Modified 997s

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

Hoping this is as bad as it gets, as right now my lovely GT3 is feeling a distant memory and the new version a pipe dream....

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

JohnBRG said:

Looks like they've nailed the colour. Will look awesome.

Thank you. Fingers crossed..... still need to remove the roof yet though and replace with the carbon one. That is the bit that's worrying me.... I also hope they did some good diagrams of the electrics.....

[M32GER]

Harris_I said:

Can you tell us more, Steve?

Yes please do Steve. Actually a few people have told me not to but I went ahead and brought one anyway..... But haven't done any research to be honest. Main motivation was I couldn't fathon why anyone would spec a sunroof on a GT3 and that set me on my way to changing it out. My logic was less weight up top especially in eliminating the sunroof. But for sure I understand the importance of the roof, hence why cabriolets need so much structural support which adds the weight. But I thought the skin itself is just a thinish layer anyway and it is the cross beams that gives the structural support?

[M32GER]

I have been thinking about it some more. The roof skin is extremely thin and borderline flimsy, plus I think it is largely bonded with adhesive into place along with some corner rivets (?) so surely if it were flexing under stress the adhesive would break away or if not the thin skin would crease over time? Also, I wonder if the installation of the rollcage (and the other strut braces) would mitigate any marginal loss in rigidity anyway as these will greatly increase the overall rigidity of the chassis structure vs a stock non roll cage car? Lastly, if carbon weren't appropriate how then do some manufacturers make entire chassis out of it?

Edited by M32GER on Tuesday 21st November 19:17

[M32GER]

Steve Rance said:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n8MhZhw_sQ

I'm not sure a carbon roof would have kept it's integrity through this. If it comes off or splits open, you have a big problem. I know that kelvin was glad that it was metal. If im racing a Gt car, I prefer a fully metal shell. Carbon is good for the first impact then it tends to explode. it's risk V reward. The honest answer is, until you prang, you wont know.

Edited by Steve Rance on Tuesday 21st November 19:45

Yes certainly wouldn't want to have been in that. I guess mine is not intended to be an all out GT car, just a road car that does a few track days a year but it is good advice and food for thought, thank you Steve.

[M32GER]

The carbon front door panels arrived from Manthey yesterday

[M32GER]

Hi Harris, I plan to keep the stock doors, these are just the internal door cards. There is a cage going in but only a half cage

[M32GER]

I went to the body shop again today to check on the progress and the roof is now removed so I guess no going back. Have given it some thought but going to roll the dice and proceed with the carbon roof which will probably be installed on Sunday / Monday

[M32GER]

Carbon roof resting in position

[M32GER]

Very happy with the work so far. Attention to detail has been really great

[M32GER]

Ah fantastic do you have any pics?

The Manthey ones do look lovely quality but will probably also have some kind of noise trade off but since I am removing all the sound proofing anyway throughout the car I doubt will make any difference, loud and proud : )) I ordered a lightweight carpet set from Cargraphic just to add back a token nod of factory look but given it is about as thin as a few sheets of paper I doubt will do anything to dull the road noise, just how I want it! I love hearing all that clattering underneath, the sm flywheel chatter and the stones clipping the underside....

[M32GER]

That was a nice read, great thread. Are you still running it?

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

[M32GER]

D.no said:

M32GER,

Just read this from the beginning (I know, I know, time is sparse, so I don't get on here often) and I'm now an avid fan. Can't wait for the next installment...which I'll no doubt catch up on in June

Regarding your 997.2 (which also looked great) can I ask what suspension you were running?

Thanks, and keep up the good work.

Hi D.no many thanks for the nice words. Yes sure, that was a KW V3 suspension with RSS front lower control arms + shims for extra camber. For this build I have opted to upgrade to the KW Clubsport kit.