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981 S PSE drone?

NicD

NicD

PCGB Honorary Member
Member
I made the trek today to Harbour Cars (lovely folk) to test drive their gorgeous Basalt/red 2013 981 S loaded with the options I want.
My initial concern was with the EPAS feel compared to my super 987.2 hydraulic, but while the 981 steering was not so tactile, it wasn't really an issue either. I didn't expect these two areas:
PSE drone - the exhaust was fine when up the rev range but in 'normal' driving, was always audible and not particularly pleasant. The PSE valve button didn't make that much a difference, pretty much spot on as this OP stated back in 2012:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1208769
The OP had his PSE changed out for a standard as he could not live with it.
I don't recall this on the PSE equipped 981 GTS so wonder if PSE has been modified (improved) over the years. Any input guys?

Secondly, the 981 PDK mapping compared to my current 987.2 seemed much less aggressive. With my Sports Chrono set to Sport (not even Plus), change down is super responsive to the throttle, while the 981 is still pretty leisurely. I can work around this with the paddles, just an observation.

If I had to compare the two cars, the 981 seemed more luxurious (with PASM), more grown up, while my 987 was more sporty and rougher. Quite different characters. Of course, I want a combination of both.

Any input on the PSE drone issue?

Nic



 
I have owned a 2013 model 981S for 6 years. This replaced a 997S manual which itself replaced a 987S. My 981S is well spec’d including PDK, PSE, PASM and PTV. I decided to buy the 981S having driven several of them with PDK as loan cars from my local OPC. I find the PDK a brilliant gearbox, very responsive in normal mode and super-responsive in Sport. There is a distinct difference in Sport and I wouldn’t want or need it to change any quicker. Sport Plus I don’t use much on the road because I find the suspension too firm for our potholed roads. I had PSE on my 997S which was much louder than the PSE on my 987S. I use the PSE on my 981S a lot and don’t find that it drones. So I haven’t experienced either of the concerns you mention, and find the car superior in every way (with the possible exception of the PAS) than my 987S. Have you thought about test driving a couple more examples?

 
My late 2013 981 Cayman S PDK only `droned` when cruising (the GT4 doesn`t :p)

PDK ... the system will mirror / adapt to your driving style, if it hasn`t been exercised it can be a little flat in Auto mode. With so many modes and sub modes it can be configured to suit most tastes. My favourite setting was Sport Plus - PSE off - PASM off - use of paddles for shifting [:D]

 
Thank you, a great endorsement, and good advice. Any members in South Devon with B 981 S with PDK?

Since making the post, I have spotted a ‘how to check your PSE is working’ thread. Will also look at getting standard exhaust so would have the option.

Re the PDK, it wasn't the speed of shifts, but the lack of downshifts when i grabbed the throttle. The guys thought it had got used to sedate driving.

 
Hi Nic - are you sure the PSE is operating correctly? I ask because you say that PSE on and off is little difference. The valves can seize - usually open which can sound peculiar. There shouldn't be much drone with PSE off but some early cars do seem to drone at motorway cruise speeds.

I test drove a 981S in 2013 and that did drone at 60-70, but I have had two 981 BGTS cars since and neither has droned at all - in fact with the PSE off and normal driving it is very civilised. But I did have issues when my PSE valves seized, it sounded very bad at times - so it would be worth getting the car you drove checked.

I wonder if Porsche have improved the PSE over the years as you don't generally hear complaints of droning nowadays.

Good luck in your search.

 
Gordon,

I would expect the Harbour guys to spot any issue with the PSE, they seemed to think it was fine. The 981BGTS had an enhanced version, judging by the sound.

I need to see more cars.

Nic

 
I bought my 2015 Cayman new with a standard exhaust, I got the OPC to upgrade to the PSE a few months later. Switching PSE off doesn't make a big difference to the overall loudness but when 'on' the crackles and pops are great.

Initially i wasn't impressed and the drone whilst cruising at 70mph on a motorway was annoying, cruising with the original exhaust was far quieter.

I'd still specify it on a new car if I could.

 
I've got PSE on mine and Sport Plus - manual box though. Only the other day I was thinking to myself how civilised it was at motorway speeds with PSE off and how lovely and crackly it was in Sport Plus mode [:D]

Laura

 
Laura,

they look great in Guards Red!!

Sounds like I need to listen to a few more, and longer test drives.

Nic

 
I have the OEM PSE on my GTS and there is a very significant difference with it open compared to closed. I use closed for motorway driving and it does not drone. They are noisy cars though and tyre roar is particularly intrusive on some surfaces.

Interestingly, in Sport I get the loudness and the pops and bangs, whereas in Sport + it calms down a bit, but still loud.

The sports exhaust on my Cayman R did not make much difference at all, but I think Porsche hit the sweet spot with the 981 GTS.

(but I am not only biased, but partly deaf as well!) 🙂

 
I don`t like the pops and bangs, only the deeper note especially on start up ...

NB ... you can get the pops and bangs with the PSE off, if you drive it hard enough [;)] :rolleyes:

 
PSE retrofitted to my 981S last month. Would never revert back to the standard exhaust setup. Exactly the same as Andrew above, Sport Plus for the best changes and throttle response, PSE on and manual mode on the PDK is just superb.

I drive a GTI 7.5 as my daily, it has the performance pack, which comes with a sports exhaust (Capristo I think and non-switchable). I do 30K miles per annum with that setup, I may not be best place to comment on presence or lack of drone in any car ever :)

 
Just to go the full circle on this.

I eventually bought a 981 B GTS sight unseen from Martin at Bolton OPC. During the prep, they spotted the sports exhaust was defective, said it was stuck 'on'. I eventually accepted the car as is with a replacement to be retrofitted - took over two months from the factory due to the short working.

The car as delivered had an OK note, a bit boomy and non technical sounding, so not fantastic.

I have just had it returned with the new sports exhaust fitted, and what a difference! [:)]

Now it does sound technical, not boomy, very pleasant indeed. Just come back for a little drive out and very pleased.

Not sure if it will deteriorate over time to sound like the previous one, but possible the formula has changed between 2015 and now.

 
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