997.2 Characteristics

I have a 2012 S, PDK , 72,000 miles. What I'm looking for is input from those of you with other sixes, whether 911 or Boxster/Cayman . The reason is that my 99 Boxster is far smoother, despite the 911 having new motor and transmission mounts. Is the 3.8 just not smooth? And is jerkiness in the drivetrain normal? Otherwise, I love the driving experience; the handling, braking and general operation. (The ride less so, in spite of the DSC unit, it is still a little harsh but I put that more on the 19" wheels.) Thanks for any input.

Nearly forgot to mention: new plugs and coils a month ago.

My Cayman 2.9 engine is smooth. I occasionally reset the throttle body which helps synchronise the throttle action to the PDK . This makes changes smoother and reduces jerking. Turn the ignition to the ‘on’ position but the engine not started, for one minute. Then cycle the ignition off and back on again. Leave it on for 30 seconds. The throttle body can be heard resetting. After this turn it back off and start the car.

You're comparing your 911S, 2012, PDK, 72,000 miles - with your 99 Boxster and questioning how smooth the 911 should be? How long have you owned the 911? The PDK transmission is an adaptive transmission, it learns how you drive and adjusts it's shift behavior accordingly. Every so often it's worth making it forget the adaptations and start over again, particularly if you're experiencing rough shifts under normal driving conditions. On the 987.2 series there is a Porsche published technique to reset the PDK adaptations. Here is what I wrote about that a long time ago in a Galaxy far-away: Sounds like equine fecal matter when you first read it - but at least on the 987.2 PDK is made a BIG difference. I imagine your 997 uses the same PDK software (with some modifications) - so it's worth a try to see if it helps. Let us know if it does - or doesn't...

Well, I am comparing a 25-year-old engine to one which should have improved design characteristics. Nonetheless, I will try your suggestion, as the price is acceptable!

I did the reset procedures for the first time 2 days ago. Definitely heard the sound C9872 described. It's been raining so I have not driven her since said reset. I didn't think my car shifted poorly but out of curiosity I did it anyway. I will report back on whether I can perceive any difference.

I thought about it while I was driving today, what would I say about the "reset procedure". It's like when Viper says to the top gun class, you're the best of the best, we'll make you better. I wrote it down and put it in my service logs, thanks for the tip C9872.

I am stunned. This worked so well! Amazing something so simple (and non-intuitive) could accomplish such a result. It's like a transmission transplant. Next question: is this a once per year thing, or just when you notice it's getting rough again? Thanks Don!

My expectation? No difference or such a small difference I'd wonder if it was in my head. My experience? So smooth and no lie, sport felt like sport plus which I didn't try.

wholly crap!!! It worked!!!! Can’t believe it but it is true.

Good to hear that it has helped. The first time I couldn’t believe it myself. I thought that all the clunks etc were normal. I repeat it whenever I think necessary, probably a couple of times a year or after a battery change.

Update on the ride. Durametric showed no communication with the PASM module. The dealer confirmed this. They reset the communication, put the original module back in and the ride is much improved. Now, the question is if I dare to reinstall the DSC module.

Module reinstalled, and took a thousand-mile trip. I don't really feel it softening the ride, so I'm going to attempt to customize and reduce the compression damping through the software.

I was able to change the overall response curve on the DSC unit, and while it helped some, there isn't a huge difference. I probably wouldn't be quite so picky, except that M235i my wife has is vastly better in this regard. Comfort is really compliant, and sport is really a good step towards better suspension control. Overall, I am disappointed.

Additional update-- Following some advice here online, I reconnected the front shocks while rotating 180 degrees. We took a long drive over the weekend and I noted the front end isn't reacting harshly to every bump and is now quite supple. The rear still has a bit of harshness, but there is a clunk back there over bigger bumps. I also see one tailpipe is lower so I'm wondering if the new engine mounts (less than a year old) have failed. Checking that today--after a mandatory wash. Waze sent us on about a half-mile of gravel on the return trip.