New owner, age old question :-)

[UTRacerX9]

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

Better DME software - Motronic 7.8 vs Motronic 7.2 Larger file sizes 512k vs 16k allows more maps and more parameters. Variocam Plus ('05 or '06). These are mostly why.

Is it possible to update the software in a 2000? Reflash the memory to 7.8 standard? I know some ECU's can be reprogrammed, but have no idea if that is an option on the Boxster.

If that is really the only difference, then shouldn't an ECU upgrade get me to 280hp or at least very close?

Thanks for your help!

[blue2000s]

I don't have any concrete evidence, but I'd guess that they've improved breathing over the years with port, head, valve and valve timing changes. Continuous variable valve lift and timing was introduced in 2003 which certainly aided in power output.

Notice that power went up by 12% but torque only went up by 4%, meaning the torque curve either moved higher up in the RPM range or it widened, meaning better breathing either higher up or across a wider RPM range. This, to me, points to the improvements in valve timing.

[edevlin]

"Is it possible to update the software in a 2000? Reflash the memory to 7.8 standard? I know some ECU's can be reprogrammed, but have no idea if that is an option on the Boxster. If that is really the only difference, then shouldn't an ECU upgrade get me to 280hp or at least very close?"

I put in aftermarket intake and exhaust systems and had the ECU reprogrammed for a 2000 base boxster with higher flow intake and exhaust. The dyno showed that I only got a little over 25 hp from the mods, but it now also has a nice wide, flat torque curve.

Ed

[hjkim550]

Ed,

25 Hp. Hmmm... How much this this bump cost you? I was just curious. I would be interested to know exactly what modifications you have made with which products and how much each cost roughly. You probably did not get each mod dyno'd and have no idea what each component contributes in the overall 25 Hp gain.

Lastly, what does your car sound like? I know Randall initially liked his Deluboz header and exhaust but I seemed to recall a post where he was interested in changing the exhaust due to resonance issues. Any issues with resonance or droning that you dislike?

I think other members would be interested in finding out how much it cost to do the mods in total.

Thanks,

Hyung

[edevlin]

"25 Hp. Hmmm... How much this this bump cost you? I was just curious. I would be interested to know exactly what modifications you have made with which products and how much each cost roughly. You probably did not get each mod dyno'd and have no idea what each component contributes in the overall 25 Hp gain."

Cost, ouch, that is a sore subject. When I first joined the forum when I got the car, other members warned me about the slippery slope of getting into modifications. The mods have been very expensive, but it has been a lot of fun doing them and dialing in the car.

I think I have done 4-5 dyno runs with the car, but it has not been in an organized sequence of parts added. The first runs were with just the intake and chip, the later runs were with different exhaust combinations (I went through several).

As best I can tell the chip and intake added about 20 hp, the complete exhaust system another 5 hp or so (I am putting out a little over 200 hp to the wheels). The Autothority chip is not optimized for max hp, but a high, flat torque curve and throttle response in addition to hp. The car is very responsive now with that chip and very different from the stock ECU tune.

Also, in hindsight, the TTP parts, though high quality, appear to be some of the most expensive you could use. I think the numbers for HP mods are something like this:

TTP carbon fiber intake: 800.00

TTP headers 1300.00

100-cell cats 1200.00

Custom Autothority ECU mod 1000.00

Dansk Sport muffler 800.00


"Lastly, what does your car sound like? I know Randall initially liked his Deluboz header and exhaust but I seemed to recall a post where he was interested in changing the exhaust due to resonance issues. Any issues with resonance or droning that you dislike?"

Its kinda hard to describe the sound. I like the low rumble at low rpm's and the scream at high rpms with the exhaust on the car now. Also, as most members know, adding an aftermarket intake adds some nice sound to the car. The car sounds quite civilized with normal driving, not like with the gemballa and other mufflers I tried.

What I dont like about the exhaust is a sorta metallic sound (not loose cats or baffles, just free flow and engine sounds). You can hear the metallic sound I am talking about if you find the link to the Dansk website, one of their free-flowing exhaust combinations has that sound. As best as I can tell, the intake and headers made the most difference in the character of the sound, as the muffler is similar to stock, except for a higher flow rate.


Ed

[rule1]

I have a 2000 also and have Maxspeed Motorsports headers and muffler plus EVO intake. Thats it, no ecu reprogramming and I put 209HP and 172TQ to the wheels on Imagine Auto's dyno. The HP is 246 to the crank. My car only has 23,000 miles. If you look under my posts you can find my dyno results.

[rule1]

A stock 2000 2.7 should put around 180 to 185 hp on a mustang dyno so I gained 25-30 hp with those 3 upgrades that cost around $1600.00