997 GT3 - Six months report
Discussion
Sorry for the long post...
Nearly six months have passed since the day I had the GT3 delivered and the time has flown by. The car has proved to be reliable and I have driven it in all weathers that the UK has provided so far.
The car was broken in with a drive to Cornwall and back in December ‘06 – a round trip of nearly 800 miles. This way the car got to experience a mix of UK Motorway and excellent A and B roads with plenty of gear-changes and different engine loads and rpm. There are some truly magnificent roads in Cornwall, especially if you follow the Atlantic Highway from Padstow heading North-East, the descent into and the ascent out of Boscastle is superb.
The car in this time has returned an average of 22.1mpg overall, the lowest I have seen it deliver over a tank of petrol is 13mpg – this was achieved by some rather spirited driving and some urban work – the highest I have achieved is a 29.8mpg on a single tank, conversely this was achieved on a very leisurely journey to the Cotswolds and back.
So – The Faults. Well, there have been no faults that have rendered the car un-drivable or even unreliable but it has not been a perfect score. I have listed all that has happened to my car, they are not all faults but in listing them I am sure there are other 997 GT3 owners that will identify with some of the issues I have experienced.
Engine Vibration
I know, I can hear you all now… it is a GT3 not a limousine… but a weird Resonance occurs at around 3200-3500 rpm, it is so pronounced that vision out of the rear-view mirror becomes a little blurry and the car seems to buzz at this frequency. It has got slightly better over time and to be honest I just accept it now as normal – some other 997 GT3 owners have commented on it in there cars and some other owners do not experience it – from what I can gather there is no fix for this – more of a feature then a fault. I live with it quite comfortably now – the OPC have checked it and say all is fine.
Factory Recall.
My car was returned to the OPC for a factory recall. The recall was for an alloy wheel check. The fault was for incorrectly machined/cast alloy wheels. The fault itself was that the centre cap recess was not deep enough which meant that the centre cap did not fit flush. One of my rears (sadly not the one I managed to scuff slightly) was found to be faulty and was duly replaced.
Gearchange.
Hmmm, the 997 GT3 is my 5th 911 and my 2nd 997. The GT3 is equipped with a short-shift kit and I am not a fan. When cold it is a tad notchy and and it feels a bit like there is syncrho wear, once warm, however it is fine but still a little notchy. Others that have driven the car think it is the best gear-change they have experienced in a modern 911 – therefore it is a subjective issue really and not a fault. Again OPC have checked it out and said all is fine and that the change is completely normal.
Rattling Dampers.
The 997 GT3 is equipped with Porsches PASM, which when in normal mode provide a ride not massively different to the ride that one finds in a 997 C2S. When the Damper button is pressed it becomes very firm and is best left for tracks or very smooth roads, sadly the latter do not appear in my neighbourhood so I leave the car in ‘Normal’ setting most of the time. Once in this setting a knocking/rattling noise can be heard when going over road surface undulations/bumps and it is quite intrusive. This has been identified by the OPC as an issue with the front Suspension Legs/Dampers and Porsche are replacing them. It has definitely got a lot worse from since it first occurred. Believe me, you will know if your car is affected.
Front Splitter.
Not a fault. Just annoying, the bloomin’ thing hits just about everything and more than once people have turned around in a car park/petrol station to see what is making the grinding noise as I make a conspicuous entry/exit. OPC kindly sourced me another when I bought the car saying that ‘It is only a question of time before you need to change it’ – At least the front spoiler is quite flexible and it seems to move quite a bit rather than snapping off. It does look rather scuffed, in a way that a schoolboys shoes do… I will let it get a bit worse and pop the new one on for summer.
Tyre Wear.
Again, not a fault. My car has done 4000 miles thus far and the rear tyres are pretty much worn on the inside rear edge, the rest of the tyre to be fair is also pretty worn at best showing 2.5mm – I have not done any Track Days and the car has been driven in an average manner – so if you run Michelin Pilot Sport Cups I would not expect any more miles then that really. The front tyres are probably down to 3.5mm which is only about 1.5mm from new – so not at all bad. I can hear you now saying that I am not driving it hard enough. I have another set ready to go on. I will retain the worn Cups for a track day. I will fit new Cups as these tyres are simply superb. Having had a BMW CSL in the past, I fully appreciate the difference between MPSC tyres and other more normal road tyres.
Summary.
Simply put the best car I have owned thus far. It makes a superb noise, which for a 911, is not a common thing. This car really howls and is almost Ferrari like at high RPM. The performance and agility are stunning. The in-gear speeds are almost laughable and the acceleration relentless, it just keeps pulling and pulling. I nearly succumb in the early months of ownership in selling the car for a small premium/ get out at no-cost to me… but after much deliberation I could not think of another car that I would rather own or indeed replace the GT3 with.
Nearly six months have passed since the day I had the GT3 delivered and the time has flown by. The car has proved to be reliable and I have driven it in all weathers that the UK has provided so far.
The car was broken in with a drive to Cornwall and back in December ‘06 – a round trip of nearly 800 miles. This way the car got to experience a mix of UK Motorway and excellent A and B roads with plenty of gear-changes and different engine loads and rpm. There are some truly magnificent roads in Cornwall, especially if you follow the Atlantic Highway from Padstow heading North-East, the descent into and the ascent out of Boscastle is superb.
The car in this time has returned an average of 22.1mpg overall, the lowest I have seen it deliver over a tank of petrol is 13mpg – this was achieved by some rather spirited driving and some urban work – the highest I have achieved is a 29.8mpg on a single tank, conversely this was achieved on a very leisurely journey to the Cotswolds and back.
So – The Faults. Well, there have been no faults that have rendered the car un-drivable or even unreliable but it has not been a perfect score. I have listed all that has happened to my car, they are not all faults but in listing them I am sure there are other 997 GT3 owners that will identify with some of the issues I have experienced.
Engine Vibration
I know, I can hear you all now… it is a GT3 not a limousine… but a weird Resonance occurs at around 3200-3500 rpm, it is so pronounced that vision out of the rear-view mirror becomes a little blurry and the car seems to buzz at this frequency. It has got slightly better over time and to be honest I just accept it now as normal – some other 997 GT3 owners have commented on it in there cars and some other owners do not experience it – from what I can gather there is no fix for this – more of a feature then a fault. I live with it quite comfortably now – the OPC have checked it and say all is fine.
Factory Recall.
My car was returned to the OPC for a factory recall. The recall was for an alloy wheel check. The fault was for incorrectly machined/cast alloy wheels. The fault itself was that the centre cap recess was not deep enough which meant that the centre cap did not fit flush. One of my rears (sadly not the one I managed to scuff slightly) was found to be faulty and was duly replaced.
Gearchange.
Hmmm, the 997 GT3 is my 5th 911 and my 2nd 997. The GT3 is equipped with a short-shift kit and I am not a fan. When cold it is a tad notchy and and it feels a bit like there is syncrho wear, once warm, however it is fine but still a little notchy. Others that have driven the car think it is the best gear-change they have experienced in a modern 911 – therefore it is a subjective issue really and not a fault. Again OPC have checked it out and said all is fine and that the change is completely normal.
Rattling Dampers.
The 997 GT3 is equipped with Porsches PASM, which when in normal mode provide a ride not massively different to the ride that one finds in a 997 C2S. When the Damper button is pressed it becomes very firm and is best left for tracks or very smooth roads, sadly the latter do not appear in my neighbourhood so I leave the car in ‘Normal’ setting most of the time. Once in this setting a knocking/rattling noise can be heard when going over road surface undulations/bumps and it is quite intrusive. This has been identified by the OPC as an issue with the front Suspension Legs/Dampers and Porsche are replacing them. It has definitely got a lot worse from since it first occurred. Believe me, you will know if your car is affected.
Front Splitter.
Not a fault. Just annoying, the bloomin’ thing hits just about everything and more than once people have turned around in a car park/petrol station to see what is making the grinding noise as I make a conspicuous entry/exit. OPC kindly sourced me another when I bought the car saying that ‘It is only a question of time before you need to change it’ – At least the front spoiler is quite flexible and it seems to move quite a bit rather than snapping off. It does look rather scuffed, in a way that a schoolboys shoes do… I will let it get a bit worse and pop the new one on for summer.
Tyre Wear.
Again, not a fault. My car has done 4000 miles thus far and the rear tyres are pretty much worn on the inside rear edge, the rest of the tyre to be fair is also pretty worn at best showing 2.5mm – I have not done any Track Days and the car has been driven in an average manner – so if you run Michelin Pilot Sport Cups I would not expect any more miles then that really. The front tyres are probably down to 3.5mm which is only about 1.5mm from new – so not at all bad. I can hear you now saying that I am not driving it hard enough. I have another set ready to go on. I will retain the worn Cups for a track day. I will fit new Cups as these tyres are simply superb. Having had a BMW CSL in the past, I fully appreciate the difference between MPSC tyres and other more normal road tyres.
Summary.
Simply put the best car I have owned thus far. It makes a superb noise, which for a 911, is not a common thing. This car really howls and is almost Ferrari like at high RPM. The performance and agility are stunning. The in-gear speeds are almost laughable and the acceleration relentless, it just keeps pulling and pulling. I nearly succumb in the early months of ownership in selling the car for a small premium/ get out at no-cost to me… but after much deliberation I could not think of another car that I would rather own or indeed replace the GT3 with.
superlightr said:
Interesting report, Thanks.
How do you feel it compares to your old 996tt x50?
How do you feel it compares to your old 996tt x50?
Interesting that... I think (don't know for sure) it is as quick (even in a straight line) - of course the X50 is far easier to drive fast on everyday roads as it soaks up bumps much better.
You do not get the surge of the X50 as the boost comes in - which is a massive part of that cars charm - but you do get a very strong and linear push in the GT3 for a lot longer. It would be intersting to compare them at a VMAX event. Personally, I don't think there is much between the two cars at all in terms of straight line speed.
However, the GT3 is much more rewarding TO ME for what I want out of a car... it is nicer to balance on the throttle and it feels a lot more nimble then the X50.
The pleasure for me in driving the X50 was in setting new land speed records over my favourite roads... a habit which I felt I could not carry on doing... in the GT3 pleasure can be had out of the car other then making the scenery go all blurry...
IMO the new 997 GT3's USPs are:
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
Mine doesn't have an engine vibration.
There is a hardening of the engine note at 3,000 rpm (that someone once descibed as a 'crankshaft harmonic'), probably as a consequence of the lightened engine components, which I also recall from the 996 GT3s. This may cause any loose trim items to resonate.
There is a hardening of the engine note at 3,000 rpm (that someone once descibed as a 'crankshaft harmonic'), probably as a consequence of the lightened engine components, which I also recall from the 996 GT3s. This may cause any loose trim items to resonate.
Nbetts, interesting to read your ownership update.
The factory fit of short shift kit does seem to get mixed reviews. Have you asked your OPC if can remove the kit and try it as standard? I have had good/bad experiences with short-shift kits in other cars, one time having it removed altogether.
The factory fit of short shift kit does seem to get mixed reviews. Have you asked your OPC if can remove the kit and try it as standard? I have had good/bad experiences with short-shift kits in other cars, one time having it removed altogether.
I've had mine 6 weeks and done 800 miles.
The car is TRULY BRILLIANT!
My car came with a faulty synchromesh which resulted in crunching gears 1st to 2nd and 3rd to second. This has been fixed under warranty.
The passenger door trim rattles at anywhere between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This has actually been isolated to the door handle. Each time my passenger puts pressure on the handle the rattle stopped. I'll try and sort this myself and report back.
I grounded my front spoiler after only 30 miles!
The carbon fibre seats are so so good.
It takes me 5 minutes to get fuel in the tank because the nozzle keeps cutting off.
I LOVE IT!
The car is TRULY BRILLIANT!
My car came with a faulty synchromesh which resulted in crunching gears 1st to 2nd and 3rd to second. This has been fixed under warranty.
The passenger door trim rattles at anywhere between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This has actually been isolated to the door handle. Each time my passenger puts pressure on the handle the rattle stopped. I'll try and sort this myself and report back.
I grounded my front spoiler after only 30 miles!
The carbon fibre seats are so so good.
It takes me 5 minutes to get fuel in the tank because the nozzle keeps cutting off.
I LOVE IT!
Cheers for the update report.
Mine has the same vibration, some nasty clutch judder when reversing, the gearbox is a little TOO notchy & my Sat Nav is on the blink....she stops speaking on-route!!
BUT I'm loving driving the car so much I can't part with her at the moment!
Talking about performance (alla your X-50), the one thing I can't get over is 50-70 overtaking speed, once I got my brain around the fact you need second gear (rather than 3rd in the TT) it doesn't so much accelerate as warp in hyperspace from A-B, I would swear it is actually faster than the Turbo at the top end of second gear..... & as you have said the sound accompanying the g-forces is orgasmic!!
question 997GT3 guys Are your brakes "groaning" under hard use, mine are fine unless you use them hard for an extended period when they do get very noisy... are yours the same???
Mine has the same vibration, some nasty clutch judder when reversing, the gearbox is a little TOO notchy & my Sat Nav is on the blink....she stops speaking on-route!!
BUT I'm loving driving the car so much I can't part with her at the moment!
Talking about performance (alla your X-50), the one thing I can't get over is 50-70 overtaking speed, once I got my brain around the fact you need second gear (rather than 3rd in the TT) it doesn't so much accelerate as warp in hyperspace from A-B, I would swear it is actually faster than the Turbo at the top end of second gear..... & as you have said the sound accompanying the g-forces is orgasmic!!
question 997GT3 guys Are your brakes "groaning" under hard use, mine are fine unless you use them hard for an extended period when they do get very noisy... are yours the same???
Edited by Grant3 on Thursday 10th May 13:47
Geneve said:
IMO the new 997 GT3's USPs are:
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
all agreed!
however, the front splitter costs £164.00 not £60.00
just had to change it
regards
yak293
yak293 said:
Geneve said:
IMO the new 997 GT3's USPs are:
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
- Beautifully tactile steering and handling (so rewarding to drive even at modest speeds)
- Very fast (when you want) with such creamy, linear delivery
- Fabulous engine (and gorgeous noise)
- Sport button
- Awesome brakes (just incredible)
- Lovely gearbox ratios and slick, mechanical shift
- Quiet, compliant and well checked ride (better than the 997)
- Everyday/all weather useable
- Feels small and 'pointy' like a go-kart, but comfortable and refined when you want
- Beautifully built and engineered
- Very good value for money (yes, seriously)
Negatives:
- Front splitter is low (but only £60 to replace)
- Front intakes should be better protected
- Low speed ride can jolt a bit on poor roads
- Michelin Cups have short life and expensive (but they are brilliant)
- Some people might need rear seats to justify the purchase
Summary: Pure Genius
all agreed!
however, the front splitter costs £164.00 not £60.00
just had to change it
regards
yak293
Blimey - I paid £70 for mine.
nbetts said:
Grant3 said:
question 997GT3 guys Are your brakes "groaning" under hard use, mine are fine unless you use them hard for an extended period when they do get very noisy... are yours the same???
Yep they groan, but work the same, just more noisy.
Are these the steel or PCCB's?
- Can't wait mine is supposed to be arriving at the end of this month....
another advantage over those steels....gizard said:
nbetts said:
Grant3 said:
question 997GT3 guys Are your brakes "groaning" under hard use, mine are fine unless you use them hard for an extended period when they do get very noisy... are yours the same???
Yep they groan, but work the same, just more noisy.
Are these the steel or PCCB's?
- Can't wait mine is supposed to be arriving at the end of this month....
I have the 'Poverty Spec' Steels on mine....
997gt3 said:
The passenger door trim rattles at anywhere between 2000 and 4000 rpm. This has actually been isolated to the door handle. Each time my passenger puts pressure on the handle the rattle stopped. I'll try and sort this myself and report back.
The wonders of Vaseline
My passenger door rattle has gone
If you look behind the internal door handles there is a rubber grommet type thing. This rubs on the back of the door handle and was causing an annoying rattle.
A bit of Vaseline on the grommet has now cured the rattle.
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