997TT: Tip or Not?

[chrisn]

Hi guys. I have an E60 M5, and love it, but am toying with the idea of adding a 997TT to the garage. I wasn't sure I'd like SMG III, but now love it. I don't miss the stick; even on the track.

Given how much I like the SMG, I am wondering about Tip v. Stick on the 997TT. I am intrigued that the Tip is significantly "faster"-- at least off the line. This raises a couple of questions:

1. I assume the 0-60 speed improvement for the Tip comes from (i) better launch (computer controlled LC), (ii) better gearing and/or (iii) faster shifts. Anyone know which of these three factors is the most significant (or whether I am missing some other factor)?

2. Since I don't drag race, off-the-line times aren't that important to me. Is the Tip "faster" in any other respect (apart from potentially faster shifting)? I mean, with an extra gear, shouldn't the 6-speed be faster in most rolling situations, assuming you are in the optimal gear?

BTW, what's the best online forum for Porsche enthusiasts?

Thanks!

-Chris

[DRM]

I've had a chance to drive both (PNA sponsered test drive a Calif. Motor Speedway road course). The Tip is faster 0-60 because it shifts faster at WOT than a human can shift a 6-speed. But, that's it. While improved from earlier Tip versions, it's still an automatic with delayed reaction on up and down shifts when you're trying to "hot foot" the car around twisties and sweepers. The 6-speed is far superior to the Tip in ANY situation other than "off the line"; and even THAT is only a few tenths.

Even the Porsche Pro drivers at this event all said they wouldn't consider a Tip unless all you're going to do is drag race and/or cruise the freeways.

Finally, IMHO, you simply CAN'T enjoy a Porsche unless it's a 6-speed.

I haven't found a good, dedicated forum for late model turbo's. But take a look at www.pca.org. Lot's of good info there.

Have fun sourcing that 997TT. If I didn't have my 996TT so heavily modified (and LOVING it!!), I'd have that 997 in my garage already (w/ a 6-speed!!)

[rjhoskins]

Chris--
Here's a great forum for the 997:
http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=58

I'm with you--I would consider the tip just for the reason of not having a clutch pedal. The M5 has completely changed my thinking of driving now. But, like drm was saying, many purists still believe in: Porsche=6 speed.

Good luck,

Ryan

[chrisn]

Thanks DRM. Sounds like the Tip is not for me.

Your 996TT comment hit home as well. I sort of wonder if I would be a sucker to buy the 997TT and suffer massive depreciation waiting for the mods that will bring performance on par with modded 996TT's. OTOH, I am not an advanced driver and I like (what appears to be) better safety/stability/make-me-feel-like-a-hero features in the 997...

[chrisn]

Originally Posted by rjhoskins

I'm with you--I would consider the tip just for the reason of not having a clutch pedal. The M5 has completely changed my thinking of driving now.
Ryan

Thanks Ryan.

I might consdier the Tip for a bit more daily drivability, but, assuming I keep the M5, I think I'll go 6-speed (if I even pull the trigger on this fantasy). I was just worried that the Tip would be faster all around. The E60 M5 is just so darn fast, that I want to make sure the 997 is a noticeable step up in perceived power/speed.

[Terk]

Chris,

I have a 997TT coming and the Tip never entered my mind for consideration. The Tip is faster but I understand that is partially due to the fact that the torque converter can load the turbo's prior to launch, I guess you press both pedals and then go? I simply chose the 6 speed strictly because I prefer shifting and I did not want an automatic in my TT. You can also find some good discussion over at Rennteam.

[rjhoskins]

Thanks Terk--I had not come across the Rennteam forum as of yet. I especially like the FAQ thread:
http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php...&page=0#195246

http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php...&page=0#227206

Ryan

[Terk]

Ryan,

Rennteam seems to be one of the more active Porsche forums and there is a lot of decent info on that site.

[DRM]

Originally Posted by chrisn

Thanks DRM. Sounds like the Tip is not for me.

Your 996TT comment hit home as well. I sort of wonder if I would be a sucker to buy the 997TT and suffer massive depreciation waiting for the mods that will bring performance on par with modded 996TT's. OTOH, I am not an advanced driver and I like (what appears to be) better safety/stability/make-me-feel-like-a-hero features in the 997...

You're welcome. BTW, Myron (LVEGASKIWI) just came by my house to show me his E60M5 with all the header/exhaust/ECU mod's (WOW!!!) and I took him for a ride in my highly modded 996TT. I think he'll confirm how very easy it is to drive at warp speed and how docile it is just buzzing around town.

Anyway, you should consider purchasing an '02 - '04 996TT w/X50 pkg (450 hp/450 tq) that's a CPO car (you'll pay $75,000 - $85,000). The 2 BIG differences from the 997 are: (a) the torque and power are available lower in the R band on the 997 because of new turbo engineering; (b) the F to R viscous coupling is electronic and tied to the PSM on the 997. Otherwise there really aren't any significant performance differences between the 2 models (the 997 is about 4 - 5 seconds quicker around the 14 mile "Ring" as I recall). Don't get me wrong, there are MANY good changes to ALL 997 series Porsches compared to 996's.

THEN, when you're comfortable with the 996TT and fall in love like I did, you can spend a TOTAL, ALL IN, $20,000 to mod it (see my sig) and have something incredible that'll blow that 997TT and most anything else out there into the weeds in ANY venue. Check out www.evoms.com for their 1st place overall win in C&D's "One Lap of America" for the 3rd year IN A ROW!!!
That's their stage 4 modded car and the engine internals have never been touched. I've always been told those Porsche late model turbo cars are basically "bullet proof" and there's plenty of evidence to support that sentiment.

Anyway, again, have fun hunting down whatever P-car you eventually decide on.

Dan

[Wayward]

Chris, as a long-time 911 driver, there've been many good comments here, therefore all I'll add here is my .02...GET THE MANUAL !!!