Upgrade Guide for a Driver Focused Porsche
About this episode
Exploring the nuances of modifying a Porsche for a more driver-focused experience, Will and Derek share personal stories and advice on upgrades that enhance performance without losing the car's original character. They discuss the importance of driving a new car before making modifications, the benefits of PPF versus ceramic coatings, and the impact of suspension and exhaust upgrades. With insights on tires and steering wheel choices, this episode provides a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts looking to personalize their Porsches while maintaining their essence.
You bought a Porsche because you want a car that feels alive on the road. This episode gives you a simple plan to turn that car into a true driver focused machine. Will and Derek break down the upgrades that matter, the ones that do nothing, and the traps new owners fall into when they start buying parts before they even drive the car.
You will hear what actually improves feel, control, and confidence across multiple generations of 911, Boxster, and Cayman. No hype, no wasted money, just real experience from two guys who have owned and driven these cars for years.
In this episode you will learn:
• When to use PPF, when to skip ceramic, and how to protect your paint the right way
• Which exhaust changes add character without making the car miserable
• Why a short shift kit and fresh bushings can transform older gearboxes
• How to clean and service the pedal box for a better clutch feel
• What steering wheels work on older cars, and why some modern swaps fit and others do not
• How PIWIS steering profiles change the feel of newer cars
• Why Michelin PS4S tires are the best all round choice
• Why old rubber with “good tread” is still unsafe
• How suspension fades over time and why fresh dampers can bring a tired car back to life
• When corner balancing and a proper alignment change the way the car responds
• Simple seat repairs that make the car feel new again
If you want sharper shifts, better turn in, more grip, and a cleaner connection to the chassis, this guide gives you a clear path. Follow these steps before you spend big money on unnecessary mods.
Hosted by Will from Rennthusiast and Derek from ElevenAfterNine.
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Porsche 911
"...lly afford, in my case, the car that was hot, the 911 that was hot when I was in high school, which was..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It has been around for a long time and is known for being fun to drive while also being comfortable enough for daily use.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Renowned for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, it has become an icon in the automotive world, often discussed for its blend of luxury, performance, and everyday usability.
new car fever
"New car fever is the car lands and man, you're going to, and I am the worst about this. Love this car so much. I'm going to keep it forever."
New car fever is the strong excitement people feel when they get a new car. It can make them think they will love the car forever, but sometimes that feeling fades and they realize it wasn't the best choice.
New car fever refers to the excitement and enthusiasm that many people feel when they acquire a new vehicle. This feeling can sometimes lead to impulsive decisions about purchasing or keeping a car, which may not be ideal in the long run.
coilovers
"...they'll have their suspension, their coilovers ordered. So, when the car gets there, it immediately goes to the shop to get quote unquote sorted."
Coilovers are parts of a car's suspension that help control how the car rides and handles. They can be adjusted to change how high or low the car sits and how stiff or soft the ride feels.
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single unit. They allow for adjustable ride height and damping, making them popular for performance and customization in cars.
PPF
"when they should use PPF on a car, when they should use ceramic on a car, when they should just detail a car"
PPF is a protective layer that helps keep your car's paint looking new by preventing scratches and chips. It's like a shield for your car's exterior.
PPF stands for Paint Protection Film, a clear film applied to a car's exterior to protect the paint from scratches, chips, and other damage. It's commonly used on high-end vehicles or cars that are frequently exposed to road debris.
ceramic coating
"when they should use PPF on a car, when they should use ceramic on a car, when they should just detail a car"
Ceramic coating is a special liquid that you put on your car to protect the paint and make it shiny. It helps keep your car clean and safe from the sun's rays.
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior of a vehicle to provide a durable layer of protection against environmental contaminants and UV rays. It enhances the car's shine and makes it easier to clean.
detailing
"when they should just detail a car"
Detailing is like giving your car a deep clean and makeover. It makes the car look great inside and out by cleaning and polishing everything.
Detailing refers to the thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing of a vehicle, both inside and out. It often includes waxing, polishing, and cleaning the interior to enhance the car's appearance.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
"Now, the dude's bringing his GT4."
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a sporty car that is very fun to drive. It has a strong engine and is built for people who love speed and handling on the road or track.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is a high-performance sports car known for its sharp handling and powerful flat-six engine. It's designed for driving enthusiasts who appreciate track-capable performance in a compact coupe.
Porsche
"...and always with Porsche, you have to do in front of the rear wheels because you have the coke body shape of the car."
Porsche is a well-known car brand that makes fast and stylish cars. They are famous for their sports cars, especially the 911 model.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. The brand is famous for models like the 911 and Cayenne, and it has a strong motorsport heritage.
BMW X5M
"I bought this F85 X5M BMW, which is a super natural. They call it a sports activity vehicle"
The BMW X5 M is a fast and powerful SUV that combines the features of a sports car with the space and utility of an SUV. It's designed for people who want both speed and practicality.
The BMW X5 M is a high-performance version of the X5, designed for sporty driving while maintaining the practicality of an SUV. It features a powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension for enhanced performance.
BMW M5
"...it was the M5 Competition powertrain and so forth thrown into an X5 chassis..."
The BMW M5 Competition is a faster and more powerful version of the regular M5, designed for enthusiasts who want a sportier driving experience.
The BMW M5 Competition is a high-performance version of the M5 sedan, featuring enhancements in power, handling, and technology compared to the standard M5.
Ford Gt Ford
"I PPFed my entire GT Ford..."
The Ford GT is a super-fast sports car made by Ford, inspired by a famous race car from the 1960s. It's known for its speed and sleek design.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car that pays homage to the Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s. It features a powerful engine and advanced aerodynamics, making it a standout in the supercar segment.
Porsche 993 Turbo
"they're taken from the 993 turbo and I think the C4S"
The Porsche 993 Turbo is a fast sports car that has a turbocharged engine, making it more powerful than regular models.
The Porsche 993 Turbo is a high-performance variant of the 911, known for its distinctive design and powerful turbocharged engine, produced from 1995 to 1998.
fog lights
"So the fog lights over the years with those C2s will yellow. And it's just really disrupted the front end."
Fog lights are special lights on a car that help you see better when it's foggy. They shine low to the ground to reduce glare and help you see the road ahead.
Fog lights are specialized lighting fixtures designed to illuminate the road immediately in front of a vehicle during foggy conditions, improving visibility without causing glare. They are typically mounted lower on the vehicle than standard headlights.
wheel and tire fitment
"...you know, wheel and tire fitment. For me, whatever, after all these years..."
Wheel and tire fitment means making sure the wheels and tires you choose will fit your car correctly. It involves checking sizes and shapes to ensure they work well together and with your vehicle.
Wheel and tire fitment refers to the compatibility of wheels and tires with a vehicle's specifications, including size, offset, and bolt pattern. Proper fitment is crucial for handling, safety, and aesthetics.
H4 headlights
"...what are called H4 headlights..."
H4 headlights are a kind of light bulb used in cars. They can switch between bright and dim lights, which helps you see better at night or in bad weather.
H4 headlights are a type of halogen bulb commonly used in automotive lighting. They provide both high and low beam functions in a single bulb, making them versatile for various driving conditions.
G-body cars
"...like the G-body cars, the G-series, you know, the upright headlights. So as they come from the factory oftentimes you have..."
G-body cars are a type of car platform made by General Motors that were popular in the late 70s and early 80s. They are known for being rear-wheel drive and sharing parts among different models.
G-body cars refer to a platform used by General Motors from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and shared components across various models.
G-series
"...the G-body cars, the G-series, you know, the upright headlights. So as they come from the factory oftentimes you have..."
The G-series refers to a group of cars built on the G-body platform by General Motors, including popular models like the Monte Carlo. They are recognized for their sporty design and performance.
The G-series is a designation for a range of vehicles built on the G-body platform, including models like the Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac Grand Prix, known for their performance and styling.
valved exhausts
"[1309.0s] valved exhausts [1310.0s] permanent exhausts [1311.0s] the sound of your car"
Valved exhausts are special exhaust systems that can change how loud or quiet your car sounds. They have valves that open or close to control the noise.
Valved exhausts are systems that use valves to control the flow of exhaust gases, allowing for different sound levels and performance characteristics depending on driving conditions or driver preference.
Porsche Motorsport
"[1315.0s] like the famous [1315.0s] Porsche Motorsport [1316.0s] sound"
Porsche Motorsport is the part of Porsche that focuses on racing and high-performance cars. They create cars that are designed to go fast and sound great.
Porsche Motorsport is the division of Porsche responsible for developing high-performance vehicles and racing programs, known for their engineering excellence and iconic sound.
Fister exhaust
"the stage 3 fister exhaust"
A Fister exhaust is a special type of exhaust system that you can add to a Porsche car. It makes the car sound louder and sportier, which many drivers enjoy.
The Fister exhaust is an aftermarket exhaust system designed for Porsche vehicles, particularly the 911. It is known for enhancing the sound and performance of the car, often providing a more aggressive exhaust note.
Porsche Sport Exhaust
"Porsche Sport Exhaust is available on the car I'm looking hard for one with PSE so I mean as I'm talking about it I guess there aren't many Porsches that I would leave the stock exhaust or that I would hope"
Porsche Sport Exhaust is a special exhaust option for Porsche cars that makes the engine sound louder and sportier. It's a popular choice for people who want their car to sound more exciting while driving.
Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) is an optional exhaust system available for various Porsche models that enhances engine sound and performance. It typically features a more aggressive sound profile compared to the standard exhaust system, appealing to enthusiasts who value auditory feedback from their vehicles.
Porsche 911 GT4
"...but I think those cars come right from the factory my GT4 has PSE on it..."
The Porsche 911 GT4 is a special version of the 911 sports car that is built for better performance, especially on racetracks.
The Porsche 911 GT4 is a high-performance variant of the 911, designed for track enthusiasts and featuring enhanced aerodynamics and a more powerful engine.
PSE
"...my GT4 has PSE on it..."
PSE means Porsche Sports Exhaust, which is a special exhaust system that makes the car sound better and perform better.
PSE stands for Porsche Sports Exhaust, a performance exhaust system that enhances the sound and performance of Porsche vehicles.
Porsche 981 Spyder
"...I had a 981 Spyder 2016 Boxer Spyder..."
The Porsche 981 Spyder is a special version of the Boxster sports car that is designed to be lightweight and fun to drive with the top down.
The Porsche 981 Spyder is a lightweight, high-performance version of the Boxster, known for its agile handling and open-top driving experience.
Porsche 944
"...when I bought my first real Porsche 944 I was searching for an exhaust..."
The Porsche 944 is a type of sports car made by the German company Porsche. It was built in the 1980s and 1990s and is known for being fun to drive and having a good balance.
The Porsche 944 is a sports car produced by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It is known for its balanced handling and front-engine layout, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
window regulator
"the window regulator failed and I couldn't put my window up or down"
The window regulator is the part that helps your car windows go up and down. If it breaks, you won't be able to move your window at all.
A window regulator is a mechanical device in a vehicle that controls the movement of the windows. When it fails, it can prevent the window from being raised or lowered, which can be quite inconvenient for the driver and passengers.
aftermarket exhaust
"unless it's a car that I know that I can easily mod with an aftermarket exhaust like a fister exhaust"
An aftermarket exhaust is a car part that replaces the original exhaust system to make the car louder or perform better.
An aftermarket exhaust is a replacement exhaust system that is not made by the original manufacturer. These systems are often designed to improve performance and sound.
switchable exhaust
"...I love that switchable exhaust..."
A switchable exhaust lets you change how loud your car sounds. You can make it louder for fun driving or quieter when you just want to drive home peacefully.
A switchable exhaust system allows the driver to control the sound and flow of exhaust gases, often altering the volume and tone of the exhaust note. This feature can enhance the driving experience by providing a sportier sound when desired and a quieter mode for everyday driving.
Porsche 356
"on 356 because you want to talk"
The Porsche 356 is an older sports car that was made starting in 1948. It's important because it was the first car made by Porsche and is loved by many for its classic look and great driving experience.
The Porsche 356 is the first production car from Porsche, introduced in 1948, and it played a crucial role in establishing the brand's reputation for quality and performance. Its classic design and lightweight construction make it a beloved choice among vintage car enthusiasts.
bushings
"I mean I would say replacing the bushings is an essential thing to do with the older cars at least"
Bushings are small parts that help connect different parts of a car's suspension. They help make the ride smoother and quieter, but they can wear out and need to be replaced, especially in older cars.
Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that cushion and isolate parts of a vehicle's suspension system. They help absorb shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride and better handling. Over time, bushings can wear out, leading to decreased performance and increased noise.
Dodge Ram
"Fred Meyer, fresh para todos. Mijo, 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie mega cab truck por up to $16,000 off..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that people use for work and hauling things. It's known for being tough and having a nice inside, which makes it good for both driving around and doing heavy jobs.
The Dodge Ram is a full-size pickup truck known for its ruggedness, towing capacity, and comfortable interior. It has evolved over the years to include various trims and features, making it a popular choice for both work and leisure.
Porsche Boxster
"pretty cool on those. Um, I did on my 981 Boxster, I just swapped in a 991 steering wheel."
The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater convertible sports car that lets you enjoy driving with the top down. It's a more affordable option compared to other Porsches, making it a great choice for people who want a fun car without breaking the bank.
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine roadster that was first introduced in 1996, known for its balanced handling and open-top driving experience. It has become a popular choice for those seeking a more affordable entry into the Porsche lineup while still enjoying the brand's performance and luxury.
Porsche 911 GT3
"my 981. I took it from a base 981 to the GT3 steering. Um, y it, it actually did make a huge d..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast version of the regular 911 sports car, built for people who love racing and want a car that handles really well. It's known for being very exciting to drive and has special features that make it even better on the track.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911, designed for track-focused driving with enhanced aerodynamics and a powerful naturally aspirated engine. It is celebrated for its precise handling and driver engagement, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
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