrong with PSS's however, I prefer the Porsche X73, it lowers the car, extremely well balanced and is not too harsh or too soft, if you want something adjustable, PSS is probably the way to go for the money, whatever option you so should be good to at least 600hp.

I am trying to get good quality replacement components cheap, like exhaust, bigger intercoolers, headers, mostly things that will work with the k16 system I have now and with future upgrades. Does anyone know if the 997 intercoolers are comparable in capacity to the 996 X50/GT2 intercoolers and reasonably easy to install. I know they are cheap and available. It seems that I've read somewhere that the 997 intercoolers have been adopted from the 911 Turbo (996) and optimized. In order to improve charge-air cooling, the ducts in the rear side sections of the body have been modified. By increasing the cross-section of each duct by approx. 10 % it has been possible to reduce flow resistance and to improve the air flow into the radiator cores. This results in more efficient intercooling for increased power and torque.

I'll save you some money so you can buy a good exhaust, just like wross said, dont worry about the k16 headers, they are very decent as is, later on get them port matched and dont worry about IC's until you get up to the 600hp level and evoms or umw both make very good sets. I would highly recommend a good exhaust, I have had a fabspeed and my current EuroPipe, the EP is by far the best exhaust I have heard, just a little pricey.

So, they are the same size as which 996 intercooler? but with better heat removal due to improved convection?

Does being adopted from the 996tt mean the plain tt or the GT2? And, if they are the larger ones (which is very likely considering the output of the 997) how difficult would they be to install on a 996? Is there anyone with that experience? Yea, I know, I really want intercoolers with metal ends.

No answer, no idea, I would guess normal turbo.

The seals on the output flanges of my front diff are leaking slightly. It took about 4 or 5 ounces of lube to fill it back up - I wasn't going to change out the fluid until I pull the flanges and replace seals when I do the front suspension. Is this a common problem? This is a job I am not looking forward to doing, but if I have to, I will do it and take pictures.

What is the deal with these brakes (red, monoblock)? Stopping power has always been one of Porsche's fortes (forti?) but these leave a lot to be desired. The rotors are down to the limit and I need new pads - I'm sure that replacing rotors and pads will improve things but are these calipers up to the task?

Like wross, no issues with the turbo big reds, good brakes when you have good pads, good fluid and a good bleeding and bed in of the pads. With the extra power and speed capability I upgraded to the GT2 calipers which are 6 pistons, but the oem turbo brakes should be good, maybe your rotors/pads are glazed and you have old fluid.

I would add that if you have power adders, would highly recommend at least the GT2 cooler for the tranny....

I had the pollen in the pollen filter carbon-dated and there is some there from 2001. I'm considering replacing the filter even if there are no holes in it. I'm glad I got a well-maintained car.

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom or sympathy.

Mike

Hope this helps,

Anders