Guards Red 911 (997.1) GT3
Discussion
Not really sure if this is going to be of any interest to anybody, but I thought I might chronicle the last few years of my adventure into ownership of my 'achievable dream car', which I guess is what it is.
Ever since my brother ran a 996 C4 years back, I'd been fond of Stuttgart's finest. It was just so competent, made a good noise and had plenty of performance, certainly feeling stronger than the quoted 320 bhp.
Fond memories of a road trip with a mate's E46 m3 to Le Mans dodging les gendarmes.
For various reasons I hadn't been in a position to run one - mainly living in Singapore, where I didn't fancy paying half a million quid for the privilege. I thusly made do with 2 wheeled transport as bikes don't (or didn't) attract the same tax burden as cars, and was happy blasting up into Malaysia, mainly to Johor and Sepang circuits. A bit soft and chunky for the track really, but the first crossplane-crank R1 makes a really good road bike.
The grey whale in action:
A friend of mine persuaded me to accept a job in Geneva, so I reluctantly waved the R1 farewell and packed my bags. Not before checking what my man-maths could get me, however. Turns out, rather irritatingly, that Geneva is among the most anti-car of Swiss cantons (counties) - they have multipliers for age, emissions, bhp and weight. This meant that my dream had to wait a little longer, and I contented myself with a remapped B8 S4.
I never drove the car in standard tune, in fact. I bought it and drove it straight to the APR man who promptly coaxed about 420 bhp out of it. It was competent, really quite fast and was a solid ally in the mountains come the winter although I never really bonded with it. In the 3.5 years I owned it, I don't think I ever just went for a drive.
It was also woefully under-braked. I warped the first set in short order, ordered new discs and pads all round, and within 20 minutes of standard autobahn type 'cruising' (that is to say, full blast to 250-280 kmh, and then braking to 130 or so, every 2 mins), they were grumbling as loudly as ever, the wheel vibing like a hitachi magic wand under light braking. Was a lovely Dolphin grey, and I still think a well proportioned thing. The mechatronic unit on the 'box failed, as they almost all do on the early cars, but was fixed under warranty - no TD1 code raised!
In order to reignite the spark of motoring in general, not to mention quell track cravings, I acquired a motorbike again. This time an Aprilia RSV4. It is an extremely exciting device to say the least, and save for a couple of little bits, mainly an Akra can and some more aggressive pads, largely needs to be left well alone - the rider could do with some serious improvement though. It's also been tested on the autobahn, and I was pleased to note that it doesn't run in to any sort of limiter like all my Jap bikes. It's also extremely stable and confidence-inspiring at high speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LVX1RD1z8U
In hindsight, I shouldn't have gone for a new one as its too nice, not to mention expensive to be dropping on track, but once I'd heard the thing running, I couldn't say no.
Then I moved to another canton (Schwyz), where they don't penalise you unduly for the nature of the car you drive, the road and motoring tax system is much simpler.
NOW it was time. I'd agonised over the bloody things for years, and realised the market wasn't ever going to soften any further. I didn't want a black one, I wanted a wed wun. Then came the murky world of over-rev categories and fear of failing Mezgers.
As so often happens, when I finally found the one, it was located about 10 minutes away from me. It was in the right colour, had had a suspension refresh, had a perfect service history and had 'never been on track' (PAH!). It had suffered a category 4 over-rev which put me off initially, however having had it inspected by Porsche, being given a years warranty by the dealer, and reading into it, I felt ready to take the plunge.
The first night:
It is comfort spec and has over 30,000 miles on it, so is plainly nigh-on worthless in GT3 terms, so I got on with driving it!
Its certainly the best car I've ever owned, and really needs you to be at your best to get the most out of it. I can't see myself parting with it, as its everything I want from a driving experience, its hyper responsive and raw, and provided you rev it like an old Honda, its fast, too.
In an oft-repeated autobahn comparison with a friends de-limited M5 (2013 car), if the 'race' starts with the M5 just behind - at the top of 2nd or 3rd gear running on to top - the 911 will hold its own initially, be slowly overhauled around the change from 4th to 5th gear, and once over 150 mph or so won't lose any more ground. Of course, if its not on the Porsche driver's terms, it gets destroyed!
I have changed the old Pilot Sport 2 tyres fitted to the car to Pilot Sport 4S, and am generally not that impressed, the once telepathic and go-kart like front end is now far more relaxed in its responses. Sidewall stiffness has plainly been reduced. I gather the new tyres are superior in the wet, but haven't had a chance to test that.
I'll update a little as I go - Cup 2 tyres and possibly a sharkwerks bypass are on the list for next year.
Thanks for reading.
Ever since my brother ran a 996 C4 years back, I'd been fond of Stuttgart's finest. It was just so competent, made a good noise and had plenty of performance, certainly feeling stronger than the quoted 320 bhp.
Fond memories of a road trip with a mate's E46 m3 to Le Mans dodging les gendarmes.
For various reasons I hadn't been in a position to run one - mainly living in Singapore, where I didn't fancy paying half a million quid for the privilege. I thusly made do with 2 wheeled transport as bikes don't (or didn't) attract the same tax burden as cars, and was happy blasting up into Malaysia, mainly to Johor and Sepang circuits. A bit soft and chunky for the track really, but the first crossplane-crank R1 makes a really good road bike.
The grey whale in action:
A friend of mine persuaded me to accept a job in Geneva, so I reluctantly waved the R1 farewell and packed my bags. Not before checking what my man-maths could get me, however. Turns out, rather irritatingly, that Geneva is among the most anti-car of Swiss cantons (counties) - they have multipliers for age, emissions, bhp and weight. This meant that my dream had to wait a little longer, and I contented myself with a remapped B8 S4.
I never drove the car in standard tune, in fact. I bought it and drove it straight to the APR man who promptly coaxed about 420 bhp out of it. It was competent, really quite fast and was a solid ally in the mountains come the winter although I never really bonded with it. In the 3.5 years I owned it, I don't think I ever just went for a drive.
It was also woefully under-braked. I warped the first set in short order, ordered new discs and pads all round, and within 20 minutes of standard autobahn type 'cruising' (that is to say, full blast to 250-280 kmh, and then braking to 130 or so, every 2 mins), they were grumbling as loudly as ever, the wheel vibing like a hitachi magic wand under light braking. Was a lovely Dolphin grey, and I still think a well proportioned thing. The mechatronic unit on the 'box failed, as they almost all do on the early cars, but was fixed under warranty - no TD1 code raised!
In order to reignite the spark of motoring in general, not to mention quell track cravings, I acquired a motorbike again. This time an Aprilia RSV4. It is an extremely exciting device to say the least, and save for a couple of little bits, mainly an Akra can and some more aggressive pads, largely needs to be left well alone - the rider could do with some serious improvement though. It's also been tested on the autobahn, and I was pleased to note that it doesn't run in to any sort of limiter like all my Jap bikes. It's also extremely stable and confidence-inspiring at high speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LVX1RD1z8U
In hindsight, I shouldn't have gone for a new one as its too nice, not to mention expensive to be dropping on track, but once I'd heard the thing running, I couldn't say no.
Then I moved to another canton (Schwyz), where they don't penalise you unduly for the nature of the car you drive, the road and motoring tax system is much simpler.
NOW it was time. I'd agonised over the bloody things for years, and realised the market wasn't ever going to soften any further. I didn't want a black one, I wanted a wed wun. Then came the murky world of over-rev categories and fear of failing Mezgers.
As so often happens, when I finally found the one, it was located about 10 minutes away from me. It was in the right colour, had had a suspension refresh, had a perfect service history and had 'never been on track' (PAH!). It had suffered a category 4 over-rev which put me off initially, however having had it inspected by Porsche, being given a years warranty by the dealer, and reading into it, I felt ready to take the plunge.
The first night:
It is comfort spec and has over 30,000 miles on it, so is plainly nigh-on worthless in GT3 terms, so I got on with driving it!
Its certainly the best car I've ever owned, and really needs you to be at your best to get the most out of it. I can't see myself parting with it, as its everything I want from a driving experience, its hyper responsive and raw, and provided you rev it like an old Honda, its fast, too.
In an oft-repeated autobahn comparison with a friends de-limited M5 (2013 car), if the 'race' starts with the M5 just behind - at the top of 2nd or 3rd gear running on to top - the 911 will hold its own initially, be slowly overhauled around the change from 4th to 5th gear, and once over 150 mph or so won't lose any more ground. Of course, if its not on the Porsche driver's terms, it gets destroyed!
I have changed the old Pilot Sport 2 tyres fitted to the car to Pilot Sport 4S, and am generally not that impressed, the once telepathic and go-kart like front end is now far more relaxed in its responses. Sidewall stiffness has plainly been reduced. I gather the new tyres are superior in the wet, but haven't had a chance to test that.
I'll update a little as I go - Cup 2 tyres and possibly a sharkwerks bypass are on the list for next year.
Thanks for reading.
Edited by civiclegend on Friday 22 December 09:47
Edited by civiclegend on Friday 22 December 09:49
...Mezgers are wonderful . I have had my 2008 RS from new and will never part with it.So far, just enjoying it!
The Klausen pass pre-biking season was absolutely amazing. They keep the top section closed until its completely thawed out, this means it is empty. Do one run as a recce for police and cheeky cameras, and then enjoy.
Due to the 'comfort' spec seats, even the midget sized missus can drive it no problem.
She was keen to best her personal top speed, note the white knuckle grip on the wheel.
I took it back to the UK, mainly so a friend of mine (also a Porsche specialist) could give it his own once over. I had the last remaining bits of the front suspension that hadn't been refreshed changed, and picked it up a few weeks later.
Met a friend for a drive and a bit of a car swapping day:
The M3 was much better suited to the British B roads than the Porker, it really flowed amazingly well over the bumpy stuff - it also seemed tiny. The engine felt a little flat, so I think it needs a bit of love before it feels its best, but it really is a lovely car.
The GT3 in my opinion is really not at home on the bumps of the UK, you get quite beaten up. It's definitely more at home at... well... home!
The Klausen pass pre-biking season was absolutely amazing. They keep the top section closed until its completely thawed out, this means it is empty. Do one run as a recce for police and cheeky cameras, and then enjoy.
Due to the 'comfort' spec seats, even the midget sized missus can drive it no problem.
She was keen to best her personal top speed, note the white knuckle grip on the wheel.
I took it back to the UK, mainly so a friend of mine (also a Porsche specialist) could give it his own once over. I had the last remaining bits of the front suspension that hadn't been refreshed changed, and picked it up a few weeks later.
Met a friend for a drive and a bit of a car swapping day:
The M3 was much better suited to the British B roads than the Porker, it really flowed amazingly well over the bumpy stuff - it also seemed tiny. The engine felt a little flat, so I think it needs a bit of love before it feels its best, but it really is a lovely car.
The GT3 in my opinion is really not at home on the bumps of the UK, you get quite beaten up. It's definitely more at home at... well... home!
Small update.
Took the plunge this year and fitted Cup2 tyres. Absolutely worth the extra cash over the 4S's, they just seem a lot more rigid in their construction, and you have a chunk more confidence when trail-braking (more on that later).
Having only done 6000 miles (10000 km) on the old tyres I felt I was possibly binning perfectly good rubber, but once up in the air, it was plain to see the inside edges, particularly on the rears, was done. The car does run a fair amount of camber, so I shouldn't be too surprised.
Also fitted Performance Friction pads all round, which bedded well to the slightly worn discs on the car, no undue squealing once hot and absolutely reliable stopping power. They definitely run hot though, as my buddy in his identical car came up the inside into Les Combes with the fronts glowing bright orange ably demonstrated.
Had some decent laps at the 'ring, followed the new M4 ring taxi for a while, wasn't that impressed with his pace. At the end we all got monstered by some ridiculously fast and loud Clio! You see him at the very beginning and end of the lap, he must have been all over my buddy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgjTBaC8ns0&fe...
I was keen to try the car on a track other than the 'ring so I could really push it, and Spa provided ample space to do just that. I took some advice from Andy Carlile (of 'ring bike lap record fame) and drastically shortened my braking distances. I'd started the day braking at 200m at the end of Kemmel into Les Combes, by the end of the day that was down to 130, possibly 125m, taking huge chunks out of my lap times.
My first session (alone) yielded a 2:56, after Andy was finished, I was sneaking under 2:50. Then a friend went out in his 991 and immediately posted a 2:47. Bah!
The 'public driving days' at Spa are hilariously relaxed - buy and swap sessions as you wish, and overtaking on both sides. It pretty much ends up as a full on race. Highlights were a ding-dong battle with an Alpina that had arrived on a trailer, he was in the way, but slightly faster in a straight line and thus almost impossible to pass, with any politeness. In the end he screwed up the bus stop somehow, and my mate just cut the corner to make sure he avoided him. Alpina man then retreated to the pits.
My view... you know when you wish you'd just shut up and driven instead of waffled away? Alpina blocker appears at 6 mins, and f
ks it all up at 11 mins, much to our satisfaction. Sorry for the swearing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Nsv6BDzck&fe...
I also made the mistake of letting a mate drive the car at Spa. He hadn't driven anything quick, or in anger, for a while. In hindsight this was a mistake - I think he'd been watching us pound the cars relentlessly and just jumped in with both feet. Despite my insistence on POWER!!!!! mid-corner, he dithered between the apices at Pouhon, which resulted in a 4th gear spin!! To say I wasn't best pleased was an understatement, but as it was largely my fault in letting him out there I couldn't be too critical - this shall not be happening again. The most annoying thing was my mate's bloody go-pro died before it happened, he'd have had it on camera.
Some pics:
Took the plunge this year and fitted Cup2 tyres. Absolutely worth the extra cash over the 4S's, they just seem a lot more rigid in their construction, and you have a chunk more confidence when trail-braking (more on that later).
Having only done 6000 miles (10000 km) on the old tyres I felt I was possibly binning perfectly good rubber, but once up in the air, it was plain to see the inside edges, particularly on the rears, was done. The car does run a fair amount of camber, so I shouldn't be too surprised.
Also fitted Performance Friction pads all round, which bedded well to the slightly worn discs on the car, no undue squealing once hot and absolutely reliable stopping power. They definitely run hot though, as my buddy in his identical car came up the inside into Les Combes with the fronts glowing bright orange ably demonstrated.
Had some decent laps at the 'ring, followed the new M4 ring taxi for a while, wasn't that impressed with his pace. At the end we all got monstered by some ridiculously fast and loud Clio! You see him at the very beginning and end of the lap, he must have been all over my buddy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgjTBaC8ns0&fe...
I was keen to try the car on a track other than the 'ring so I could really push it, and Spa provided ample space to do just that. I took some advice from Andy Carlile (of 'ring bike lap record fame) and drastically shortened my braking distances. I'd started the day braking at 200m at the end of Kemmel into Les Combes, by the end of the day that was down to 130, possibly 125m, taking huge chunks out of my lap times.
My first session (alone) yielded a 2:56, after Andy was finished, I was sneaking under 2:50. Then a friend went out in his 991 and immediately posted a 2:47. Bah!
The 'public driving days' at Spa are hilariously relaxed - buy and swap sessions as you wish, and overtaking on both sides. It pretty much ends up as a full on race. Highlights were a ding-dong battle with an Alpina that had arrived on a trailer, he was in the way, but slightly faster in a straight line and thus almost impossible to pass, with any politeness. In the end he screwed up the bus stop somehow, and my mate just cut the corner to make sure he avoided him. Alpina man then retreated to the pits.
My view... you know when you wish you'd just shut up and driven instead of waffled away? Alpina blocker appears at 6 mins, and f
ks it all up at 11 mins, much to our satisfaction. Sorry for the swearing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8Nsv6BDzck&fe...I also made the mistake of letting a mate drive the car at Spa. He hadn't driven anything quick, or in anger, for a while. In hindsight this was a mistake - I think he'd been watching us pound the cars relentlessly and just jumped in with both feet. Despite my insistence on POWER!!!!! mid-corner, he dithered between the apices at Pouhon, which resulted in a 4th gear spin!! To say I wasn't best pleased was an understatement, but as it was largely my fault in letting him out there I couldn't be too critical - this shall not be happening again. The most annoying thing was my mate's bloody go-pro died before it happened, he'd have had it on camera.
Some pics:
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