PSE - is it worth it?
PSE - is it worth it?
Author
Discussion

HokumPokum

Original Poster:

2,089 posts

235 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Looking at this back and forth. Can't help thinking:

1) tad expensive for an active valve covering a hole
2) tuned so that boominess at low rpms is eradicated and for that reason, not "aftermarkety"
3) no weight loss and no increase in performance
4) on/off switch that is in ON position whenever possible
5) standard exhaust sounds adequate as induction noise is quite good
6) aftermarket voids porsche warranty
7) resale. you would always need to bring it back to original spec for any of the collectible cars.

Given the above, even with PSE costing nearly 1500 quid for a 981 and 1800 for a 991, I would just bite the bullet or put up with the subdued exhaust. This is a less onerous option compared to the mobile phone prep (costs nearly 500 quid) which porsche uk knows most owners would pay for. I'd argue that eventually, it will be illegal for porsche uk, BMW and other car manufacturers not to offer it for free on grounds of safety.

wdyt? I'd just cave in...........

Johnfrancis

370 posts

180 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
PSE is essential, no mistake.

F3RNANDO

5,186 posts

208 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Personal choice as always but I think the car needs it and as such 2k is a no brainer - people pay more than that to retrofit to 996 and 997..........and still pay to make the car sound alive.

mrh1275

922 posts

232 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
essential, but make sure you get the mod done so it is open at all times, otherwise will cut out at 20-40mph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j9eoMIu-aY&fea...

HoHoHo

15,399 posts

280 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
I wasn't bothered either way and I'm not entirely convinced outside the world of PH it's quite as necessary as it may appear.

As you say, there's no performance gain, no weight loss but you are a bit louder in town so people turn round and look at you whilst you cruise by............

Now is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Phooey

13,881 posts

199 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
PSE very suited and adds to the experience on Spyder. Overrated on the 997.2 though - i think i preferred the GTS with it switched OFF. So, yes i would look for it on a used Spyder, but wouldn't be overly bothered on a used 997. Not heard it on a 991, but if ordering car from new, i could be tempted to ignore PSE.

Geneve

4,019 posts

249 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
No.

IMO, it suits certain models better than others. On the 996 it transformed the quality and character of the car. On the 991, I'm not so convinced.

The standard 991 exhaust sounds very good and natural. I thought the PSE on the 991 sounded too contrived (which it is) and artificial - almost a distraction, with as you say, no real 'sporting' benefits.

Some of the earlier 911s had a nice linear mix of engine, transmission and exhaust noise, which contributed to the cars' character. But now we have deliberately engineered harmonics.

The market has, historically, wanted PSE because some recent Porsches have sounded too benign, but it may not now be necessary. Can't speak for the 981.

Edited by Geneve on Monday 9th April 10:47

craigjm

21,621 posts

230 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Johnfrancis said:
PSE is essential, no mistake.
This. I wouldn't buy a Porsche without it now.

Shewie

561 posts

220 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Geneve said:
IMO, it suits certain models better than others. On the 996 it transformed the quality and character of the car. On the 991, I'm not so convinced.
I agree. I have a 996 and PSE was a must have when I was looking, it transforms the car compared to standard cars. Despite not being in a position to buy a 991, I have driven one with PSE and think it sounds better with it switched off. The standard sound is great and I just found the PSE a bit boomy and unnecessary. All subjective of course but if I was speccing a new 911 I'd probably spend the money elsewhere - not something I thought I'd ever say!



Trev450

6,770 posts

202 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
I don't use mine all the time on my Cayman S but its nice to have the option for when you're in the mood.

anonymous-user

84 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Big on PH but less so in the real world where most Porsche owners prefer not to shout too loud. Nice option to have - but you need the switch if you prefer stealth mode most of the time.

andyeds1234

2,468 posts

200 months

Monday 9th April 2012
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I personally wouldn't buy a 997 without PSE, but I dont know about the 991.

manek

2,978 posts

314 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
drmark said:
Big on PH but less so in the real world where most Porsche owners prefer not to shout too loud. Nice option to have - but you need the switch if you prefer stealth mode most of the time.
Agree it's essential but sometimes you do want it off. Driving at or near my house, I don't want to p*ss off my neighbours so it stays off. Hit the edge of town and on it goes...

supermono

7,464 posts

278 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Seems a bit of a tragic waste of money if it won't make the car go faster. Same mentality as kids putting playing cards to rattle through their bicycle wheel spokes IMHO, except 2k more.

SM

Xps911

412 posts

177 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Johnfrancis said:
PSE is essential, no mistake.
What he says!

Callughan

6,313 posts

222 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
PSE was main thing that made me keep my car for four years. Worth it whatever the cost imo

HoHoHo

15,399 posts

280 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
supermono said:
Same mentality as kids putting playing cards to rattle through their bicycle wheel spokes IMHO, except 2k more.
yes

May as well also put 'go faster stripes' on the car...... Doesn't actually do anything other than shout 'hey, look at me, I'm really cool in my super duper sports car'

IMO wink

monthefish

20,467 posts

261 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
The thing with buying a sportscar/supercar, is that it is normally a 'heart' purchase over a 'head' purchase, and that pure 'perfomance' isn't the only consideration, merely one of many.

Even though there may be no tangible performance benefit of having a better noise, if its something that adds to the overall ownership/driving experience, that's enough in my book.

SFO

5,190 posts

213 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
Geneve said:
The standard 991 exhaust sounds very good and natural. I thought the PSE on the 991 sounded too contrived (which it is) and artificial - almost a distraction, with as you say, no real 'sporting' benefits.
+1

Trev450

6,770 posts

202 months

Monday 9th April 2012
quotequote all
monthefish said:
The thing with buying a sportscar/supercar, is that it is normally a 'heart' purchase over a 'head' purchase, and that pure 'perfomance' isn't the only consideration, merely one of many.

Even though there may be no tangible performance benefit of having a better noise, if its something that adds to the overall ownership/driving experience, that's enough in my book.
^ This.