987: sport chrono or PSE is it a must for you? - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

987.2 Keep coming back to these in my head. 2.9 and S How important are these two options to the driving experience? Seen some nice 2.9 and S but no Sports Chrono Is it missed if not having it. On current Evora NA sports button was an option to improve throttle and is a must on the option list to own, not that it’s required everyday. PSE, I guess could get aftermarket exhausts for a bit more noise.

celica88 said: 987.2 Keep coming back to these in my head. 2.9 and S How important are these two options to the driving experience? Seen some nice 2.9 and S but no Sports Chrono Is it missed if not having it. On current Evora NA sports button was an option to improve throttle and is a must on the option list to own, not that it’s required everyday. PSE, I guess could get aftermarket exhausts for a bit more noise. Sport Chrono can be fitted by Porsche (minus the dial in the dash) , sport button and software upgrade, I had it installed on my recent 987 purchase prior to delivery at Porsche who were selling the car. Would it be missed, I don't know (just started driving the car after winter hibernation), was one of the only big options missing from the car and asking on PH made the decision that it is worth having. I actually like that its fitted but no dial in the middle of the dash, everyone's different and some like the dial, not sure I would use the dial anyway. Cost was £950, presuming some dealers may be less than that, fortunately I got it FOC as the wrong kit came and delayed delivery of the car. Cant comment on after market exhausts.

The official PSE can be retrofitted too, with the on/off button in the lower row added.

To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono.

You don’t need any . Below 4 K rpm the exhaust on the 2.9 is muted .Above you hear it . In a high gear on a motorway say @2 k rpm in top if you floor it you get a lovely induction grunt up to the 4 k then the exhaust. You can hear the radio properly as well under 3 k rpm . The 2.9 is responsive enough as is and why shorten clutch life ? Assume by asking you are in the manual camp ?

What does Sport Chrono actually do on a manual except increase throttle response? And how is throttle response different from me stepping harder on the pedal?

It’s function ( does it very successfully) to extract more £££ out of the original owner .Who is semi hypnotised by the sales executive and for most the internet into ticking the box . It also gives ammunition to the very same SE at trade in as he sucks his teeth “ no Sports crono hmm “ . I can’t see any other real world , speed camera, pot holed , traffic queued U.K. road reason for this .Put it in the same bin as “ torque vectoring “ another pork money cash cow . Have you read the kings new suite as this is the Porsche equivalent ? FWIW depending on your age and gen feeling of security you might want to brag in a pub about it . Apart from that I can’t see any use . But more than happy to here any other rationale for it .All ears ,every days a school day etc etc .

I've got a 987.2 manual 2.9 and I certainly don't feel short changed that it's missing sport-chrono. It's plenty responsive enough and the car is already quick enough for 99% of road driving situations in the UK. I can't speak for PDK cars as I've never driven one, but I can see it would be useful. PSE I think is more desirable. That said, mine doesn't have it but does have a Carnewal exhaust. I'm super pleased with it as it's quiet and doesn't drone at lower rpms but sounds glorious above ~4500 rpm.

I don't have sports chrono on my 981, I actually made a point of buying a car without it. Cars fitted with it will have the added advantage (?) of having active engine mounts which seem to pack up from time to time and are not cheap to replace. The clock and lap times stuff would be of no use to me and if anything I would prefer to own a car that has not been launched and tracked to death so my choice would always be to choose a car without the SC option. The PSE I would not want to be without, its nice to have the choice and sounds great.

JohnnyMac said: To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono. Totally. The whole car comes alive when it’s switched on, it’s how Porsche would have it normally but the standard setting better for emissions regs and all that. Try both for sure and you’ll see what we mean..

Fiammetta said: It’s function ( does it very successfully) to extract more £££ out of the original owner .Who is semi hypnotised by the sales executive and for most the internet into ticking the box . It also gives ammunition to the very same SE at trade in as he sucks his teeth “ no Sports crono hmm “ . I can’t see any other real world , speed camera, pot holed , traffic queued U.K. road reason for this .Put it in the same bin as “ torque vectoring “ another pork money cash cow . Have you read the kings new suite as this is the Porsche equivalent ? FWIW depending on your age and gen feeling of security you might want to brag in a pub about it . Apart from that I can’t see any use . But more than happy to here any other rationale for it .All ears ,every days a school day etc etc .

SpyderMatt said: JohnnyMac said: To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono. Totally. The whole car comes alive when it’s switched on, it’s how Porsche would have it normally but the standard setting better for emissions regs and all that. Try both for sure and you’ll see what we mean.. Are you forgetting about the 'SPORT' mode option, which my car has with no SC, which apart from the active engine mountings/launch does most of it.

Really like having PSE on .2 S. I like the difference in sound with it either turned off or on so nice to have the choice when out for a drive. Sports chrono, never had it in my manual P cars so can’t say although never actively looked for it when purchasing (definitely would for PSE).

My latest .2 'S' has Sports Chrono but not PSE. it's the only one of three that I've owned that's had either. I do think Chrono makes a big difference to the driving experience but I could live without it. I never felt shortchanged by either of its predecessors' throttle response nor performance. I'd say I only actually use it about 30% of the time and usually forget to turn it on. If I do, I automatically switch the PASM back to normal mode. I had a Carnewal 'R' system on my first 987.2. It was excellent and plenty loud enough, but a little too much at times in built up areas. Being unable to turn it off like you can in the PSE was a drawback on quiet mornings etc.

Chrono does not improve throttle response. That's a measure of how quickly the engine responds to throttle pedal inputs. Chrono changes the throttle pedal mapping. It merely adjusts the relationship between pedal position and throttle opening. Move your foot a bit more and you will get exactly the same result from a non-Chrono car. If Chrono actually improved throttle response, moving your foot more wouldn't help.

Don't have chrono, but on the later ones I thought it also dialled down the stability assistance. That I could see as being useful.

On a 981, Sports+ is a notable difference from Sport mode. The throttle response is much sharper still. The stability control as Lexington pointed out, is dialled down more. The engine mounts stiffening with revs is also very apparent when you corner above 4K.. In a manual, the auto-blip is lovely, and if you have PSE, the mapping for the exhaust behaviour is different too. The track timer/G-force stuff is of no interest to me. To me, the difference between Sport & Sport+ mode is greater than between normal & Sport. I wouldn’t have one without it, personally. It makes the car feel how it should. It’s much more alive (and thirsty) in sport+. I leave it on unless I’m on the motorway. The PADM failures are far more frequent than they should be - this is the only downside. That said, if you’re on the warranty train, who cares? Equally, I’m not renewing my warranty - the cost of a PADM replacement is less than the warranty cost.. just bear in mind it’s the a decent bill that you can probably expect to get at some completely random point.

Royal Jelly said: Equally, I’m not renewing my warranty - the cost of a PADM replacement is less than the warranty cost.. There is obviously much more than the PADM angle to consider in making that decision, but that should hopefully work out a bit cheaper for you - I am sure Cay made the right decision for him: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I have a manual R which has both chrono and PSE. For me when I was considering my purchase last year these were must haves for me, and after living with them I still have the same view. PSE just allows the organic noise from the engine to come through and sounds fantastic without being unsociable in any way. It just sounds better (to me). I have it on most of the time unless on motorways, or long constant speed type roads. The chrono function does make a noticable difference to throttle response making the car feel sharper and even more responsive. Improves heel/toe downshifts too as less input needed on the throttle. If you have never had chrono would you miss it, probably not. But once you've used it for a while I really notice the difference when switched off.

AAAndy said: But once you've used it for a while I really notice the difference when switched off. Worth bearing in mind the pedal mapping with Chrono 'off' is not the same as a car without Chrono. It's deader, so to speak, than the standard non-Chrono mapping. The 'off' mapping in a Chrono car really is awful. In pedal mapping terms, you can achieve everything that Chrono does with aftermarket sprint booster thing. Or as above you can add the Chrono mapping and button easily enough, just not the clock (which is useless anyway).

981Boxess said: here is obviously much more than the PADM angle to consider in making that decision, but that should hopefully work out a bit cheaper for you - I am sure Cay made the right decision for him: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Without detailing this thread into a warranty one, the point I very badly made, was that in all likelihood, a PADM replacement is the about only concern I have that has a reasonable chance of occuring. A freak issue requiring a replacement engine is something I’m more than happy to gamble on. The 9A1 is extremely reliable.

Royal Jelly said: Without detailing this thread into a warranty one, the point I very badly made, was that in all likelihood, a PADM replacement is the about only concern I have that has a reasonable chance of occuring. A freak issue requiring a replacement engine is something I’m more than happy to gamble on. The 9A1 is extremely reliable. Agreed 981Boxess said: Assuming all was well with the car I think statistically your engine failure seems very unusual.

JohnnyMac said: To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono. This. I was looking for a manual but saw a nice PDK one last year (987.2 S) and went to testdrive it. Initially not super impressed, until the owner switched Sport mode on, and it turned into a completely different car. Would not have one without now ever.

Medic-one said: JohnnyMac said: To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono. This. I was looking for a manual but saw a nice PDK one last year (987.2 S) and went to testdrive it. Initially not super impressed, until the owner switched Sport mode on, and it turned into a completely different car. Would not have one without now ever. Is the 981 different to the 987 then, because on the 981 cars you can still have Sport mode without having the Sport Chrono option?

981Boxess said: Medic-one said: JohnnyMac said: To me the Sport Chrono is only a must have if the car is PDK, I wouldn't buy a PDK car without Sport Chrono. This. I was looking for a manual but saw a nice PDK one last year (987.2 S) and went to testdrive it. Initially not super impressed, until the owner switched Sport mode on, and it turned into a completely different car. Would not have one without now ever. Is the 981 different to the 987 then, because on the 981 cars you can still have Sport mode without having the Sport Chrono option? 99% sure you're right, Sports chrono adds the "sports plus" button

Chamon_Lee said: 99% sure you're right, Sports chrono adds the "sports plus" button I am amazed how many people are ruling out cars to buy without even understanding what the options are.

Sport Chrono as a factory option on 987.2 added Sports & Sports+ buttons, with the clock on the centre console & some options in PCM for when you're on track. It was still possible to spec the car with just the Sports button. I've got Sport Chrono on my 987.2. After 5yrs ownership my conclusion is Sports is nice but Sports+ is far too harsh/violent for UK roads & is a track option. The main difference is Sport will give the better throttle response, gear changes etc, but it will also exhibit some economy & eventually use 7th gear (in a PDK). Sports+ is designed to keep you in the lowest gear to give maximum torque at any moment but I find this can be achieved better in paddle mode (which is more fun). Given my time again? I'd still want Sport Chrono as I like the clock on centre console (although it serves no functional purpose other than a stopwatch). PSE would be nice but there are better after market options like carnewal.

SV_WDC said: The main difference is Sport will give the better throttle response, gear changes etc, but it will also exhibit some economy & eventually use 7th gear (in a PDK). Mine (981) does what you describe, apart from it will not use 7th gear, in fact if you turn Sport on whilst cruising it will automatically change down to 6th gear and will not change up to 7th gear again unless you turn Sport off. The Sports+ option is of little interest to me, I have experienced it in another car and didn't think it suited a road car, but then I am more likely to go on a Eurohoon than a track day so each to their own.

SV_WDC said: Sport Chrono as a factory option on 987.2 added Sports & Sports+ buttons, with the clock on the centre console & some options in PCM for when you're on track. It was still possible to spec the car with just the Sports button. I've got Sport Chrono on my 987.2. After 5yrs ownership my conclusion is Sports is nice but Sports+ is far too harsh/violent for UK roads & is a track option. The main difference is Sport will give the better throttle response, gear changes etc, but it will also exhibit some economy & eventually use 7th gear (in a PDK). Sports+ is designed to keep you in the lowest gear to give maximum torque at any moment but I find this can be achieved better in paddle mode (which is more fun). Given my time again? I'd still want Sport Chrono as I like the clock on centre console (although it serves no functional purpose other than a stopwatch). PSE would be nice but there are better after market options like carnewal. Thanks How does sports and sports plus work on manuals?

celica88 said: Thanks How does sports and sports plus work on manuals? There is no sport plus on a manual 987.2. Sport steepens the throttle pedal mapping, hardens the rev limiter and I think loosens the stability control a little.

981Boxess said: ine (981) does what you describe, apart from it will not use 7th gear, in fact if you turn Sport on whilst cruising it will automatically change down to 6th gear and will not change up to 7th gear again unless you turn Sport off. The Sports+ option is of little interest to me, I have experienced it in another car and didn't think it suited a road car, but then I am more likely to go on a Eurohoon than a track day so each to their own. Strangely, it sounds like SC ‘does more’ on a PDK, but is more useable on a manual. A common opinion is that on a 981, its more useful on a PDK - which I don’t agree with. I agree the PDK shifting in S+ would get tiresome. In my manual, you get all of the good bits (PADM stiffness, throttle response, ESC loosening, auto blip) without overly harsh & late shifts. I’m a road tripper/hooner, not a track dayer, too.

esotericar said: There is no sport plus on a manual 987.2. Sport steepens the throttle pedal mapping, hardens the rev limiter and I think loosens the stability control a little. Was there an option of just sports on the 987.2 manual or only comes with sports chrono?

celica88 said: Was there an option of just sports on the 987.2 manual or only comes with sports chrono? From the factory, only with Chrono.

esotericar said: From the factory, only with Chrono. Thanks for clarifying

esotericar said: There is no sport plus on a manual 987.2. Sport steepens the throttle pedal mapping, hardens the rev limiter and I think loosens the stability control a little. This. I find the sport mode pedal map makes heel and toe a bit more “natural” to a novice like me (difficult to express the different feel in words).

Philvrs said: This. I find the sport mode pedal map makes heel and toe a bit more “natural” to a novice like me (difficult to express the different feel in words). The problem is that in a Chrono car, the pedal mapping in non-Sport mode has been deadened versus the standard car with no Chrono, for want of a better term. The non-Sport map reduces the throttle opening ramp dramatically in the first bit of pedal movement quite, so in non-Sport mode the car feels awfully, awfully dead. This is not actually a throttle 'response' issue, which is a separate thing, strictly speaking, but it does make the car feel very dull. The pedal mapping in the standard car with no Chrono is somewhere between the two modes in a Chrono-equipped car. The non-Sport mapping in the Chrono car is awful. To clarify, 'throttle response' is not how wide the throttle opens in response to a certain pedal angle, which is what the Chrono / Sport pedal mapping changes. 'Throttle response' is the time taken between the actual throttle opening the engine responding, which isn't impacted by the opedal mapping. Chrono is about pedal mapping, not throttle response. Edited by esotericar on Friday 13th May 16:39

esotericar said: Philvrs said: This. I find the sport mode pedal map makes heel and toe a bit more “natural” to a novice like me (difficult to express the different feel in words). The problem is that in a Chrono car, the pedal mapping in non-Sport mode has been deadened versus the standard car with no Chrono, for want of a better term. The non-Sport map reduces the throttle opening ramp dramatically in the first bit of pedal movement quite, so in non-Sport mode the car feels awfully, awfully dead. This is not actually a throttle 'response' issue, which is a separate thing, strictly speaking, but it does make the car feel very dull. The pedal mapping in the standard car with no Chrono is somewhere between the two modes in a Chrono-equipped car. The non-Sport mapping in the Chrono car is awful. To clarify, 'throttle response' is not how wide the throttle opens in response to a certain pedal angle, which is what the Chrono / Sport pedal mapping changes. 'Throttle response' is the time taken between the actual throttle opening the engine responding, which isn't impacted by the opedal mapping. Chrono is about pedal mapping, not throttle response. Edited by esotericar on Friday 13th May 16:39 Each to their own, but I don't find the non-sport throttle on mine that dull (bearing in mind it's my 3rd 987.2 S and only the first with Sports). If anything, I find the sports one a bit too sharp in the first 20% of travel, to the point where the next 40% feels a bit redundant. It's only when you push past that second phase that there seems to be much in the way of increased urgency. What Sport does seem to do though, is map out the 'lurch' that you sometimes get rolling back on the throttle after coating. All of mine have done this and it can be a bit disconcerting - almost like a mini misfire.