996 turbo to GT4
Discussion
Hi All,
I’ve owned my manual 996 turbo for coming up to seven years now. I’m starting to think it’s time for a change and like the idea of a 981 GT4. I’ve done plenty of research into them and think they would suit me well. Whilst I’ve enjoyed the 996 turbo, I’d like something that is a bit more ‘alive’ in the handling department. The 996 turbo entertains in a number of ways incredibly well, and whilst I can’t criticise the ‘planted’ handling, I’d like something that is a bit more involving. There is a slight itch to scratch by owing a Porsche GT car.
However, I’m wondering if a few choice mods to the 996 turbo would be smarter than outplaying the extra cash for a GT4. My car has an aftermarket performance exhaust, Michelin tyres and I’m just about to have Bilstein PSS10s fitted. If I keep the car, I will also fit bucket seats (Corbeau RRBs), lighter Oz Allegerita wheels and get a remap. I’d also ditch some weight from the car to make it more of a ‘clubsport’ spec.
In terms of practicalities, the number of seats doesn’t matter although I have two kids. I’m living in a dry climate. I know the 996 turbo and have maintained it well - just done a gearbox rebuild. Money is a consideration - modding the 996 will probably be money gone as it won’t add value to the car. They’re also quite an old car now with expensive maintenance. Whereas, sinking cash into a GT4 gives me a newer and more valuable car with, most probably, cheaper maintenance. I can see values of 996 turbos rising a bit and GT4 values falling a bit.
Any thoughts or advice appreciated.
Thanks
I’ve owned my manual 996 turbo for coming up to seven years now. I’m starting to think it’s time for a change and like the idea of a 981 GT4. I’ve done plenty of research into them and think they would suit me well. Whilst I’ve enjoyed the 996 turbo, I’d like something that is a bit more ‘alive’ in the handling department. The 996 turbo entertains in a number of ways incredibly well, and whilst I can’t criticise the ‘planted’ handling, I’d like something that is a bit more involving. There is a slight itch to scratch by owing a Porsche GT car.
However, I’m wondering if a few choice mods to the 996 turbo would be smarter than outplaying the extra cash for a GT4. My car has an aftermarket performance exhaust, Michelin tyres and I’m just about to have Bilstein PSS10s fitted. If I keep the car, I will also fit bucket seats (Corbeau RRBs), lighter Oz Allegerita wheels and get a remap. I’d also ditch some weight from the car to make it more of a ‘clubsport’ spec.
In terms of practicalities, the number of seats doesn’t matter although I have two kids. I’m living in a dry climate. I know the 996 turbo and have maintained it well - just done a gearbox rebuild. Money is a consideration - modding the 996 will probably be money gone as it won’t add value to the car. They’re also quite an old car now with expensive maintenance. Whereas, sinking cash into a GT4 gives me a newer and more valuable car with, most probably, cheaper maintenance. I can see values of 996 turbos rising a bit and GT4 values falling a bit.
Any thoughts or advice appreciated.
Thanks
I would buy GT4. You'll miss the torque but I think the GT4 is exactly what you are looking for. I've made my turbo slightly sharper too. It only makes the car easier to drive and even more planted and faster. Doesn't change character of car which is still softer natured GT (to add I'd buy the yellow 996 GT3 in classifieds over GT4) 
The GT4 is a significantly more hardcore experience. There will also be a torque deficit of course, which requires a different driving style and you will have to work harder to extract performance. However, I think the GT4 will be more playful and alive while also having more grip than the 996 on a dry road (mostly due to suspension).
I think the GT4 is a better bet value-wise than heavily modding the 996. I do agree that values of a stock 996 may rise and stock GT4 may fall a bit, but nothing crazy.
I think the GT4 is a better bet value-wise than heavily modding the 996. I do agree that values of a stock 996 may rise and stock GT4 may fall a bit, but nothing crazy.
Your likely to lose more buying a GT4 as it's a newer car so it'll depreciate more and they're not rare. You'll have a big outlay to start, but you should have lower running costs.
Keeping the 996 turbo will be cheaper as it's unlikely to drop in value, but running costs may be higher (but nowhere near the cost to get into a GT4).
It you're doing mods, best to make them reversible. Keep the original parts e.g. seats etc.
You could always try the GT4 as you won't have problems finding another 996 turbo if you wanted to go back. A 996 GT3 or 997.1 GT3 maybe a better alternative.
It's a nice dilemma to have.
Keeping the 996 turbo will be cheaper as it's unlikely to drop in value, but running costs may be higher (but nowhere near the cost to get into a GT4).
It you're doing mods, best to make them reversible. Keep the original parts e.g. seats etc.
You could always try the GT4 as you won't have problems finding another 996 turbo if you wanted to go back. A 996 GT3 or 997.1 GT3 maybe a better alternative.
It's a nice dilemma to have.
Just 3 weeks ago stepped out of a 996T after eight years, loved the car to bits but wanted something a bit more track friendly for the odd day & more of a weekend warrior. I ended up going for a 997.1 GT3 over the cayman (Considered both R & GT4) under the basis the engine needs to remain special.
As others have said you are spoilt for torque, so the GT3 is taking a while to adjust to. I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel slow in comparison. It also turns out the 996T is pretty raw compared to newer models, it actually feels more exotic to me than the GT3 due to the outrageous amount of torque ( so far). That said the GT is noticeably more nimble and skittish.
Time will tell, but as others have said I would get plenty of long test drives in. I think I read so much crap on here about how the Turbo is benign/boring that I started to believe it - what a load of utter drivel
The GT3 and Turbo are 95% the same, it’s the 5% which is a different character. I can’t speak for the Cayman, I’ve only ever driven the 987.2 version which also felt very similar in the grand scheme of things
As a reference my old Turbo was a mapped X50, short shift, otherwise stock. The GT3 is running Ohlins. I think a good set of seats in the turbo would transform the experience.
As others have said you are spoilt for torque, so the GT3 is taking a while to adjust to. I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel slow in comparison. It also turns out the 996T is pretty raw compared to newer models, it actually feels more exotic to me than the GT3 due to the outrageous amount of torque ( so far). That said the GT is noticeably more nimble and skittish.
Time will tell, but as others have said I would get plenty of long test drives in. I think I read so much crap on here about how the Turbo is benign/boring that I started to believe it - what a load of utter drivel
The GT3 and Turbo are 95% the same, it’s the 5% which is a different character. I can’t speak for the Cayman, I’ve only ever driven the 987.2 version which also felt very similar in the grand scheme of things
As a reference my old Turbo was a mapped X50, short shift, otherwise stock. The GT3 is running Ohlins. I think a good set of seats in the turbo would transform the experience.
Edited by shantybeater on Friday 4th December 18:26
You make a good point that older models do feel rawer than newer cars.
I remember test driving both a 987 Cayman R and 987 Spyder and feeling they weren't as much of an occasion to drive as my 3.2 Carrera as they were so polished.
The 996 turbo isn't as focused as a 997 GT3 but it's more focused than 99% of cars and feel very tactile these days. Until you press the power.
Still amazes me how it covers ground so effortlessly and sure footedly in poor weather.
I remember test driving both a 987 Cayman R and 987 Spyder and feeling they weren't as much of an occasion to drive as my 3.2 Carrera as they were so polished.
The 996 turbo isn't as focused as a 997 GT3 but it's more focused than 99% of cars and feel very tactile these days. Until you press the power.
Still amazes me how it covers ground so effortlessly and sure footedly in poor weather.
If it’s a road car; the turbo is the one you’ll use more of the power, more of the time. The GT cars are really geared up for track work where you are on it most of the time.
I found the same thing when jumping between my Evo’s (four of them) and M3/CSL’s. Ultimately I’ve settled on the Evo as a weekend car as I get more thrills, more often than the NA cars. I know they’re totally different offerings, but similar principles.
I found the same thing when jumping between my Evo’s (four of them) and M3/CSL’s. Ultimately I’ve settled on the Evo as a weekend car as I get more thrills, more often than the NA cars. I know they’re totally different offerings, but similar principles.
As an 8 year owner of a 996T, I went through a similar thought process a while ago, but my chosen replacement was going to be a 997 GTS, as I needed a PDK box rather than a manual.
At the time, the cost to change was 25K, but that cost just didn't compute to being 25K more performance, either in terms of driving dynamics or kudos over my turbo. So I decided to keep the 996T and add some upgrades. Ohlins R&T, Cup2 tyres, RS29 brake pads, 997T disc conversion etc, the result of which is a car that feels superb to drive, with fantastic steering response, great brakes and thanks to a Kline 200 cell exhaust, a great soundtrack too. RSS engine mounts complete the package and make a huge difference to feel.
A light remap has endowed the car with 503 hp and 511 ft/lbs torque on Litchfield's Maha rolling road. The car is a weapon now, which annihilates GT4s on track, along with feeling very tactile on the road. All of the mods are reversible if necessary, but it feels so nice now that I have no plans to change.
From my point of view, I love the interior of the 996s too, which I realise is controversial, but man, it just feels so right and in character with the rest of the car.
OP, good luck whichever way you choose. There may be no right or wrong answer.
At the time, the cost to change was 25K, but that cost just didn't compute to being 25K more performance, either in terms of driving dynamics or kudos over my turbo. So I decided to keep the 996T and add some upgrades. Ohlins R&T, Cup2 tyres, RS29 brake pads, 997T disc conversion etc, the result of which is a car that feels superb to drive, with fantastic steering response, great brakes and thanks to a Kline 200 cell exhaust, a great soundtrack too. RSS engine mounts complete the package and make a huge difference to feel.
A light remap has endowed the car with 503 hp and 511 ft/lbs torque on Litchfield's Maha rolling road. The car is a weapon now, which annihilates GT4s on track, along with feeling very tactile on the road. All of the mods are reversible if necessary, but it feels so nice now that I have no plans to change.
From my point of view, I love the interior of the 996s too, which I realise is controversial, but man, it just feels so right and in character with the rest of the car.
OP, good luck whichever way you choose. There may be no right or wrong answer.
Pleasing to read so many positive reviews of 996T's. I've owned mine for 5 years. It has 9E stage 1 and 6 pot fronts, RS29s braided hoses etc.. It really is very fast and relatively feelsome / raw. I know I would miss the torque, but have always wanted a 996.2 GT3. Not in the market presently. That said I do like 981 Cayman S / GTS.... For the GT4 money I'd have my that '6.2 GT3.
Thanks all for the replies so far. Some excellent points.
I think I need to get my 996 turbo back and see how it drives with the PSS10s but I also need to drive a GT4 and early GT3.
I’m also of the opinion that the 996 turbo feels very raw - it’s certainly engaging to drive, it’s just that I’ve read the GT cars are sharper and more communicative in the handling department. I think it’s more so about scratching the itch of a GT car.
The alternative is to do some of the mods listed in my OP, which would probably come to about £3k or so and add another car.
I think I need to get my 996 turbo back and see how it drives with the PSS10s but I also need to drive a GT4 and early GT3.
I’m also of the opinion that the 996 turbo feels very raw - it’s certainly engaging to drive, it’s just that I’ve read the GT cars are sharper and more communicative in the handling department. I think it’s more so about scratching the itch of a GT car.
The alternative is to do some of the mods listed in my OP, which would probably come to about £3k or so and add another car.
Good to see so many long term 996 turbo owners on here, I'm at 8 years (9 years in March).
• wormski (X50) - 12 years
• Pmr01 - 9 years
• g7jhp (X50) - 8 years
• mikep240 - 8 years
• shantybeater (X50) - 8 years (sold to family)
• Onetrackmind (OP) - 7 years
• simonsti - 7 years
• ScienceTeacher - 5 years
Sure we all have a look at other models from time to time but it's a hard package to beat as it's a sharper/ quicker drive than 99% of cars.
• wormski (X50) - 12 years
• Pmr01 - 9 years
• g7jhp (X50) - 8 years
• mikep240 - 8 years
• shantybeater (X50) - 8 years (sold to family)
• Onetrackmind (OP) - 7 years
• simonsti - 7 years
• ScienceTeacher - 5 years
Sure we all have a look at other models from time to time but it's a hard package to beat as it's a sharper/ quicker drive than 99% of cars.
Edited by g7jhp on Tuesday 15th December 10:46
g7jhp said:
Good to see so many long term 996 turbo owners on here, I'm at 8 years (9 years in March).
• g7jhp - 8 years
• mikep240 - 8 years
• shantybeater - 8 years (sold)
• Onetrackmind (OP) - 7 years
• simonsti - 7 years
• ScienceTeacher - 5 years
Sure we all have a look at other models from time to time but it's a hard package to beat as it's a sharper/ quicker drive than 99% of cars.
Agree, clearly the 996T has been a brilliant package for all of us. Mine ended up staying in the family, had that not been an option I may never have let it go. • g7jhp - 8 years
• mikep240 - 8 years
• shantybeater - 8 years (sold)
• Onetrackmind (OP) - 7 years
• simonsti - 7 years
• ScienceTeacher - 5 years
Sure we all have a look at other models from time to time but it's a hard package to beat as it's a sharper/ quicker drive than 99% of cars.
It really is a special car, and for me was my entry into Porsche ownership!
I like the character of the thing, especially now with a bit more boost. I get the whole NA thing and appreciate it, but the turbo thing is also fun and exciting. I like managing the boost and response. It feels old school and it makes me sad in a way that the new breed of turbocharged cars, especially Ferrari and the regular 911 are trying to hide the turbocharging by clever electronics with the throttle. I think that the new Turbo still retains some turbo character, deliberately I expect, and I celebrate that. It’s another dimension to driving.
I remember getting a Cayman R pdk for the weekend from my OPC.... couldn't wait to get out of it and back into my turbo for a whole host of reasons. Having also driven the GT4 it brings back similar feelings.
Very difficult to move away from turbo torque, and whilst you do need some mods to wake the car up (chassis and engine), if done right there is very little in my view that offers a more compelling and pretty raw all round drive experience (for anything like non crazy money)
Very difficult to move away from turbo torque, and whilst you do need some mods to wake the car up (chassis and engine), if done right there is very little in my view that offers a more compelling and pretty raw all round drive experience (for anything like non crazy money)
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