Home / Performance / Porsche Performance Upgrades
911 • Cayman • Boxster
Brakes • Suspension • Geometry • Tuning
A properly set-up Porsche makes a real difference - sharper on the road, more confidence-inspiring when you press on, and far more consistent when you really lean on it. The key is choosing upgrades that suit how you actually use the car, fitting them properly, and being realistic about what you'll gain.
Tim Speed leads our Porsche performance work and has been working on these cars for years - from road-car upgrades through to track preparation and race support. He'll talk you through what makes sense for your car, the options at different budgets, and what you can realistically expect. No hard sell, no unnecessary parts - just straight advice and quality work.
We work on water-cooled Porsche models across the 911, Cayman and Boxster ranges - from subtle improvements that make the car nicer to drive, right through to full performance builds. Our focus is on upgrades that improve the car without spoiling what makes it great in the first place.
For general Porsche servicing, diagnostics and maintenance, see our Porsche Service page.
Talk to Tim
If you're considering Porsche performance upgrades, give us a call and speak to Tim.
A quick call is ideal to understand how you use the car and what you want to improve. If you'd like a proper plan and accurate pricing, we'll ask for a few key details (and for some work, it's best to book a short assessment first).
Call 01202 825911 and ask for Tim.
What We Do
Brakes & Brake Upgrades
Most Porsches have excellent brakes as standard. The question is whether they’re set up properly for how you use the car — especially if you’re pushing on, doing fast-road driving, or the occasional track day.
What we can help with:
- Performance brake pads matched to your use (road, fast road, track days)
- High-temperature brake fluid and proper bleeding
- Stainless braided brake lines
- Brake cooling improvements (ducting, backing plates)
- Calliper and disc upgrades (for sustained hard use)
Our advice: for most road and occasional track use, the right pads and fluid make the biggest difference for the money. Big brake kits are brilliant when you’re doing repeated hard laps and generating real heat, but they’re not always necessary — we’ll recommend what makes sense for your car, your budget and how you drive it.
Suspension & Geometry Setup
A good suspension setup transforms how a Porsche drives. And in many cases, geometry is where the biggest improvement comes from — getting the alignment right for how you use the car can make a noticeable difference to turn-in, stability and tyre wear.
Most owners are surprised how much better the car feels after the right alignment — even on standard components.
What we can help with:
- Coilover fitting and setup (Öhlins, KW, Bilstein and more)
- Geometry setup for road or track use
- Anti-roll bar and control arm upgrades
- Suspension refresh work (dampers, bushes, top mounts, arms)
Our advice: if your suspension is tired, coilovers can be a sensible step — especially if you’re planning regular track use. But if the car is in decent health, a proper geometry setup often delivers the most noticeable “for the money” improvement. We’ll recommend what your car actually needs, and set it up properly rather than simply fitting parts.
Tuning & Engine Upgrades
Turbocharged Porsches can respond very well to a sensible ECU calibration. Naturally aspirated cars are different — you can improve drivability and sharpen response, but big power gains are rarely the best value. We’ll be straight about what’s realistic.
What we can help with:
- ECU remapping / calibration (turbo models — 997/991/992 Turbo, 718 Cayman/Boxster)
- Exhaust upgrades (sound, flow and heat management where appropriate)
- Intake and filter upgrades (sensible gains, not noise for noise’s sake)
- Cooling upgrades (especially if you’re pushing the car hard)
- Intercooler upgrades (turbo models, particularly for sustained use)
Our advice: if you’ve got a turbo car, a properly developed map can deliver meaningful gains — and it’s even better when the supporting package is right (cooling, breathing, and braking to match). If it’s naturally aspirated, the gains are usually modest; we’ll focus on the changes you’ll actually feel day-to-day, and we won’t sell tuning for the sake of it. If your money is better spent on brakes, tyres or geometry, we’ll tell you.
Note: some exhaust and emissions-related modifications may not be road-legal and can affect MOT compliance, insurance and noise limits. We’ll talk you through the implications and recommend options that fit your goals — whether the car is road-focused, track-only, or somewhere in between.
Track Day Check
If you’re planning the occasional track day, it’s worth giving the car a quick once-over first. Track use can expose issues that don’t show up on the road — brake fade, heat management, and tired suspension joints.
What we'll check:
- Brakes (pad suitability, disc condition, fluid spec)
- Cooling system health (pressure test and key components)
- Suspension and steering wear (arms, bushes, bearings)
- Fluids and levels (engine, brake, gearbox where relevant)
- Basic safety items (seats/harnesses if fitted)
Outcome: a clear, prioritised list — what needs doing before you go, what should be done soon, and what can wait, so you can enjoy the day without hassles.
For dedicated track prep and motorsport support, see our Track Day Preparation and Motorsport pages.
Tyres for Track Use
Tyres are too important to ignore when you’re using a Porsche hard. We don’t offer general wheel upgrade services, but if you’re doing track days we can supply and fit suitable track tyres where appropriate, and help you get the best from them with sensible pressure guidance.
What we can help with:
- Track tyre supply and fitting on selected applications
- Choosing a tyre that suits your car and how you drive it
- Pressure guidance to improve consistency and reduce wear
Upgrade Paths That Work
Different people use their Porsches in different ways. These are typical routes we see - we'll tailor the details to your model, budget and goals.
Road / Touring (OEM+)
For owners who want the car to feel sharper and more composed without losing comfort.
- Tyres that suit your driving and mileage
- Geometry check to maintain stability and steering feel
- Brake pads/fluid if you want better pedal feel or occasional spirited use
- Refresh tired dampers/bushes before chasing "upgrades"
Fast Road / Occasional Track Days
Sharper, more confidence-inspiring, still enjoyable day to day.
- Performance pads + high-temperature fluid
- Geometry for spirited driving
- Suspension refresh if worn (OEM or High quality replacements)
- Tyre package matched to how you drive
Regular Track Days
Consistency and heat management become the priority.
- Brake cooling and track-suitable consumables
- Coilovers set up properly (not just fitted)
- Full geometry setup
- Engine cooling upgrades where required
If you're building a dedicated track or race car, see our Motorsport page for the full picture.
What works well on common Porsche models (quick notes)
Below is a high-level guide. We'll always recommend based on your car's condition and how you use it.
911 Carrera (996 / 997 / 991 / 992)
Worth doing
- Tyres matched to your use (often the biggest "feel" improvement)
- Geometry setup
- Pads + fluid if you want better pedal feel or occasional harder use
- Suspension refresh if tired (dampers, top mounts, arms/bushes)
Worth knowing
- Most Carreras feel transformed by brakes + geometry long before "performance parts" are needed
Reality check for naturally aspirated cars
- Chasing big power gains - returns are usually modest for the spend
- Avoid "Noise-first" intake/exhaust changes that don't solve a problem
997 / 991 / 992 Turbo & Turbo S
Worth doing
- Sensible ECU calibration (with the right supporting work)
- Cooling upgrades if the car is used hard
- Brakes and geometry to match the extra performance
Worth knowing
- On track, heat management matters as much as power
GT3 & GT3 RS
Sensible upgrades
- Pads/fluid, geometry, cooling optimisation
Approach
- Keep changes minimal and reversible if value matters
Cayman & Boxster (987 / 981)
Where the gains are
- Suspension and geometry
- Brakes for harder use
- LSD can be transformative for traction on track
Reality check
- NA power gains are usually modest - chassis work gives better returns
718 Cayman / Boxster (turbo models)
Worth doing
- Sensible tuning with supporting cooling if used hard
- Exhaust work where appropriate (and with legality/noise in mind)
GT4 & Spyder
Best first steps
- Consumables (pads/tyres) and geometry
- Learn the car before changing it
- Keep modifications minimal and reversible if value matters
Common Questions
Do I need a big brake kit?
Usually not — unless you’re doing repeated hard laps and generating serious heat. For most road and occasional track use, the right pads and high-temperature fluid will make the biggest difference. Big brake kits are excellent for sustained heavy use, but they’re expensive and often unnecessary. We’ll tell you what makes sense for your car and how you drive it.
Which coilovers should I get?
It depends on how you use the car. KW and Bilstein setups work well for fast-road and mixed use, while Öhlins, Nitron or AST can suit more track-focused builds. The important part isn’t the badge — it’s correct setup: geometry, ride height, corner balance and damping adjustment. We’ll recommend something that fits your use and your budget, and set it up properly.
Should I get my Porsche remapped?
If it’s turbocharged, a sensible remap can deliver meaningful gains and you’ll feel the difference. If it’s naturally aspirated, the gains are usually modest — it can improve response and drivability, but it’s rarely “big power”. We’ll be straight about what’s realistic and where your money is best spent.
My Porsche has done 80,000 miles - is it worth upgrading?
Often, yes — mileage isn’t the issue if the car’s been looked after. The key is condition: if the engine, gearbox and suspension are sound, upgrades can make a lot of sense. We’ll usually advise sorting wear items first (dampers, bushes, mounts) before spending on performance parts.
Will modifications affect the value?
Potentially. On GT cars (GT3/GT4 and similar), buyers often prefer originality, so we recommend keeping changes minimal and reversible. On Carreras, Caymans and Boxsters, sensible, well-documented upgrades are generally easier to live with — especially if you keep the original parts. Either way, it’s worth checking insurance (and any warranty) before making changes.
Getting Started
If you’re thinking about improving your Porsche, the best first step is a call with Tim. The aim is to understand how you use the car and what you want it to do better — then outline the sensible options in the right order.
To make the conversation useful, it helps if you have:
- Model and year (and ideally your reg, so we can confirm the exact spec)
- How you use the car (road/touring, fast-road, occasional track)
- What you want to improve (brakes, ride/handling, steering feel, power, consistency)
- Any current modifications
- A rough budget and whether you prefer a phased approach
We’re happy to give you direction on a call. For a proper plan and accurate pricing, we’ll need the specifics — and for some work, we’ll book a short assessment before quoting.
After major upgrades, we can also carry out a post-install check for peace of mind.
Call 01202 825911 and ask for Tim.
