997.1 GT3 Novice questions….
Discussion
Geesus,
I have a black 997.1 GT3 "comfort" spec, largely because as you are indicating, I needed the four seat option to get past the family investment committee (AKA the wife).
The seat belt mounting points are all there in the rear of the car so I had some rear belts fitted and then just use some child car seats and cushions in the rear rather than installing the standard rear seats. We use it every now and then, but actually its really not a comfortable car for the kids in the back, noisy and with a firm ride - I dont mind it when out on my own but you really notice it when out with others in the car. The 997.1 is the only variant you can do this to as the rear bulk head is standard.
Also, in my humble opinion, the GT3 works brilliantly at 8/10s and above, but for cruising around is not so great, so what car you go for really depends on how you want to use it (sorry if that is obvious) - if its for lads trips away, track days and the odd family trip out (basically how mine gets used) then they are great, if its more cruising about then I think another 911 variant my be a better fit e.g. GTS or C4S
Sports Chrono - on a GT3 it is just a lap timer, and because you have to pull the "lever" twice to record a lap and then carry on timing it is hard to use on track so its actually pointless. On the turbo it is linked to over boost etc, on the GT3 is just a hard to use lap timer.
Seats - mine has the standard sports seats, I would prefer the adaptive sports seats so on track you can tighten up side bolsters etc. Ideal would be folding buckets, but if the car doesnt come with these they are stupid money to but separately.
I also have sat nav, sun roof and cruise control - not really what you would expect in a GT3 but actually the sun roof is great for letting in more of the engine noise and cruise control is great for getting across Europe - so even though these seem to go against the point of a GT3, I think they make it a more enjoyable car.
Things to check in my view - the cars have poor underbody protection, so have a good look underneath for signs of corrosion, particularly if a car has been used through winter in the UK, and check the paint on the sills as again poor protection can mean lots of gravel rash and paint chips.
Brakes - standard steels and pads are not up to track day use so you will need to upgrade them (Alcons + RS29s on mine are fantastic), however, I would be tempted with Ceramics, they reduce unsprung weight on the wheels plus the massive added bonus of no brake dust! However, they are easily damaged by gravel traps and expensive to replace. If car is mainly for road use then I would recommend ceramics to avoid the perpetual wheel cleaning!
Exhaust and sound - in my view the Gt3 sounds great at full beans, but in normal driving sounds pretty dull. If you want to do track days you have to stick with the standard exhaust to get through the noise regs - but if you are not going to do track days then consider cars with after market rear box replacements e.g. Sharkwerks - as the sound is soooo much better for normal driving.
Final input from me, check spec for the nav, phone etc as they have a standard "nav" central unit that includes the phone, even of the car doesnt have the phone module in its spec. It may appear to have the car phone (sim card in a little slot) but if phone module not on spec then it wont work!
My car is looked after by JZM in Kings Langley. I would recommend them.
I have a black 997.1 GT3 "comfort" spec, largely because as you are indicating, I needed the four seat option to get past the family investment committee (AKA the wife).
The seat belt mounting points are all there in the rear of the car so I had some rear belts fitted and then just use some child car seats and cushions in the rear rather than installing the standard rear seats. We use it every now and then, but actually its really not a comfortable car for the kids in the back, noisy and with a firm ride - I dont mind it when out on my own but you really notice it when out with others in the car. The 997.1 is the only variant you can do this to as the rear bulk head is standard.
Also, in my humble opinion, the GT3 works brilliantly at 8/10s and above, but for cruising around is not so great, so what car you go for really depends on how you want to use it (sorry if that is obvious) - if its for lads trips away, track days and the odd family trip out (basically how mine gets used) then they are great, if its more cruising about then I think another 911 variant my be a better fit e.g. GTS or C4S
Sports Chrono - on a GT3 it is just a lap timer, and because you have to pull the "lever" twice to record a lap and then carry on timing it is hard to use on track so its actually pointless. On the turbo it is linked to over boost etc, on the GT3 is just a hard to use lap timer.
Seats - mine has the standard sports seats, I would prefer the adaptive sports seats so on track you can tighten up side bolsters etc. Ideal would be folding buckets, but if the car doesnt come with these they are stupid money to but separately.
I also have sat nav, sun roof and cruise control - not really what you would expect in a GT3 but actually the sun roof is great for letting in more of the engine noise and cruise control is great for getting across Europe - so even though these seem to go against the point of a GT3, I think they make it a more enjoyable car.
Things to check in my view - the cars have poor underbody protection, so have a good look underneath for signs of corrosion, particularly if a car has been used through winter in the UK, and check the paint on the sills as again poor protection can mean lots of gravel rash and paint chips.
Brakes - standard steels and pads are not up to track day use so you will need to upgrade them (Alcons + RS29s on mine are fantastic), however, I would be tempted with Ceramics, they reduce unsprung weight on the wheels plus the massive added bonus of no brake dust! However, they are easily damaged by gravel traps and expensive to replace. If car is mainly for road use then I would recommend ceramics to avoid the perpetual wheel cleaning!
Exhaust and sound - in my view the Gt3 sounds great at full beans, but in normal driving sounds pretty dull. If you want to do track days you have to stick with the standard exhaust to get through the noise regs - but if you are not going to do track days then consider cars with after market rear box replacements e.g. Sharkwerks - as the sound is soooo much better for normal driving.
Final input from me, check spec for the nav, phone etc as they have a standard "nav" central unit that includes the phone, even of the car doesnt have the phone module in its spec. It may appear to have the car phone (sim card in a little slot) but if phone module not on spec then it wont work!
My car is looked after by JZM in Kings Langley. I would recommend them.
I don't view any 911 as a credible 4 seater. Couldn't think of anything worse than taking family out a in the GT3!
Funnily enough though, i have a comfort with rear seat belts (no seats though). A mate has sat in the back and we laughed at how uncomfortable we all were, but then similar conversations were had when i had a 'proper' 4-seat 997 C4S.
I've taken my nephews out before (ranging from 4-9 years) and they scuff the interior up a treat too. So really, i'd suggest enjoy the GT3 for what it is rather than turn it into something it isn't.
What i can say though is, being without kids, i find it a perfectly usable everyday otherwise. I think the ride is fine and general NVH is no worse than your average 997. The only pain is the splitter catching on every little thing. So i'd still get one, but i'd keep a proper family car alongside.
Funnily enough though, i have a comfort with rear seat belts (no seats though). A mate has sat in the back and we laughed at how uncomfortable we all were, but then similar conversations were had when i had a 'proper' 4-seat 997 C4S.
I've taken my nephews out before (ranging from 4-9 years) and they scuff the interior up a treat too. So really, i'd suggest enjoy the GT3 for what it is rather than turn it into something it isn't.
What i can say though is, being without kids, i find it a perfectly usable everyday otherwise. I think the ride is fine and general NVH is no worse than your average 997. The only pain is the splitter catching on every little thing. So i'd still get one, but i'd keep a proper family car alongside.
Hi, I've had a 997.1 GT3 for over 5 years so know them fairly well. To answer your questions:
- Were there any changes to the Mk1 GT3 in the three years it was made? 2006, 2007 and 2008? Even if it was minor things like Bluetooth phone etc…
No, there are no changes that I can think of from 2006-2008 gen 1 cars, they started production late in 2006 (all 2006 cars are 2007 Model Year MY), so there are only 2007 and 2008 MY cars produced, all the same.
- What does the clock on the dash do? I want to avoid one with the dash clock as I think it ruins the dash unless it serves some fancy purpose.
You’ve had good responses on this above. Do I use the SC in my car? No I don’t, but it’s still something that is regularly optioned on GT3 – as it’s a ”racey” option, even if it is a bit pointless. I don’t think the chrono looks bad, personal preference. Passengers love the demo of the chrono - bit of novelty there.
- Do the carbon backed bucket seats have a tilt lever to access the back of the car or do they not hinge?
You’ve had good responses on this also, I have the sports adaptive seats in my car, and they work very well.
- I've read you can retro-fit back seats to the 997.1 GT3 with out too much hassle, has anyone in the U.K done this?
You can retro fit back seats to 997.1, but you cannot to 997.2 as the gen 2 has a thinner panel installed in the back. You can get some rear seats from any 997 and get them installed without too much trouble.
- A couple of the cars I'm interested in have around 45,000 miles on the clock, what intervals are the major (expensive) services due around this period.
Service prices depend on where you get them done, Porsche will charge you around £600 for a minor, and £1k for a major, then you need £200 brake fluid on top, and if you need to do fuel filter etc that will be another few hundred to the bill. I just had a major service done on mine with warranty renewal and that came to £2.5k. I would be more concerned with items like clutch change (£3k at Porsche with new flywheel), and brakes aren’t cheap either (I have PCCB and the PCCB pads last ages also).
- Apart from Clubsport, what are the so called desirable options?
PCCB is really the major option to consider, but I would say other useful ones are: Xenons, cruise (for boring mway driving), sound package plus is also good although road noise is harsh so you can’t really enjoy a stereo in a 997.1 GT3. Full leather option hasn’t been mentioned, I have this also and it means most/all panels are leather covered and stichted instead of the cheap and nasty plastic. Centre console in body colour (esp white) looks very good in my opinion. Another useful option is auto dimming rear view mirror – the GT3 sits very low and it’s common to get blinded by cars behind when driving at night esp in traffic or when stopped at lights.
- I'm aiming for a car with Carbon Bucket seats, no clock on the dash in Black or White. I'd be looking at a few track days throughout the year and also a little bit of touring with the family when I manage to retrofit seats in the back. What options would be good for me in that sense, I guess ignoring the clubsport option, Carbon brakes and the clock on the dash, I'd like to aim to get as many of the track focused options as possible.
If you want the track focused options you want a clubsport with carbon buckets, most of the other options are for comfort spec cars or make the car easier to live with/drive regularly, so you need to balance your needs. I have a V high specced non-clubsport with PCCB, easier to live with and no less fast around a track than a clubsport. I like the flexibility of the rear space when touring and the car still goes and sounds the same as a clubsport. Having a cage and buckets would not benefit me.
- Does the stereo have Aux input or USB or even better bluetooth audio?
No, there is no AUX or Bluetooth on Gen 1 cars. You can get a mobridge or similar device fitted which adds all that functionality inc iphone/ipod support and Bluetooth. About £400 or so, but you can’t do it if you have Porsche warranty.
- Does the car have bluetooth phone connectivity at all throughout the 3 years of production?
No, as above.
Hope this helps, and good luck. I wouldn’t personally get too hung up on all the options and buy the best car in best condition you can find. All of them are 98% the same regardless of option, PCCB makes the single largest difference to performance and weight, full leather makes the biggest difference to the cabin in my view, and buckets are great for resale and if you fit in them hold you in place better. Access to the rear is important if you are going to tour.
- Were there any changes to the Mk1 GT3 in the three years it was made? 2006, 2007 and 2008? Even if it was minor things like Bluetooth phone etc…
No, there are no changes that I can think of from 2006-2008 gen 1 cars, they started production late in 2006 (all 2006 cars are 2007 Model Year MY), so there are only 2007 and 2008 MY cars produced, all the same.
- What does the clock on the dash do? I want to avoid one with the dash clock as I think it ruins the dash unless it serves some fancy purpose.
You’ve had good responses on this above. Do I use the SC in my car? No I don’t, but it’s still something that is regularly optioned on GT3 – as it’s a ”racey” option, even if it is a bit pointless. I don’t think the chrono looks bad, personal preference. Passengers love the demo of the chrono - bit of novelty there.
- Do the carbon backed bucket seats have a tilt lever to access the back of the car or do they not hinge?
You’ve had good responses on this also, I have the sports adaptive seats in my car, and they work very well.
- I've read you can retro-fit back seats to the 997.1 GT3 with out too much hassle, has anyone in the U.K done this?
You can retro fit back seats to 997.1, but you cannot to 997.2 as the gen 2 has a thinner panel installed in the back. You can get some rear seats from any 997 and get them installed without too much trouble.
- A couple of the cars I'm interested in have around 45,000 miles on the clock, what intervals are the major (expensive) services due around this period.
Service prices depend on where you get them done, Porsche will charge you around £600 for a minor, and £1k for a major, then you need £200 brake fluid on top, and if you need to do fuel filter etc that will be another few hundred to the bill. I just had a major service done on mine with warranty renewal and that came to £2.5k. I would be more concerned with items like clutch change (£3k at Porsche with new flywheel), and brakes aren’t cheap either (I have PCCB and the PCCB pads last ages also).
- Apart from Clubsport, what are the so called desirable options?
PCCB is really the major option to consider, but I would say other useful ones are: Xenons, cruise (for boring mway driving), sound package plus is also good although road noise is harsh so you can’t really enjoy a stereo in a 997.1 GT3. Full leather option hasn’t been mentioned, I have this also and it means most/all panels are leather covered and stichted instead of the cheap and nasty plastic. Centre console in body colour (esp white) looks very good in my opinion. Another useful option is auto dimming rear view mirror – the GT3 sits very low and it’s common to get blinded by cars behind when driving at night esp in traffic or when stopped at lights.
- I'm aiming for a car with Carbon Bucket seats, no clock on the dash in Black or White. I'd be looking at a few track days throughout the year and also a little bit of touring with the family when I manage to retrofit seats in the back. What options would be good for me in that sense, I guess ignoring the clubsport option, Carbon brakes and the clock on the dash, I'd like to aim to get as many of the track focused options as possible.
If you want the track focused options you want a clubsport with carbon buckets, most of the other options are for comfort spec cars or make the car easier to live with/drive regularly, so you need to balance your needs. I have a V high specced non-clubsport with PCCB, easier to live with and no less fast around a track than a clubsport. I like the flexibility of the rear space when touring and the car still goes and sounds the same as a clubsport. Having a cage and buckets would not benefit me.
- Does the stereo have Aux input or USB or even better bluetooth audio?
No, there is no AUX or Bluetooth on Gen 1 cars. You can get a mobridge or similar device fitted which adds all that functionality inc iphone/ipod support and Bluetooth. About £400 or so, but you can’t do it if you have Porsche warranty.
- Does the car have bluetooth phone connectivity at all throughout the 3 years of production?
No, as above.
Hope this helps, and good luck. I wouldn’t personally get too hung up on all the options and buy the best car in best condition you can find. All of them are 98% the same regardless of option, PCCB makes the single largest difference to performance and weight, full leather makes the biggest difference to the cabin in my view, and buckets are great for resale and if you fit in them hold you in place better. Access to the rear is important if you are going to tour.
White one is my old car, sold it 911 Virgin 2 years ago. Its done 14000 miles since then.
When I sold it, discs had just been done and new dampers all round and front top mounts (under warranty) I had 10k miles with no issues and it was my 3rd GT3 so had some experience
Hard to tell what kind of life its had since but it was a good car then.
It has silver wheels and I had them powder coated black so they must have been changed. BTW I purchased it for 48k from Dick Lovett in 2011, sold it for 48k to 911 in 2013 and thought I did well!
Another car I should of keep along with a 550 maranello WSP record I sold for 45k in 2010 !!!
When I sold it, discs had just been done and new dampers all round and front top mounts (under warranty) I had 10k miles with no issues and it was my 3rd GT3 so had some experience
Hard to tell what kind of life its had since but it was a good car then.
It has silver wheels and I had them powder coated black so they must have been changed. BTW I purchased it for 48k from Dick Lovett in 2011, sold it for 48k to 911 in 2013 and thought I did well!
Another car I should of keep along with a 550 maranello WSP record I sold for 45k in 2010 !!!
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