recent upgrade 04 CTT to 09 CTTS, and some thoughts

[royxaxa]

In October, I sold my 04 CTT with around 240k kms. and upgraded to an 09 CTTS (first owner traded in to the dealer, with all service records) 110k kms($40k before tax. dealer gave me new set of 21" Conti summer tires, and new rear rotors/pads).

Road trip to Quebec, NB, NS, PEI and Newfoundland from Toronto. very happy with the vehicle. 

some thoughts after putting about 15k kms in 3 months:

1. the power increase from 4.5TT to 4.8TT DFI is not huge(450hp to 550 hp), unless you really push it. sometimes it even feels slower(maybe I am crazy, lol).
2. the car consumes less gas, from around 19l/100km of the 04 CTT to around 17l/100km. not huge but noticeable 
3. the "sport" button is magic, totally change the throttle response, and suspension.
4. PDCC is a must have. I had some great memory at the Gros Morne national park windy roads. the car corners unbelievably flat at high speed. Although feels a little dull sometimes.
5. my 09 CTTS has the thermo insulated (2 layer) glass all around. car cools down faster under the sun. it could be because of the newer A/C system.
6. the gap between wheel and the wheel arch is smaller at "normal" setting than the old 04 CTT. I assume the car is lower at same suspension setting.
7. PCM 3.0 is so much better with Bluetooth and touch screen. audio performance is the same.
8. only 1 oil drain plug and the oil filter is a biitch to get to. need to remove the PDCC hose clamps.
9. A/C filter, intake filter, transmission, transfer case, front, rear diff oil change are exactly the same. same procedure, same parts.
10. fuel filter change is almost the same. only difference is the Styrofoam under the seat.
11. spark plugs are much easier to replace without the secondary injection pump and the torque arm mount in the way. 
12. bad news, there is still one plastic coolant pipe at the V-valley. Porsche has metal replacement part already.
13. my 09 does not have the keyless entry option which could be a good thing in the long run consider the complexity of the entry system

I will post other observations if there is any. hope that helps anyone thinking about moving from 955 to 957.

Cheers

[royxaxa]

btw, anyone tried walnut shell blasting for valve cleaning(mostly for DFI engines)? I read a lot of DIY for BMW owners and it seems pretty straightforward.