Boosted BRZ/FR-S vs 997 Carrera S

[humdizzle]

Definitely not the same as the GTR market lol. www.gt-rr.com I wish ohlins were 2k on this car, but its more like 6k. Rotor replacements? have a look for yourself. Dont even check the bbk upgrades or catback systems unless you want a heart attack.\ --> http://www.gt-rr.com/ccx-brake-system

[Turbowned]

Porsche PCCB replacement ceramic brake rotors: $9,800
X51 motor power upgrade (355-->380hp): $11,000
Carbon fiber GT3 seats: $17,900
Mostly any wheel set: $5000+
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires: $2000
Fabspeed full catted exhaust system with headers: $7,500
12lb Porsche battery: $2,300


Some of the stuff is absolutely ludicrously insane. That said, you don't have to buy all this stilly stuff; there are other much more reasonable modifications. I still can't get over the cost of the ceramic rotors, though. For comparison, a set of steel rotors cost less than $1k for all four. Let's also not forget that an engine rebuild on a Porsche is about 20 grand no matter how you slice it. How much is a new short block from Subaru; a couple grand? Let's pray I don't find myself needing a rebuild for any reason...


For me, I just want a harness bar and seat mount so I can fit my Recaro fixed bucket for auto-x and track days, and maybe springs and sway bars and a cat-back exhaust for more sound. I actually quite like the stock "lobster claw" wheels which is a plus since I don't want to shell out for new wheels/tires.

[humdizzle]

everyone that i know that did the carbon ceramic swap loved it. Most of them were surpised more by the acceleration and handling improving. 50% lighter that steelies, thats alot of unsprung mass.

[Turbowned]

Originally Posted by humdizzle

everyone that i know that did the carbon ceramic swap loved it. Most of them were surpised more by the acceleration and handling improving. 50% lighter that steelies, thats alot of unsprung mass.

If you just spent ten grand on brakes you'd probably want to act as satisfied as possible too, right? lol

[humdizzle]

very true

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Porsche PCCB replacement ceramic brake rotors: $9,800
X51 motor power upgrade (355-->380hp): $11,000
Carbon fiber GT3 seats: $17,900
Mostly any wheel set: $5000+
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires: $2000
Fabspeed full catted exhaust system with headers: $7,500
12lb Porsche battery: $2,300

Off that list, I'd say the X51 upgrade, GT3 seats, wheels, and exhaust have dumb pricing. X51 is maybe a slightly different cam grind, plus a derestricted ECU, which costs Porsche barely any money. There's no way seats and wheels cost even a third of what Porsche charges. The aftermarket has unfortunately figured out that it's easy to rip people off on exhaust but I'd say 86 exhausts are pretty expensive too.

The $2300 battery is a 12lb bona fide lithium ion battery. 12lbs of lithium ion battery from EarthX (has built in balancing circuit and current limiter) will cost you $1200. So the markup is high but not X51 high.

Big performance tires are always expensive, and carbon brakes are very expensive to make. I think an aftermarket company tried to make replacement carbon rotors and they could only barely beat Porsche's price.

[WolfpackS2k]

Carbon ceramic brake rotors are a huge waste of money, especially on a car as light as the Cayman. Unless you are turning the car into a full on racer it makes little sense - heck even then it might not make sense.


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[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Coaster

How is it working on the Cayman?

And how is it going from the 86 to the Cayman?



Someday I hope to own one.

Working on the Cayman is a bit more intimidating than the 86, but it's really not so bad. A lot of things have been really well thought out by the Germans (as an example replacing any exterior bulbs front or rear is quite easy). Only being able to readily access the engine from underneath is an inconvenience, though if you need to do any sort of moderate engine work or accessory work you can remove either of the two engine covers (front and top) and have better engine access than in a front layout design (takes 30-40 min to remove each cover - so I've read at least, haven't had to do it myself yet).

Simple stuff, like oil changes, brake work and suspension work are easy though.


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[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Coaster

How is it working on the Cayman?

And how is it going from the 86 to the Cayman?



Someday I hope to own one.

Working on the Cayman is a bit more intimidating than the 86, but it's really not so bad. A lot of things have been really well thought out by the Germans (as an example replacing any exterior bulbs front or rear is quite easy). Only being able to readily access the engine from underneath is an inconvenience, though if you need to do any sort of moderate engine work or accessory work you can remove either of the two engine covers (front and top) and have better engine access than in a front layout design (takes 30-40 min to remove each cover - so I've read at least, haven't had to do it myself yet).

Simple stuff, like oil changes, brake work and suspension work are easy though.


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[Turbowned]

Put a deposit on the silver '05 911 Carrera S manual coupe that was pictured in the original post; been eyeballing it since December and after they finally dropped the price I decided to pull the trigger! The BRZ is just about back to stock and I'm trading it this Thursday. w00t!!


Just had a nice long convo with my Porsche tech friend; he can do the IMS retrofit for me at a discounted rate; he's done over 150 installs so that's comforting. That and possibly water pump will be the first thing on the docket for preventative maintenance. Apart from that he said they're pretty bulletproof. Only ~$300/yr more to insure too, which with my driving record and location isn't too bad. Found a set of OEM fitment 235/295 19" Falken FK452 tires for less than the 225/255 18" RE-11's I bought for the BRZ, and brakes are reasonable, especially compared to the RS6 at $550/front rotor. Oil changes will cost more due to extra capacity but it is what it is. Gas mileage isn't spectacular but gas is cheap right now anyway, and certainly better than the RS6.

[WolfpackS2k]

That's interesting about the insurance. When I switched from my BRZ to Cayman, the difference was less than $10/year. This with 3 points.

Congrats on the purchase! Welcome to the brotherhood 😁


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[TemeCal]

Going from an FR-S to a 2010 Cayman S, my insurance actually dropped aprox $50/year. I'm now paying $516/yr to insure the CS.

...and congrats on the purchase. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[EmpireDude]

Congrats on the 911. Post pics when you get it please =] 911's are some of the only cars I really lust over. Wish I had the funds to grab one up in addition to my current cars!

[Turbowned]

Thanks, everyone! I picked up the 911 on Thursday, and thus far I am very happy with it! So far I can say that the 911 feels better in just about every metric. More powerful, better sound, more comfortable, better visibility, smoother gearbox (doesn't feel as connected, but certainly less notchy), better build quality, superior stereo, more people thinking I'm a rich a**hole...
I will very much miss the low maintenance fun-factor of the BRZ (nothing beats driving a slow car fast!), the gorgeous Galaxy Blue color, and probably the useable trunk space, however I won't miss the buzzy cockpit, cheap materials, tinfoil body panels, unsupportive seats, or the mediocre stereo and infuriating navigation system.














And some more photos taken from the for sale listing:









The retractable spoiler is fun to play with


I will be attending a local auto-x event next weekend and giving some more feedback about the driving experience soon, and I hope to get out to a track event within the next month or so, after I get the IMS bearing retrofit performed!