Got my baby back.

Sorry I don't have a pic, but I'm just slammed at the moment. Will add one as soon as I can. Just got the car back: Had the wheels refinished, replaced damaged brake cooling ducts from the winter, seasonal service, replaced a worn check strap on the driver door (closes like new now!), new spark plug tubes (source of the leak I noticed last week) and had the REVO flash done. But for the money, the best mod was the addition of the GT3 Cup front splitter. $118, looks very subtle and stock (which is my thing... sorry, Ben!), and hopefully will settle the car a bit at speed. Anybody with a non-aero Mk1 car should order one immediately. A total no-brainer. Stay tuned for a pic... but I just had to share. Happy guy, here.

.......and a new PCA sticker.....on the right way

Was the REVO flash worth the $$ to you Bruce? Stop sticking things were they don't belong

Bruce... impressions on the Revo when you have time

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Different? Yes. Better? Yes. Worth the money? Oh, probably not. But that would describe many of the things I've done to my car. I'd say, if $1,000 or so is a lot of money to you, don't bother with the ECU flash. It's not going to change your life. But if it's not, I think it's worth doing. I got two things out of it: Sharper throttle response, especially off idle and when I blip the throttle for downshifts. And it pulls noticeably harder above 4,000 rpm or so. Between that and the sound of my intake and exhaust, it feels like the fastest car in the whole wide world now.

I'm going to challenge Almighty Bruce here for a second. We meet again along this front. Sharper throttle response. Since when has the stock throttle response made you feel it wasn't sharp enough? This is the most inane improvement I hear people type up after a mod. Makes me laugh. I have the GIAC flash coupled with the EVOMS intake. I ran with the stock mapping for a day or two. I noticed zero difference and GIAC is a respected flash gordon company. I really liked a post made by Loren of Renntech re: vendors testing their **** and backing up their HP!/TQ! claims. What's the testing procedure Revos has done to prove their gains? First of all, what is their claim? Bruce, of all people, I know you won't take my challenge above personally. It's like I need to type like Strawberry Shortcake to not ruffle feathers because so many dudes make their cars THEM.

Unlike a lot of people who hang out on automotive message boards, I... a) Know exactly what throttle response is, and b) Don't have any ego invested in my mods. I would also point out that I said nothing about horsepower or torque gains. Not a word. Throttle response is a pretty easy thing to reprogram in a drive-by-wire car. In the old days, they'd make a throttle more responsive by putting a little cam in line with the throttle cable. The result is the same either way: The engine responds to proportionally less movement of your right foot. Throttle response is not power. Throttle response is not torque. Throttle response is not acceleration. It's just how much foot movement equals how much throttle opening. It's fun, and for some people, helps with things like smooth heel-and-toe shifting, which I happen to enjoy despite there being no real need for it on my daily commute. It's not inane at all. Car companies make a conscious decision to program throttle response so that the car feels fast enough, but isn't too twitchy for the mall crawlers. On my Rover, there's even a different map for cruise control because the stock throttle response is deliberately lazy... a twitchy throttle is not what you want off-road. Ever asked someone what BMW's Sport Mode really is? It ain't more power, my friend. It's radically increased throttle response. Throttle response is, in some respects, a 'marketing' decision, made to please most of the people most of the time. I also never said that I thought it wasn't sharp enough on my Porsche. But, by the same token, I actually prefer it a little jumpier than stock. For me, it's more fun. Like playing my Hardtail Strat versus my archback Guild dreadnaught. For me - to my taste - throttle response is 'improved' with the REVO flash.

Throttle response is an easy thing to program these days (see sl65 vs s600 et al). This basically nominalizes the differences between just on throttle, part throttle, and WOT. If I personally were in the market for better throttle response through and through, I'd likely move to lighter flywheel, but then it would likely be a matter of time until I flashed for the same effect! That flywheel's calling you Bruce, it's only a matter of time! (just kidding) 118 bucks for an oem lip sounds like deal! any analogous upgrades like that or the facelift MKII cars?

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Thanks for the break down. Feeling goes a long ways It is always exciting when a new mod is done, know that feeling well Now all you gots to do is take that sticker off and you'll be good to go

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I like my civilized, quiet dual mass flywheel. For now. I think.

Bruce I'm looking forward to seeing the picture of the GT-3 Cup front splitter. I have a 2001 non-aero 996 cab and have thought about a tasteful modification to the front end for years. My only concern is front end clearance as my garage fronts on a Cabbagetown (Toronto) laneway with a reasonable steep angle of approach. Would you mind posting the comparative clearances between stock and splitter please? Thanks very much Ian

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There's one for the Mk2 cars, too, though it looks a bit different... it's more of a splitter. I hope it's not against the rules to post a link to another forum, but here's a thread that shows both types. The kind I got is shown on page 4 of the thread: http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/s...ght=lip&page=1

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Check the thread cited above, especially the Mk1 photos, and I think you'll be comforted. Besides, at that price, you could replace them every year! I'm not going to have a chance to take a picture of mine until next week, but I wouldn't hesitate if I were you. It's a very subtle mod, and doesn't really decrease your usable ground clearance that much.

Hey Bruce - who did you have do the work? I just got a set of BBS Classic Sport II's that I need to have refinished. I've dealt with Steve at Collision Networks on the 73 Fuchs - but I'm not going to be as picky with these as they'll be DD summer boots for the girl. Also interested to see the splitter when you have a sec to post up some shots on your car.

Bruce Thanks and I will do this. Could you confirm the following please: 1 @ 996.505.986.90 - GT3 Cup Front Splitter for 99-01 996 12 @ Stainless Steel Self Tapping Screws 1-2 @ Your favorite adult beverage Where did you purchase it? Thanks Ian

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The guys at Engineered Automotive did everything, including the wheels. They look factory fresh, now. Quite pleased.

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Tuner got the parts from Pfaff, I'm pretty sure. There is an error in that part number, I think; I'll check later this morning and confirm it for you. I remember because it took some time to find one... changed one digit, and suddenly they had two in stock.

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bro you edited your original post. you clearly stated before the revision that above 4KRPM you felt that the car accelerated harder. so you pretty much paid $1K for what my M3 had with the sport button which remapped the throttle position. i always had that button turned off for a reason, though i assume the revo's flash doesn't make it nearly as aggressive. all i can say is, the giac flash did ever little for the feel of the car and the stock "throttle response" works just fine for many. sharper throttle response doesn't = better in some cases.

+1 for pics of the front splitter. I've been toying with the idea myself. As much as I love the Mk1 Aero, it's not going to happen on my car anytime soon.

I had my car chipped a bit back and I can tell you without a doubt that it runs smoother and fuller across the rev band. I have a 3.4 996 and I had always noticed a bit of a lag/dampening around 3.5k RPM that seems very settled now. The trade-off is that I'm essentially obligated to use 93 octane all the time now. Porsche definitely detunes, electronically, the engine to accomodate crap regular fuel around the country. Again, it harks back to the conversation in the N-rated tires thread whereby we all agreed that Porsche makes some compromises in order to provide enhanced driveability to the widest portion of consumers. Those changes would include quiet, fuel efficiency, emissions, etc. I have no use for any of those.

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Bit harsh, accusing me of changing my story. If you knew me, you'd know that among my many faults is not a lack of integrity. It does feel like it pulls harder above 4,000 rpm. I remind you that made no hp/torque claim. What the programmers have to play with, basically, is mixture and timing at a given throttle position. The better the program, the more finitely these variables are managed. The stock DME manages these things on the basis of certain assumptions about octane for the safety of the motor. The easiest trick in the DME tuner book is to allow a leaner mixture and advanced timing, which is why these products usually warn you explicitly that you must use premium fuel. My point is, it is entirely possible that these two variables are set more aggressively at that rpm level (which I think is more or less when the variocam does its thing?). If so - just like when I did this stuff with a screwdriver on my '68 Dart - it would absolutely make it feel more energetic. (To the earlier thread about idiot moves I've made, I'll add the story of my thinking that if a bit leaner mixture and a bit advanced timing is good, then more must be better. I found the dipstick embedded in my lawn like an arrow about 50 feet away after I started the Dart up. That was when I learned what 'blow by' is. ) My friend, you need a new cause. All this energy you put into preaching against these products would be better directed toward finding WMDs or a cure for the common cold. These products do something. They don't make the car 'better', but they make it different. And as I said in my first post, the cost is a personal thing.

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Okay, the part number for the front 'lip' that found the part for me here was: 996 505 986 00 Happy hunting!

Bruce - I gotta say that in my personal and professional experience - engaging people like this guy, only encourages them. Kinda like my 3 year old when he yells. Ignore the attention grabbing behaviour and it will eventually stop. Anyway, I digress. How much did you end up paying to have your wheels refinished at Engineered? I was just quoted $200 a rim to machine and paint my BBS Sport Classic II's from a referred supplier.

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Yeah, I know arguing is silly... feel like I gotta stick up for the guys who did the mod. My twists were refinished for about $900, which included tire unmounting/mounting and the rest of that stuff, done and out the door. I'm never going to claim that Engineered is cheap, but their work is absolutely flawless, always. The fact that they'll pick up and deliver the car doesn't hurt either.

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C'mon, Bruce. You edited your story which then makes me look like an idiot for responding to something that doesn't exist to others who missed the original note. If I read your post as it stands above, I wouldn't have made any "false" claims about you mentioning hp/tq gains or any inferences to it cuz clearly you do not. Vase, vase, above 4K RPM hp/tq gain same deal, man. This isn't a legal review. People read that and think cool some power (hp/tq) gains. I value your friendship and input so you taking it beyond that is all you. We all tend to huddle up around our purchasing decision and justify it and that's fine. The thing is, we'll never come to a data-backed, scientific conclusion that flashing our M96 engines does wonders other than anecodtal remarks that have more to do with **** feel than actual "dude now I'm pulling on the stock M96" youtube vids. Ok, so we go back to throttle response... again, hard to measure and it's this minutiae level of difficulty in seeing measurable, salient results that gets me back to... I wouldn't spend $1000-1500 on flashing the M96. I agree, it is a personal decision. Not a performance decision. Again, if I was all about huddling around my own campfire, I'd be like yea flashing rocks! since I have the GIAC flash on my C4S.

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In my personal and professional experience, those that can't handle candor tend to waste a lot of time and end up with broken hearts v. getting things done.

Bruce Thanks very much for your assistance. When considering modifications, I ask myself "Will it make me happier?". If yes, I then compare the expense against the cost of freight/PDI/document processing charge for a new 997....modification always wins. Who installed this for you? Although it looks easy, I'd probably install it upside down........ Enjoy the beautiful day Ian

Ben, if you can't appreciate it, it's not worth the money. No disagreement. I've had the same debates with people over single malt scotch. But don't impugn my credibility to comment on this. I didn't change a word of my original post. Besides which, I'm not a starry eyed kid. I'm 50 years old (in a few weeks, anyway). I've owned 24 cars, I've raced, I've wrenched a little, I've worked in the car business, got to drive prototypes on closed test tracks and listen to engineers explain their decisions about the cars they market. Moreover, I care little enough about the money that I'd reverse the flash if I wasn't happy about it. My point in barfing up my resume for you here is this: I have a little bit of cred and absolutely nothing to prove or defend so, to me, my opinion is worth something. You're absolutely free not to share it, and I'd defend your right to. But that doesn't include suggesting I'm easily impressed or that I'm shucking and jiving. Peace out. Before the flash posse dogpiles on your ***.

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Thanks, brother. And I agree with your philosophy. Mods are cheap compared to depreciation! I'm sure the install is easy. I had mine done by my indy while they were servicing some other stuff. Company is called Engineered Automotive, up in Concord. They're very fussy, and don't tend to screw things up like I do.

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It's not about your credibility. If it is, it surely is about mine as well. Anyways, let's move on from that. And thanks for the resume. I knew this already, thus me not putting you off as an idiot and just not responding, period, since this is the gentler, kinder Ben. Enjoy the REVO flash in good health, my man. Half a century. Fantastic.

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haha only a matter of time! Thanks for the link. Now that I shipped the car back to NYC, I was thinking of buying a rubber strip or metal plate or something else to place underneath the front bumper, but was leaning toward something rubber to more gracefully absorb the damage and get replaced every year or two. I've had it up to about 150 and haven't noticed much walk or lift, but that's just never possible back east so I'm not as worried about perfect aerodynamic match. It seems that both the GT3 Street and the GT3 Cup parts for MKII's are rubber, which I think will look fine on black (at least fewer worries about scratches). I'm not huge on using all those metal washers and screws the 6speeder did (don't want the lip to tear off the bumper if something major happens) but I really like it. I just ordered some bits from Sunset which won't ship until Thursday of next week, so maybe I can stuff this into my order. I just want to see a true side profile shot of a car with this mod, at 1.5" high I wouldn't want it to look like the front was dramatically lower than the sides. Did you wind up using the plastic rivet things to attach?

I'll get you a side shot, no problem, but you won't be worried. It's not deep at all, really very subtle. To be honest, I don't actually know what they used to attach it. I'll have a peek when I'm back in the city.

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I agree RE: the detuning. I definitely felt the car's performance decline marginally yet quickly after my first few tanks of California blend, however after about 1000 miles I guess either I couldn't feel it anymore or it started to even out, who knows. I can't wait to get a full tank of 93 and some BG-44K in it now that it's back (especially since my last tank of adulterated 91 in LA cost 4.20-something a gallon). I just haven't been able to drive it much since it came back, still have half a tank of 91 in there. Next week for sure.

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Much appreciated Bruce. Do you think that rubber will take paint? Either that, or I'm going to see about throwing some of the stone chip film over it. I HATE cleaning rubber! Looks like the "Cup" lip for MkII is half the price of the Street and Aerokit parts. (Cup P/N comes up in system as GT3RS "splitter" according to a friend I just called on this), but Cup part on MkII doesn't blend into the bumpers like the GT3 street part on the 6speeder's car, it's way more pronounced. Ahhh decisions decisions.

Here are some crappy pictures of my dusty car grabbed on the commute home, for those who wanted to see what the splitter looks like. As you'll observe, it's very subtle. In terms of effectiveness, I feel a distinct difference over 140kph or so. YMMV. CAUTION TO BENJAMIN CHOI: Narrow body, no visible aero, factory wheels, standard suspension, cell phone quality pictures. Looking at this car might be like, I don't know, kryptonite for you or something like that. Look away. We don't want you sterilized or turned into a pillar of salt or whatever.

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LOL I would've been a bag of salt a LONG TIME AGO if I was that not into stock 911s. 95% of them of the road are bone stock. They still catch my eye.

Thanks Bruce, looking good. I just ordered the MkII GT3RS Street splitter part number 996-505-986-92-01 about $220 (the cup part is surprisingly a little cheaper, but it isn't being stocked in the US or Germany according to Sunset, and it's a little more pronounced as well) I should have it some time next week and will post pics (he one below is of the same part on another black MkII car)

You did remove the pumpkins and gave it a nice tint, that alone is HUGE I like the look, except the dust thing. I'm not right when it comes to that so this means little to most. A few pics ago, if I remember correctly, your car needed a wash in a bad way Just saying....

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Back in the day, my cars were always better than showroom clean. No driveway now, and no time. Honestly, it looks better than it does in the pictures. People turn their heads. But my concours days are in hiatus at the moment. Another shot from further back, and an interior for no helpful reason.

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Ha It should turn heads. No driveway no time is tough to manage, esp dark colors For the most part giving you a little crap, though looking way cleaner than those "other" winter pics

Somehow, I missed this thread until now. Bruce, the pics look great. I am keen to do the same thing. One question: Does this mod fit on a '99 C4? If not, why not? I thought the front end of the 3.4 liter 996s were all the same? Thanks. ...Rickker

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Thanks! I'd rather not guess on whether your front end is the same as mine, but I'm sure there are some folks here who know for sure.

just got my lip, now to find some mounting hardware

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I would use those expansion rivits that porsche uses under the front bumper. They will hold the splitter at high speed and will come of when you bottom out really hard. If you use screws (or self tappers) you can damage the bumper when bottoming out.

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i'm on the fence with this, so many opinions either way. I personally would be more comfortable with the plastic porsche parts if I knew how to yank them more easily (it doesn't seem you can really back them out)

Nice looking car Bruce! I have grey interior also and yours has been kept up better than mine.