Cayman 981 GTS Power Gain Upgrades

david.gillan · May 22, 2024

Hi All,

I was going to trade in and upgrade my car but decided there wasn't anything that caught my eye and made me want spend my cash, Everything that I really liked was just too expensive and didn't seem like a great choice or value for money, Interiors pretty much the same as what I have, Same controls and nothing special so I decided to look at what I can do with what I have, What I'm looking at from my fellow members are choices of power and handling upgrades and who can do these as I'm insure of just how good some garages / specialists are.

Thanks In Advance.

Motorhead · May 22, 2024

Hi David,

You don’t say what Cayman you have** but unless it’s a turbo engined car an engine remap is unlikely to give you a worthwhile power increase, although most likely there’ll be an improvement in driveability. Addressing the intake and exhaust systems [intake plenum and exhaust manifolds, cats and silencers] will result in some power gains … and a more sporting sound too!

If the car is used primarily on the road then I’d stick with the standard Porsche set-up, especially if it’s equipped with PASM which provides a good ride and handling compromise for our diabolical - and rapidly degrading- road network. If you want a suspension refresh then it’s worth looking at the Bilstein offerings, but it’ll be worthwhile talking to a local reputable Porsche Independent in your area for advice and guidance.

As a left-field way to spend some of your money you might consider investing in one of the many road or track-based driver improvement programmes to get the most from your Cayman driving experience!

Jeff

** Edit: Should have read your caption more carefully!

Twinfan · May 22, 2024

The 3.4 in the 981 GTS is a great engine, I personally wouldn't mess with it. A remap would give a little more power, but the gains are small in the grand scheme of things and I don't think the car can then be warrantied by Porsche in the future.

Similarly with the suspension, if you have PASM then a DSC controller can be used to fine tune the settings. However, you'll still have the same spring rates and the system will require some learning from you to get the best out of (which may be something you're interested in doing).

The 981 GTS is a good all rounder as standard, so other than some minor tinkering (brake pads and discs to suit your preference if you're running an iron setup, choice of brake fluid and tyres) I'd personally leave it as it is and enjoy it!

david.gillan · May 23, 2024

Thanks all, This is the feedback I've been getting from most, To be fair I've done most of the above to the car and it drives and sounds great, Especially in Sports+ but just thought I'd ask as there are far more knowledgeable people out there than myself.

I'll hold off for now but may look at a Cayman GT4 or an upgrade to a 911 when the right car and price comes along.