DesignTek Cold Air Induction Kit

Hello All, I bought my 996 Carrera a few weeks ago and although I adore the car, I am very disapointed with the rather "insulated" engine note. Investigating various options of sports exhausts I came across this DesignTek Cold Air Induction Kit and wondered if anyone here has bought and fitted one? If so does it make any difference or is it a waste of £150? I suppose i'm trying to re-create the sound of my SC which I think still sounds incredible even though it is a standard exhaust. Also does anyone have recomendations for a sports box? (I'd love the PSE with switch but can't justify spending the £2300 quoted). Any advice very welcome. Happy New Year to you all. Derek www.derekblaircars.co.uk Sales Blurb: DesignTek ColdAir Converter Description: 25% better airflow = More Power. 996 or 997 with the cold air performance enhancement kit installed will make any standard car sound as if you have added a mild performance exhaust. Perfect for any 996/997 owner who wants his car to sound slightly more aggressive than stock. Adds 1.5 Liters cold air by eliminating muffler in the airbox, this allows the engine to draw cold air across entire topside of air box (left and right rather than just from the right). 0.42 seconds faster acceleration 3000-6000 RPM. DesignTek 4 ply silicone tube allows better flow from airbox to throttle body. The cold air kit retains the factory MAF.

It's possible to do a very similar modification for about £2.50, but you won't get the fancy blue silicon tube. Basically, you can remove the resonance chamber from the airbox - plug the hole - and reconnect the standard inlet hose, using the plug to seal off the extra branch. I'm told it makes the induction sound a bit rortier (technical term). I tried just plugging off the resonance chamber (but not removing it) but it didn't seem to make much difference. Having said that, it is supposed to have most effect on a car with a standard exhaust. I sincerely doubt that you will find any difference in performance. Porsche made a very good job of air and exhaust flow on the 996. One of the chaps here did the mod and was very pleased. Look for a thread entitled "Cheapest Mod Ever" (or something like that), or one that contains the words "orange cap". (I'm being lazy in not finding it for you). If you really want to improve the sound, and don't want to stretch to a PSE, go for a silencer bypass mod - or a pair of Oettle silencers ready-modded (£300+fitting). By the way, several OPCs were doing a switched PSE for £1500 all inclusive recently, but maybe not that far North!

I have the Oettle system mentioned by Richard. Do a search on Ebay for 996 exhausts and you'll see them. They are very good and sound very much like the PSE for a lot less money (they are in fact a copy of the pre-facelift 996 PSE) although they aren't switchable. I find that below 2500 revs they are quieter than stock, above - they are fantastic, with no boominess, and no tiring noisiness on the motorway.

The simple cheepie mod involves plugging the auxilliary pipe. You used to be able to get the plugs for free (samples) from these people: http://www.niagaraplastics.com/flash.htm but I think they've got wise to dishing out so many freebies. It's part no. 273-1P. Details of what's involved were available at http://www.smiley.net/orangecap.htm but it seems the link doesn't work any longer. You might have more luck. It's an easy mod, takes only a few minutes and for a standard exhaust does improve the sound, albeit not massively. Perhaps describing it as a "pleasant improvement" is about right. Here's the link on this forum http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=277390&mpage=1&key=&#277390 which discusses the subject. Info about Oettle here http://www.oettle-autodienst.de/pageID_4231071.html

Sounds like the cold air kit is worth a go, especially with the promised engine-breathing benefit. I think Fabspeed offer a similar thing but red rather than blue- if you look on their website there is a video which gives an idea of the different noise (but take it with a bit of a pinch of salt as he drives like a granny before, and like a complete loon after to demonstrate the noise!)

Hi, Thanks for contributing to the post. I hadn't heard of the Oettle system but on your recommendations, that's what i've bought. Just been to my OPC for six new coil packs so looking forward to having the exhaust fitted and a smoother running engine. Best regards, Derek