charlieaf92

Unfortunately, I don't have any data to share as this is more of a feeling. I don't necessarily think there is anything wrong mechanically or otherwise, but wanted to see if anyone else feels the same way.

To me, second gear is kind of lame - it feels like at wide open throttle the engine just runs out of steam after about 4k RPM and just sucks wind. 3rd, 4th, 5th and even 6th are pretty impressive all the way through the powerband but I consistently find myself wanting more push out of 2nd in the higher revs. Not sure if this is just a function of the gearing, me being silly, or otherwise.

Cheers
Charlie

Kalashnikov

Viggen is the answer.

5CHN3LL

Second gear in both the 986 and 996 is invigorating. The biggest problem in the 996 is the damn rev limiter.

The engine does not run out of steam above 4K on a properly running M96. In fact, the power curve continues to grow toward redline, while the torque curve is typically a little flatter. There isn't any place in the 2nd gear curve I'd think "dang, this sucks."

If every gear pulled like second gear on my 996, I would be in prison or the morgue.

Driving any car is subjective, and me trying to guess what's wrong with yours when yours doesn't seem to act like mine is tough - but your comment (2nd gear is underwhelming) is pretty much as opposed to how I feel about 2nd gear in my 996 as possible...

TonyTwoBags

Truth

dan_189

Sometimes I feel first is too short, second it the best

stever996

Yup, 2nd from 4-6000 is a real ripsnorter....something seems to be wrong with the OPs car.

Gonzo911

Something is wrong with your car. 2nd gear is awesome. Check your garage for mice...

bal

I second this (fnar fnar). Second gear is the bestest gear for daily driving.

TonyTwoBags

Maybe start with a top end rebuild, then report back.

charlieaf92

Interesting, thanks for the feedback everyone. It seems I'm alone on this one. I highly doubt it's any mechanical issue as the engine seems very very strong in the higher gears.

As as someone mentioned this is pretty subjective. At this time I'm going to assume my expectations are just too high or miscalibrated. My previous car was a 3 liter Z4 and first and second felt similarly fast/snappy - but after that the power difference between the two just couldn't be compensated with gearing and the 911 walks away.

G.T.

There you go. The torque of the BMW straight sixes just feel waaaaay different than these M96s. The 996 still feels "slow" off the line compared to my old S52, let alone my S54, despite the bigger displacement.

If there were more affordable ring & pinion options out there, it would make things interesting. But like you said, once you get to the higher rpms it's all fine and dandy.

rogazilla

Is vario cam + adjustable from ECU? Is it possible to lower the cam switch on the RPM?

VTEC just KICKED IN YO~~~

kromdom

all the gears in mine feel GRRRREAAAT....and yes, mine is a tiptronic. and a cab

charlieaf92

Ok that makes me feel better. At highway speeds the 100hp difference is VERY noticeable - its actually a bit scary how quickly the speedometer climbs with the pedal down, but it just wasn't dramatically different in the lower speeds. I think you're right.

Macster

Be aware these cars -- well the MY 2000's and later -- are equipped with E-Gas and this and the DME work together to allow the driver to demand whatever amount of torque he wants and both try to deliver this amount but are in some way constrained.

IOWs, WOT under same cases does not result in the throttle body butterfly valve opening all the way. The amount of opening is limited and the rate at which the butterfly valve can open is also limited.

What I have noticed with my 2002 Boxster (and I actually noticed this first with my 2002 VW Golf TDi) is at lower engine speeds stepping on the gas (fuel) pedal hard results in slower acceleration than feeding in the gas (fuel) pedal at a pretty good clip but still short of just slamming the thing down to the carpet.

Experiement with your car and try hard acceleration runs from a roll in 2nd gear. But instead of slamming the pedal to the WOT position push it down and see at what rate of opening delivers the best acceleration.

I think you'll find less is more in this case.