997 FAQ (Update: Nov 1st 2005)
I just put a short FAQ together, maybe it is worth reading it. <img src="http://www.rennteam.com/w3timages/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
1. Does the 997 use the same engine from the 996?
Yes and no.
The 997 Carrera uses practically the same engine with a different motronic, different airbox and a different exhaust system. Some other minor mods exist too.
The 997 S has a completely revised 996 engine, many parts have been exchanged and the engine has been improved.
But it is still based on the 996 engine.
2. Does the 997 have a true dry sump lubrification?
No. The 997 uses the same so called "integrated dry sump lubrification system". This system is not the same as the "true" dry sump lubrification like the 996 Turbo/GT3/GT2 have.
3. Does the 997 S has a wider body than the 997 Carrera?
No, both cars have the same body and therefore the same width.
4. Is the new sport suspension incl. limited slip differential available with PSM (ESP)?
Yes. Both, the 997 Carrera and 997 S have PSM as a standard option.
5. If I turn off the PSM on the 997, does the PSM come on again when I apply the brake?
Yes, as soon as you apply the brake pedal, the PSM comes on again. With the Chrono Sport Package Plus and activated "sport" setting, the PSM comes only on again when you apply the brake very hard.
6. Is it true that the Chrono Sport Package Plus allows changing the engine software mapping, even changing the E-Gas, PSM and Tiptronic mapping to a more sporty and aggressive setting?
Yes, this is true and it all happens just by the push of a little button.
7. Is the 997 heavier than the previous 996?
Yes, the 997 Carrera is 25 kg heavier, the 997 S is 50 kg heavier.
8. Is it true that the 997 Carrera has a different brake system than the 997 S?
Yes. The 997 Carrera uses almost the same brake system as the previous 996 with some improvements but the same brake disc size and black brake calipers. The 997 S uses a brake system similar to the 996 Turbo brake system, including the same(bigger) brake discs and red calipers.
The PCCB brake system with even bigger brake discs and yellow calipers is a available for both 997 models as an extra option.
9. Is it true that the 20 mm sport suspension incl. LSD is the better choice for track racing than the PASM system?
Yes. The 20 mm sport suspension incl. LSD provides the sportiest setup for both, the 997 Carrera and 997 S.
For the 997 S, this suspension is optional at no cost.
10. Is the standard PASM (electronic suspension) on the 997 S a similar system as on the Cayenne, a so called air suspension and is PASM height adjustable?
No. PASM on the 997 S (optional at extra cost for 997 Carrera) is not working with air but with oil in the dampers.
It is a less complex system with two settings only and it is not height adjustable.
11. Is it true that although the 997 seems to look pretty much like the 996, both cars don't share a single body part?
Yes, this is true. However there seems to exist a little "dispute" regarding the roof because some sources state it is the same but some state that it is actually slightly different too, even if it seems to have the same shape.
12. Is it true that the gearbox of the new 997 has steel synchro rings(similar to the GT3) instead of the brass rings on the 996?
Yes, this is true. The first three gears even have steel synchro rings with a carbon coating.
13. Is it true that the 997 has a newly developped variable ratio steering system which improves driving dynamics a lot, especially in narrow curves and sharp turnes?
Yes, this is true. Depending on how much you turn the steering wheel, the steering varies the ratio relationship up to 13,8:1, providing a very direct steering feel, almost kart like.
On the other hand, it provides an improved highspeed stability feel due to the less direct steering ratio around the middle point.
14. Does Porsche offer a sport exhaust system for the 997?
The Porsche sport exhaust is available for all 997 models. Option code is XLF. It can't be excluded that the PSE isn't available in some countries.
15. Is it true that the new 997 uses a new gearbox coming from the japanese manufacturer Aisin (same manufacturer providing the Tiptronic for the Cayenne model line)?
Yes, this is true. The new Aisin gearbox uses shorter gear ways and an improved synchronization.
16. Is it true that the 997 S cannot use 17'' wheels (for example for winter tires)?
Yes, due to the standard "Turbo" brake, 17'' rims can't be used.
17. Is it true that the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) available as an extra option is a second generation of the PCCB and has been improved substantially to get rid of previous problems like noise, durability, etc.?
Yes, this is true. Especially the discs have been modified.
18. Is it true that 85% of the parts used on the 997 Carrera S are completely new compared to the 996?
Yes, this is true.
19. Is it true that the new 997 is actually 3 mm shorter than the 996?
Yes, this is true. Due to the wider proportions especially in the rear, it is hardly visible that the 997 is shorter than the 996.
20. Is it true that the Carrera S sport steering wheel (standard) has a slightly smaller diameter than the other steering wheels offered for the 997?
Yes, this is true.
21. I want to change my order. Is it possible? - Dealer order codes - USA eDCS system
ACPORD - dealer can change the order.
ORDXMC - dealer can change the order unless ORDEST or ORDPNO are present in the vehicle's history (option 12 = History). If either of these events are present, neither the dealer nor PCNA will be able to change the options.
MFGCNF - dealer can change the order unless ORDEST or ORDPNO are present in the vehicle's history (option 12 = History). If either of these events are present, neither the dealer nor PCNA will be able to change the options.
PLPROD - neither the dealer nor PCNA can change the options.
22. Are the 997 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4 S including the Cabriolets widebody versions, meaning 22 mm wider on each side of the rear fenders?
Yes, this is true. The 997 Carrera 4/4S incl. the Cab versions are all widebody versions, offering 22 mm wider (on each side) rear fenders compared to the 997 Carrera/Carrera S incl. the Cab versions. The widebody versions also come with wider rear tires (305s instead of 295s on the rear wheels), wider rear rims and wider front rims (tire size still the same).
23. Does Porsche offer a so called "Powerkit" for the 997?
Yes, Porsche does. The so called "Powerkit" is a completely overworked and improved engine with 381 HP output, displacement stays the same. Included is also the Porsche Sport Exhaust. This option is also available for retrofit.
Performance increases by more than a second from 0-200 kph (125 mph), top speed increases by around 7 kph.
The "Powerkit" is not available for the Carrera/Carrera 4 and their Cab versions, it is only available for the "S" versions incl. Cabs.
24. Is it possible to order a 997 without the wider body but with 4WD or a car with wider body but no 4WD?
No, this isn't possible. All 4WD system equipped 997 models have the wider body. And ordering a widebody car without 4WD isn't possible either.
25. Should we expect to see a 997 GT3 and 997 Turbo any time soon?
Yes. Both, the 997 GT3 and the 997 Turbo are expected to be put on sale during the year 2006.
26. What would be the sportiest possible setup for a 997 without having to order a GT3 or a Turbo?
The sportiest 997 without having to pay a lot of money or without sacrifying comfort, would be the 997 Carrera S with Powerkit, PCCB and 20 mm chassis option. However, a 997 GT3 should be in the same price range, so it is really a matter of personal preference.
27. Is it possible to order/get the wider wheels from the 4WD widebody versions for the narrow body 997 versions too?
Yes, it is possible to get them for ALL 997.
28. Is it true that the 997 Carrera versions and the 997 GT3/Turbo versions have the same engine?
No, this isn't true. The 997 GT3/Turbo engines are based on a different engine type which itself is based on the "old" 964/993/GT1 engine design. The 997 GT3/Turbo engines also have a "true" dry sump lubrification system.
29. Why doesn't Porsche offer more power in their 997 Carrera versions, 355 HP aren't enough in opinion?
With 355 HP only, the 997 Carrera S provides the same performance figures of the much more expensive Ferrari 360 Modena. Power isn't everything, the 997 models are usually lighter compared to the cars of the competition.
30. The Tiptronic S offered for the 997 instead of the manual gearbox - is it some sort of sequential shifting system?
No. The Tiptronic S is actually an ordinary automatic transmission which works pretty well in the 997. It can be operated by push buttons on the steering wheel too but the fact is: it is an automatic transmission and although it provides fasting shift and reaction times, it is not even close to a sequential shifting system.
31. Which 997 version is the worst straight line performer, which one the best? The 997 Carrera?
The worst performer in the 997 model line would be a 997 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with Tiptronic, the best one a 997 Carrera S with 381 HP Powerkit. Excluding the 997 GT3 and Turbo of course.
32. Does Porsche have any plans of building a 997 Turbo Cabriolet?
Yes, a 997 Turbo Cabriolet should be available latest 12 months after Coupe introduction. Some sources even suggest that a Cab version should be available at the same time with the 997 Turbo introduction or latest 6 months later.
33. Which options are a MUST for a 997?
Difficult to say. You shouldn't order a Cab version without full leather. The Bi-Xenon lights are also a great option, not to forget about the BOSE sound system. On the Cabs, don't forget the heated seats. If you're a sporty driver, it is highly recommended to go for the Sport Chrono package plus the 20 mm chassis if available in your region. If comfort is important for you but you also want to have a very sporty setup, choose PASM for your car.
For people who want the best handling and braking performance, the PCCB brake is highly recommended too (improved braking feel and lower unsprung weight).
The 19'' wheels are a nice option too because they fill out the rear fenders much better, however they may have some impact on comfort. If power is everything to you, go for the 381 HP powerkit. Also don't forget the sport seats if you like more side grip. Better for daily use AND the track: the adaptive seats. They add however a little bit more weight to your car. If you need a navigation system or a phone, go for the nav and/or phone modules for the PCM system. They work well, the phone comes with a hands-free option standard, an optional handpiece is available too.
And finally the Porsche Sport Exhaust system, it is loud, it sounds sexy and very 911-like but it may be a bit too much for people who are stressed out anyway or who have a sensible neighborhood.
1. Does the 997 use the same engine from the 996?
Yes and no.
The 997 Carrera uses practically the same engine with a different motronic, different airbox and a different exhaust system. Some other minor mods exist too.
The 997 S has a completely revised 996 engine, many parts have been exchanged and the engine has been improved.
But it is still based on the 996 engine.
2. Does the 997 have a true dry sump lubrification?
No. The 997 uses the same so called "integrated dry sump lubrification system". This system is not the same as the "true" dry sump lubrification like the 996 Turbo/GT3/GT2 have.
3. Does the 997 S has a wider body than the 997 Carrera?
No, both cars have the same body and therefore the same width.
4. Is the new sport suspension incl. limited slip differential available with PSM (ESP)?
Yes. Both, the 997 Carrera and 997 S have PSM as a standard option.
5. If I turn off the PSM on the 997, does the PSM come on again when I apply the brake?
Yes, as soon as you apply the brake pedal, the PSM comes on again. With the Chrono Sport Package Plus and activated "sport" setting, the PSM comes only on again when you apply the brake very hard.
6. Is it true that the Chrono Sport Package Plus allows changing the engine software mapping, even changing the E-Gas, PSM and Tiptronic mapping to a more sporty and aggressive setting?
Yes, this is true and it all happens just by the push of a little button.
7. Is the 997 heavier than the previous 996?
Yes, the 997 Carrera is 25 kg heavier, the 997 S is 50 kg heavier.
8. Is it true that the 997 Carrera has a different brake system than the 997 S?
Yes. The 997 Carrera uses almost the same brake system as the previous 996 with some improvements but the same brake disc size and black brake calipers. The 997 S uses a brake system similar to the 996 Turbo brake system, including the same(bigger) brake discs and red calipers.
The PCCB brake system with even bigger brake discs and yellow calipers is a available for both 997 models as an extra option.
9. Is it true that the 20 mm sport suspension incl. LSD is the better choice for track racing than the PASM system?
Yes. The 20 mm sport suspension incl. LSD provides the sportiest setup for both, the 997 Carrera and 997 S.
For the 997 S, this suspension is optional at no cost.
10. Is the standard PASM (electronic suspension) on the 997 S a similar system as on the Cayenne, a so called air suspension and is PASM height adjustable?
No. PASM on the 997 S (optional at extra cost for 997 Carrera) is not working with air but with oil in the dampers.
It is a less complex system with two settings only and it is not height adjustable.
11. Is it true that although the 997 seems to look pretty much like the 996, both cars don't share a single body part?
Yes, this is true. However there seems to exist a little "dispute" regarding the roof because some sources state it is the same but some state that it is actually slightly different too, even if it seems to have the same shape.
12. Is it true that the gearbox of the new 997 has steel synchro rings(similar to the GT3) instead of the brass rings on the 996?
Yes, this is true. The first three gears even have steel synchro rings with a carbon coating.
13. Is it true that the 997 has a newly developped variable ratio steering system which improves driving dynamics a lot, especially in narrow curves and sharp turnes?
Yes, this is true. Depending on how much you turn the steering wheel, the steering varies the ratio relationship up to 13,8:1, providing a very direct steering feel, almost kart like.
On the other hand, it provides an improved highspeed stability feel due to the less direct steering ratio around the middle point.
14. Does Porsche offer a sport exhaust system for the 997?
The Porsche sport exhaust is available for all 997 models. Option code is XLF. It can't be excluded that the PSE isn't available in some countries.
15. Is it true that the new 997 uses a new gearbox coming from the japanese manufacturer Aisin (same manufacturer providing the Tiptronic for the Cayenne model line)?
Yes, this is true. The new Aisin gearbox uses shorter gear ways and an improved synchronization.
16. Is it true that the 997 S cannot use 17'' wheels (for example for winter tires)?
Yes, due to the standard "Turbo" brake, 17'' rims can't be used.
17. Is it true that the PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake) available as an extra option is a second generation of the PCCB and has been improved substantially to get rid of previous problems like noise, durability, etc.?
Yes, this is true. Especially the discs have been modified.
18. Is it true that 85% of the parts used on the 997 Carrera S are completely new compared to the 996?
Yes, this is true.
19. Is it true that the new 997 is actually 3 mm shorter than the 996?
Yes, this is true. Due to the wider proportions especially in the rear, it is hardly visible that the 997 is shorter than the 996.
20. Is it true that the Carrera S sport steering wheel (standard) has a slightly smaller diameter than the other steering wheels offered for the 997?
Yes, this is true.
21. I want to change my order. Is it possible? - Dealer order codes - USA eDCS system
ACPORD - dealer can change the order.
ORDXMC - dealer can change the order unless ORDEST or ORDPNO are present in the vehicle's history (option 12 = History). If either of these events are present, neither the dealer nor PCNA will be able to change the options.
MFGCNF - dealer can change the order unless ORDEST or ORDPNO are present in the vehicle's history (option 12 = History). If either of these events are present, neither the dealer nor PCNA will be able to change the options.
PLPROD - neither the dealer nor PCNA can change the options.
22. Are the 997 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4 S including the Cabriolets widebody versions, meaning 22 mm wider on each side of the rear fenders?
Yes, this is true. The 997 Carrera 4/4S incl. the Cab versions are all widebody versions, offering 22 mm wider (on each side) rear fenders compared to the 997 Carrera/Carrera S incl. the Cab versions. The widebody versions also come with wider rear tires (305s instead of 295s on the rear wheels), wider rear rims and wider front rims (tire size still the same).
23. Does Porsche offer a so called "Powerkit" for the 997?
Yes, Porsche does. The so called "Powerkit" is a completely overworked and improved engine with 381 HP output, displacement stays the same. Included is also the Porsche Sport Exhaust. This option is also available for retrofit.
Performance increases by more than a second from 0-200 kph (125 mph), top speed increases by around 7 kph.
The "Powerkit" is not available for the Carrera/Carrera 4 and their Cab versions, it is only available for the "S" versions incl. Cabs.
24. Is it possible to order a 997 without the wider body but with 4WD or a car with wider body but no 4WD?
No, this isn't possible. All 4WD system equipped 997 models have the wider body. And ordering a widebody car without 4WD isn't possible either.
25. Should we expect to see a 997 GT3 and 997 Turbo any time soon?
Yes. Both, the 997 GT3 and the 997 Turbo are expected to be put on sale during the year 2006.
26. What would be the sportiest possible setup for a 997 without having to order a GT3 or a Turbo?
The sportiest 997 without having to pay a lot of money or without sacrifying comfort, would be the 997 Carrera S with Powerkit, PCCB and 20 mm chassis option. However, a 997 GT3 should be in the same price range, so it is really a matter of personal preference.
27. Is it possible to order/get the wider wheels from the 4WD widebody versions for the narrow body 997 versions too?
Yes, it is possible to get them for ALL 997.
28. Is it true that the 997 Carrera versions and the 997 GT3/Turbo versions have the same engine?
No, this isn't true. The 997 GT3/Turbo engines are based on a different engine type which itself is based on the "old" 964/993/GT1 engine design. The 997 GT3/Turbo engines also have a "true" dry sump lubrification system.
29. Why doesn't Porsche offer more power in their 997 Carrera versions, 355 HP aren't enough in opinion?
With 355 HP only, the 997 Carrera S provides the same performance figures of the much more expensive Ferrari 360 Modena. Power isn't everything, the 997 models are usually lighter compared to the cars of the competition.
30. The Tiptronic S offered for the 997 instead of the manual gearbox - is it some sort of sequential shifting system?
No. The Tiptronic S is actually an ordinary automatic transmission which works pretty well in the 997. It can be operated by push buttons on the steering wheel too but the fact is: it is an automatic transmission and although it provides fasting shift and reaction times, it is not even close to a sequential shifting system.
31. Which 997 version is the worst straight line performer, which one the best? The 997 Carrera?
The worst performer in the 997 model line would be a 997 Carrera 4 Cabriolet with Tiptronic, the best one a 997 Carrera S with 381 HP Powerkit. Excluding the 997 GT3 and Turbo of course.
32. Does Porsche have any plans of building a 997 Turbo Cabriolet?
Yes, a 997 Turbo Cabriolet should be available latest 12 months after Coupe introduction. Some sources even suggest that a Cab version should be available at the same time with the 997 Turbo introduction or latest 6 months later.
33. Which options are a MUST for a 997?
Difficult to say. You shouldn't order a Cab version without full leather. The Bi-Xenon lights are also a great option, not to forget about the BOSE sound system. On the Cabs, don't forget the heated seats. If you're a sporty driver, it is highly recommended to go for the Sport Chrono package plus the 20 mm chassis if available in your region. If comfort is important for you but you also want to have a very sporty setup, choose PASM for your car.
For people who want the best handling and braking performance, the PCCB brake is highly recommended too (improved braking feel and lower unsprung weight).
The 19'' wheels are a nice option too because they fill out the rear fenders much better, however they may have some impact on comfort. If power is everything to you, go for the 381 HP powerkit. Also don't forget the sport seats if you like more side grip. Better for daily use AND the track: the adaptive seats. They add however a little bit more weight to your car. If you need a navigation system or a phone, go for the nav and/or phone modules for the PCM system. They work well, the phone comes with a hands-free option standard, an optional handpiece is available too.
And finally the Porsche Sport Exhaust system, it is loud, it sounds sexy and very 911-like but it may be a bit too much for people who are stressed out anyway or who have a sensible neighborhood.
Nothing new? Ask a Porsche official and he wouldn't confirm it. 
