SWITZER PERFORMANCE NEWS: Revisiting the Past | Switzer P800 for 996 TT



Porsche's 996 model was, arguably, the most significant product launch in the company's history, making the flagship 911 a modern car, instead of an air-cooled anachronism.

The 996 was initially shunned by many Porsche purists, but quickly became a favorite tuning platform for tuners. As we mentioned before in these pages, the 996 featured an engine derived from Porsche's cost-no-object GT1 program, which was shelved at the end of the 1990's, and the engine's bullet-proof construction has allowed us to push the stock internals of the 996's successor - the 997 - to incredible power levels, far beyond what was possible with the older air-cooled cars.

A robust platform is just one part of the puzzle, however - rapid advancements in both machining, software, and rapid-prototyping technologies is another, and development partners like TiAL Sport have made the most of these new tools, providing us with state-of-the-art turbine housings that manage airflow and heat more efficiently than even the most advanced racing turbos of just a few years ago ... which got us thinking.

Our primary focus has been on the newer 997 model Porsches (more on those, later), but what if we revisited that platform with current knowledge, using a new turbo based on TiAL's latest Alpha housings (plus a few Switzer tweaks to optimize it for the 996 TT)? What would that car be like?

The results (below), speak for themselves ...



... over 670 whp on 93 octane with 200-cell catalytic converters in place, and a super-smooth curve that gives the car a "Jekyll and Hyde" duality of smooth cruising and easy driving around-town, followed up by Veyron-baiting performance when the nanny-controls are off and the pedals hit the metals.

Considering the current market prices for 996 turbos, Tym feels a car like this delivers the ultimate daily driver/weekend track-day experience by offering a reliable driveline, capable suspension, and excellent braking with the stability and confidence of AWD. He says it best himself,
"This is an 800 hp pump-gas Porsche that can be driven to the track, run hard all day, and driven home. In short: I couldn't be happier with the results, and - most importantly - neither can our clients."

Pricing for this new "P800" 996 TT PKG starts at 18990 USD for Tiptronic Porsche 996 TT, and replaces our existing PREMIUM POWER 996 packages. These prices reflect the same "best bang-for-the-buck" philosophy as our BEST VALUE POWER packages, which start at $3995.

 

Nice...also I heard its spools FASTER then stock )))

 

That's a stock 996 TT (with a tune file) we compare it to - it spools faster than the stock turbos and never looks back.

 

stock internals???

 

Yep, this is all that is done to the car:

New-style 996 TT competition-style exhaust with headers
Switzer-modified Tial Alpha turbochargers
Switzer MONSTER intercoolers
Switzer silicone-hose PKG
electronic boost controller
high-flow fuel injectors
high-flow air filter w/ dual-inlet airbox
Switzer HD clutch-upgrade

 

Impressive! But i would say thats living on the edge. 996tt has been known to bend rods over 700hp (not whp). But with some impressive tuning (that i know you guys do) maybe impossible things can happend.

 

There has been numerous developments in tuning in the last 18 months that have almost proved this claim to be a myth. There are a significant number of 700whp cars on stock internals with no issues. One upwards of 850whp. Between Switzers tuning capabilities and several other capable tuners the programming for these cars has come a LONG way.

 

I know that tuning the turbos has come a long way the last couple of years. But It all depends on what you use your car for. I myself would not go as far as 700whp on stock internals if i track my car alot and push it to the limit. But for street use, hmmm maybe.. I´ve seen too many pics of blown engines to take any chances. Im not saying anything about Switzer, i LOVE and respect their work. But its hard for me too see how a 700whp stock internal car can survive long as a trackday car for example. I would gladly take my word back if im proven wrong

 

I totally understand and agree. However I think even those levels have been upped. I think 600 to 650whp can be done safely with the right supporting mods nowadays. Companies like Switzer have raised the bar for what is to be expected from a "bolt-on" setup.

 

Remember to get the power there is $18,900 (per above) its $20,000 to build the motor. Everyone would love to build the bottom end but to do both is a big # and with cars on the street now with 700whp handling it nobody will stop. That is scary/impressive though to have those big #'s on stock internals. My bud has a 725 crank hp car and it it laughs at you when you push it. I love that guys are doing it and they are handling it.