DYNO RUN! Porsche 996 engine mods power tested: IPD plenum, K&N filter + Helmholtz resonator bypass

[@TobyD]

Thanks Lee for all the amazing work & passion you have for Porsches and our community. You really make a difference & it’s hugely appreciated. Toby 🙏

[@9WERKSTV]

Wow Toby, I am humbled. Thanks a lot for your kind words and support for my work, I am hugely appreciative of your gesture. My work would amount to nothing if there was no community or audience behind it - it is YOUR passion which keeps me with plenty to do. Thank you.

[@Van-tastic]

Lee, my M96 is built to 3.7L (I kept the short stroke crank) and revved to 7600RPM. There are zero issues. What your man said about “a healthy engine” is where the superstition about the M96 comes from. People pick them up cheap and then attempt to hot rod a neglected engine… that doesn’t work out well.

[@ferencmihala5346]

Where did you have it built?

[@Van-tastic]

@@ferencmihala5346 Jason @ 9XX Motors.

[@ett_baer]

@@Van-tastic How much did it cost out of interest? I'm thinking of going nuts with my car and getting a 3.7, coilovers, rollcage etc. The only place I've looked at engine wise is Hartech.

[@Van-tastic]

@@ett_baer I’m not sure how relevant the price would be today since it was 2015 when I had it done, but it was around $15k.

[@Flat6_911]

Would have been good to see the plenum and filter run separately, the K&N is actually an effective mod in isolation on these cars, good to see there was some improvement though! 👍

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

And they pass more dust 🙁; proven!

[@TheGinger1]

This is what I was going to comment. I would want to know which one is making the most difference because one is considerably more expensive than the other.

[@danjo911]

Exactly the same comment. How can you deduce what each does when you change both at the same time…..pointless really if your intention is to prove a difference made by either mod.

[@9WERKSTV]

That's a good point, Ben. Maybe next time!

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I think it proved a useful power gain can be had through better breathing, but separately I’ve seen the K&N tested in isolation and it was good for a couple of horse power and also improved the induction noise.

[@wesleycarusos8225]

I did the resonator delete mod. I have not done the air filter or the plenum. I did do the air filter on my Boxster and I thought maybe a little bit but I got to tell you the difference with the resonator delete is unbelievable ..my car pulls so much harder at 3K now. It also feels like it's spools up quicker. It's not the extra noise because I don't know that there is a whole lot of extra noise I like the tone of the exhaust better. Surprised this mod can make a substantial difference in the tone but it does and it's nice.

[@dannsmcshane1233]

Thanks Lee i have been rebuilding a 997 4s for 15 months i have did the same mods as your self and the titanium exhaust and bigger throttle body

[@9WERKSTV]

Nice, will be looking into the bigger throttle body.

[@berniedmd1901]

I put an after market Plenum on my 2020 Porsche C2S and I immediately noticed a bit more torque and top end pull. I first had a GIAC Tune done with an Akrapovic exhaust with a High flow catalytic converters. On my Dragy I pulled a consistent 2.90 sec 0-60 and a 1/4 mile of 10.66 sec here in Orlando Florida at about 1000 ft of air. After placing the New Plenum I gained around a 1/10th at 2.80 sec 0-60 and a 1/4 mile of 10.50. It was well worth putting on the Plenum, but in the 992 it does require about 4-5 hours of work to get to the part and replace it. But again well worth it as in city driving the increase torque is Soooooo worth it!!!!

[@JimBob_1975]

You're a good presenter and come across as a decent guy, keep up the good work 👍

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks James!

[@youngsyr]

What so many people fail to understand in modifying engines for power with bolt on parts is that the ECU is set up to work with the standard parts and changing parts often alters the data that the ECU uses to set the mapping of the engine. E.g. the intake plenum can alter the amount of air entrring into the engine for a given MAF reading, the ECU therefore thinks there is less air in the engine than there actually is, so the ECU injects less fuel than it normally would, resulting in a leaner burn, more power and hotter running temps! You could achieve the same results simply by remapping the ECU to run the engine leaner and not bother to fit the fancy £700 plenum. You obviously wouldn't, because you don't want the engine to run hotter though! You could have checked this by logging the AFR before and after fitting the parts. Any change in AFR would indicate that the change on power is at least partially resulting from the parts messing up the ECU'S input data, not from the part itself.

[@michaeljohncox3898]

Thanks for the informative video Lee. Due to my 2001 C4 having an actual GT3 wing put on by the previous owner instead of the aerokit wing I had to go with the Fabspeed intake. I don't know if it improves performance but the sound is unbelievable at high RPM. I don't tell any Porsche enthusiast it is on the car because I don't need the 20 minute regurgitation of the internet concensus that I have ruined my car because I don't have the stock airbox. I will add the IPD plenum to my list as a possible mod for the future. Enjoy your 996!

[@michaeljohncox3898]

One more comment, the only dyno that matters is your butt dyno! The only thing it needs to be adjusted for is to pass wind - yes even in a 911!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Michael! Yes agreed, the one true metric is how the car feels to YOU! Data etc is all for pub talk, and for some people on the internet to get very anal and angry over!!

[@tlib7]

Awesome video! Very informative. I’m having a IPD Plenum / Throttle Body & K&N filter installed Friday on my 2003 C4S, can’t wait!!! All the best & keep up the great work!!!

[@quentingiroud]

Happy with the results?

[@tlib7]

@@quentingiroud I'm extremely happy with the results. It's been 7 months now since installation & definitely a recommended modification.

[@manuelmartineznusn]

love the 996, even better than 993

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Dynos frequently give very different results. Just because it was remapped at 320hp, doesn’t mean it would have been 320 on this dyno. The key is the back to back testing you have done. Nicely done at that!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Chris.

[@nigelvergas6103]

Thanks Lee. Nigel.

[@9WERKSTV]

Oh wow, thanks Nigel. Very kind good sir.

[@GTSCarLife]

Another brilliant video Lee! Informative, relevant to your audience and something not generally being done! Great job!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you. I only wish more people could see this sort of stuff instead of watching KZbinrs go get coffee in press cars!

[@GTSCarLife]

@@9WERKSTV I agree 100%. My view is that you create your body of work, make it high quality, and know that it is something you are and will be proud of. Eventually people will appreciate and judge it on it's own merit. What you are doing is really special in the automotive KZbin space, and I do believe you will gain the audience and accolades you deserve. I know it can be frustrating to see an endless parade of teenage girls post iPhone videos on their new boob job, and instantly gain a million views and subscribers, while the work you are doing requires so much more planning, time and money. The world is a crazy place! In my situation, I have the further challenge of a full-time and highly successful career in another industry, so my channel is my passion project, but I do not have the luxury of giving it the time I would like. With your experience, access to important players and automobiles in the Porsche world, combined with your innate sense of what makes for unique and quality content, you WILL succeed. Keep plugging away at it. When it comes to automotive journalism, I will live vicariously through you mate!

[@Lee-zk8vu]

I have an '11 Boxster Spyder (related engine I believe at 3.4 litre). I installed IPD TB, intake plenum, Soul header and exhaust, Cobb tune, K&N filter. I've not had it dyno'd. However, I owned the car since new, and just completed the above mods 1 year ago. The increase in power is palpable in a 2800 lb vehicle. (Also installed Numeric shifter, which is amazing.). The car is transformed for me. You might go a bit further with yours. Best of luck. I enjoy your content very much.

[@fairfaxa]

Another superlative Video Lee. I opted for the Castol oil bottle lid and noticed a little oomph and some more BASS. Added to my cans that have had some baflles removed and the sound is lovely., Keep up the great work!

[@rogerjohnson378]

You have such a tastefully modified car, you left the essence of the car but improved the experience, I wouldn't change a thing.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you kindly!

[@morphyon]

And by pure coincidence created a 996 Sport Classic :D

[@gregspark9845]

@@morphyon I've just bought a 997.1 aimed at that goal too. Ducktail (they work so well on 996/7), Ohlins Coilovers, 19 inch Carrera Sport wheels, Sport Chrono Plus, short shifter, bespoke re-covered steering wheel. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amjNhmmVbpuZZqs

[@morphyon]

@@gregspark9845 nice package 👌🏼

[@fairfaxa]

Thanks Lee... my 98 3.4 is now going to get the helmholtz mod ... had been a sceptic before watching this!! thank you

[@harrypalmer6228]

Thanks Lee - good work and very interesting. Would like to have seen the stock map reapplied, values taken, the mods added, values taken and then a specific remap for the added items with a final value.

[@mrh6577]

The Helmholtz doesn’t restrict any air flow. The air flowing over the chamber just changes the sound. No restrictions.

[@danielb507]

Your reaction to the sound of the resonator bypass: that’s journalism!

[@hawkinsjd11]

My butt dyno really liked the IPD Plenum and upgraded throttle body on my 986 S. It made a noticeable difference in throttle response and acceleration. I also did breathing upgrades on my Boxster. Washable air filter, ipd, secondary cat delete(replaced with resonators) and a borla exhaust.

[@siri1802]

Cool video! Mate, you and a couple other KZbinrs helps me along in my decision to buy a 996 c4S 2 months ago here in Aus. I swear I watched your c4s best non GT 911 video at least 20 times! Anyway thanks for the efforts and this video is something I was looking into also and just popped up from you fortuitously for me… think I’ll go ahead and get my Hemholtz and IPD! Thank you.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks San! Very pleased to hear you have acquired a C4S, it's a cracking 996. Enjoy the journey.

[@motorclaimguru]

in my old one, ipd plenum, throttle, dansk exhaust, k & n remap, hit 330 bhp on the dyno

[@DonziGT230]

It would have been nice to see the plenum and K&N separately. It would also be nice to see if the resonator bypass does anything for power.

[@kc550]

Nice gains, and engine sounds healthy. Careful with your bagless steering wheel there, you're still running the original seat belt which has a sewn segment of the belt designed to rip apart upon a crash, allowing the belt to slacken. Once that segment opens up it could mean your face meeting the steering wheel in a very violent fashion. I suggest you install a B-pillar bar with a harness instead, if you value your physical appearance lol.

[@murraytappington]

Brilliant - simple, helpful, honest and informative! Very much appreciated. I have a completely stock, late (2004) 996 c2 . After semi solid engine mounts I think this might be the only other thing I change. Thanks again

[@tonyfot0]

Great to see a methodical approach to engine mods with before/after rolling road, rather than figures quoted without any evidence. Been sceptical on these plenum mods, but would consider it a mild upgrade in the future. Thanks again

[@pjay3028]

Interesting video. It's just a shame you didn't do separate runs for the plenum and the filter.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

On a good day panel filter 1-2bhp

[@gregspark9845]

@@Carrera-gp9od as good as zero...filters are seriously over-rated.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

@@gregspark9845 Correct , those k and n are coated in oil too , can cause havoc with your mass air flow sensor. Their cold air induction kits are worse , most of them actually lose power , they sound good though .

[@gregspark9845]

@@Carrera-gp9od I was in an Audi group some time ago, and oil contamination of MAS was identified as a big problem with K&N filters.

[@pjay3028]

@@Carrera-gp9od maybe, but I've never heard of actual power increases from the IPD plenum before, either.

[@craftingmat5425]

Your C2 is really looking good. I wished I could legally drive the ducktail here in Germany as well, but it looks like nearly impossible to get this done. Also I like the Fuchs-like wheels in combination with the green color. You really did a very (veeery) good job. Good luck with the engine... my C2 3,6 passed away 4 years ago with a catastrophic engine failure. Still... I am thinking about buying one again 🙂 Good content - LIKE!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks very much!

[@supersumohh]

Hey there - whats the issue with the Ducktail? As it doesnt change any dimensions of the car, i dont see any problems. Bypass and Plenum would be more of an issue. I am also from germany.. No mods, just a bypass-exhaust and thinking about bypassing the resonator (guess, the exhaust is louder anyways)...

[@craftingmat5425]

@@supersumohh Nunja, es ist ein Anbauteil, da braucht man eben ein ABE (kann man komplett vergessen) oder Papiere zur Eintragung. Für den 997 gibt es einen Hersteller, der das bietet (Mooshammer glaub ich), aber für den 996 gibt es nicht mal einen Hersteller, der ein Materialgutachten mitliefern würde, um es per Einzelabnahme durch zu bekommen. Klar kann man es dran bauen, aber wenn einer genau hinschaut, wird der Wagen ggf. auch stillgelegt. D eben...

[@remotorcycled]

Really helpful video, having bought a 996 carrera 2 last year this was going to be on the list of things to do. Thanks

[@rnt45t1]

You've got the life, my man. Cool car, awesome friends, and that full head of hair. I am one bald jealous fan.

[@charliewolf7500]

My IPD Plenum was in terrible condition when first received. I think I must of been sent a factory second. The line up of the moulds, flashing and inclusions were all terrible quality. I had to machine, grind and file the IPD Plenum, to get it in reasonable shape and improve air flow. Its good to see IPD finally got there act together in terms of quality. My IPD Plenum also increased the diameter of the intake for higher volume. I can't remember the size exactly, but I think the diameter of the intake and throttle body increased by around 10mm.

[@aboyandhisdog]

Outstanding, Lee! If you ever get the chance, I would love to see the dyno test with no air filter in the mix at all. Always wondered how much a filter hinders air flow and affects HP.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Tom! Yes it would have been great to do a run with just the filter, next time perhaps!

[@warrenlucier5796]

The filter will straighten the airflow into the throttle body and the K&N or a BMC will flow the most air.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

You cannot change air flow without actually tuning the engine and expect gains. the plenum can be HONED for even greater unrestricted air flow for cheap, but i wouldnt do it without a full fuel air ratio tune.

[@pjay3028]

If the air/fuel ratios are OK with the existing map, you don't need to do anything else. As stated in the video, they checked the air/fuel ratios after the mods were installed as part of the dyno run, and they were good, so that's fine. There is always a bit of leeway in the standard maps because not all engines will breathe exactly the same vol of air.

[@richardsholl5977]

Another interesting and honest video. Thanks.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you Richard.

[@laurencegibbs3640]

I have a few reservations about the validity of the test. As has been alluded to already by others . The ECU will adapt and alter fuel trims and timing . I would have like to see a pull with the original parts put back on after the ipd plenum. It might well be that the ECU simply adapted to the engine being given a rigorous workout on the Dyno. Italian tune up if you like.

[@thejupiter2]

Thank you. I can't thank you enough.You have just saved me a small fortune. All that expense for a miserable 10 BHP gain! Utterly pointless.

[@bakerbk3696]

Great video as usual, good to know the extent of the difference

[@9WERKSTV]

Glad it was helpful

[@alanwayte432]

Great modification, interesting and informative as always

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you Alan.

[@thinaharran]

On my 997.2 C2S, the IPD Plenum is recommended only in a stage 3 upgrade. A base tune should push it up for 400hp then onwards will need a sports header/exhaust then later the IPD. I guess by doing both it will be difficult to say the true effect of the plenum upgrade.

[@GetUpFalcon]

Congratulations on the result Lee. You’ve gone about modifying your car as a grown up and avoided the gotta have this gotta have that upgrade just because. The sum total is a very desirable machine.

[@9WERKSTV]

That's very kind, thank you. I seriously love that 996, it does everything I need it to and hopefully shows you don't need a £100k 911 to have a load of fun.

[@chriswharrier3571]

Great video, 600 quid for 10bhp. I like the look of the resonator delete thou.

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Chris, yes the resonator delete is a good mod, highly recommended.

[@chriswharrier3571]

@@9WERKSTV It's about the level of my technical ability to complete.

[@713vinh]

Awesome inexpensive bolt on mods! Love where you are going with your channel.

[@riddledriddler3933]

are you sure about IPD being inexpensive? :D

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Vincent!

[@motorclaimguru]

Great vid lee, very enjoyable. You can also do a lot with exhaust tuning as well,

[@bobbarker14]

This is the second video I've seen confirming the modest gains with the IPD plenum via dyno. Vu Nguyen with PCA did a similar test and it also showed increases throughout the rev range. N=2 now and I'm considering throwing one in. I imagine if one lived in California, they would have to temporarily swap it back out for the emission inspection in order to pass visual. Seems like a pretty easy install so why not?

[@spyder_man]

Great Video Lee, sounds amazing. 👍🏻

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks 👍

[@CarlsModsClass]

Great video lee I'm currently looking at these sort of mods for my 2003 3.2 986 boxster I've already started by fitting a Design tek Deep sound back box i'd love to know more what affect the 200 cell sports cats would have on the 3.2 M96 engine etc.

[@lifeflightunlimitedblu-deu1592]

Thanks!

[@enriclibert545]

Thanks for your videos, from 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you Enric!

[@Lee-zk8vu]

Need to get cat-back exhaust as well as a tune.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

Extremely interesting. I wonder what high flow cats would do?

[@jacekliberak5463]

I hear that the IPD plenum gives more power only when you combine it with larger (997 gt3) throttle body

[@warrenlucier5796]

Correct and if you improve the intake side you will need to free up the flow on the exhaust side too and you will get the full benefit you are looking for.

[@Van-tastic]

Also, you can’t test the IPD like that. The computer must be reset so that it can readjust long term fuel trims. The cable throttle ECU barely has any processing power so, it takes a lot of samples before it makes a change on the parameters it sees.

[@9WERKSTV]

As we said in the video, the ECU adjusted fine.

[@Van-tastic]

@@9WERKSTV the ECU ‘will’ be adjusted fine after some time driving and it has enough data to change the long term fuel trim.

[@skyachtone8702]

Well reported! Proper journalism!

[@tlzangl]

Nice looking panda. Looks like a nezumi.

[@9WERKSTV]

Good spot!

[@theclutch19]

The K&N alone could have given you those gains... and the IPD a waste of money. As soon as you whipped out the K&N, I knew your results would be skewed. So much for proper journalism. :( thanks for the video regardless as they are well done at that.

[@Carrera-gp9od]

I’m only a minute in , but I’m going to guess they will make little or no difference 😂

[@sherparoyale]

Love the color. What “green” is it and is original paint or after market (paint or wrap)? Thanks

[@QFXmusic]

Great video Lee

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks 👍

[@nateisright]

Ditch the K&N oily filter. The stock air filters are just fine.

[@ett_baer]

Thanks for the info! BTW you look like Sean Bean!

[@blackericdenice]

The 911 is just like any other n/a car. If you want to increase hp. You have to install hotter cams.

[@alexchuo8055]

Thanks for the video. I have a 997 and installed the IPD plenum in addition to the GT3 throttle body. Was there a reason why you didn’t install that part?

[@thejumbo]

Great video - I have a 2000 996 that I would like to work on a bit, as well. Questions: What are the 18" Fuch-like rims, and what is the duck tail you are running? Or, is it in another video? ;)

[@danjo911]

Unfortunately you proved nothing by changing the filter and plenum at the same time. What was the reason for doing that?

[@MikeKing-jy9tk]

OMG the badge on the wheel really DOES turn into a swastika! I thought that was just urban myth!!

[@rhesaobineche2744]

Thanks

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you kindly for supporting the channel, Rhesa!

[@jaapthieme6561]

Very interesting Lee! What were the total cost for this upgrade? Thanks!

[@icanbelievemyeyez4653]

Im new to Porsche… which year is your car? Thanks

[@garage19builds]

Was this with a stock exhaust? Mufflers and cats?

[@andyearl6784]

Today I’m going to talk about something I said I’d never never talk about (and then he said engine up grades) really thought he was going to talk about undescended testicles

[@GT380man]

Meanie.

[@tomasis7]

supercharger?

[@motorsandmeats88]

Fantastic, scientific…. Love it. Do you know if a gt3 throttle body can be applied to our cable-throttle early 996’s?

[@jobytapia6388]

the GT3 cable throttle are as rare as hen's teeth, you'd want to do some extensive port work to take full advantage of the improved flow (if you could find it)

[@Van-tastic]

Short answer, the best you can do for the cable throttle body is to get it bored by 3mm.

[@motorsandmeats88]

@@Van-tastic makes sense. Any trouble finding a new …. flap thing 😂 in the new larger size? I think I found the limit of my technical nomenclature. You know what I’m talking about?

[@Van-tastic]

@@motorsandmeats88 a new one (butterfly valve) must be made. FVD is the easiest way. Send complete throttle body in as a core and they’ll send you a new one that is built by a race shop in Germany. There are US shops that do this mod as well but they will need to work on yours.

[@motorsandmeats88]

@@Van-tastic gotcha. And thanks for clarifying the butterfly valve!

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Have you seen the K997 build?

[@paulos_2353]

Any chance you could please give me a direct link for that helmholtz bypass kit , can't seem to find it anywhere ......

[@9WERKSTV]

Hi Paul, it's in the video description for you.

[@villaman4818]

Brilliant...many thanks. Now on my list !

[@craiglizotte362]

What rear deck lid are you running? Looks great

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks, it's a carbon ducktail form RPM Technik.

[@OGcottoncandyrandy]

You should NEVER used an oiled filter with a MAF sensor car. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@frederickcook87]

The ideas behind the ipd seems solid but they have been shown to produce zero benefit 😟

[@andyearl6784]

His

[@kevinobal2042]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you for supporting the channel, Kevin - highly appreciated.

[@karlosborn9136]

Thanks

[@9WERKSTV]

Karl, thanks so much for supporting my work, I really appreciate it.

[@chasingautos6350]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you for supporting the channel, it means a lot.

[@mattholloway9730]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you Matt, highly appreciated!

[@jasonburrell5246]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you Jason!

[@billwhitlatch961]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you kindly, Bill!

[@makakoaoc]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for your support, Chris!

[@smallbloc]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks Michael, hugely grateful for your support! 🙌🏻

[@mattpearce9444]

Thanks!

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for supporting the channel, Matt - highly appreciated sir.

[@mattpearce9444]

@@9WERKSTV You’re welcome. Thanks for the great event at Heritige. Great turn out and nice to get out for a run in the GT3 even if the weather was a bit suspect. 👍🏻🏁

[@villaman4818]

Thanks