Ceramic Brakes on used 997 Turbo. Reliability?

[Andrew911]

Hi folks,

Going to look at a 997.1 turbo with ceramic brakes. I have limited knowledge on these apart from no brake dust & superior braking than steels. But also I'am guessing mega expensive to replace/repair? Are they prone to failure or require repair/replacing? Are they more fragile than steels?

[Andrew911]

Yep, to add, probably no track days tbh. i keep meaning to do track days & never seem to find the time etc. So, probably fair to say road use only. Sounds like a good option to have then. I heard the only main issue is to be careful when removing a wheel as to not damage the discs etc.

[Andrew911]

IMI A said:

Which car is it that you're looking at OP? If its midnight blue with tan and 36k miles the car was tuned by Cargraphic and the original owner spent about £50,000 on these upgrades including upgrading the suspension. There was even a feature on it in 911 and Porsche World. Car may have now been returned to stock but its had a CEL light that her past few owners haven't managed to get rid of. Probably nothing serious but defo worth getting it checked out by someone who specialises in turbos like 9e, JZM etc.

Did the deed on friday. 981 Spyder sold & 997 turbo bought from JZM.

[Andrew911]

m119cars said:

Good choice Andrew, that's my old car!!

Been under Porsche warranty for the last 3 years and wants for nothing.

Excellent! Were you the last owner? If so, JZM said you really looked after the car. I've seen the invoices I couldn't fault it tbh. There are still quite a few 997 turbos for sale & wanted a good example. Took the car out for a test drive & was very interesting after the Spyder (although I have had 997 C2S previously). The big thing I noticed was the hydraulic steering compared to the Spyder's electronic. Nothing wrong with the electronic steering; infact it is rather good but with the hydraulic steering in he turbo you just get more feedback from the road. The Spyder is a superb driver focused car & hard to beat at that price point. But always wanted a 997 turbo & your old car looks in great condition.

[Andrew911]

IMI A said:

They always stock very nice cars - is the turbo a manual too?

No its a tip. Manual would have been nice; but seem harder to find as good example than this one. I hadn't been to JZM since they started the sales arm of the business. Many years ago I took my 993 there for servicing. I must admit I was very surprised at the number of rare & high quality Porsche's they stock.

[Andrew911]

ChrisW. said:

What a small World ... I was the chap sitting on the computer answering my emails whilst you were playing with the coffee machine !

Took my GT4 in to upgrade the dampers and suspension --- and give my PCCB's a rest once the Surface Transform discs arrive ---

A very nice car the Spider --- I hope you enjoy the 997 Turbo as much --- life is an experience, not a museum

Blimey! As you say a very small world. It was a tough decision on the Spyder. I had ten months of fun. I was planning to keep the Spyder for another year but financial made sense to sell when I did as wanted to release some capital. I think the Spyder is a more driver focused car than the 997 turbo. The 997t will be just a different experience I was also looking for something to fill the gap until the next GT4 arrives - if Porsche decide to offer one & whether it will be NA. Even if it becomes a turbo I would probably seriously consider it. Your GT4 looks awesome. I was late to the party with the GT4 but managed to get the Spyder. Sounds like you are doing some serious mods Chris.

Edited by Andrew911 on Tuesday 7th March 11:22

[Andrew911]

Hi ChrisW,

I guess you must be planning on tracking the GT4. Be interested to hear how you get on with the mods. The GT4RS is very speculative; but would be great if Porsche do decide to release it. Its still very tricky to judge which way Porsche will go with the next GT4 (I'am sure there be a 718 GT4) - NA or turbo.

JZM seem to do some interesting & sensible mods. i would be tempted with the Manthey power upgrade for tbhe turbo but would probably invalidate the Porsche warranty.

[Andrew911]

IMI A said:

had a look on JZMs website - looks a really top example. I like the tip on a turbo. Sure its not precise when pressing on using manual mode but the turbo is a GT and I've always found the tip a very refined box. Let us know what you think. If you ever want to try a manual turbo for comparison feel free to let me know

Thanks for that I think the manual would have been better & loved the manual in the Spyder. But felt the JZM 997t was excellent & a good example. The tip is a little slow in comparison to the PDK.

[Andrew911]

Adam B said:

Hi Andrew

Looks like a lovely example, the leather bits really lift the interior IMHO - out of curiosity would you have paid same/more/less for a manual car without PCCB?

Loaded question as mine is same spec (with leather bits) and miles but black/black with manual and short shift

Edited by Adam B on Wednesday 8th March 09:17

The first owner ticked every leather option - it is a very speced car.

In interesting question re manual. I'am not sure if you would have to pay a premium for PCCBs on a car of that age but would do if it was a manual. Same spec car aprt from - manual with steels or tip with PCCBs. Tricky one. Maybe same price or slightly higher for the manual?

Edited by Andrew911 on Wednesday 8th March 12:17

[Andrew911]

So, collected the 997 turbo at the weekend. Initial thoughts are good (although I have had 997.2 C2S) & very different to the 981 Spyder.

Although I had had several Porsche's - mainly 911s this is the first one I've owned with PCCBs. I have noticed that they have occasionally squeaked. Sure I have heard on here that thats normal?

[Andrew911]

jm doc said:

I have a gen 2 997 TTS, ceramics are a nightmare in heavy rain on motorway journeys, just nothing there when you brake unless you keep them warm and dry by regularly braking every 5 minutes or so. Genuinely shocked by how bad they are.

Yikes! All my Porsche's have been daily drives including winter. Should be fun.