To be fair, the turbos have much more to work with for gaining power, which is why I think what Softronic is able to do with the 996 non-turbo tune program is simply fantastic! Honestly speaking, I *really* noticed the difference. I rarely write reviews, but I am so pleased with the results that I feel that I had to give kudos to where they are due. The folks at Softronic really deserve accolades with this product. My only regret is that I wish I had done this sooner. If anyone is riding on the fence for this one, in my humble experience I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone wanting some tangible gains from their 3.6L 996. Can’t comment on the 3.4L engines, as my car is an 03 model, but I would imagine it would be much the same.

The biggest things that I noticed as a result of the ECU tune are:

1. It really woke up my other modifications. My performance mods thus far are mild. I have a K&N 57 Series cold air intake kit as well as an IPD performance intake plenum. Although I noticed decent gains from those bolt-on mods, the new tuned ECU program truly brought them to life. I am thinking that the tuned ECU is delivering even more than what Softronic says it normally delivers because the engine program is actually taking better advantage of the mods now than the stock ECU program ever did. I recommend the combination of mods that I have for someone not looking to go crazy with their 996.

2. The engine after the ECU tune is smooth as butter and I have had no issues thus far (~500 miles). I expected a roguher idle or some sort of compromise because the engine is tuned for 93 Octane now, but it runs excellent. This is how it should have come from the factory.

3. The engine is more eager (better throttle response) and pulls better in just about every range. 2500 rpm is never a strong part of the normal 996 powerband, and it still isn’t, but now it responds eagerly. At 4000rpm it really starts to come alive and pulls *very* hard, much more than before. At 5500 rpm the engine is a terror with no dip all the way to redline. I used to have a burp in power delivery around 6000 rpm before the Softronic tune, but now the flat spot has been replaced with a much steadier and aggressive pull to redline. The car is even more of a blast to drive.

4. Vividracing/Softronic is a great vendor. Responsive to emails, and deliver on time as promised.

Needless to say, I am a very happy customer. Three words sum up my experience for the softronic tune.

Worth. Every. Penny.

Cheers,
Wayne