Am I daft to be considering a 996 GT3?
Discussion
I've had one about 3 years, with similar criteria (80% road/20% track use). I bought a low mileage (26k) comfort from RPM which was visually in as-new condition. I refreshed the front suspension (shocks to Bilstein for a refurb) and once done took it straight to Center Gravity for setup with the 80/20 split in mind.
It's very much a second car but I have put on about 12,000 miles. The only mechanical issue has been the thermostat which failed open so the car didn't heat up, and I needed to remove and weld one of the standard silencer boxes. I think is very good for what is now a 20 year old car - probably because it was on the Porsche extended warranty for the first 15 years of its life. Preventative maintenance has been limited to a new set of coil packs, I will probably do the center rad over winter.
I was originally looking for a 997 GT3 and drove a bunch - they were all different - I bought this one based on its condition. Many people get into it and comment it still has that new car feel.
Concessions to modern comfort - I didn't want to change it away from looking standard inside, so have added a CANBUS bluetooth receiver behind the dash which talks to the CDR-32 so I can use my phone with the car, I also didn't get on with the comfort seats so have added a set of genuine hardbacks (spendy). I added heated seat elements to them and the factory relays and switches as I won't compromise on bum warmers ;-)
Only other mod is the front brakes the standard cross drilled discs are notorious for cracking I was going to go the spendy Alcon route but actually a racing contact who also owns a 996 put me onto slotted Cayenne 958 Turbo discs which are £110 each and a set of DS2500 pads - no squeal! Fine for the 2 trackdays a year I do in the car. Cue flaming.
Final annoyance is the front splitter - consider them a consumable, they are now NLA...
It's very much a second car but I have put on about 12,000 miles. The only mechanical issue has been the thermostat which failed open so the car didn't heat up, and I needed to remove and weld one of the standard silencer boxes. I think is very good for what is now a 20 year old car - probably because it was on the Porsche extended warranty for the first 15 years of its life. Preventative maintenance has been limited to a new set of coil packs, I will probably do the center rad over winter.
I was originally looking for a 997 GT3 and drove a bunch - they were all different - I bought this one based on its condition. Many people get into it and comment it still has that new car feel.
Concessions to modern comfort - I didn't want to change it away from looking standard inside, so have added a CANBUS bluetooth receiver behind the dash which talks to the CDR-32 so I can use my phone with the car, I also didn't get on with the comfort seats so have added a set of genuine hardbacks (spendy). I added heated seat elements to them and the factory relays and switches as I won't compromise on bum warmers ;-)
Only other mod is the front brakes the standard cross drilled discs are notorious for cracking I was going to go the spendy Alcon route but actually a racing contact who also owns a 996 put me onto slotted Cayenne 958 Turbo discs which are £110 each and a set of DS2500 pads - no squeal! Fine for the 2 trackdays a year I do in the car. Cue flaming.
Final annoyance is the front splitter - consider them a consumable, they are now NLA...
Have you driven one or been a passenger?
Compared to what you have driven before there's a lot more noise and vibration and the suspension is firmer. However the driving position is superb and the buckets are really comfortable.
The low front splitter would be a real concern for me, depending on what kind of road you intend to drive it on.
Compared to what you have driven before there's a lot more noise and vibration and the suspension is firmer. However the driving position is superb and the buckets are really comfortable.
The low front splitter would be a real concern for me, depending on what kind of road you intend to drive it on.
julian987R said:
This one is stunning, they all are, but this seems a very special one.
https://jzmporsche.com/cars/porsche-911-gt3-p0005/
That does look lovely. Probably too much of a track-focused spec for me maybe.https://jzmporsche.com/cars/porsche-911-gt3-p0005/
I've just spent the last 2 weeks driving some superb roads around North Wales and managed to clock up 2k miles in that trip.
The 996 GT3 is SO underrated IMHO. I will never tire of the engine noise as you push on towards the redline.
Mine is a Comfort with buckets and half cage. The seats look like they'll be uncomfortable but I've driven back from South of France in one hit and got out without and aches or pains, unlike when I made the same trip in my old Sagaris!
Would eco comments on the front splitter, I'm on my 3rd in 3 years but they're relatively inexpensive.
Get a good one and enjoy!
The 996 GT3 is SO underrated IMHO. I will never tire of the engine noise as you push on towards the redline.
Mine is a Comfort with buckets and half cage. The seats look like they'll be uncomfortable but I've driven back from South of France in one hit and got out without and aches or pains, unlike when I made the same trip in my old Sagaris!
Would eco comments on the front splitter, I'm on my 3rd in 3 years but they're relatively inexpensive.
Get a good one and enjoy!
ALFAPORK
I’ve tried emailing but your profile says you don’t accept emails. I’d love more info on the Cayenne discs. Straight swap, no moving of calipers or using brackets etc?
I currently have Alcons on JZM bells and the near side front has started knocking. By all accounts the bobbin will have worn its seating area away on the back of the bell so I’ll need new bells. I’m not doing that as I don’t track it and am happy to revert to one piece discs.
If you wouldn’t mind contacting me via my profile please with a part number etc? That would be ace. Thanks.
Sorry for hijack OP.
Similar story to Hoolio as in my car is a MK2 Comfort with factory buckets and tequipment cage.
As said they’re fantastic cars and in my view an absolutely perfect blend of performance, grip, fantastic steering yet still having that characterful motor slung out the back.
It doesn’t flatter you or sort things out for you but equally you don’t have to be a driving god to enjoy it.
You’ve tried the rest, now try one of the best.
I also used to own a Mk1 CS. To be honest I wouldn’t rule out a CS for road use as they’re obviously very similar to a comfort and if anything the CS option adds to the sense of occasion.
The cage blocks the rear for luggage but as said, I’ve added a bolt in cage to my comfort so it’s no more practical anyway.
CS will cost more to buy, but it will always be worth more and it is closer to the ethos of the race car. Which is after all, why they sold the road going version.
Again as said setup is everything. My Mk2 is fine as I’ve removed the lower arm shims (it had 12mm per side in) and softened it off.
However I do have some Ohlins R&T to go in before a CG visit next year.
It’s currently on Manthey KWV3s which are fine but I prefer how the Ohlins adjust and the rebuild costs are better.
Enjoy the search. It’s a big part of the fun.
Edited to add some pics from a Scotland trip last year with our mate BM off here.
I’ve tried emailing but your profile says you don’t accept emails. I’d love more info on the Cayenne discs. Straight swap, no moving of calipers or using brackets etc?
I currently have Alcons on JZM bells and the near side front has started knocking. By all accounts the bobbin will have worn its seating area away on the back of the bell so I’ll need new bells. I’m not doing that as I don’t track it and am happy to revert to one piece discs.
If you wouldn’t mind contacting me via my profile please with a part number etc? That would be ace. Thanks.
Sorry for hijack OP.
Similar story to Hoolio as in my car is a MK2 Comfort with factory buckets and tequipment cage.
As said they’re fantastic cars and in my view an absolutely perfect blend of performance, grip, fantastic steering yet still having that characterful motor slung out the back.
It doesn’t flatter you or sort things out for you but equally you don’t have to be a driving god to enjoy it.
You’ve tried the rest, now try one of the best.
I also used to own a Mk1 CS. To be honest I wouldn’t rule out a CS for road use as they’re obviously very similar to a comfort and if anything the CS option adds to the sense of occasion.
The cage blocks the rear for luggage but as said, I’ve added a bolt in cage to my comfort so it’s no more practical anyway.
CS will cost more to buy, but it will always be worth more and it is closer to the ethos of the race car. Which is after all, why they sold the road going version.
Again as said setup is everything. My Mk2 is fine as I’ve removed the lower arm shims (it had 12mm per side in) and softened it off.
However I do have some Ohlins R&T to go in before a CG visit next year.
It’s currently on Manthey KWV3s which are fine but I prefer how the Ohlins adjust and the rebuild costs are better.
Enjoy the search. It’s a big part of the fun.
Edited to add some pics from a Scotland trip last year with our mate BM off here.
Edited by marky911 on Tuesday 8th June 17:51
Hi Braddo,
It’s not so much a mod, simply that the front coffin arms are two piece, so to add camber you can insert different width shims which lengthens the coffin arm, thus pushing the bottom of the wheel out and increasing camber for track use.
This sort of track biased setup makes for an erm “focussed” drive on bumpy roads.
My car had them in when I bought it so I removed them before getting a more road friendly setup done.
It’s not so much a mod, simply that the front coffin arms are two piece, so to add camber you can insert different width shims which lengthens the coffin arm, thus pushing the bottom of the wheel out and increasing camber for track use.
This sort of track biased setup makes for an erm “focussed” drive on bumpy roads.
My car had them in when I bought it so I removed them before getting a more road friendly setup done.
The bad news is no frills. The best news is no unnecessary frills to repair or worry about.
Potential issues are all known and parts are comparatively inexpensive particularly from the second-life market.
A sound service history should minimise costs and whilst they can take a lot of stick on track, a loved standard car would be the best for road use.
It's worth checking particularly the connectors on the coolant pipes that run to the radiators (they fail) ... and aircon condensers and radiators can corrode and fail ... as can silencer seams, dampers and bushes may benefit from a refresh, a check for possible body corrosion ... but all of this can be seen from a decent inspection.
A good car will be very inexpensive motoring ... particularly when compared to the depreciation on a new or near new car. Even better is the fun to be had from people wanting to admire and discuss what I perceive to be one very classy and unpretentious motor which exudes a bygone quality and simplicity.
Potential issues are all known and parts are comparatively inexpensive particularly from the second-life market.
A sound service history should minimise costs and whilst they can take a lot of stick on track, a loved standard car would be the best for road use.
It's worth checking particularly the connectors on the coolant pipes that run to the radiators (they fail) ... and aircon condensers and radiators can corrode and fail ... as can silencer seams, dampers and bushes may benefit from a refresh, a check for possible body corrosion ... but all of this can be seen from a decent inspection.
A good car will be very inexpensive motoring ... particularly when compared to the depreciation on a new or near new car. Even better is the fun to be had from people wanting to admire and discuss what I perceive to be one very classy and unpretentious motor which exudes a bygone quality and simplicity.
996 GT3 is a brilliant car for road and track and provided you don't mind not being molly coddled with safety devices you will love it. A real driverd car that require concentration and skill to enjoy at its limits.
Are the Cup and OEM front splitters no longer available ??? If so surely there must be someone out there will to knock such a simple item up for those still using their cars -???
I was told Alcons can still be bought but they would only knock them out if there was a demand for x6 sets or so - JZM
Go for it. I have had mine for a few years now. 996 GT3 RS were up for GBP 60,000 in those days and in hindsight I should have bought the red decalled one from Paragon when I test drove it.
Lokking forward to your story once you get one.
Pip
Are the Cup and OEM front splitters no longer available ??? If so surely there must be someone out there will to knock such a simple item up for those still using their cars -???
I was told Alcons can still be bought but they would only knock them out if there was a demand for x6 sets or so - JZM
Go for it. I have had mine for a few years now. 996 GT3 RS were up for GBP 60,000 in those days and in hindsight I should have bought the red decalled one from Paragon when I test drove it.
Lokking forward to your story once you get one.
Pip
marky911 said:
ALFAPORK
I’ve tried emailing but your profile says you don’t accept emails. I’d love more info on the Cayenne discs. Straight swap, no moving of calipers or using brackets etc?
Complete straight swap on a 996.2 GT3. No brackets, moving of calipers.I’ve tried emailing but your profile says you don’t accept emails. I’d love more info on the Cayenne discs. Straight swap, no moving of calipers or using brackets etc?
Actually looking back they're actually Mk1 Cayenne S discs (955/957) same size and bolt pattern as a 996.2 GT3 - 350 x 34mm 68.5 bore.
I bought a grooved only set from MTEC - who make for some of the OE brands.
https://www.mtecbrakes.com/brake-discs/porsche/cay...
If you want you can have them drilled/dimpled/c-hook instead, but grooved is enough for most track use and I wanted to get away from cracking/constant clearing of the drilled holes on the OE discs. £110 each, although at the moment I see they're out of stock.
The only difference is the position of the retainer screw. You can either not fit this at (it's just to locate the disc whilst the wheel bolts are off) or carefully re-drill the hole in the correct location for the GT3 hub. I didn't bother.
I added a set of DS2500 from Circuit Supplies, which were significantly cheaper than virtually any GT3 pad from the usual suspects.
Whilst I was at it, swapped out the fluid for AP Racing Radical 5.1.
After a bit of light road use to bed them in, I did an evening at Donington last week and they took all the punishment I could throw at them, you're pulling about 135 on the back straight before the chicane and probably about 120 on the approach to Redgate, so two big stops one after the other. No long pedal, pads and discs cleaned up quickly after with minimal squeal, much better performance than the factory yellow pads and admittedly past it OE discs that came off.
I've not driven a GT3 on Alcons or any other floating setup, but to be honest the limit of your braking is the grip of your tyre (Cup2 in my case) anything else is about modulation/feel up to the lockup point, which with the 6 pot standard setup is pretty good anyway on a dual purpose road trip/track car. I'm sure you'd need more on a more extreme or race car on a competition/slick tyre, but for a largely standard GT3 I can't see they're necessary.
Edited by alfapork on Tuesday 8th June 23:30
Edited by alfapork on Tuesday 8th June 23:30
Sounds like you’ve got yours how you want it Gooner. I’m hoping for an equally impressive improvement next year when I do a full suspension refresh.
Great info Alfapork. Much appreciated.
I’ll store that info and see if the discs come back into stock. Thanks.
Maxym - The 997.2 is probably the pinnacle of the GT3 lineage for me but as you say there’ll be a big jump money wise.
They are more user friendly as a road car but as ever, you’d need to try to try both to see what floats your boat.
I’m sure you’ll find what your looking for in one iteration or another.
LemonTart said:
Great photos, I have a very similar one as my lock screen photo on my phone..
Fab cars for road trips
Lovely pic LT and you had slightly clearer skies than us. Fab cars for road trips
Great info Alfapork. Much appreciated.
I’ll store that info and see if the discs come back into stock. Thanks.
Maxym - The 997.2 is probably the pinnacle of the GT3 lineage for me but as you say there’ll be a big jump money wise.
They are more user friendly as a road car but as ever, you’d need to try to try both to see what floats your boat.
I’m sure you’ll find what your looking for in one iteration or another.
@marky
nice photos
@Maxym
996/7 all good in their own way, no right or wrong answer there. As mentioned they’re geo/set-up sensitive, so one with track/Kussmaul set-up is bound to be not as nice to drive than one with a milder set-up on bumpy B-road. (997 can be improved by DSC module also)
Not sure if Ditchfinder has sold his already? It was advertised earlier this year. His car must be close to ‘box fresh’, having had all the suspensions refreshed.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
nice photos
@Maxym
996/7 all good in their own way, no right or wrong answer there. As mentioned they’re geo/set-up sensitive, so one with track/Kussmaul set-up is bound to be not as nice to drive than one with a milder set-up on bumpy B-road. (997 can be improved by DSC module also)
Not sure if Ditchfinder has sold his already? It was advertised earlier this year. His car must be close to ‘box fresh’, having had all the suspensions refreshed.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
BertBert said:
Dan's SY 996GT3 is stunning, not sure if he sold it though or whether it's still for sale.
Sold a while ago. Lovely Manthey car.
Maxym said:
Or what about a 997.2 GT3 (for more money of course)?
Can't go wrong with either. Love the 996s for their pared down feeling (all the infotainment and driver aids mean nothing to me). I'm running the 7.2 GT3 as a daily all year around from new (on winters in the respective season). Would never consider to move back from any of the 3s to a vanilla 911 again.Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff