Possibly consider heat wrapping as much of the exhaust system as possible. More of that heat you can trap in and stop radiating into the engine bay the better.

 

There is a good topic about this issue in SunCoastParts Cayman track project build. They blame on some temp sensor. I would suggest to start from 3rd radiator kit, because from my point of view it is absolutely essential for track anyway.

 

Just starting tracking my Base Cayman. Havent seen oil temps > 235, but was wondering about the benefits of the 3rd radiator? Did some Googlin', but didn't see much references to the 2.0L. Anyone have info/experience on this?

 

Go catless to get some heat away from the motor, worked just fine for me

 

Any video of your catless exhaust?
Which 718 model are you running as well?

 

Hey there,

As many of us know, the Cayman S likes to hit limp mode when tracking. As I have gotten better on the track, I have found that the issue comes up quicker and quicker. During my last track event I lost close to half of my 20 minute sessions due to the car needing a break.

So, I have started to get together a list of items to possibly help resolve the issue. I am well aware of the Suncoast page and their attempts to solve it as well, but was curious if anyone had any other suggestions.

So far the list is such:
Center Radiator
Possible Meth/Water Injection
NACA Air Ducts custom piped over the intercooler
Aftermarket Intercooler? (Does it exist?)
GTS Temp Servo(A possible fix that mainly helps prolong the problem judging by Suncoasts observations?)

I figure with winter approaching, it gives me a good amount of time to fiddle. But mainly I am just looking to see if anyone has any other suggestions and things I could have possibly missed.. Thanks!

Although many have tried, the problem has yet to be cured. Had a similar issue with my '60 Corvair. I tried a zillion potential solutions (slight exaggeration), but it never stopped randomly overheating in Houston traffic. Of course, always at the most inopportune time.

Rather than disappear down that rabbit hole once again, I sold our BS and await a GTS allocation (unfortunately, the delay may outlast me ). The fact that Porsche refuses to correct the problem or provide a reasonable solution is a massive burr under my saddle.

 

As much as I would love to get a GTS/GT4 and upgrade, I have a bit too much in this car, and can't really afford to make the switch. Fortunate for me I don't mind if she is a little bit of a Frankenstein(Thus the possible NACA ducts in the back window) so I am hoping I can figure something out!

There is a good topic about this issue in SunCoastParts Cayman track project build. They blame on some temp sensor. I would suggest to start from 3rd radiator kit, because from my point of view it is absolutely essential for track anyway.

I will be throwing that temp sensor in as well while adding the third radiator!

 

Sorry no videos, but i had this catless downpipes Catalytic Converters / Downpipes and stock mufflers, i had some problems on 95 DB tracks, i believe that they messured app 102 DB, but with closed valves the exhaust was accepted

 

Sorry no videos, but i had this catless downpipes Catalytic Converters / Downpipes and stock mufflers, i had some problems on 95 DB tracks, i believe that they messured app 102 DB, but with closed valves the exhaust was accepted

That catless downpipe works with stock axelback with stock muffler?

 

There is an issue with the VVT motor overheating on the 2.5 turbo. No cure.

 

If the issue is specifically and only on the 2017 VVT motor, why isn't it possible to swap-in a VVT motor (or the entire Turbo) from a not-2017?

 

Seems to me that would be a logical step; however, the S and GTS use different turbos. Therefore, I would also expect the need for many other parts and reprogramming to function properly. This is the reason I chose a different path.

 

Hey there,

As many of us know, the Cayman S likes to hit limp mode when tracking. As I have gotten better on the track, I have found that the issue comes up quicker and quicker. During my last track event I lost close to half of my 20 minute sessions due to the car needing a break.

So, I have started to get together a list of items to possibly help resolve the issue. I am well aware of the Suncoast page and their attempts to solve it as well, but was curious if anyone had any other suggestions.

So far the list is such:
Center Radiator
Possible Meth/Water Injection
NACA Air Ducts custom piped over the intercooler
Aftermarket Intercooler? (Does it exist?)
GTS Temp Servo(A possible fix that mainly helps prolong the problem judging by Suncoasts observations?)

I figure with winter approaching, it gives me a good amount of time to fiddle. But mainly I am just looking to see if anyone has any other suggestions and things I could have possibly missed.. Thanks!

Does this limp mode issue involve every year and/or mfg date? I have a 2019 Cayman S, mfg march 2019. I tracked it stock with no limp mode. I tracked it with Cobb tune stage 1 with no limp mode. I am concerned so I installed a 3rd radiator (can't hurt) but haven't tracked it with the radiator yet and I am also installing soul cat back downpipe, both without tracking yet. Engine oil is changed every 5000 miles so far and I have 13000 miles on it. When at the track I only run in sport plus mode and my pdk is flashed by Cobb to sport plus mode. This is provided as info and not an opinion on why limp mode exists and/or if it is a large problem with Cayman S or just something that happens to a small number of Cayman S.

 

My understanding is it affects all years based on this and other forums. However, not all "S" trackers have experienced limp mode. Unclear why some do and some don't. My guess is limp mode results from a variety and combination of variables (e.g. ambient temp, session length, # of sessions, cool down time between sessions, % of time per lap at full throttle, average track speeds, etc.).

 

I don't even trust that it's just S models. You're right that different tracks, session lengths, etc all affect how much load you're putting on the engine. I'm still hoping to run into another S at COTA to compare and contrast.

 

GTS does not suffer from limp mode—different VVT and turbo.

 

Thanks for clarifying. I know the temp sensor on the S has gone through at least one revision and the bulletin only applied to 2017 models.

 

Has anyone tried putting heat shielding around the turbo and VVT on the engine side?

 

Well, I have a 2021 S with Cobb stage 1 and had no issues at MSR in the summer. Added third radiator for safety though for COTA. My oil temperature were above 250F but engine pulled great.

 

I have pretty much the same mods and adding a soul catted down pipe when it arrives. What type radiator did you add, oem or other manufacturer? Also, what type grille did you install and how does it bolt on or attach to the car? I added a stage 1 and the b m c air filer. I flashed my PDK with the sport plus map.

 

I added the original center radiator from Suncoast and grills from Radiator Grill Store. Center grill has not arrived yet but side radiator grills are in and looking good. Question is if the grills reduce air flow over the radiators but only track time will tell. For the center you don’t have to take front off but since you have to strip front for the center radiator install we installed sides then.
I did not add new air filter as turbo seems to spool up nice.
I did also add Ohlins RT, LCA’s And went to 19’s 255/35 and 285/35.

 

Forgot to mention that my Cobb included the modified PDK map.

 

I have already added the center radiator installed by a pro shop, with both side grilles and center grill from radiator grille shop. I also added the side intakes grills from radiator grille shop. I am happy with the radiator grill shop products. I do not have PASM and was thinking about Ohlins RT for lowering purpose. How long have you had Ohlins and what is your opinion on them. Do you recommend the Ohlins and are you glad you installed them? My vehicle is a daily driver and I track it.

 

Did not track yet, just finished work. I will be at MSR Houston this weekend and will let you know.
I did not have PASM either. We did not set the car very low yet - used GT 4 settings and put 2.9 fx, 2.0 back as initial camber settings.
this is work in progress.

 

I'll add my 2 cents since I think I've done the most stuff to mitigate limp mode including 3rd radiators, deep sump oil pans, and many different tunes. I'm still fairly certain it's oil temp. I can correlate limp mode in my car with oil temp going over 250. Whether that triggers something in the turbo I have no idea, but the car does not output P1254, but does cut the boost down to 6psi. As soon as the oil temp goes down below that threshold again, it's back.

I don't believe that most of the stuff in this list will help because hot intake temps should only cause problems when detonation occurs. Water injection, cooling your intercooler, and all the other things have the same goal. The poor man's way of testing this is just to add higher octane fuel before fiddling with any engine things, and running 100 octane doesn't fix the problem either.

Here's something not on that list that you could try, adding an external oil cooler. I'd love to see someone try that and let me know how it goes.

 

What year and manufacture date is your Cayman S? Mine is a 2019 with MFG of 03/2019 and I have not experienced limp mode and have 13000 miles on it and tracked it five times so far. I have not taken note on temps but I will from now on. I do know that my water temp remains at 194 no matter what and/or how I drive. I am from the Northeast and haven't done COTA. Watkins and Lime. Some owners of the S model state they have no issue with limp mode. I have no issue with limp mode and hope it stays that way but I am aware that others say they do have limp mode issues. Has anyone put together a list of "actual" S owners who have experienced limp mode? The first thing to get straight is finding out if it encompasses every year and mfg date. I have seen a letter for the 2017 S only.

 

Given all the fixes that people have thrown at this problem, particularly b-grif, and the relatively low oil temps that it occurs, I'm thinking that it is a software/sensor issue, particularly given there are little or no reports of limp mode in GTS drivers running at similar or higher oil temperatures, which essentially is the same engine. Sure you can change the turbo acutator sensor to a GTS one but the S software is still the same and seems to result in the same problem.

I'd be interested to see if an APR tune on your S can resolve the problem or some other custom tune. Supposedly APR have done all sorts of coding to add additional cooling effects, although I believe their development car was a GTS so perhaps not. Worth a try in any case and then perhaps APR could have a closer look at the logs to see what is happening if it does happen with their tune. I believe Ed from EQT is working with Suncoast but his development car is also a GTS and I understand their car is shelved until the new year.

What ever is triggering the limp mode, the threshold is set too low and maybe it was designed in mind for standard S cars without the additional cooling, that many have now added. So perhaps its just a mater of programming that threshold a little higher, given you have the added protection of the additional cooling.

 

Given all the fixes that people have thrown at this problem, particularly b-grif, and the relatively low oil temps that it occurs, I'm thinking that it is a software/sensor issue, particularly given there are little or no reports of limp mode in GTS drivers running at similar or higher oil temperatures, which essentially is the same engine. Sure you can change the turbo acutator sensor to a GTS one but the S software is still the same and seems to result in the same problem.

I'd be interested to see if an APR tune on your S can resolve the problem or some other custom tune. Supposedly APR have done all sorts of coding to add additional cooling effects, although I believe their development car was a GTS so perhaps not. Worth a try in any case and then perhaps APR could have a closer look at the logs to see what is happening if it does happen with their tune. I believe Ed from EQT is working with Suncoast but his development car is also a GTS and I understand their car is shelved until the new year.

What ever is triggering the limp mode, the threshold is set too low and maybe it was designed in mind for standard S cars without the additional cooling, that many have now added. So perhaps its just a mater of programming that threshold a little higher, given you have the added protection of the additional cooling.

I've worked with Scott at Softronic in the past. No progress on limp mode there after hearing that his tune would fix it. I know people with APR tunes that have this problem. EQT hasn't fixed suncoast's problem either. I'm overall very skeptical on tuners being able to do anything

What year and manufacture date is your Cayman S? Mine is a 2019 with MFG of 03/2019 and I have not experienced limp mode and have 13000 miles on it and tracked it five times so far. I have not taken note on temps but I will from now on. I do know that my water temp remains at 194 no matter what and/or how I drive. I am from the Northeast and haven't done COTA. Watkins and Lime. Some owners of the S model state they have no issue with limp mode. I have no issue with limp mode and hope it stays that way but I am aware that others say they do have limp mode issues. Has anyone put together a list of "actual" S owners who have experienced limp mode? The first thing to get straight is finding out if it encompasses every year and mfg date. I have seen a letter for the 2017 S only.

I don't think this is a good method to judge anything because tracks have different characteristics and different ambient temperatures. My limp mode will set it in at oil temp 250, which takes about 20ish minutes at COTA with air temps in the 80s. COTA is a track that is full throttle a huge percentage of the time, and puts loads on the engine that are not consistent with other tracks. So people saying they do or don't get limp mode doesn't mean much unless it's on the same track around the same time of year. I bet I could track my car on most other courses and be fine judging by the fact that I can partially lift for about a quarter of a lap to un-limp my car for another lap.

I have not tracked the CS (only our 991.1) at Cota yet… waiting for next event but as said in the summer at MSR Houston I was close to 260F with no limp mode and no center radiator.

Lemme know when you're out at COTA and I'll come say hi. Interested to see what happens here

 

I have not tracked the CS (only our 991.1) at Cota yet… waiting for next event but as said in the summer at MSR Houston I was close to 260F with no limp mode and no center radiator.

 

Wanted to give update on Limp mode after MSR Houston but weather was too beautiful and in low 70’s, only made it to 248F. Rest of the car went well but ran out of pads on second day 🤬. Did not expect that.

 

Totally envious…all I can do until May 2022 is drool.

Enjoy!

 

Can’t do that event, heading to Germany to get my Christmas market fix. Last one will be MSR Houston with PCA early December.

 

If the VTG servomotor on the exhaust side of the turbo is overheating then a water meth injection will lower the EGTs by a large margin. I wonder if any CS with the limp mode issue have tried this fix

 

Just curious - are all these instances of limp mode on pre-2019 and only 2.5L non-GTS. What about PDK? Anyone with 6MT facing this?

So far it sounds like the following things have been attempted with varying degrees of success:

1) 3rd radiator - no improvement (lots of people have tried this)
2) updated temp sensor - no improvement (nineball on R/L tried it)
3) GTS or GT4 underbody panels - no improvement (suncoast tried this)
4) deep sump oil pan - some improvement (right @b-grif )
5) upgrade to GTS turbo - has anyone tried this?
6) sell for a GTS/GT4/Base - much success!

I'd like to see if PDK vs. 6MT makes a difference. Has anyone with 6MT experienced limp mode?

 

There is an upgraded intercooler that has just been developed that will eradicate the problem and assist in being able to tune to 500 BHP+
Please see the post

525hp GTS , #heatsoakforwho

https://mcchip-dkr.com/en/news/chiptuning/performance-upgrade-porsche-718-cayman-982-2-5-gts-stage-3 Seems like bigger turbos don’t suffer high iat ??, wonder where they got headroom for extra fueling

www.718forum.com

Cheers ALB

 

Interesting! So you’re in a unique situation compared to what else I’ve read on the subject. Not too many 2.0’s pushing that much HP so understandable you’re dealing with cooling issues. I just haven’t seen anyone else with a relatively stock 2.0 or GTS report the issues. I tend to see “I have a 2019, all fine…” or “I have a GTS and don’t have anything to report.”

I sent ninemeister a note already. Waiting to hear back.

We will figure this out!

 

@MR69 ALB do you have a dyno sheet of your car?, would you mind posting it?

 

Hi Eboosted,
once i get my car fitted with the new intercooler i will definitely be showing off the new performance gains with the video of it being tuned and the print out
I have been waiting for a few months now for Peter to give me the call to have it fitted, all the other hardware is fitted and working like a charm, the software side now needs to be tweaked to take advantage of everything thats on offer, i already can induce wheel spin in every gear except 6th and 7th !

Cheers ALB