997 GT3 RS 3.8 known problems, issues? (Any owners, experts)

[mm450exc]

Pinning is not a solution. You will just have a slow leak on failure which will cause you to possibly crash anyway. Or someone else for that matter.

Yes - you can see a few welds. Only a few are hidden. Forget OPC warranty.

[luigisayshello]

mm450exc said:

The only solution is to get this welded. You don't want it to go pop when you going through Eau Rouge...

Welding is messy and if done wrong you will be fvcked. Pinning might let go a bit, but they will never just pull out or break (like welded can do). If you have a very trustworthy welder, it's a great solution, even tho I think pinning is simpler and as effective.

Any of the 2 is better than the oem solution.

[luigisayshello]

mm450exc said:

Pinning is not a solution. You will just have a slow leak on failure which will cause you to possibly crash anyway. Or someone else for that matter.

Yes - you can see a few welds. Only a few are hidden. Forget OPC warranty.

At most and the worst (it doesn't have any slow leak if it's even slightly well done), it will be drops of coolant and you can apply a material (IDK the name) to isolate it. When it fails, it just pours like a tubed spring, so not even close. The metal tube bit usually just pops off, you can't even compare. Welded can not only break the weld, but if it's badly done it will always leak and to chance you have to swap all the metal bits in the coolant line that were welded and do it all again.

[mm450exc]

Those are the fitting being used. I'll take a few pics later of the welded fittings....

Agreed. Has to be done by and expert welder.

[Digga]

mm450exc said:

Those are the fitting being used. I'll take a few pics later of the welded fittings....

Agreed. Has to be done by and expert welder.

We have expert welders here, TIG, MIG, stainless, alu, high-grade engineering steel up to 60mm thick - I'm a mechanical engineer by profession. There is no way I'd weld that, purely because:

1. no one knows the composition and integrity of the castings and forgings you;re welding to
2. if the fitting cracks or distorts in the future, it is a major PITA to bore out, if not impossible

I know it can be done, but I'm just not keen.

From what people say, pinning might still get a leak if and when the adhesive starts to fail again, but it will be slight and not the huge OMG pipe blow-off and coolant dump.

[mm450exc]

Here is a picture. Perfect welds. If you pulling the engine I'd also replace the two small pipes (SharkWerks makes them). OEM is plastic.

Edited by mm450exc on Thursday 18th January 19:25

Edited by mm450exc on Thursday 18th January 20:21

[Digga]

mm450exc said:

Perfect welds.

That's not welding, this is welding. 300amps of it:



Just kidding, looks a very tidy job and, yes I'd heard about the two pipes too, thanks.

[Cheib]

Double gauche said:

Dr S said:

Cheib said:

Ultimate Pork for a lot of people I think

Could not agree more. Whilst I am excited about getting a Touring the RS is a keeper. It just feels so right

Ultimate water cooled 911.
CGT is on a different level.

Indeed the CGT is but I suppose i should have said "Ultimate Pork for a lot of people that one day they might be able to own"...CGT is just unobtainium for a lot of us!

[RSVP911]

colin1976 said:

mm450exc said:

The only solution is to get this welded. You don't want it to go pop when you going through Eau Rouge...

Last time I spoke with JZM they had moved to the following method (knurled OEM) in preference to pinning or welding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIl2-vBAnvk
I'd be surprised if any inspection would detect it.

Edited by colin1976 on Thursday 18th January 15:16

Very interesting video - I am in no way technical and as such, I have no idea if his would work or not , but I love the guys approach / commitment - I’d love someone on here who is technical to tell me what they think

[Yellow491]

That should work well with jb and knurled.It may even be possible to do with out removing the engine.

[RSVP911]

Yellow491 said:

That should work well with jb and knurled.It may even be possible to do with out removing the engine.

Cheers P- how’s life ?

[red997]

I'd just ask Matt @ Fearnsport what he recommends
then just get it done by him

[Cunno]

red997 said:

I'd just ask Matt @ Fearnsport what he recommends
then just get it done by him

Matt has a very good welder exF1 guy so he recommends them being welded, which is what my car has had done.

[nxi20]

Just to add that my car was the first to have its fittings welded by Matt's welder back in 2012 - still perfect & water-tight 70K miles later.

[Yellow491]

RSVP911 said:

Cheers P- how’s life ?

Its good,are you coming to our track day again.

Matt does a good job,welded or as in the vid looks easier.
My pipes look fine in my 3.8rs.

[Steve Rance]

I’ve been lucky enough to be around GT3’s since the launch of 996 Gen1. Close to 200 track days and over 50 races in then. During that time I have never seen a coolant hose issue. I think that in cooler climates like the Uk it’s not a major issue. If the engine has to come out, consider it but I wouldn’t be unduly worried.

Check the hubs regularly, they are more of an issue, and make sure that the engine and gearbox oil is changed regularly. I change mine after every 10 hours track running. Many will say not necessary but it’s the like blood of the drive train to me it’s worth it.

[RSVP911]

Yellow491 said:

RSVP911 said:

Cheers P- how’s life ?

Its good,are you coming to our track day again.

Matt does a good job,welded or as in the vid looks easier.
My pipes look fine in my 3.8rs.

Not this year - Wasn’t sure where I’d be car wise when the places went on sale so I didn’t organised anything.

Enjoy the day ; everyone should get round faster without me slowing them down

[Franzino]

MDL111 said:

Nice thread revival there and some tips that sounds helpful to me - don’t have an RS unfortunately

Another thread revival He still owns the car. Nowadays it is in full Manthey Racing spec (KW suspension) and the only thing he needed to replace until today is the clutch, brakes and tyres. Still the most exciting car I ever drove on track

[Digga]

Franzino said:

Another thread revival He still owns the car. Nowadays it is in full Manthey Racing spec (KW suspension) and the only thing he needed to replace until today is the clutch, brakes and tyres. Still the most exciting car I ever drove on track

STOP IT!

Happy as I am with my 7.1 GT3, I've been mulling a 7.2 RS...

Did your mate ever put the Guards diff ramps and plates in? I had mine done early last year and it really did make a huge difference. As a very average, hamfisted amateur track driver, I was not convinced I'd be able to perceive the difference, but it really did transform the car for the better.

[TDT]

Digga said:

Franzino said:

Another thread revival He still owns the car. Nowadays it is in full Manthey Racing spec (KW suspension) and the only thing he needed to replace until today is the clutch, brakes and tyres. Still the most exciting car I ever drove on track

STOP IT!

Happy as I am with my 7.1 GT3, I've been mulling a 7.2 RS...

Did your mate ever put the Guards diff ramps and plates in? I had mine done early last year and it really did make a huge difference. As a very average, hamfisted amateur track driver, I was not convinced I'd be able to perceive the difference, but it really did transform the car for the better.

Can you describe how exactly it feels better?... cheers.