Carrera Power Kit

I posted on this topic once before and got very good response. Here is the situation, own an 02 996 well optioned, in perfect condition, purchased new and paid for. Was considereing a new 997 S but it would be about 40K difference to sell my car private party and purchase the new S when tax and license are factored in. Not a rich man, seems like a great deal of money. Was again thinking about the powerkit and have found a new one here in the states at a dealer willing to discount and ship. Job will run about 10K installed. Any thoughts or opinions like leave well enough alone and just buy the new car when ready. TIA.

10k seems like a great price, and clearly the factory kit will not damage your resale value like aftermarket add-ons. Some points to ponder... Why do you want the extra 20 or so horses? Are you tracking the car? Will it keep you happy for very long? (one gets accustomed to acceleration all too quickly) Was that the only consideration in thinking about upgrading to a 997?

Thanks for the response. 10K does seem reasonable and is not a limiting factor. Car is great but is not very exciting as far as far as power. I had read from someone here that the X51 package gives the car a completely more aggressive feel. My main concern is with having the kit installed and having leaks or some kind of problem.

are you talking about a tpc supercharger??

No Factory Porsche Powerkit. Same as ordering car new with the X51 option.

tpc supercharger gives you 430hp for 10k!!!!!

good points from lee. if you want more noticable power then go with the 997S. bigger displaecment and new tuning will be more noticable (especially because of more torque). i say if you really want more power then get yourself a used 996TT. out of the box it has enough power and torque and with even a little tuning /mods will get you another 100 horses. if you wanna go crazy you can do 800HP! you will get more bang for the buck with a used TT.

To me it looks like you'll only be happy with 996tt,...the raw power of the turbo's are incredible, I went on the track with my instructor who was driving one, the power was sickening, you feel the rear tires clawing away and it feels like you are laying a strip of rubber on the track...for power, it was awesome. Having said that 10k including labor sounds like a good price to me, but you may not be satisfied with it, and you cannot recoverthe cost if you sell it...

996toomey: My 996 came equipped with the X51 package, and I can certainly feel the difference vs. a base 996 (or 997 for that matter). A couple weeks ago I attended the Porsche Driving Experience, where I drove base 997 and 997S vehicles on the track. My 996 w/X51 felt way better than a base 997 (too soft IMHO), and almost as capable as the 997S (amazing vehicle... albeit it had ceramic brakes... WOW!). I'd say go for it!

996toomey, check this 40th http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ist=344#vdptop Jeeva

Thanks Fast 40TH I remember you responding before. I am up in the air afraid of disassembling a perfectly good car and not liking the salesman at Porsche Dealers right now in regards to a new S. One good thing I found and dealer will verify is that the kit was shipped with the matching valve covers and I was told in the past that they weren't and had to have valve covers machined to match.

Don't forget used GT3's. 380 HP that is more like ~390-400. They are selling slightly used for high 80's to low 90's, cheaper than a 997S. I also like the TT recommendation!! You'll never recover your costs in the X51 or TPC.

If you want to stick with the 996 carrera, then get a 40th anniversery. Next is the 996 turbo, best bang for the buck at todays prices. Gt3 is a great alternative as well, you'd love it.

great idea. forgot they're cheaper used than new 997Ss. and with the powerkit from PSI motorsport then you can get ~420HP.

Did the 40TH Anniversary Model come with the X51 package standard or was it an option on that car as well?

Hey toomey, I have also been toying with the idea of upgrading my '02 C2. Looking for more of an edge. I have to agree with those that have suggested a low milage 996TT as the most "wow" for the buck over a C2 w/ power kit and a 997. Good luck!!

X51 is standard on the 40th

10K you will never see again. Get a tt if you can swing it.

I would not even consider an add on X-51 for $10k. The money would be better spent on a 40th Anniversary (as others have suggested). Having said that, your best bet would be to look for a used 996TT (also, as others have suggested).

Have you considered and EVO SC?

40th anniversary would be a great choice.... turbo is 4WD and I'm not sure you would like the change in vehicle dynamics... many have gone from 4WD turbo to C2, more fun to drive but in the end it depends on what you want..