Software tune long-term usage

[PBP718]

I'm making this thread for folks that have software tunes on their Porsche (preferably naturally aspirated and 718 but anything works) for multiple reasons. If the mods are wondering, I'm trying to make a more searchable current thread that has all the other replies and updates in one place. Thanks all!

1. What car and what tune do you have? (model, year, trim, manual/PDK etc...)
2. How long have you had it?
3. Any issues, especially getting CEL?
4. If you went to Porsche dealership did you flash back to stock and if so, did they notice?
5. Did you get a before and after dyno?
6. Anything other modifications made around the same time as the flash?
7. Mileage on tune & road or track use?

[blueline]

1) 2021 GT4, PDK, M-E.
2) Since new - Nov 2020.
3) No issues with CEL. I have had some DME issues that are related to the DME itself, not the tune,
4) Yes to dealer; no to flashing back.
5) No dyno though I've been meaning to do so as I want to see the difference, which will be minor on a GT4.
6) Yes to other performance modifications over the years but not necessarily at exact time of tune.
7) Total miles approx 19,200. Miles since tune approx 7,000. Approx 4,700 total on-track miles since new .

[J-Dub]

1) 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 6 speed, Softronics
2) 3 years, bought with 9k, have almost 26k. Got the tune less than 2 months later.
3) No issues with CEL, no issues with how it runs at all. The tune has been great.
4) Yes and I did flash it back. Safter than sorry was the thinking, not sure I would bother in the future.
5) No dyno before or after
6) I added OAPs a few months after. Initial tune had the PSE mod, after the OAPs I put the PSE back to factory strategy.
7) ~15k miles and at least 75 days on track with tune. Lots of regular use, road trips etc.

8) I chose Softronics because of his experience with tuning motorsports vehicles, not marketing. He knows how to keep a car alive for the long term as well as excellent drivability. In other platforms I observed tuners that can make impressive dyno charts but the engines don't last.

More tuners have came on to the scene since I bought. I have no first hand experience with other tuners for this platform.

[PBP718]

1) 2021 Cayman GTS 4.0 6 speed, Softronics
2) 3 years, bought with 9k, have almost 26k. Got the tune less than 2 months later.
3) No issues with CEL, no issues with how it runs at all. The tune has been great.
4) Yes and I did flash it back. Safter than sorry was the thinking, not sure I would bother in the future.
5) No dyno before or after
6) I added OAPs a few months after. Initial tune had the PSE mod, after the OAPs I put the PSE back to factory strategy.
7) ~15k miles and at least 75 days on track with tune. Lots of regular use, road trips etc.

8) I chose Softronics because of his experience with tuning motorsports vehicles, not marketing. He knows how to keep a car alive for the long term as well as excellent drivability. In other platforms I observed tuners that can make impressive dyno charts but the engines don't last.

More tuners have came on to the scene since I bought. I have no first hand experience with other tuners for this platform.

What was the PSE mod?

[J-Dub]

PSE mod.
Background - Assume you are parked. When you hit the PSE button the exhaust flaps open the car sounds louder, fun. Then you take off and from approx 2000 to 3800 rpm the exhaust valves close again as this is both the common cruising rpm as well as the range that the flat 6 produce the most drone. Then as you accelerate past 3800 rpm the valves open again.

The PSE mod makes it so if you enable the PSE via either the button on the console or the mode on the steering wheel it stays open even during that 2000 to 3800 rpm range. This is where you will notice the drone that is now apparent with aftermarket OAPs.

It is nice to have the option but for me I prefer the factory programing after installing OAPs.

[PBP718]

PSE mod.
Background - Assume you are parked. When you hit the PSE button the exhaust flaps open the car sounds louder, fun. Then you take off and from approx 2000 to 3800 rpm the exhaust valves close again as this is both the common cruising rpm as well as the range that the flat 6 produce the most drone. Then as you accelerate past 3800 rpm the valves open again.

The PSE mod makes it so if you enable the PSE via either the button on the console or the mode on the steering wheel it stays open even during that 2000 to 3800 rpm range. This is where you will notice the drone that is now apparent with aftermarket OAPs.

It is nice to have the option but for me I prefer the factory programing after installing OAPs.

Okay that I knew. I think some valve controllers can do full open, full close or stock PSE like you mention so all three options.

[Tom]

PSE mod.
Background - Assume you are parked. When you hit the PSE button the exhaust flaps open the car sounds louder, fun. Then you take off and from approx 2000 to 3800 rpm the exhaust valves close again as this is both the common cruising rpm as well as the range that the flat 6 produce the most drone. Then as you accelerate past 3800 rpm the valves open again.

The PSE mod makes it so if you enable the PSE via either the button on the console or the mode on the steering wheel it stays open even during that 2000 to 3800 rpm range. This is where you will notice the drone that is now apparent with aftermarket OAPs.

It is nice to have the option but for me I prefer the factory programing after installing OAPs.

Okay that I knew. I think some valve controllers can do full open, full close or stock PSE like you mention so all three options.

Indeed, including our very own DIY version found here. It does everything the fancy ones will do, and costs less than a tank of gas. Just say'n.

[WillyDaP]

Have not done a tune as concerned about Dealer knowledge and loss of warranty. With over 30 years in the Automotive Business I have seen way too many claims denied due to tunes. Also, very often a tune is detected even when the after market company says it is undetectable or if you refresh prior to taking to the Dealer it will not be noticeable.

Wonder what increases folks are seeing, as pretty pleased with a 347 RWHP on my 24 GTS which is factory rated at 394 at the Flywheel.

[Tom]

Have not done a tune as concerned about Dealer knowledge and loss of warranty. With over 30 years in the Automotive Business I have seen way too many claims denied due to tunes. Also, very often a tune is detected even when the after market company says it is undetectable or if you refresh prior to taking to the Dealer it will not be noticeable.

Wonder what increases folks are seeing, as pretty pleased with a 347 RWHP on my 24 GTS which is factory rated at 394 at the Flywheel.

Any thoughts on resale value? My '21 Turbo S is now out of warranty, and I'm not ready ready for the .2 version -- want to give them a model year or two first. Cobb makes a California legal and 91-octane friendly tune, which I'd love to try, but I worry it will make potential buyers shy away when the time comes. Is that your experience? Do dealers ding the value on trade-in for tunes (below their already wholesale levels)?

[WillyDaP]

Tom, that is a good question because Porsche Dealers may have an issue getting it to CPO status which is more highly prized by Porsche buyers than with some other makes. Resale on high end performance machines is often lower with quite a few mods done, even though many can be quite expensive. There are occasions when this is not the case especially if a buyer really likes the changes made. Overall the changes made are personal to the owner and we accept the consequences ( whether good or bad ) as we want the machine to meet our desires. Accessorizing can be both cosmetic externally or others like to pump up the internals and I normally ( when I was selling ) would politely ask customers what their long term goals for the car were. Some items are so minor letting the buyer to know he/she should keep the standard parts is the best recommendation. Others, myself included will make some changes knowing the warranty will maybe not cover concerns. That said I leave the motor alone until the original warranty is over.