993tt engine upgrades - Page 3 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

If the upgrades are done properly, you shouldn't have too many problems, although I don't think weekend use is really regular enough to keep all oil seals and bearings nicely wet etc. The problem is, most conversions do not take into account peripheral components (because they are on a tuner's car with everything modded anyway). Things like diffs get much more grief, as will clutch, gearbox and driveshafts. Maybe they can take the load, maybe not. One thing is for certain - Porsche only signed off long term reliability for the parts at the manufacturer's recommended output. In my experience with tuned vehicles, the gain comes with some pain. If you don't mind having the occasional misfire meaning an unplanned trip to the garage, or for something to break when it wouldn't normally, or even just the increased wear on tyres and brake pads then go ahead. If you do, keep it standard. After all, the 993TT is still a very rapid car - and probably too rapid for public roads if we were being sensible about it. I had planned to get my Lotus Carlton tuned when I bought it. After hearing about another owner's experiences with his 525bhp example, I stopped at an ITG air filter and pistonheads sticker! Again, although there are times when I could handle a tad more power in the LC, it is still massively quick and almost insane to use on public roads at seven/tenths or above, as it confuses/scares the heck out of numpties. A standard 993TT is, of course, even quicker. To be honest, there is little point modifying engine outputs without looking at the whole performance picture. A car with air conditioning, leather interior, hi-fi, rear seats etc is always going to have compromised acceleration and handling compared to one without. Not that I am against these things, but when 11k will buy you a second hand Radical, which will blow away a 993TT on the race track (where this kind of performance can be properly sampled) isn't tuning a luxury road car a little bit non-sensical? All IMHO, of course. Rgds Domster

From talking to people the German tuning companies do a very good job. I have an acquaintance with TWS (I think) tuned Turbo 2 - ~410 bhp. He races the car a lot on the track , and he's very good driver and is always pushing the car to the limit. He's never had any trouble with it. The thing you have to remember about the 993 TT is that just about everything is over engineered with the engine. For example - the turbo's are designed to run at 1.8 bar - but porsche only run them at max 0.8 bar. That shows you for start the kind of tolerance levels the car is set too. I've done some extremely car drives up the side of mountains in the boiling summer sun here (35oC) and have never seen the engine oil temperature rise particulary. They are simply amazing pieces of engineering. So my point is that the tuning companies don't have to do much to boost the power of the engines. To get about 450-500 bhp, they basically simply put the GT2 turbos' amd extra oil cooler on,plus a few different mods. If you want to go above 500 bhp , then its generally advertised to put a heavy duty clutch in, as the standard will wear out too quick, and NEVER floor it in first - the gearing in first is notoriously weak - there's not too much small gears that can handle 500+bhp with VERY large traction (big tyres and AWD). I'd definity go with RUF if you can afford it, as you'll more of the money back when you adventually sell the car. But TechArt and Gembella are great alternative choices aswell. Look for companies that have very strong motorsport connections.

I would agree with Dom that it is already fast enough for road use. If you have ever raced one or seen what it can do then you will be confirmed of that fact. In my Supra, I felt like my handbrake was still up when I raced the 993TT. It is an amazingly fast car. Another thing to bear in mind is that although perhaps Porsche don't run the car on its possible max output, it may be because it will disturb the overall balance of the car. I know Supra's can be made to have near 800BHP and all that but even one with over 550BHP drives like a dragster. Its lightswitch sudden when it goes from nothing to immense acceleration. In my opinion this is fun for a while but gets tedious if you really want to enjoy driving your car. A balanced car is probably better than an all out horsepower maxed up car. Also, it is inevitable that you will wear done components more quickly and it seems that standard cars are more sought after and easier to sell on. If you get the 993TT, let us know. I know you kick the ass off the 355 (if I get it, asshole dealer hasn't called back to confirm acceptance of my offer!!), but it would be good to see the two together. (Are you still in London?) Good luck and regards PS 993TT is absolutely lovely. Go for it.

Yeah, it's always nice to see 355s and Turbo 4s together, even when standing still! Re: reliability, I'm sure that many components are overengineered, as bosshog said. That is the beauty of a Porsche. However, it will always be the things you least expect going wrong with a tuned car. Things like injectors breaking prematurely because they are now acting at 95% of maximum pulse rate, rather than 80%... detonation caused because the fuel pump can't supply enough fuel at max boost with the standard fuel filter in place... Or the extra heat soak under the bonnet shortening the life of an alternator. In short, everything needs to be considered - not just the engine. People like RUF do know what they are up to and will do a good job, but beware of the hidden mods that you will probably also need (they will normally quote these separately to keep costs down for the engine work). Rgds Domster

Great comments Dom, totally agree. I (briefly in a moment of madness) thought my car could do woth more power (is the ever enough) and got in touch with RUF. For a modest hick in power (70 bhp) they performed a lot of work on other components, not just the engine. I think these tuning companies are mature enough to understand all the issues with turning a 408 bhp car. As Walter mentioned in another thread RUF are a bonefied (sp!) manufacture and therfore have to pass many tests to sell the car under their own name. Personally if I could afford it I would definitly consider having work done by one of these companies, but obviously I would expect some extra maintance and work. You don't get 400->600 bhp extra with some extra costs! The thing is if you don't have the car already, the 993TT is a INCREDIBLY fast car in all situations, I would be very nervous driving a 600 bhp version on public roads especially in the UK where speed limits and traffic are so bad. If you overtake a car you'll hit 110 mph before you even begin to realise , then you've got to haul off all that momentum before the next corner.....

Guys, thanks for the detailed replies - excellent advice. I guess a moderate upgrade will strike a good balance between grin size and financial pain. I previously reasoned that all components must have a minimum of 20% tolerance for extra stress, so overall a 20% bhp rise should be within the ball park. Not sure how much use the car will get. The girlfriend should be dropping me off to the train station for weekday commuting in her car. Mine will be used a great deal each weekend though! Ninja - I've followed your posts regarding forthcoming 355. It's one of the most beautiful cars ever made in my opinion - nice one. The enjoyment of that howling fezza v8 will be sex on wheels. If only I could absorb the running costs, oh well...! Am I still in london? - Yes, work in City Road and live in Clerkenwell weekdays, travel to girlfriends in Maldon at weekends. I'm selling a place I had converted for investment this summer; releasing some cash for the porker. Can't bloody wait!!

Cheers for comments, all. As a matter of interest, a quick check on the rennlist forum etc indicates that the 993TT seems to be 'safely' tuneable to around 500 bhp. Above that figure, tuning escalates quickly in terms of complication and cost. And - as bosshog pointed out - even pushing 470bhp or so may require a list of unexpected parts to do properly (ie not just a chip). All tuneable cars seem to have this threshold when things suddenly get more expensive, On the Ford Cosworth it is about 330bhp. On the Lotus Carlton it is about 420bhp.

930 Motorsport in Warrington have a number of upgrades upto 680bhp for the 993TT. Colin Belton who runs 930 is a true engine nut, with the opinion that you can never have enough power! I've seen his list of upgrades for a 993TT it runs to 4 pages.

Colin Belton comes highly recommended from a Porsche RS owner I know. I wouldn't hesitate in giving him a go.

I agree with Domster about 930. I wouldn't take my RS anywhere else. I've spoken to a number of RS & Club Sport Owners and they all use 930.

Apparently, Colin has tuned an RS to 330 bhp, normally aspirated. It belongs to a chap called Adrian Palmer, who selflessly acts as Colin's guinea pig for mods... so 930 Motorsport conversions seem to be well and truly tried/tested. >> Edited by domster on Thursday 14th February 10:32

Adrian Palmers' 964RS is putting out more like 400bhp (without a turbo or supercharger)

It has often been said before that the upgrades that result in the greatest increase in speed are those made to the driver Another alternative might be to spend some of the money on high performance driver training - not casting any aspersions as to your ability, but I think we would all agree that there are always areas for improvement! All IMHO etc etc

paulc - my info re Adrian Palmer's car must be out of date. 400bhp normally aspirated is pretty impressive.

Take a look at www.993tt.com There are'nt that many around so it's worth joining the Porsche Club for advice and the mag I also live in Maldon (with a 944 turbo) Good luck (nice car)

dmsims, Thanks for that site link. Looks like there's a lot more to consider than you generally hear about. Not sure tuning it above standard is a good idea.

I'm new to this site/forum but wow!- talk about like-minded fellow individuals - the whole PistonHead site is just awesome and your collective views are generally so utterly spot on it's FANTASTIC! So thanks for existing! Anyway, just a quick entree in response to this 993TT upgrade question. I run one of these crackers and to be honest, in base form, whilst it was v.rapid off the line with stupendous handling and generally went quick in most gears there were one or two slight flatspots where you couldn't quite blow away hard charging VW TDi's with Cerbera 4.5-like conviction (my previous 'experience'!). I joined the PCGB and spoke to their techy guru (Steve Kevlin) and explained the prob...given my location he recommended I spoke to Phil Hindley at Tech9. Oh dear (in a good way!) Phil's operation is just fantastic and I can't recommend him enough. Just talking to him and getting the PCGB's backing was enough to persaude me... The car got the CarGraphic treatment (although Tech9 is now heavily into TechArt): sports exhaust [well worth it after my de-catted Cerby given the 993TT's plumbing which mutes things too much], plus all the usual upgrades to the ECU, turbos, cams, filters, coolers, etc. Phil also advised me on the ideal suspension set-up for non-track work which I recall is an Eibach affair that delivers a great compromise betwixt handling and NOT grounding myself every few seconds on our disgraceful roads. There are various power stages but Phil advised me that given my level of experience (not great - but then HE is a Porsche Cup racer!)the 490 BHP job might be the one. Which is where it's at now. The ultimate CarGraphic upgrade was 540 BHP which requires the racing clutch and a new set of cahoonies for me. I THINK I've found the perfect balance. So what's it like? Well all I can say is 'transformation' - I would wager not too disimilar in effect to the RUF Turbo efforts which are around 520 BHP. I briefly had an EVO VII Extreme which was ridiculous but I promise you, the Tech 9 490 conversion is noticeably quicker. And it's tractable and in 3000 miles I've had no probs (other than an even more profligate taste for 97/98 octane juice!). The torque wells up so sensationally it's hilarious and above certain speeds the car 'sits down' on it's suspension better than anything I've ever driven. Clearly the car IS over-engineered as other members have said on this subject so I have no worries about long-term reliability. So if you have a 993TT - get it beefed up - you won't look back. (But you know, I went past a Passat 1.9 TDi last Sunday (OK I was in 6th at a 'certain speed') and the guy driving it dropped a cog and had a go (why do they bother?) But,erm... I still feel I need more stallions! Now where's the medication... )

Nice to have you on board!

Hi & welcome. Good to hear from someone else with the modifying bug. That was a fairly old thread you dug up there. I'd always planned to get a 993tt for some time but the more I looked into it the more wary I became. I Running cost issues put me off a little; wiring loom, first gear, clutch, turbo life etc. Anyway I ended up putting a deposit on an '02 C2, which I plan to upgrade. Mind you, I'm now having second thoughts on whether it will be enough for me. Maybe I'm playing far too safe and should get a nutter turbo. Argghh...

We'll have to have another Porsche meet at some point, maybe I'll have my C2RS by then as well. Turbofree's 993TT was pretty rapid, so I imagine 490 bhp is entertaining! Need the sports exhaust though, as the 993TT was too quiet for my liking.

how much did the work cost you to get 490 horses? RoadRunner - I still think you're mad getting a c2 996 over a 993tt - did you drive both beofre deciding? Mined you it'd be a boring world if we all like the same cars...:-)

Obviously I'd rather have a turbo, than none at all. I'm just a scardey cat! My plan was to get just enough poke from a porsche diet and mild upgrade. But I'm having major doubts already. It comes down to money. With the new C2 it would be all paid for, plus I'd have a full warranty for years. The only thing I'd have to worry about paying for monthly is petrol and insurance. The servicing and insurance is much less too. Also I might have to lash out loads of cash fixing a used 993tt. Tricky. I may sell my place in the que in porsche world nearer the time. After looking at those 993GT2's I feel a rather rash and crazy idea coming on. We'll see....

To bosshogg:Excluding the suspension mods I did it in 2 parts. Initially the sports exhaust was all I wanted (because the 993TT sounds like an electric sewing machine after a TVR!) which did also have the useful benefit of +22 BHP. Sounded much improved, v.small increase in noticeable oomph...Not cheap at around 2.5k I recall but it is a proper piece of work. The meaty job depends on which power stage 'kit' you decide upon. 540 BHP is tempting but I kind of wanted to leave that as an aspirational upgrade for later... 490 takes your power to weight ratio to a decent level and the torque figures are approaching Bentley/Aston realms (i.e. not small). 8 grandish later and it's a snarling demon ready to rip up my licence at any mo... As Ferris Buller once suggested (admittedly not about Porkers though!) - if you have the means I strongly recommend it! Apparently 993TTs have been done to over 600 BHP by some of the German based tuners...anyone got any experience?

....only in PS GT3! Have you seen the power outputs of the 993GT2's in this site: www.911-rs.de Crazy stff indeed. GT Purely Porsche mag had a tasty article on Gemballa's new 996 Evo 750bhp beast. The highest powered 911 yet, until their new 1000bhp monster arrives soon! How mad is that?! Imagine that poke in a race like 1000kg model. One thousand ponies per tonne. Mind boggling stuff.

Just in case anyone is interested.. If you (like many people) want a better sounding exhaust note from a turbo, there is a cheap way of doing this without having to replace the exhaust system. Simply replace the muffers with RSR muffers for about 600 quid. You simply order them, and return you old ones back. I've heard lots of good reports about these. They don't actually help the engine breath better, so if you going the engine upgrade path they not worth it, but if you just want a good soundtrack then they are great. It just a guy in the states started doing it, and now he's got some company in Surope doing it. Check out: http://p-car.com/ It got loads of good info on 993TT's anyhow.

Makes you wonder how our favoured breed would measure up to a tweeked Skyline R34? I've driven a couple of these, one of which was apparently at the 500 mark and I must confess it felt utterly useable and yet when you booted it there was no question in my mind that here was the only car with the raw speed/grip to worry my wee beetle: indeed, if anything the feeling of sheer solidity through the whole chassis/drivetrain as I mashed the hammer down was more reassuring than the Porker's delivery - then again, the 911 'thing' is all about innate twitchiness, isn't it? (Please say 'Yes' somebody!); after all the boy Bell in his 956 seemed to be experiencing the 'Porsche-effect' on that there video. All I can say is that the one time I saw an R34's angry grille in my rear view he seemed to keep with me until we both agreed to a steady procession to save face (and our licences!) So is it a case of respect being due to the Skyline crew, live and let live etc - or should we Porkerphiles pick up the gauntlet and try and re-establish our hereditary entitlement to autobahnic supremacy?! Maybe I should just go for a lie down instead. Bloody Japanese - why did they have to invent the damn thing? Could a 993TT really cope with 750 HP or more and be driveable - but then again, ARE the legendary 1000 HP Skylines all that driveable? Help!

Probably not v driveable (bet no power below 4k revs, so hill starts either stall or smoke the wheels) and I think they break down a lot - remember David Yu trying to get 600 bhp out of his R34 - spent more time destroying itself than german opposition.

With 500 plus ponies do you think a 993GT2 could lay down the power as well as a similar powered 993tt? I guess the 4x4 would make things easier but I'm not too sure how the clutch and transmission would handle it all. The rwd GT2's transmission must be a lot less prone to eating itself.

RR - I've had zero probs with the standard clutch on my car - which always was a bit sntachy on the 993TT but it really does appear to be bearing up fine; another case of 993 over-engineering? The GT2 with the power you describe will be intimidating not so much because of the lack of 4x4 but the pared to the bone weight factor - it's a jay cloth next to the 993TT, with no e/w, a/c, etc - a real racer: I seem to recall George Kacher implying it was quite lethal at the time of it's launch compared to the TT - but he could be a pansy, who knows? Certainly, mine at the mo seems to have quite the most delicious rapport 'twixt grip 'n' grunt although it ain't no EVO VII in the wet - which IS a change from it's original 408/430 design. I recall doing ridiculous traffic light starts in pouring rain and loss of traction just wasn't ever an issue - NOT the case now 'cos I feel like I'm in a rear wheel drive motor. But, in the dry, it retains much of the original 'tarmac huggitus' that caused EVO to comment with ref to the 993TT "it doesn't rain enough." On balance, mod the sod to high heaven and enjoy the ultimate of that elusive thing, 'real world driving.'

Sounds like you had some fun with it. Looking at prices, a tidy tt with a tasty upgrade will set me back circa 65k. This is a mile cheaper than a GT2 rhd, but it would be prone to much steeper depreciation. From what you say the 993gt2 must weigh in a lot less than the new 996gt2 - which is virtually the same as the 996tt - 1450kg I seem to remember. If the 993gt2 were to weigh a similar amount to the rs models at 1200kg I can see it might be a handful!

I think he has said similar things about the current GT2 , or someone did i dont think you can beat the 993tt or the 996tt the GT2 versions look great but in day to day all weather use you are probably better off with the 4wd unless your name is Ayrton , mere mortals can not get to the limits of these cars , if we are honest about it

I like the idea of sharper handling, a lack of 4x4 mechanical gubbins to go wrong and the rarity of the gt2 that stands out and laughs in the face of depreciation. Day to day though I'm sure the 4wd tt would be far, far easier to control as you say.

On the subject of depreciation I guess there's nowhere to run: yes you can now pick up good RHD 993TTs for approx £50-60k which to be honest is where mine was 2 years ago - so in the great scheme of things, a bit like certain Merc models, depreciation, whilst not being bullet proof is certainly v.mild - at the end of the day, like Marenello's output, Porsche is an iconic, high-des dream (despite it's relative BMW-esque sales success and therefore slight unbiquitousness [though not TTs et al, of course!]) I have to say, the only thing that has crossed my mind is whether my car is more or less valuable 'cos of the mods - I mean 993TT 'S' models which were either 430 or 450 BHP 'official' upgrades still command circa £80-£85k! Mine should be worth at least that but that old chestnut 'originality' or such like will no doubt scupper such ideas...I dunno. But hey, do I give a flying **** in a rolling doughnut? Only if I were selling which quite frankly I think not...and here's the thing - despite my best efforts to go for the Diablo (nearly did it again only last week!) or THINKING I need a 355/360 after reading some journo yulogy to Enzo's Co I do something quite sensible. I open the vault like doors to you know what, fire up the twin turbos, let 'em bed in for a few minutes and then go for a drive. 20 minutes later I'm cured and I realize THE most profound thing. To hell with everything - I may line up a Ferrari or Lambo too one day - but ich am ein Porker man - it's in the veins so what can you do?...mod, moD, mOD, MOD! Sunday beckons me like a great bright beckoning thing...urgh...90 minutes of pre-B&Q inanity when I can scare the cattle...Yehaargh!!!

The 'upgraded' 911's only seem to command a significant premium if the conversion is carried out by a well known german name; ruf, gemballa, techart etc. The more scarce models that people like to collect (RS/GT2) don't seem affected by expensive mods. I think there must be a 50/50 split of opinion - annoraks like them original, whilst nutters like yourself appreciate epic power. At the end of the day if your going to keep the car for ages then mod away. With the money the mods have cost you on the 993 though, do you feel a better move might have been the 996TT? I love them both, but the new interior is a better place to be imo. Moving on from my ditherings yesterday on various porsche threads, I doubt I would ever find a tidy (to my standards) 993RS or 993GT2, so if more money is available I think the only way I could go for an improvement is a 996TT. I've seen some independant places selling early deliveries on the 996TT for 90k. At the moment that would leave me 25k short - roll on a fat car loan I suppose. Mind you my delivery isn't scheduled till early next year so I should be in a stonger position then anyway. Failing that I guess I could get a used 996TT. The official dealers have them at 82k now for cica x plate. Jan/Feb time this could well be down to 75k quite easily. >> Edited by Roadrunner on Saturday 6th July 12:49

RR - good point re the 996TT option. I'd never considered it. I'd like to know if Lee77 can illuminate the diffs 'twixt this and the 993TT in terms of driving impressions? However, I reckon the whole show thus far has cost around 80-85k whereas the same thing on the new car would (even given an 80-85 entry price for a 'X' plater) certainly spiral over 100 big 'uns... Interior? Yep, you're right but then again I'm no fan of the 'fiddly' Boxster/996 generic dash centrepiece where the air vents are and despite the fact that the 993 looks like it was modelled on Charles I's mid-civil war stagecoach it is built by The Gods; internal and externally, what can you say? Also, the 993 IS Porsche IMHO (mind you, saw a new C4S squirming round a bout t'other day and it was no duckling from ugly land.) But if I had the opp to go for a pukka RHD 993 GT2 or a 996TT my instant reaction would be the sheer Brut 33 appeal of the the beastie BUT you'd have to drive 'em both. Again, I'm sure Lee77 is the man to ask here. (In any case, I do have reservations about the completely ridiculous GT2 rear wing aesthetically [so why do I keep thinking about one for mine?]) Some more tablets please nurse.

A tidy GT2 rhd would be 100k minimum for a start. I'm not sure a ragged to bits +5 year old lhd version would be a good alternative for a 80k either. The prices for these seem unrealistic when you compare them to a brand new 996GT2 of 114k. Now THAT's what I call a hundred k worth! By comparison a virtually new 996TT for 80k seems a little less steep.

Guys, check out www.g-force-motorsport.co.uk. GT2 upgrade for my turbo 2, that'll do nicely sir..... Roadrunner, stop being a girl and get the Turbo

When I've finished exploring my feminine side I may just do that. I spent last night explaining to my girlfriend it might actually be more sensible to get the turbo anyway, due to slower depreciation. I wonder how much a 15-20k loan on porsche finance would cost me monthly. Mmm...996TT...come to daddy.

You should never divulge all the details about a decision like this to the misses. She'll only get confused and demand a new kitchen.

Luckily it's all my money, he, he. I've told her I'm not mad - it's an investment luv, don't worry, you know it makes sense. Anyway were moving next year so the car comes first. She's slightly distracted now anyway, trying to find an audi dealer that can supply a TiTy this side of xmas.

I know Domster is thinking along the lines of an ultima later, but I've only just seen how much these go for used. The turn key factory cars are around 75k. This depends on the engine etc though. Usual example have 500bhp, but up to 1000 is accepted by the chassis - as used to test the McLaren F1 BMW engine. Check out the used prices...only 35k!......hellooo.... www.beaulieugarage.co.uk/

Guy's, I've just stumbled upon this. The engine is in factory standard trim although can be chipped to 500... www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=12383&h=0 >> Edited by Roadrunner on Monday 8th July 01:12

The Ultima is apparently a serious Le Mans renegade according to a 500 BHP Skyline driver I know: in terms of value for money I'm sure it is sensational and who knows, maybe as a pure fallic toy for Mr. Bone Dry Day. But - I'm sure they'll be worth 3p next year and at the end of the day aren't we all in danger of getting (PLEASE, no disrespect to Ultima, they are STILL awesome!) a BIT kit-carish? Just as an aside; following all this dribbling we've been doing about silly power levels and Lee77's talk of TechArt upgrades, I spoke to Tech9 late Sat PM about the 540 upgrade to the 993TT: Phil there informed me that the ft/lb torque level came out at about 600! The old 993 GT2 was around 450 I recall. Andrex please.

The Ultimas have surprisingly good residuals for a kit car - the restricted supply of the GTR (factory can't make enough at the moment) plus the high demand for it keeps them v high (sadly for me!). You will pay 38k-65k second hand, build is roughly 40k-75k.

Fair play Domster. Now I think about it, I do remember seeing one of these a year or two ago on the local 'circuit.' Looked good, REAL GOOD. Shades of the Stealth B6 or something. Definate head turner alright. I was in something with nearly 7 litres myself at the time so it must have been a sight to watch a firkin' great battleship chasing Derek Bell along the B-roads! About as politically incorrect as it gets. (And what a nice chap at the helm of the GTR - he let me keep up!)

The Stealth is based on the Ultima, that's why it looks so similar I love the GTR - it looks better than the earlier ones and at 1000 kgs, it is going to shift with anything bigger than a lawnmower engine in it. Most cost effective option for mad performance is the 425bhp option, I think. You can do a 350bhp one much cheaper, mind you. Cheers Domster

De, are you still planning the 540 upgrade? After reading the Rennlist forums I've come away a little stunned. It seems most guys there have gone well over 500 ponies in search of the ultimate millenium falcon experience. The general opinion seems to indicate the turbo 'S'power level is somewhat lacking in poke, never mind a 'basic' unfettled turbo.

RR - Currently waiting on a costing from Tech9 on that very thing... Since coming on PH recently, my whole petroleum saturated veins have been reignited by you good people and I have been inspired to attempt licence-loss on several occasions as a direct result; 'tis a dangerous thing reading PH! But I'd have to agree; my initial impression of the 993TT was that it was exploitably faster than my beloved ex-Cerb 4.5 but it was far too tame with the rev-limiter cutting in too early and ultimately, you always knew that a trackday special (R500 et al) or Barry Sheen's nephew on his Megabusa could leave you struggling a little: now, with 490 on tap, it's far more of a crazed contender and seriously rapid by almost any standards BUT...'uber-power' does corrupt: it's addictive and it's on-goin pursual can be an obsession. I've recently done some insane speeds for which I totally blame you, CarZee, Domster, BossHogg, MM, Plotloss & Co(!) but there's still a small hole in the acceleration between 90/100 and 130+ in 6th from which the Gemballa/RUF-meisters don't suffer - as you say, real Falcon stuff - and it's a real pain. I'll keep you posted but there's no question of handling compromise in the face of all this urge - I'm trying to catch a ride in another of Tech9's customer's 540 993TTs but am awaiting a comeback. Phil there tells me it's equivalent to the jump I've already made from 408 - 490 so...I'll keep you posted. SPEED MATTERS - b******s to Mr.Darling - track me if you can, you commie retard!

Anyone out there have any experience with how reliable the 993tt is with major engine tuning? Browsing through the Gemballa and Tech9 websites etc it seems powergains of up to 600bhp are available. The 540bhp Tech9 upgrade for 11k seems tempting. Car will be mostly weekend use. Any horror stories out there?