993 TT 430 upgrade

[rgee]

Hi

Does anyone know how to spot a 430 upgrade on a 993TT in the absence of any supporting documents? The upgrade was done ex-factory (I don't know if they all were), so there is no option code under the bonnet to support. I've enquired with OPC but the records are archived.

I've had the car inspected by an OPC but they couldn't confirm whether it has or not. They have downloaded a serial number from the ECU and will check with Porsche UK.

I know its a replacement ECU and an additional oil cooler. Is this oil cooler in an obvious position? There is an oil cooler in the nose cone under the number plate but I didn't know if this was the standard one.

Thanks

RG

[mikeg996]

I've got to say, if I were buying something like this with a fairly big aftermarket mod, I'd want documentation, documentation and more documentation. Original bills, receipts, warranties, the works. If the seller hasn't got the docs, I'd walk.

Not that I know anything about 993tt 430 conversions

[verysideways]

The thing is, the oil cooler doesn't prove you've got the 430 ecu.
If Porsche can't confirm the programming on the ecu, i think there is only one option. Get it dyno'd.

[tertius]

verysideways said:

The thing is, the oil cooler doesn't prove you've got the 430 ecu. If Porsche can't confirm the programming on the ecu, i think there is only one option. Get it dyno'd.

But given the performance of yours on a dyno, would you say that was proof positive?

Dan

[verysideways]

Dan,
Unfortunately didn't dyno the car with the standard ecu (though i may after i get the new clutch, just to set a baseline) but with the RS tuning ecu and clutch slip i recorded 421bhp (dyno operator said he could see about another 25bhp in there). RS quote the ecu at 440bhp, dyno operator reckoned more like 445 (but it was a cold day which would help).
The torque on mine would blow away the standard 450 kit though (and with less lag of course).

[verysideways]

P.S. As i have learnt recently, forget the power, it's all about the TORQUE

[Rgee]

The only documents with the car are the service book (fully stamped with OPC except 1 inde), log book and current MOT. I've called the servicing OPCs and everything ties back, the car is on their records and there doesn't seem to be any stories. The only thing they cannot confirm yet is whether it has the 430 kit, hopefully the OPC that done the PPI will contact Porsche UK tomorrow to verify.

I agree that with a car like this I would have liked to see a stack full of receipts but it is a real nice one.

[MOD500]

Its not very scientific, but I found the 430 ecu to make the engine 'kick' for the last 1, 000 revs or so before hitting the redline. As if it found another lease of life.

I would not be hung up on the car having the 430 map or not, if it is a stonker.

[MOD500]

You can ask the OPC to print out the cars history too, inc. specific work done and the cost. IIRC they hold the info back until 1999. It helps to see when stuff like the clutch, and other ££ stuff was last changed

[Sleep Envy]

Rgee said:

The only documents with the car are the service book

IIRC this should have the build sticker on the inside front cover which shows the option codes the car originally came with - can't remeber which one is the code for the 430 upgrade (it may be X50??) but you'll be able to track it through google.

HTH

[Rgee]

The upgrade was not done at the factory but very early in the car's life. I've checked under the bonnet and in the service book and there is no option code referring to any engine upgrade. All I have at the moment is the selling dealer's (non-OPC) word and what it says on the advert.

[blackmk1]

i had the same issue on my 430tt, with an opc as no upgrade sticker. , but they spend an hour going through the cars history on the data base and found all the work done for the upgrade, done when 6 months old in 1998. 6.5k worth!

is probably worth 2.3k now on a car, the upgrade does sound and feel different though. without any proof for sure pay less

[aceparts_com]

I disagree with the fact it's worth a penny more than a standard car. The only noticable difference is that it produces .7 bar at 5000 rpm+ as opposed to 0.6.

A 450 kit which includes new turbos is available from Carnewal for just £3.5K.

FWIW, on a recent rolling road day a 430 kit only made 350bhp anyway so I would have it checked to make sure it's producing the quoted power regardless of 408 or 424.

[silver993tt]

aceparts_com said:

I disagree with the fact it's worth a penny more than a standard car. The only noticable difference is that it produces .7 bar at 5000 rpm+ as opposed to 0.6. A 450 kit which includes new turbos is available from Carnewal for just £3.5K. FWIW, on a recent rolling road day a 430 kit only made 350bhp anyway so I would have it checked to make sure it's producing the quoted power regardless of 408 or 424.

350bhp at the wheels sounds about right when you consider 20% drive train loss for 4wd. If it was crank bhp then .....

[aceparts_com]

At crank. In fact I know of quite a few 993TT's that didn't make the brake for one reason or another.

[tertius]

aceparts_com said:

At crank. In fact I know of quite a few 993TT's that didn't make the brake for one reason or another.

This was basically my point about what would a dyno prove - there are so many variables, that you could have the 430 kit and still be producing less than the standard 408. Equally you could have something else entirely (cf VS's car) and be producing more.

This in my entirely ignorant opinion of course ...