At Regal Autosport, we specialise in ECU tuning, using a blend of technical expertise and cutting-edge technology to tailor your vehicle’s performance to perfection. Our approach isn’t just about boosting power; it’s about enhancing engine tuning excellence to suit your driving style and performance needs. Whether you’re looking to improve your daily commute or seeking more adrenaline on the track, our tailored solutions ensure that your car not only meets but exceeds expectations.

ECU tuning is more than just an upgrade; it’s a transformation that brings out the best in your vehicle. With Regal Autosport, you access a wealth of experience and a commitment to quality that ensures each tune elevates your car’s efficiency and power, seamlessly blending enhanced performance with reliability. Unlock the full potential of your vehicle today and experience a revolution in your driving experience.

The Basics

The Engine Control Unit (ECU), also known as the electronic control unit, is the heart of modern automotive engineering. This sophisticated computer is fundamentally responsible for monitoring and managing various engine parameters, ensuring the optimal performance of your vehicle. The ECU adjusts elements like air intake, fuel mixture, and ignition timing based on real-time data it receives from sensors throughout the engine. This precise control allows for the fine-tuning of your vehicle’s operations, leading to a more efficient and powerful performance.

ECU tuning involves modifying the default software settings provided by the car manufacturer. This alteration allows the vehicle to perform beyond the standard limitations set at the factory. By recalibrating the ECU, tuning experts can unlock the engine’s full potential, achieving significant improvements in power and efficiency. The process varies the engine parameters to enhance the vehicle’s output without the physical intervention into the engine structure.

Vehicles of all types, from high-performance sports cars to everyday family cars, can benefit from ECU tuning. For performance enthusiasts, tuning can provide sharper throttle responses and increased horsepower. For those more concerned with efficiency, adjustments can lead to better fuel economy and smoother operation. Even commercial vehicles can see benefits in terms of enhanced torque and better overall vehicle handling, making ECU tuning a versatile option for anyone looking to improve their driving experience.

Benefits of ECU Tuning with Regal Autosport

ECU tuning at Regal Autosport offers multiple enhancements to your vehicle, focusing on performance, efficiency, and overall driving enjoyment:

Improved Engine Power and Efficiency: Our tuning adjusts your engine’s settings to increase power output and torque. We don’t compromise fuel economy; instead, we enhance it, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. This balance provides a robust boost in performance while reducing fuel consumption, ensuring that your vehicle performs optimally at lower fuel costs.

Enhanced Throttle Response: After tuning, you’ll notice a sharper response to your throttle inputs. This means that the lag time between pressing the pedal and feeling the acceleration is significantly reduced. Our result is smoother and more immediate power delivery, providing you with a more responsive and engaging driving experience.

Improvements in Fuel Economy: Many clients have reported economical fuel consumption, which makes daily commutes and long journeys more cost-effective. They also note that their expectations of fuel savings are often met and exceeded, reflecting the dual benefits of our tuning services on both performance and economy.

Our customers often share their success stories, highlighting how ECU tuning has revitalised their driving experience. They praise the noticeable improvements in power and efficiency, and appreciate the personalised service and expertise provided by Regal Autosport, underscoring their satisfaction with the enhancements to their vehicles.

At Regal Autosport, we pride ourselves on delivering substantial improvements that you can feel on every drive. Our dedication is to enhance your vehicle’s performance and efficiency, ensuring every journey is more enjoyable.

How Does Tuning Work?

ECU tuning at Regal Autosport is a precise and methodical process that enhances vehicle performance through advanced technological interventions and strict adherence to safety standards. Here is how we tune your vehicle:

Initial Assessment: We begin with a comprehensive assessment of your vehicle’s current settings and performance metrics. We include reading the original map stored within the ECU to establish a baseline for our tuning.

Custom Remapping Process: Our technicians adjust various engine parameters such as fuel delivery, air intake, and ignition timing using APR ECU and TCU Tuning Software, along with Racingline OEM+ Software. Our adjustments are specifically tailored to your vehicle’s make, model, and individual characteristics, ensuring that the modifications optimally enhance its inherent capabilities.

Technologies and Tools Used: We utilise state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that interface directly with your vehicle’s ECU. Our tools, and experience, coupled with advanced tuning software, allow for precise adjustments that are carefully calibrated to maximise performance while maintaining the integrity of the vehicle’s systems.

Safety Measures and Compliance Checks: Ensuring safety is paramount in our tuning process. All modifications are rigorously tested in a controlled environment to meet high safety standards. We also conduct compliance checks to ensure our tuning adheres to local regulations, keeping your vehicle road-legal and preserving its warranty where possible.

By following our detailed approach, Regal Autosport ensures that each ECU tuning session not only enhances your vehicle’s performance but does so safely and responsibly, for both your vehicle’s needs and regulatory compliance.

Tuning Services Offered by Regal Autosport

Regal Autosport offers a comprehensive range of ECU tuning services designed to enhance the performance of various types of vehicles, whether they are diesel or petrol engines. We tailor to meet the specific needs and preferences of our customers, ensuring that every vehicle achieves its optimal performance potential. Here’s a closer look at the types of ECU tuning services we provide:

Custom ECU Remapping: Our flagship service involves fine-tuning the software that controls the engine’s operation. Custom ECU remapping adjusts critical parameters such as fuel injection, air intake, and ignition timing to boost performance and efficiency. Our service is bespoke to each vehicle, considering its unique characteristics and the owner’s driving preferences.

Chip Tuning: Our chip tuning is another popular option that involves replacing or modifying the EPROM chip in the car’s ECU. Our method is effective for older vehicles that do not have modern ECU software but still benefit significantly from tuning. Our chip tuning can unlock substantial gains in power and torque.

Diesel and Petrol Engine Tuning: We specialise in tuning both diesel and petrol engines, with specific strategies that cater to the distinct characteristics of each type of engine. Our diesel tuning often focuses on increasing torque and efficiency, while petrol tuning maximises power and throttle response.

Advanced Tuning Types:

• Quantum Tuning: Utilising the latest advancements in tuning technology, our Quantum Tuning at Regal Autosport optimises the vehicle’s performance to a very fine degree, delivering remarkable improvements in power and responsiveness.
• TCU Tuning and DSG Tuning: Our TCU and DSG Tuning services target the transmission control unit, improving the speed and smoothness of gear shifts, which enhances the driving experience, especially in automatic vehicles.

ECU Remapping Gearbox Tuning: Our specialised service combines ECU remapping with gearbox adjustments to ensure that both the engine and transmission systems are perfectly harmonised for optimum performance.

At Regal Autosport, our extensive range of tuning services is designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring compatibility and best performance for a wide variety of car models. Whether you drive a high-performance sports car or a family sedan, our reputable technicians have custom tuning solutions to enhance your vehicle’s driving dynamics and efficiency.

Why Choose Regal Autosport for Your ECU Tuning?

Choosing Regal Autosport for your ECU tuning means opting for a leader in the market with a proven track record of success. Here are the reasons why Regal Autosport stands out as the premier choice for enhancing your vehicle’s performance:

Certified and Expert Technicians: Our team comprises highly skilled technicians who are not only passionate about cars but also hold certifications in advanced automotive technology. Our extensive understanding of engine dynamics and ECU software ensures that every tuning project meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Proven Success in Tuning Projects: Regal Autosport has an extensive portfolio of successful case studies demonstrating our capability to dramatically improve vehicle performance. From boosting high-performance sports cars to enhancing the efficiency of family vehicles, our expertise covers a broad spectrum of makes and models, each tailored to the owner’s specific needs and expectations.

Comprehensive Support Guaranteed: We stand behind our tuning services with solid guarantees and offer comprehensive post-tuning support to all our clients. Our commitment includes follow-up checks to ensure your vehicle continues to perform at its best and adjustments as needed to maintain the optimal running condition.

Exceptional Customer Service: At Regal Autosport, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service. Our approach is client-centric, focusing on understanding and meeting your needs with personalised attention and care throughout the entire tuning process.

Highest-Quality Tuning Services: As remapping specialists, we are dedicated to delivering the highest-quality tuning services using the latest technology and techniques. Our dedication to excellence ensures that your vehicle not only performs better but also maintains its reliability and longevity.

Choosing Regal Autosport means entrusting your vehicle to one of the best in the business, where quality, performance, and customer satisfaction are our priorities. Whether you’re looking to enhance your car’s power, efficiency, or overall driving experience, our reliable team is ready to deliver results that exceed your expectations.

ECU Tuning and Vehicle Warranty

At Regal Autosport, we understand that while enhancing your vehicle’s performance through ECU tuning can be exciting, it’s crucial to consider how such modifications may affect your manufacturer’s warranty and other legal aspects. Here’s what you need to know about ECU tuning and vehicle warranty, as advised by our very own experts at Regal Autosport:

Impact on Manufacturer Warranties: Modifying your vehicle’s ECU can potentially affect its warranty. Most car manufacturers provide warranties that cover defects not related to aftermarket modifications. However, altering your vehicle’s ECU settings might be detected during routine services, which could lead to warranty claims being denied if the modification is linked to the fault. We educate our clients on how to navigate these concerns and provide tuning solutions that minimise risks to warranty coverage.

Legal and Insurance Considerations: It’s imperative to remain compliant with legal standards when undertaking ECU tuning. All modifications should adhere to the emission and safety regulations in your jurisdiction. Moreover, we recommend informing your insurance provider about any significant changes to your vehicle’s ECU to ensure your policy remains valid. At Regal Autosport, we guide our clients through the necessary legalities, helping them maintain valid insurance coverage post-tuning.

Post-Tuning Vehicle Warranty: To safeguard your vehicle’s warranty after tuning, consider opting for tuning services that come with their own warranties. At Regal Autosport, we warrant our tuning software and ensure that all modifications are reversible. This allows for easy restoration to factory settings if required for warranty claims or servicing, offering peace of mind to our clients.

Regal Autosport is committed to not only enhancing your vehicle’s performance but also ensuring you are fully informed about the implications of ECU tuning on warranty and legal responsibilities. By choosing our trusted services, you ensure that your vehicle’s integrity and compliance are maintained, letting you enjoy improved performance without worrying about potential warranty or legal issues.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Tuning

Before enhancing your vehicle with ECU tuning, it is crucial to ensure your car is adequately prepared for the process. Proper preparation not only maximises the benefits of tuning but also helps maintain your vehicle’s health. Here are essential steps and considerations for preparing your vehicle for ECU tuning:

1. Comprehensive Vehicle Check-Up: Start with a thorough check-up of your vehicle. This should include an examination of the engine, transmission, and other critical systems to ensure they are functioning optimally. Address any underlying issues prior to tuning, as existing faults can be exacerbated by the increased demands of a tuned engine. 

2. Up-to-Date Maintenance: Make sure all regular maintenance tasks are up to date. This includes oil changes, checking fluid levels, and replacing any worn parts such as spark plugs and air filters. A well-maintained vehicle responds better to tuning and is more likely to achieve the desired performance gains.

3. Right Time for Tuning: Timing is crucial when planning ECU tuning. It is best to schedule tuning when no significant vehicle modifications or repairs are anticipated. Also, consider your vehicle’s warranty period; tuning during the warranty can complicate claims unless managed by tuning specialists like Regal Autosport who understand the intricacies of warranty preservation.

4. Tuning Specialists Consultation: Consult with our experts at Regal Autosport to receive tailored advice based on the specific model of your vehicle and your performance goals. Our specialists can guide you through the buying process and ensure all your questions are answered during the checkout process.

By following these steps, you can prepare your vehicle for the transformative effects of ECU tuning, ensuring it is in the best possible condition to handle enhanced performance capabilities. With Regal Autosport, you benefit from professional guidance every step of the way, guaranteeing a seamless and successful tuning experience.

The Future of ECU Tuning

ECU tuning is continuously evolving, driven by technological advancements and a shift towards more sustainable automotive practices. Regal Autosport remains at the forefront of these changes, incorporating emerging trends and cutting-edge technologies to ensure our EC tuning services not only meet but lead market expectations.

1. Computerised Engine Tuning: The future of ECU tuning leans heavily on computerised solutions, enabling more precise adjustments in shorter times. Regal Autosport utilises state-of-the-art software that allows for detailed manipulation of engine parameters. Our technology ensures optimal performance while adhering to increasingly stringent environmental regulations.

2. Eco Mode and Mobile Eco Tuning: As environmental concerns take centre stage, tuning is not just about enhancing power but also about increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. Eco mode tuning, which adjusts engine settings to prioritise fuel efficiency and lower emissions, is becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, the Mobile Eco Tuning service brings this technology directly to customers, offering convenience without compromising on the bespoke tuning quality that Regal Autosport is known for.

3. Electric and Hybrid System Integration: The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles presents new challenges and opportunities in tuning. Regal Autosport is actively developing techniques to enhance the performance of these vehicles, focusing on battery management systems and electric motor tuning. We not only improve performance but also extend battery life and efficiency.

By staying updated with these trends, Regal Autosport ensures that our ECU tuning services are relevant and innovative, ready to meet the needs of modern drivers and the demands of future technologies. Whether you drive a traditional combustion engine, a hybrid, such as a Porsche, BMW, or Range Rover, or an electric vehicle, our dependable team is equipped to enhance your driving experience with the latest in tuning technology.

FAQs About Our Tuning Services

ECU tuning can dramatically transform your vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and driving experience. Regal Autosport answers some of the most frequently asked questions about ECU tuning, providing knowledgeable insights to help you understand how this process can benefit your vehicle.

Q1: How does ECU tuning enhance driving pleasure?
A: ECU tuning optimises your vehicle’s throttle response, which is the speed and sensitivity with which your engine responds to acceleration commands. Improved throttle response means less delay and more direct power delivery, enhancing driving pleasure and providing maximum driving enjoyment, especially in situations that require quick acceleration.

Q2: What is throttle improvement, and how does it affect my driving experience?
A: Throttle improvement involves recalibrating how the throttle behaves, making it more responsive to your input. This results in a crisper, more immediate connection between your actions and the engine’s response, offering a more exhilarating driving experience and efficient driving.

Q3: Can ECU tuning affect the driving modes of my vehicle?
A: Yes, ECU tuning can modify existing driving modes or even add new ones, tailoring them to specific driving situations such as sporty driving, off-road, or eco-friendly modes. This customisation enhances the vehicle’s adaptability to different environments and preferences, incorporating features like launch control for improved performance.

Q4: What improvements in power output can I expect from ECU tuning?
A: ECU tuning can significantly increase power output and engine torque. This improvement is achieved by optimising various engine parameters to produce more power and deliver it more smoothly throughout the rev range. You can expect not only an increase in horsepower but also faster acceleration, which can be felt especially during highway driving.

Q5: What are the options available for ECU tuning?
A: At Regal Autosport, we offer a wide range of tuning devices and customisation options. These include performance upgrades like chip tuning, performance remapping, and a selection of bespoke tuning solutions tailored to meet specific needs. Whether you’re looking for subtle efficiency improvements or significant power boosts, our range of devices and tuning packages can accommodate you.

Q6: How does ECU tuning contribute to fuel economy?
A: ECU tuning can improve fuel economy by making the engine run more efficiently. Adjustments to fuel injection and fuel delivery systems allow for better combustion efficiency, which saves fuel and improves overall performance. These changes ensure that the engine uses fuel more economically, reducing unnecessary waste and lowering operating costs.

Our answers should provide you with a clearer understanding of how ECU tuning from Regal Autosport can transform your vehicle into a more powerful, efficient, and enjoyable machine to drive. Whether you are looking to enhance the performance, control, or economy of your vehicle, our expert team is here to ensure that your needs are met with the highest quality solutions.

Secure Your ECU Tuning with Regal Autosport Today

ECU tuning at Regal Autosport is your gateway to unlocking the full performance potential of your vehicle. By optimising engine parameters, we can provide a significant power boost, enhance fuel efficiency, and refine your driving experience. Our advanced tuning techniques ensure that every component works harmoniously, offering you a smoother and more powerful drive. To learn more about ECU tuning, browse ECU Tuning Southampton.

Are you ready to transform your vehicle? Email our friendly team to book a consultation, or visit us at 72-82 Belgrave Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 3AN to meet our expert technicians, and discuss your ECU tuning needs. Explore our wide range of auto services and performance upgrades. Elevate your driving experience with Regal Autosport, where performance meets expertise. Secure your ECU tuning today. Call 02380558636 or contact us now to get started. 

The post ECU Tuning For Performance appeared first on Regal Autosport.

 Old suspension be gone

Ryan’s 997.2 Turbo is no track day virgin. Having visited a number of UK tracks and the infamous Nordschleife it was time for a suspension overhaul. Currently, his Porsche is upgraded with a number of choice modifications to improve it for track day duty without compromising the everyday driveability.

For the brakes, Ryan opted for Pagid RSL29 brake pads, Motul RBF660 fluid and Goodridge brake lines matched to the factory Porsche/Brembo callipers and discs. CSF takes care of the engine water cooling, upgrading the failure prone front three radiators with CSF All-aluminum units which will prevent any overheating issues, allowing Ryan to enjoy his 997.2 Turbo without worrying about water temps.

Naturally, the next area for improvement was the suspension. Ryan chose to upgrade the ageing factory Porsche/Bilstein PASM dampers with H&R springs with a Bilstein Damptronic coilover kit. This kit is a plug and play upgrade for the factory PASM system, retaining full functionality with the added benefit of a more track focussed damping in sport mode which has been developed at the Nordschleife and a more comfortable comfort mode. Alongside better track performance and comfort this kit allows the ride height to be adjusted for an improved aesthetic and corner weight balancing.

After the suspension was installed, ride heights set our fast road/track day geometry was installed. Sharper, more precise and stable handling thanks to the combination of the Bilstein Damptronic and geometry setup.

With a short amount of driving Ryan gave the below feedback:

Cars amazing mate so much more comfortable and handles like a dream! Feels like a brand new car. ?

We can’t wait to hear what he thinks at the next track day and watching this build evolve

 

 

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2018 Porsche 991.2 Turbo S  de-hoovered…

Porsche’s later model 911 Turbo models are famous for being monstrously powerful from the factory but unfortunately notorious for having an exhaust note that leaves a lot to be desired, some of the harsher critics likening the exhaust note to a vacuum cleaner!

A popular upgrade for all 991 Turbo and Turbo S customers at Regal Autosport is an aftermarket exhaust system to unleash the sweet sounding Flat 6 alongside the turbo whistle.

This customer opted for a Fabspeed Motorsport Valvetronic Supersport X-Pipe Exhaust and Satin Black Tips. This exhaust option fully unleashes the engine roar and turbo sound to 11 whilst the valves when closed allow the sound to be kept to a more subtle.

Before the exhaust was installed onto this 991.2 Turbo S we also installed a high-flow BMC panel filter which replaces the restrictive factory paper element to lift performance even higher.

With the restrictive factory exhaust removed you can see the turbochargers exposed, soon to have a Fabspeed Motorsport Valvetronic Supersport X-Pipe Exhaust system mounted to it. The unique configuration of this exhaust means that when the valves are open the exhaust gas flows straight out of the turbocharger and through the tailpipes for the rawest, most unadulterated sound possible. Whilst with the valves closed the exhaust gasses flow through the X-Pipe for a smooth and subtle improvement in sound.

With the exhaust system fitted there is an aesthetic improvement at the rear, moving away from the trapezoid factory tailpipes to the Fabspeed Satin Black Round Tips which for the observant will be a hint of how this 991.2 Turbo S will sound.

Take a look at the video below to hear how this incredible exhaust system sounds…

Most importantly, the customer loved his new exhaust system too. His comments are below…

Just a quick follow up email regarding the exhaust on my Porsche. I just wanted to say thank you to you and the whole regal team for a fabulous job done. I’ve had no problems with the car and everything fits perfect – will be recommending you to all of my friends who need any upgrades done to their car.

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The VF Engineering Supercharger upgrade is available for the Porsche 911 models includes the 996, 997 Carrera and Carrera S models. The VF Engineering supercharger kit is a bolt-on kit which is custom tuned on our in-house Mustang MD-500 AWD Dyno for optimum results.

This C4S arrived with 360HP and 298lbfts, with the addition of the VF Engineering Supercharger kit and custom tuning it left with a monumental 490hp and 380lbfts courtesy of a subtle 0.4BAR of boost. Take a peek at the dyno graph below which illustrates the stock power vs. the colossal power post install. You can see that the supercharger also smoothens out the factory power curve!

Regal Autosport are the official UK distributors and installation centre for VF Engineering Supercharger upgrades, from BMW M3, to Lamborghini Huracan to Porsche, we have installed the whole range of VF Engineering supercharger kits, there is no other company in the UK which has our level of expertise or competence with upgrading these cars with the VF Kits.

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Sharkwerks solves the docile exhaust note by creating an unsilenced muffler delete. This muffler delete replaces the factory centre muffler but leaves the factory catalysts in place, the result is a much-improved exhaust note whilst maintaining MOT compliance.

Thanks to the forethought in design and expert craftsmanship the Sharkwerks muffler bypass is a 1:1 replacement requiring zero modifications to the stock vehicle. Meaning you can always revert your 991 Turbo /S back to stock easily. Just reverse the install process but as you’re about to hear, you probably won’t want to!

Installation takes a couple of hours and the improvement is huge, checkout the video below…

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This customer chose the usual host of upgrades including RSS suspension arms for more camber and toe adjustment alongside less bump and toe-steer. The expensive PCCB rotors and pads were replaced with Giro Disc two-piece rotors and Pagid RS29 pads.

Alongside all of this the underside of this GT3 has been pulled apart piece by piece, plastics replaced and paintwork refinished. Leaving the underside looking factory fresh.

The reason why this car was brought to us was that the customer installed an IPD Competition Plenum with 997 GT3 throttle body, Fabspeed headers and GMG exhaust. Due to these upgrades, it’s likely that the AFR isn’t quite optimised and because of the much higher flow there is still some performance on the table to be found with EVOMSit ECU tuning.

With a dyno session spent on the afternoon custom tuning with EVOMSit the AFRs were tidied up, the customer leaving safe in the knowledge the ECU is properly calibrated for his upgrades.

The post TRACK DRIVEN 996 GT3 FOR EVOMSIT ECU UPGRADE appeared first on Regal Autosport.

This customer opted for the Bilstein B16 PSS9 kit. The PSS9 kit allows the damping to be setup between 9 pre-set rates which can be customised at each corner to achieve the desired driving dynamics. As well as this the ride height can be adjusted.

Matched with a fast-road geometry setup this upgrade will allow the customer to enjoy an improved driving experience…

The end product is a Cayman which not only performs fantastically on the road but also looks great! The only missing touch is a set of spacers which can easily be added at a later date for improved stance.

If you would like similar work carried out on your Cayman contact us by phone or email to discuss your requirements.

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As part of our upgrade and servicing programmes for the Porsche models our technicians get to see a range of GT1 equipped block equipped vehicles used for everything from town driving right the way through to track days and European tours, this is how we came across the issue of the coolant pipes leaking and the coolant pipes tearing.

The GT1 block calls home to the Porsche 996 Turbo, GT2, GT3, GT3RS, 997 Turbo, GT2, GT3, GT3RS and the second generation (997.2) GT2RS, GT3 and GT3RS, so this issue can affect any of these vehicles, especially now that the engines have gone through many heat cycles and years of service. The issue is split into two sections, the coolant pipe pinning and then the Sharkwerks Stainless Steel coolant pipes. The engine needs to be removed for both of these upgrades and can be carried out at our Southampton facility.

Issue 1: Coolant Pipe Pinning

This particular customers complaint came from a small puddle of coolant consistently being left behind wherever he left his car for a matter of moments. Knowing that this is an issue, we knew immediately that the coolant pipes may be the leaky culprit.

So, what exactly is the issue? The issue is that there are a few coolant pipes which are designed as two piece and held together with adhesive (checkout the above video), rather than a single cast piece. Over time the adhesive can lose its effect, meaning that the coolant pipe can leak small amounts of fluid consistently filling up the nooks and crannies on top of the block until it pours small amounts over the side of it.  Looking at the internet some GT3 drivers at the track have experiences this issue whereby the coolant pipe ejects at high rpm and load resulting in slippery coolant covering the rear tyres resulting in a dramatic loss of grip and a terrifying spin. It goes without saying that this is an essential repair not only to keep your 996 / 997 Turbo / GT3 / GT3RS engine alive but also for safety.

The repair we use is the same as Porsche tuning gurus Sharkwerks (seen above) which involves pinning of the two pieces together which in effect makes the two pieces one single piece, stopping the piece leaking or being ejected. It is a simple but effective preventative upgrade that every 996 / 997 Turbo / GT3 / GT3RS should have carried out.

Issue 2: Oil Cooler Water Elbows  

The second issue comes from the plastic water coolant elbows which go to the oil cooler. They have a very thin wall which can break down and over time begin to leak coolant. Good news for 996 Turbo, GT3 and GT3RS owners, your cars have metal tubes. So the solution for this is to install the Sharkwerks Metal Coolant Lines, Turbo and GT3 models use different pipes (checkout the product links at the bottom of this post for info and pricing).

The Sharkwerks Stainless Steel Pipes replace the factory plastic items and completely eliminate this issue.

Lookign for more information and pricing to have your Porsche 996 / 997 Turbo, GT2, GT3 or GT3RS coolant system fixed?

Simply call us on 02382 550958 or email sales@regalautosport.com

The post GT1 COOLANT PIPE & LEAK FIX FOR 996 997 TURBO GT3 appeared first on Regal Autosport.

The differential update in the last issue was both silent and invisible once installed, this month we are going to the other extreme and it comes in the form of an AWE Tuning exhaust system.

AWE Tuning have an incredible reputation for quality when it comes to exhaust systems and the Pennsylvanian outfit have a particular flair for sound engineering. When choosing the right exhaust system for my project there were a couple of factors for me to balance.  First and foremost the system had to unlock more power, it had to rival or surpass Porsche build quality and sound quality and fall within budget constraints. Many manufacturers from the UK and abroad build systems for the 987 Cayman, all quoting very similar power gains with similar build quality and comparable price. It seemed that the only thing separating them was the sound emitted, so this became quite an important factor in deciding which way to go.

Punching various brand names into YouTube revealed a wide range of sounds. From raspy shrieks to low and booming resonance, nothing seemed to hit the mark and moved the tone way away from the Porsche flat 6 I had come to love. At this point I had considered sticking with my factory Porsche Sports Exhaust and suffering the power deficit to retain the fantastic exhaust note, that was until I found AWE Tuning’s offering.

Posted all the way back in 2009, AWE Tuning’s YouTube video shows a red 987 hurtling along a US back road with a glorious uncorked flat 6 sound, not unlike Carrera Cup cars I had heard in the past. This got me seriously excited. Upon further investigation I found the system also offers a drone free motorway tone and carried the promise of being as quiet as the stock PSE on startup and idle. Absolutely ideal, this was music to my ears – quite literally.

Luckily for me Regal Autosport is the UK importer for AWE Tuning and have been for over 10 years. A quick email to Regal confirmed they had a touring spec system with black chrome tips in stock and a date was set for the install. The system itself is a work of art; hand built from top to toe at AWE Tuning’s PA facility it feels every inch a luxury, feel-good purchase. Exactly what I was looking for.

The original PSE didn’t want to leave the Cayman without a fight and Regal did a great job of carefully dissecting the original pipework so I could resell the original system. With that out the way they could get to work fitting up the mirror-finished AWE boxes. Each AWE system comes with a huge range of adjustment so the fitment can be tailored to individual taste and after initial warm up and cool down it can be adjusted for perfect centering.

When viewing the system on the shop floor it’s easy to see why the AWE Tuning system differs in sound quality from the other systems out there, by using two straight through resonance chambers with a full size balance pipe the AWE Touring system irons out the pops, bangs and burbles that can occur when an engine is uncorked. The result is a fantastic full-bodied roar under acceleration, it’s the kind of sound that Porsche engineers would have wanted the 987 to make but kill joy bureaucrats would never allow.

Living with the system has been a joy since install, around town and on the motorway it’s actually quieter than the factory PSE with the valves shut. It’s really hard to believe and something I was concerned about when moving away from a valved system to one without. Thankfully I need not have worried; the AWE tuning exhaust system combines a glorious full throttle howl with mild manners elsewhere in the rev range. To say I’m a happy customer would be a serious understatement, every journey is an absolute pleasure to the ears and it gives the car a serious ‘bigger Porsche’ presence.

The post Customer Cayman S 987 Project: AWE Tuning Exhaust appeared first on Regal Autosport.

Last month I mentioned that the Cayman had undergone something of a transformation at Regal Autosport recently and that I would detail each aspect in a later update. Well, one month on, I’ve been scratching my head as to where to begin. Externally there has been no visible change, so perhaps I should begin with the most hidden of all the upgrades, the new limited slip differential.

Wavetrac is a name I’ve been familiar with for some time and I’ve used their differentials on track projects many times over the years. The Wavetrac cam design is unique in the world of limited slip differentials and mates ATB style planetary gears with the idea of plate differential locking action. This gives the benefits of both without the negatives of either. I agree, it sounds too good to be true, but allow me to explain…

The purpose of a limited slip differential (LSD) is share power across the axle in a way that maintains acceleration and keeps wheel spin to a minimum. An open differential, like that fitted to the stock 987, will simply transmit power via the path of least resistance. The least resistance of all is a spinning wheel. This is very frustrating when pushing on, especially when the inside wheel begins to spin and all forward progress is halted.

The solution to this is to use a limited slip differential. In these differentials, as soon as a wheel begins to slip, power can be transmitted to the un-spinning wheel on the axle. The result; acceleration is maintained and traction on the spinning wheel is regained much more quickly, hence ‘limited slip’.

There are two traditional designs of LSDs, plate types and those with helical gears. In the plated design the differential represents a clutch between the two wheels on the axle. As a difference in wheel speed occurs across the axle a mechanical friction is generated and the axle ‘locks’ to rotate both wheels at the same speed. This slows down the spinning wheel and speeds up the non spinning wheel, sharing power and traction over the axle as a whole. A drawback here is that the differential does not care if the difference in wheel speeds is because of a very tight corner or because one wheel is spinning. This can lead to under steer at low speeds or tight cornering and can be particularity frustrating in the wet.

A differential more suited to tight, bumpy or wet conditions is the helical or planetary gear type. In this design the wheels across the axle are linked by a series of gears inside the differential.  Each wheel has it’s own set of gears and the range of motion is limited by the differential casing. When there is a difference in wheel speed across the axle the gears for the fastest spinning wheel turn inside the differential and ‘lock’ against the casing – speeding up the slowest wheel. The transfer of power can be described by the gear ratio in the helical gears and is also referred to as ‘torque biasing’ or ‘torque multiplying’.  This design requires not only a difference in speed between the wheels but also a difference in load. An exception to this is when there is no load at one of the wheels. In this instance power cannot be shared because anything multiplied by zero equals zero. This happens more often than you might think and over bumps, crests of hills or on exceptionally greasy surfaces this trait can be felt as a lack of forward motion.

There is however another design available and Wavetrac patents the design. It combines the plate type and helical gear type principals. The Wavetrac differential has helical gears and operates in the same way as a torque-biasing differential for the majority of the time. This gives good low speed maneuverability and wet weather performance. Unlike a torque-biasing differential however, when a low load situation is encountered the unique Wavetrac internal cam takes over and the differential can transfer power just like a plate diff. It gives the Wavetrac an unrivalled range of performance and is why I keep coming back for more!

Regal Autosport installed the differential, which can usually be done with the gearbox in situ, but as we also changed the clutch and flywheel the gearbox was removed this time. Speaking of the flywheel and clutch, those items are pretty special too and I’ll explain all next month…

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