Weight / Performance / K&N on 996???

I have a 996 Targa, which is about 155 pounds heavier than the Coupe and, according to Porsche, runs to 100km 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe. What can be done to reduce weight? Anything easy? I could remove the spare tire for sure. Anything else?? Also, does the K&N air filter bolster performance in the slightest? Does it do anything? Thanks for your help and opinions. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

I would trade your (leaky, sqeaky) glass top in (before the next Dallas downpour) on a (lighter weight)with a sunroof that actually seals when closed and doesn't sqeak in any position. K&N is nothing more than a rip-off and the oil impregnation will eventually coat your mass airflow sensor and then you'll be in REAL troule.

SEATS! SEATS! Get rid of the rear seat and get lighter seats on the front. Also, I dont know how you are going to deal with all the extra weight on the top of the car(higher center of gravity).

Well, don't really know what to tell you. Whatever you do, the coupe can do too, and you'll still be 155 lbs heavier. I guess just go for it, and even if you lose, you still got a better tan than the coupe winner.

I'll keep that in mind wwest. Actually, nope. The car does not squeak or rattle (surprises me). I was concerned about that in the begining too. Leak? I don't drive it in the rain.

I doubt that the .2 secomd difference at least real world terms is the difference between driver to driver. What you may notice more so is when you do some track sessions(DE events) and the added weight of the targa becomes more evident. If you don't plan to track your car I suggest not doing a thing especially at this point it's such a brand spanking new car and to try to strip it seems a bit obsessive. But when the time comes and you feel very comfortable how the car drives and handles you could change to a lighter exhaust(save about 22 lbs), remove the rear seats(about 30 lbs) and the spare tire(28 lbs), floor mats(5 lbs. It gets more expensive after that like switching seats to liter ones(GT3 seats-saves 60 lbs) and list goes on an on. I know that taking spare tire out mite distort the characteristics of the car but with a liter exhaust it almost cancels each other out. Regards. Mike

Mike, Did you get my email about the radiatior?

I wouldn't remove the spare...it's part of the frontal crash protection assembly.

But I would put Fabspeed mufflers on...save about 40 lbs.

Hey Loren I did get your email and how much does Gert charge and all? After doing a few DE's the car is so far not running hot yet like pointer pass the "0" of 180 mark but weather hasn't been an issue up at Thunderhill yet-highest it's been is 92 degrees. I'm going on July 27th so I think temps will be higher. Will you be getting it soon? Don-only time I take out the spare is when I track where at Thunderhill there's really nothing to hit(pretty open area). Regards. Mike

I forward you the info. I think it's the GT3 (or GT3R) kit. It has all the proper fittings and mounting for aerokit. Should be here by the end of next week. So I'll post more when I get it. I hope to put in on right away since it's already been in the upper 90's here.

RE: K&N. My dealer talked me out of putting it in for the same reasons WWest mentioned above. Also, there is no increase in HP...to a 996 anyway.

[quote]Originally posted by smjjpres: <strong>I have a 996 Targa, which is about 155 pounds heavier than the Coupe and, according to Porsche, runs to 100km 0.2 seconds slower than the Coupe. What can be done to reduce weight? Anything easy? I could remove the spare tire for sure. Anything else?? Also, does the K&N air filter bolster performance in the slightest? Does it do anything? Thanks for your help and opinions. </strong><hr></blockquote> Hi: You've received some good advice here and I'd second the suggestion for lighter, more supportive seats. A K&N will do nothing for power, just convenience. I'd suggest a good chip, as an excellenrt performance upgrade. You can get some information and feedback on that at Park Place Porsche,...

[quote]Originally posted by Don Watson: <strong>But I would put Fabspeed mufflers on...save about 40 lbs. </strong><hr></blockquote> Don, the stock mufflers weigh 21 pounds each for a total of 42 pounds. So those Fabspeeds save 40 lbs over stock, eh? At one pound apiece they must be real engineering marvels!