996 GT3 faq/buying guide anywhere
Discussion
Hi guys.
Sometime next year I'm going to be looking at a getting a 996 GT3. I've seen people refer to MK1 and MK2's but can't find a list of differences/dates. Is there a good guide/faq anywhere?
So far I've realised I want one with the clubsport pack, but I don't know what else I need to be looking at.
Sometime next year I'm going to be looking at a getting a 996 GT3. I've seen people refer to MK1 and MK2's but can't find a list of differences/dates. Is there a good guide/faq anywhere?
So far I've realised I want one with the clubsport pack, but I don't know what else I need to be looking at.
Unlike earlier 911 variants, I don't think the GT3 "Clubsport pack" offered much - especially when many GT3s will retrofit the same (or even better) options. I reckon that a number of proven upgrades designed/manufactured by the recognised GT3 pros (eg, Manthey) are sought after upgrades on used GT3s. These upgrades cost big ££ to begin with, are race-proven/superior to the standard items, and are a bonus to the buyer of cars already kitted out with them.
FWIW, the Clubsport pack deleted the side airbags (not good imho), included the Tequipment rollcage (can retrofit easily), added a fire extinguisher (can retrofit) and fuel cutout switch, had a single mass flywheel (often done at clutch change), and had Nomex covered Recaros (imho not quite as nice as the leather Recaros).
The really worthwhile [ie, big ££] items worth looking for in any GT3 are: upgraded brakes, suspension, and lastly proven engine mods such as the Manthey K400/410.
FWIW, the Clubsport pack deleted the side airbags (not good imho), included the Tequipment rollcage (can retrofit easily), added a fire extinguisher (can retrofit) and fuel cutout switch, had a single mass flywheel (often done at clutch change), and had Nomex covered Recaros (imho not quite as nice as the leather Recaros).
The really worthwhile [ie, big ££] items worth looking for in any GT3 are: upgraded brakes, suspension, and lastly proven engine mods such as the Manthey K400/410.
Edited by PolarExpress on Wednesday 16th August 17:06
thanks again.
I'm not keen on modding cars as I'm crap with a spanner. I only tend to touch the brakes to cope with track usage : I'd be heading to the ring with it, as well as UK tracks. With regards to the Clubsport package, it's mainly the roll cage that I'm interested in, for peace of mind if nothing else.
I'm not keen on modding cars as I'm crap with a spanner. I only tend to touch the brakes to cope with track usage : I'd be heading to the ring with it, as well as UK tracks. With regards to the Clubsport package, it's mainly the roll cage that I'm interested in, for peace of mind if nothing else.
chilled said:
Hi guys.
Sometime next year I'm going to be looking at a getting a 996 GT3. I've seen people refer to MK1 and MK2's but can't find a list of differences/dates. Is there a good guide/faq anywhere?
So far I've realised I want one with the clubsport pack, but I don't know what else I need to be looking at.
Sometime next year I'm going to be looking at a getting a 996 GT3. I've seen people refer to MK1 and MK2's but can't find a list of differences/dates. Is there a good guide/faq anywhere?
So far I've realised I want one with the clubsport pack, but I don't know what else I need to be looking at.
Try flat 6
chilled said:
thanks again.
I'm not keen on modding cars as I'm crap with a spanner. I only tend to touch the brakes to cope with track usage : I'd be heading to the ring with it, as well as UK tracks. With regards to the Clubsport package, it's mainly the roll cage that I'm interested in, for peace of mind if nothing else.
I'm not keen on modding cars as I'm crap with a spanner. I only tend to touch the brakes to cope with track usage : I'd be heading to the ring with it, as well as UK tracks. With regards to the Clubsport package, it's mainly the roll cage that I'm interested in, for peace of mind if nothing else.
Certainly modding a GT3 is not like modding an MX5. I'd only entrust a GT3 to such mods by either JZ Machtech, Parr, or Manthey themselves. I agree on the cage: but this can be bought at your OPC and retrofitted quite easily - it's not a Clubsport-only fitment.
PolarExpress,
The original Clubsport rollcage is not the TechEquipment item. It is a bespoke unit designed for the CS model. And as there are only 28 original RHD clubsports around(maybe less after this time) they are way rarer than a comfort model. Does this mean prices/desirability are higher?? Who knows..
Oh, and the CS had stiffer suspension bushes as well. There are quite a few differences than first appears....
Steve
The original Clubsport rollcage is not the TechEquipment item. It is a bespoke unit designed for the CS model. And as there are only 28 original RHD clubsports around(maybe less after this time) they are way rarer than a comfort model. Does this mean prices/desirability are higher?? Who knows..
Oh, and the CS had stiffer suspension bushes as well. There are quite a few differences than first appears....
Steve
Edited by bass gt3 on Wednesday 16th August 20:38
bass GT3 said:
PolarExpress,
The original Clubsport rollcage is not the TechEquipment item. It is a bespoke unit designed for the CS model. And as there are only 28 original RHD clubsports around(maybe less after this time) they are way rarer than a comfort model. Does this mean prices/desirability are higher?? Who knows..
Oh, and the CS had stiffer suspension bushes as well. There are quite a few differences than first appears....
Steve
The original Clubsport rollcage is not the TechEquipment item. It is a bespoke unit designed for the CS model. And as there are only 28 original RHD clubsports around(maybe less after this time) they are way rarer than a comfort model. Does this mean prices/desirability are higher?? Who knows..
Oh, and the CS had stiffer suspension bushes as well. There are quite a few differences than first appears....
Steve
Edited by bass gt3 on Wednesday 16th August 20:38
Hmmm... I wasn't aware that it was any different as the Clubsports I've seen have the Tequipment version... maybe they could have been replaced at some time?
The CS cages have the fixings for the front section at the top corners of the hoop. The TechEquipment is rear fitment only i believe. Also, the tech unit tends to be a bright item, with the CS cage being black. I don't know why a true CS would have the original item removed, only to be replaced with an after market unit. Maybe they weren't real Cs's?? Look for the battery isolator under the bonnet, passenger side. Also, most Cs's had no leather inside. The dash and doors are of a plastic material.
Steve
Steve
bass gt3 said:
The CS cages have the fixings for the front section at the top corners of the hoop. The TechEquipment is rear fitment only i believe. Also, the tech unit tends to be a bright item, with the CS cage being black. I don't know why a true CS would have the original item removed, only to be replaced with an after market unit. Maybe they weren't real Cs's?? Look for the battery isolator under the bonnet, passenger side. Also, most Cs's had no leather inside. The dash and doors are of a plastic material.
Steve
Steve
Yep, the ones I know are definitely CSes because of the door trim and battery isolator. Mind you, there aren't that many around! But apart from the flywheel, I am not aware that there are any additional significant mechanical differences - certainly not as many as in previous RS/GT3 editions.
There are more differences between the Mk1 CS and Mk1 Comfort than the Mk2's. The RS is a totally different beast again.
As you point out, the CS was stripped out, fitted with a cage, single mass flywheel, stiffer suspension bushes,no electric mirrors. And i think only 28 RHD in the country.
I've had mine over 5 years now, and still love it to bits!!
Steve
As you point out, the CS was stripped out, fitted with a cage, single mass flywheel, stiffer suspension bushes,no electric mirrors. And i think only 28 RHD in the country.
I've had mine over 5 years now, and still love it to bits!!
Steve
Cheers guys, some useful info. Shame I'm unlikely to get a proper test drive, and I had no idea numbers were so limited on the CS or so different from the comfort version. Looks like I might have to travel to pick one up. The other option is to pick up a LHD model, but I'm not keen on that option.
bass GT3 said:
There are more differences between the Mk1 CS and Mk1 Comfort than the Mk2's. The RS is a totally different beast again.
As you point out, the CS was stripped out, fitted with a cage, single mass flywheel, stiffer suspension bushes,no electric mirrors. And i think only 28 RHD in the country.
I've had mine over 5 years now, and still love it to bits!!
Steve
As you point out, the CS was stripped out, fitted with a cage, single mass flywheel, stiffer suspension bushes,no electric mirrors. And i think only 28 RHD in the country.
I've had mine over 5 years now, and still love it to bits!!
Steve
Can we just clarify "stripped out"? Delete side airbags... what else? Most had A/C chosen (no cost option). Both models were already heavily stripped out of soundproofing etc compared to the regular C2/C4/etc.
The Comfort version doesn't have electric mirrors either.
As already mentioned, many Comforts have the cage retrofitted.
And the CS had Nomex Recaros, whereas many Comforts have leather Recaros.
So only 78 Comforts in the country... not exactly mass production.
Overall, I'd say that if you are in the market for a Mk1 GT3, BUY ON CONDITION and factor in any other select upgrades that the car may have. There really isn't any noticeable difference between the two models if the cars are setup properly.
Fegus,
I don't think it's as easy as setting a specific mileage. it all depends on usage. If it's never been heavily overrevved, well maintained, properley warmed up, i don't see why it would need a full rebuild. porsche built these as a road car. Do Turbo's need a rebuild at 60K??
I know of no major failures, except one that dropped a valve. Even Richard Long's GT3RS lookalike, which was pretty well canned, got pulled apart at 60K, only to be put back together with no work required. Testament to the build quality i reckon.
Steve
I don't think it's as easy as setting a specific mileage. it all depends on usage. If it's never been heavily overrevved, well maintained, properley warmed up, i don't see why it would need a full rebuild. porsche built these as a road car. Do Turbo's need a rebuild at 60K??
I know of no major failures, except one that dropped a valve. Even Richard Long's GT3RS lookalike, which was pretty well canned, got pulled apart at 60K, only to be put back together with no work required. Testament to the build quality i reckon.
Steve
fergus said:
What's the collective wisdom as to when GT3 engines need a rebuild. A few tech's have told me around 60,000 miles is the norm.
Also have people experienced any unreliability issues with any cars, electrical or mechanical, etc?
Also have people experienced any unreliability issues with any cars, electrical or mechanical, etc?
Not sure it is possible to define a firm rule as it depends on how the car is used. For a car thats only used on the road I'd be disappointed if a rebuild was required at 60k, if it has spent its life on track however that would be very good going.
The only consistent weakness across all GT3s that I am aware of is the diff - it can wear out quite quickly. The mk1 does have a few known weaknesses that were addressed with the mk2. Although I suspect most mk1 owners will have solved them too by now (e.g. synchros, brakes), however other things like the absence of gearbox cooling on the mk1 are non trivial to change should you want to do this.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff