2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S (997)
As the former editor of sister publication Car Audio and Electronics, Howie Liwanag had seen his share of high-end Euros. So he knew exactly what he wanted from his own car. It had to be clean, understated and rock solid. Howie needed a new Porsche 911.
Although he was initially slated for the Turbo model, the huge power could prove problematic (legally speaking). Perhaps he could get the same look sans the boost. He special-ordered this Porsche with factory GT3 aerodynamics and plumbed a third radiator into the ventwork.
Brakes are gigantic multi-piston Brembos, the same type used on Porsche's alpha cars. To ease rear wheel clearance, GMG's 'dog bone' link kit provided additional camber for the custom-forged HRE 840Rs. The engine was upgraded with bolt-on components (the effective bits being reversible, should Howie decide to get that Turbo). And being the audiophile he is, the car was outfitted with an outrageous stereo system, a high-performance unit that manages to look totally factory.
The Plus
1. Engine
*GIAC ECU flash, Porsche OEM third radiator kit, Evolution Motorsports Carrera S V-Flow air intake
*IPD air intake plenum
2. Exhaust
*Fabspeed 997 performance package exhaust
3. Suspension
*Bilstein PSS9 Porsche suspension, GMG 997 WC toe steer kit and WC 997 link (dog bone) kit
4. Brakes
Front: 15-inch floating rotors w/six-piston calipers
Rear: 15-inch floating rotors w/four-piston calipers
5. Wheels & tires
*HRE 840R, 19x8.5 (f), 19x11 (r). Pirelli P-Zero Rosso, 235/35 (f), 305/30 (r)
6. Exterior
*Porsche OEM GT3 Cup front splitter, GT3 RS spoiler extension, GT3 upper air grille, GT3 Gurney flap (rear wing lip), clear side marker set, Porsche gold crest emblem, 997 GT3 and GT3 RS grille screens
7. Interior
*B&M short shift, Valentine One radar detector*Rennline pedals and track mats
8. Audio/Video
*Pioneer AVIC-D3
*JL Audio 500/1 v2, 300/4 v2, 8w3v3
*Dynaudio Esotec System 362