997.2 GT3 - Tips Wanted!
Discussion
So, I'm a week in! Obviously travel is limited, but if there has a been a reason to go out to the shops, I have volunteered to to take the GT3 out each time, demonstrated in the above picture (local pub doing pizza, very nice!).
First impressions are car feels the 'right' size; it is easy to place and similar to my NSX in that regard. The sound is to die for as well, in contrast to my 718 GT4 which is quite suppressed in the exhaust department.
However, with my limited time in both cars on the road, there's no doubting the GT4 has bags more front end grip thanks to the increase in track. The gearbox in the GT4 is also much easier to use; the GT3's is stiff and sometimes reluctant.
This isn't a trait I remember from my 997.1 GT3 I had about 5 years ago - I thought it was ace. However, I do remember jumping in a friend's 997.1 GT3 which he proudly claimed had (from memory) 996 carrera cup shift cables which I found made the gearbox worse, not better.
I've sifted through the invoices and the car has full PSH, but it has been to JZM on more than one occasion, but the invoices amount to little things like new tyres, wiper blades etc. only.
As for the front end, I am happy to accept it is a feature of being back in a so-called proper 911 and having to manage it. I've been spoilt by a Performante lately which of course has 4WD, Pirelli Trofeo Rs and track geometry so perhaps my memory from 5 years ago needs some recalibration. However, I was wondering how people rate the Pirelli Corsas (N-Rated) as opposed to Michelins?
Finally, I read a thread here about 'track' geometry. However all I see in the owner's manual is just one set of recommend geometry figures for both road and track, so assume that's how it comes as the factory?
Any tips appreciated - it is on steels an my eventual plan is a handful of trackdays a year. I know about the chocolate diff (is this the same for Gen 2?) and coolant pipe issues from my previous life!
Congratulations! One great car you got yourself here!
The gearbox on my 7.2 GT3 needs to be properly warmed up to feel in a mechanical way well oiled. The box in my RS is smother but not by a massive margin. Hence there appear to be differences between cars. The Touring has the slickest of all shifts. But that is a different gearbox altogether
The front end comes with typical 911 understeer. However, with trail braking this can be managed IMO. Mines are on Michelins, so cannot talk about Pirellis
The gearbox on my 7.2 GT3 needs to be properly warmed up to feel in a mechanical way well oiled. The box in my RS is smother but not by a massive margin. Hence there appear to be differences between cars. The Touring has the slickest of all shifts. But that is a different gearbox altogether
The front end comes with typical 911 understeer. However, with trail braking this can be managed IMO. Mines are on Michelins, so cannot talk about Pirellis
Hi I went from a 993 C4S in the Autumn to a 997.1 GT3.
The gears do feel stiff/notchy but once warmed up are "smoother" dare I say. So I know for me it isn't a car I can just jump in a drive, I need to warm it through 1st. 2nd in my 993 was like that, could be a realy PITA when cold.
The gears do feel stiff/notchy but once warmed up are "smoother" dare I say. So I know for me it isn't a car I can just jump in a drive, I need to warm it through 1st. 2nd in my 993 was like that, could be a realy PITA when cold.
A decent geo will make the front end feel much better. Start at 2.3 degrees front / 1.8 degrees rear with zero front toe & 15 minutes of toe in per side on the rear as a base setting and adjust to taste from there. Putting 245/35 tyres on the front will help a good deal when you're on track too. Gearbox needs to be hot to work smoothly as others have said. The diff plates are still made of chocolate - replace with Cup or Guards. Unless you're using Pirelli Trofeo R, stick with Michelins.
Echo the geo as well. Previous 993's have been transformed by going to Centre of Gravity (CofG)- it is an experience all Porsche owners should go through. The drive before and after is a lesson in it's self, what the team at CofG can feel on a drive is witchcraft!
My GT3 was scary on the test drive as it was set up for the previous owner as a track only car. I called CofG to discuss before I bought the car to put my mind at rest. RPM had been the sellers and CofG knew the team their and gave me the confidence that they could set the car up for me which they did.
My GT3 was scary on the test drive as it was set up for the previous owner as a track only car. I called CofG to discuss before I bought the car to put my mind at rest. RPM had been the sellers and CofG knew the team their and gave me the confidence that they could set the car up for me which they did.
Definitely geo. and I'd agree with those recommending Center Gravity. Great guys. I've also used Sports 7 Classic too, but I see you;re in South so suggest talking to JZM, as they have plenty of experience with these cars. They are also where I got the Guards diff plates for my 997.1 GT3.
I'm very, very tempted by the 997.2 GT3 / RS now. From memory, do you find there's much there with the extra engine capacity over the 997.1?
I'm very, very tempted by the 997.2 GT3 / RS now. From memory, do you find there's much there with the extra engine capacity over the 997.1?
nxi20 said:
A decent geo will make the front end feel much better. Start at 2.3 degrees front / 1.8 degrees rear with zero front toe & 15 minutes of toe in per side on the rear as a base setting and adjust to taste from there. Putting 245/35 tyres on the front will help a good deal when you're on track too. Gearbox needs to be hot to work smoothly as others have said. The diff plates are still made of chocolate - replace with Cup or Guards. Unless you're using Pirelli Trofeo R, stick with Michelins.
Good point on the diff. Are Cups still available. I think to remember that someone on here wrote that by now aftermarket is the only opionDr S said:
Good point on the diff. Are Cups still available. I think to remember that someone on here wrote that by now aftermarket is the only opion
Was me. AFAIK no one OPC's in UK or Carnewall are now able to order the motorsport parts as of early last year. Hence why Sports & Classic fitted (and I am very pleased with) the Guards/GT ramps and plates bought form JZM.Digga said:
Dr S said:
Good point on the diff. Are Cups still available. I think to remember that someone on here wrote that by now aftermarket is the only opion
Was me. AFAIK no one OPC's in UK or Carnewall are now able to order the motorsport parts as of early last year. Hence why Sports & Classic fitted (and I am very pleased with) the Guards/GT ramps and plates bought form JZM.
Digga said:
Dr S said:
Good point on the diff. Are Cups still available. I think to remember that someone on here wrote that by now aftermarket is the only opion
Was me. AFAIK no one OPC's in UK or Carnewall are now able to order the motorsport parts as of early last year. Hence why Sports & Classic fitted (and I am very pleased with) the Guards/GT ramps and plates bought form JZM.The gear change on my 7.2RS was recalcitrant hot or cold until JZM changed the clutch plate. Thereafter the change was vastly improved, the reason being that the splines on the gearbox input shaft weren't greased from new meaning that the clutch plate didn't move freely along the splines when the clutch pedal was pressed, causing a fair bit of residual drag. That drag was sufficient to mean that the gearbox was reluctant to "let go" of one gear, as well as to engage the next.
nxi20 said:
Digga said:
Dr S said:
Good point on the diff. Are Cups still available. I think to remember that someone on here wrote that by now aftermarket is the only opion
Was me. AFAIK no one OPC's in UK or Carnewall are now able to order the motorsport parts as of early last year. Hence why Sports & Classic fitted (and I am very pleased with) the Guards/GT ramps and plates bought form JZM.When I enquired in 2018, Mike at Sports & Classic could get them through OPC Wilsmslow. When we got time to get the job sorted, he couldn't get the parts. I got a price from Carnewal and in between him quoting (being able to get bits) and me double checking all part numbers with Mike, the parts because unavailable to him too, around March last year IIRC.
SW3 said:
The gear change on my 7.2RS was recalcitrant hot or cold until JZM changed the clutch plate. Thereafter the change was vastly improved, the reason being that the splines on the gearbox input shaft weren't greased from new meaning that the clutch plate didn't move freely along the splines when the clutch pedal was pressed, causing a fair bit of residual drag. That drag was sufficient to mean that the gearbox was reluctant to "let go" of one gear, as well as to engage the next.
That's interesting. Can I ask how much that was, and what mileage the car was on?Thanks everyone for the feedback. Next tyre change I will invest in a decent geo - any other recommendations in the South would be handy, but otherwise it looks like JZM could handle handle the potential clutch issue at the same time.
As has already been said cup diff is available from Motorsport. I was told there was an inherent weakness in the 3.8 clutch that was ironed out with the 4.0L. If you go this route you will also need to fit the LWFW. RPM did all of the above for me and subjectively I would say the engine spins up more freely, there is better drive out of corners, more stability under braking as well as introducing a characterful chatter at idle. Just try not to stall when you drive away for the first time 
The gearbox is on the agricultural side when compared to most Porsche boxes and you would probably have to go back to the 964RS to find a worse change.
For predominantly road use I thought the MPSS an excellent all-round tyre. However, because I wanted to run the Porsche warranty I had to move to Cup 2. 30k miles and several sets later they are now my tyre of choice.
Just a word on Porsche warranty. It is a pain to get into, possibly having to ditch perfectly good tyres and batteries etc but once on board I have found it pays for itself on a running cost basis .
7.2GT3 of any flavour is one of the very best cars Porsche have made.
Enjoy
The gearbox is on the agricultural side when compared to most Porsche boxes and you would probably have to go back to the 964RS to find a worse change.
For predominantly road use I thought the MPSS an excellent all-round tyre. However, because I wanted to run the Porsche warranty I had to move to Cup 2. 30k miles and several sets later they are now my tyre of choice.
Just a word on Porsche warranty. It is a pain to get into, possibly having to ditch perfectly good tyres and batteries etc but once on board I have found it pays for itself on a running cost basis .
7.2GT3 of any flavour is one of the very best cars Porsche have made.
Enjoy
lowndes said:
However, because I wanted to run the Porsche warranty I had to move to Cup 2. 30k miles and several sets later they are now my tyre of choice.
Just a word on Porsche warranty. It is a pain to get into, possibly having to ditch perfectly good tyres and batteries etc but once on board I have found it pays for itself on a running cost basis .
Clicked for the lovely car content and was grabbed by this... Porsche dictate the tyres you have to run to maintain warranty? Is there any science here or simple "coz we're Porsche" ? Genuinely interested as a 911 is on the "must run one day" list. Cheers.Just a word on Porsche warranty. It is a pain to get into, possibly having to ditch perfectly good tyres and batteries etc but once on board I have found it pays for itself on a running cost basis .
Also, lovely car OP
thelostboy said:
That's interesting. Can I ask how much that was, and what mileage the car was on?
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Next tyre change I will invest in a decent geo - any other recommendations in the South would be handy, but otherwise it looks like JZM could handle handle the potential clutch issue at the same time.
If he's not too far, I would take it to Fearnsport (at Silverstone) for everything and wouldn't let anyone else touch it.Thanks everyone for the feedback. Next tyre change I will invest in a decent geo - any other recommendations in the South would be handy, but otherwise it looks like JZM could handle handle the potential clutch issue at the same time.
And 9e get good reviews if south of London suits better.
Mitch911 said:
thelostboy said:
That's interesting. Can I ask how much that was, and what mileage the car was on?
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Next tyre change I will invest in a decent geo - any other recommendations in the South would be handy, but otherwise it looks like JZM could handle handle the potential clutch issue at the same time.
If he's not too far, I would take it to Fearnsport (at Silverstone) for everything and wouldn't let anyone else touch it.Thanks everyone for the feedback. Next tyre change I will invest in a decent geo - any other recommendations in the South would be handy, but otherwise it looks like JZM could handle handle the potential clutch issue at the same time.
And 9e get good reviews if south of London suits better.
Coolant pipes is a whole other tin of worms; pin or weld. Mine, pinned by S&C, with some new pipes was about £1,000 + VAT from (hazy) memory.
From memory (it was 4 years ago) the cost was about £1,600 and the mileage was about 11,000.
The original clutch plate wasn't worn at all, but I decided to have it replaced, rather than just greased.
I'd been complaining about the shift ever since I bought the car in 2011 at 700 miles and just about every OPC in the South of England had told me that it was perfectly normal. Needless to say, it may have been normal, but it wasn't correct.
Steve McHale at JZM said that he'd seen several cars with exactly the same problem.
The original clutch plate wasn't worn at all, but I decided to have it replaced, rather than just greased.
I'd been complaining about the shift ever since I bought the car in 2011 at 700 miles and just about every OPC in the South of England had told me that it was perfectly normal. Needless to say, it may have been normal, but it wasn't correct.
Steve McHale at JZM said that he'd seen several cars with exactly the same problem.
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