Porsche 981 GT4 PTS Viper Green
Discussion
I have another readers cars thread Here where I'm slowly updating my time with a Mini GP2 I purchased a few weeks back. However, I thought I'd start another one with a newer car that I bought last week. This one got quite a lot of interest on Pistonheads.
Viper Green Porsche Cayman GT4 for sale
I have owned a 991.1 GT3 and loved my time with it. I thought about getting another one because I loved the last 500 rpm howl of that engine, especially with the Sharkwerks bypass exhaust I had fitted. It was not a great choice for the long term as I enjoy taking the wheels off and doing my own spannering, the centelocks were a PITA. Also, arguably the 991 GT3 is a little 'fat' for Welsh B roads, which is where I play most days.
So it came down to 2 cars in the end after many had been ruled out. E.g McLaren 570s, Mercedes AMG GT R, including other cars of a similar class. I wanted something small, I could happily sit in for a long time for Euro trips, could do the odd track day without major upgrades, store some luggage, looked and felt special enough to become a weekend car and wouldn't lose £££££££
- Lotus exige 410/430 Cup
- Porsche GT4 (981 / 718)
In the end I went for the GT4 but in 981 guise as I preferred the rawness, noise and well - ahem, it will always be the first one!
The Exige is still on the list but not for now as it just didn't meet the brief (I have had Exiges / Elises / VX220 etc).
So onto the car. This was tough. I wanted the perfect spec (for me) but I have been searching for what seems forever and nothing was indeed perfect.
- Above anything else I wanted PTS. It was something I regretted not holding out on the GT3 for. So this time it has to be.
- I also wanted the 918 carbon buckets, but wasn't fussed on the ClubSport pack (cage) as this is not going to be a track tool. That is what I bought the GP2 for.
- Carbon pack, because it really complimented the cabin of the GT3 I had
- I would have liked PCCB but was not mandatory as the steels perform amazingly.
- Sport Chrono was not mandatory because it doesn't really add a lot to a GT car unless you want the telemetry (which I don't!). I had this in the GT3.
So last Sunday I finally spotted a PTS GT4 in a spec I could be comfortable with, also the background checks identified it had been pre-loved and stored in a car cocoon so tick in the box. The best part was that it was Viper Green. A colour I had always wanted for the GT3/RS.
Within minutes I was negotiating (trying
) and secured the deal with deposit paid. This was hours before the Pistonheads article came out that increased the interest (but it was too late, it was mine.)
Summary of spec:-
- 11k miles
- PTS Viper Green (rare in the 981 model as there were limited PTS slots and not many Vipers chosen)
- 918 Carbon buckets
- Carbon package
- Sound package
- Smoking package
- Mobile prep
- Auto dim mirrors
- PCM with extended Nav
- Red stitching and belts
- Satin black wheels
- Wing supports in black
- Steel brakes
- Sports exhaust
- Front PPF
I collected it after a long drive from Wales and it didn't disappoint. It was immaculate condition, like it had just been rolled out of the factory. It had been pampered all of it's life.
I will also take great care of it but I will be putting the miles on this (like I did with the GT3). They are designed to be used and enjoyed in my opinion.
I managed to get it home and take its first photo:-
The next day I managed to find some time in the evening to test it on my favourite Welsh pass (13 miles of bliss!) and again, it didn't disappoint. Initial takeaway points were:-
- Rifle bolt gear change is simply addictive and you find yourself changing for the sake of it (even though auto blip was intruding)
- Turn in is on point with the GT3 so thumbs up there
- It felt smaller and more nimble than the GT3, if not a little more balanced so I had to worry less on hard braking and unsettling the rear end on entrance
- Its plenty quick enough for UK roads!
- Seating position in the 918s is amazing, like you are sat on the road they are so low!
- Engine noise is great even with the standard system and valves open, the induction sound is also great as it seems to sit behind your head
- Brakes are exactly like the GT3 so perfect feel as you would expect
- Suspension is so compliant on the rough stuff that Wales can throw at you, I mostly had the suspension it in standard but Sports mode wasn't unbearable and didn't throw me off my line or chased the camber to hard
- Gear ratios are honestly nothing to be even thinking about because the torque and power is so linear, unlike the GT3 where you are always hunting the 'howl' at 8.5-9k.
- Elephant in the room - is it as good as the GT3? Well nothing can match that masterpiece of an engine, but its a different car. For me the 4 is where I want to be.
I have some plans for it so will update here, I already have my first 'enhancement' ordered which I hope to fit soon.
I am also planning on taking it on the mammoth journey (for me) to Goodwood later on in the week to rack up those miles!
Some photos from my little blast out!
[url]
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/1LCLNv3v.jpg[/img]|https://thumbsnap.com/1LCLNv3v[/url] <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/XbMcFTkG" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/XbMcFTkG.jpg)
Until next update!
Viper Green Porsche Cayman GT4 for sale
I have owned a 991.1 GT3 and loved my time with it. I thought about getting another one because I loved the last 500 rpm howl of that engine, especially with the Sharkwerks bypass exhaust I had fitted. It was not a great choice for the long term as I enjoy taking the wheels off and doing my own spannering, the centelocks were a PITA. Also, arguably the 991 GT3 is a little 'fat' for Welsh B roads, which is where I play most days.
So it came down to 2 cars in the end after many had been ruled out. E.g McLaren 570s, Mercedes AMG GT R, including other cars of a similar class. I wanted something small, I could happily sit in for a long time for Euro trips, could do the odd track day without major upgrades, store some luggage, looked and felt special enough to become a weekend car and wouldn't lose £££££££
- Lotus exige 410/430 Cup
- Porsche GT4 (981 / 718)
In the end I went for the GT4 but in 981 guise as I preferred the rawness, noise and well - ahem, it will always be the first one!
The Exige is still on the list but not for now as it just didn't meet the brief (I have had Exiges / Elises / VX220 etc).
So onto the car. This was tough. I wanted the perfect spec (for me) but I have been searching for what seems forever and nothing was indeed perfect.
- Above anything else I wanted PTS. It was something I regretted not holding out on the GT3 for. So this time it has to be.
- I also wanted the 918 carbon buckets, but wasn't fussed on the ClubSport pack (cage) as this is not going to be a track tool. That is what I bought the GP2 for.
- Carbon pack, because it really complimented the cabin of the GT3 I had
- I would have liked PCCB but was not mandatory as the steels perform amazingly.
- Sport Chrono was not mandatory because it doesn't really add a lot to a GT car unless you want the telemetry (which I don't!). I had this in the GT3.
So last Sunday I finally spotted a PTS GT4 in a spec I could be comfortable with, also the background checks identified it had been pre-loved and stored in a car cocoon so tick in the box. The best part was that it was Viper Green. A colour I had always wanted for the GT3/RS.
Within minutes I was negotiating (trying
) and secured the deal with deposit paid. This was hours before the Pistonheads article came out that increased the interest (but it was too late, it was mine.)Summary of spec:-
- 11k miles
- PTS Viper Green (rare in the 981 model as there were limited PTS slots and not many Vipers chosen)
- 918 Carbon buckets
- Carbon package
- Sound package
- Smoking package
- Mobile prep
- Auto dim mirrors
- PCM with extended Nav
- Red stitching and belts
- Satin black wheels
- Wing supports in black
- Steel brakes
- Sports exhaust
- Front PPF
I collected it after a long drive from Wales and it didn't disappoint. It was immaculate condition, like it had just been rolled out of the factory. It had been pampered all of it's life.
I will also take great care of it but I will be putting the miles on this (like I did with the GT3). They are designed to be used and enjoyed in my opinion.
I managed to get it home and take its first photo:-
The next day I managed to find some time in the evening to test it on my favourite Welsh pass (13 miles of bliss!) and again, it didn't disappoint. Initial takeaway points were:-
- Rifle bolt gear change is simply addictive and you find yourself changing for the sake of it (even though auto blip was intruding)
- Turn in is on point with the GT3 so thumbs up there
- It felt smaller and more nimble than the GT3, if not a little more balanced so I had to worry less on hard braking and unsettling the rear end on entrance
- Its plenty quick enough for UK roads!
- Seating position in the 918s is amazing, like you are sat on the road they are so low!
- Engine noise is great even with the standard system and valves open, the induction sound is also great as it seems to sit behind your head
- Brakes are exactly like the GT3 so perfect feel as you would expect
- Suspension is so compliant on the rough stuff that Wales can throw at you, I mostly had the suspension it in standard but Sports mode wasn't unbearable and didn't throw me off my line or chased the camber to hard
- Gear ratios are honestly nothing to be even thinking about because the torque and power is so linear, unlike the GT3 where you are always hunting the 'howl' at 8.5-9k.
- Elephant in the room - is it as good as the GT3? Well nothing can match that masterpiece of an engine, but its a different car. For me the 4 is where I want to be.
I have some plans for it so will update here, I already have my first 'enhancement' ordered which I hope to fit soon.
I am also planning on taking it on the mammoth journey (for me) to Goodwood later on in the week to rack up those miles!
Some photos from my little blast out!
[url]
Until next update!
Glad you like it. I've bought some of the alloy seat recliners for my carbon buckets as being tall it felt slightly too upright and I'm so glad I did. Easy fit and the seat is now raked back slightly.
Agree with everything else you put, will also be driving mine and putting miles on it.
Enjoy!
Agree with everything else you put, will also be driving mine and putting miles on it.
Enjoy!
200Plus Club said:
Glad you like it. I've bought some of the alloy seat recliners for my carbon buckets as being tall it felt slightly too upright and I'm so glad I did. Easy fit and the seat is now raked back slightly.
Agree with everything else you put, will also be driving mine and putting miles on it.
Enjoy!
Luckily the current position is perfect for me as per my next update!Agree with everything else you put, will also be driving mine and putting miles on it.
Enjoy!
Next update: Goodwood FOS.
So luckily I got tickets early this year for the Friday. The weather wasn't looking good so was deciding what car to take. The GT4, GP2 or the comfort of the mile muncher Discovery.
The GT4 needed a shakedown so I decided to chance the weather. It took me around 5 hours to get to the hotel the night before and then much longer to get back to my home in Wales (got back at 2am). So around 12 hours in total seat time in the 918s. Super comfy!
Goodwood was great, probably the best year that I've attended. I managed to bag some Pork 'tat' in viper green which is also a plus.
It was quiet as I breached the Welsh border on my return journey (understandably as it was 1am), so it would have been rude of me not to give the GT4 a bit of a run.
In brief summary it was very 'GT3' like in terms of dynamics on the empty roads, however I did find a problem. At 'higher speeds' I was getting a vibration through my seat. I seemed to recall that it has only just had new Cup 2s fitted so guess the OPC did a poor job at fitting them. Well that was what I hoped for and I didn't have a buckled alloy or worse.
So next morning I got up and took it to a local ProTyre centre which had the Hunter Force Balancing machine which would know for sure. Luckily they were all out, so a quick re-balance and I was good to go. After a few more tests it runs silky smooth.
Next update - Suspension, Exhaust Valves and CTEK charger
So luckily I got tickets early this year for the Friday. The weather wasn't looking good so was deciding what car to take. The GT4, GP2 or the comfort of the mile muncher Discovery.
The GT4 needed a shakedown so I decided to chance the weather. It took me around 5 hours to get to the hotel the night before and then much longer to get back to my home in Wales (got back at 2am). So around 12 hours in total seat time in the 918s. Super comfy!
Goodwood was great, probably the best year that I've attended. I managed to bag some Pork 'tat' in viper green which is also a plus.
It was quiet as I breached the Welsh border on my return journey (understandably as it was 1am), so it would have been rude of me not to give the GT4 a bit of a run.
In brief summary it was very 'GT3' like in terms of dynamics on the empty roads, however I did find a problem. At 'higher speeds' I was getting a vibration through my seat. I seemed to recall that it has only just had new Cup 2s fitted so guess the OPC did a poor job at fitting them. Well that was what I hoped for and I didn't have a buckled alloy or worse.
So next morning I got up and took it to a local ProTyre centre which had the Hunter Force Balancing machine which would know for sure. Luckily they were all out, so a quick re-balance and I was good to go. After a few more tests it runs silky smooth.
Next update - Suspension, Exhaust Valves and CTEK charger
200Plus Club said:
What exhaust are you going for? Its not a bad sounding car and I think most exhausts take it over the noise limits for any normal track day fun other than noisy days.
I had a sharkwerks on the GT3 which was incredible. However the standard exhaust is plenty for the GT4, however you spend less proportion of time at the higher revs unlike the GT3 so the valves really mute the sound most of the time. Next post.Next update: Suspension, Exhaust Valves and CTEK
The ride height on the GT4 sat a little to high vs my GT3 (might be perception vs reality). So I decided to lower the height by 10mm exactly each corner. This is a risk as we all know the GT4 does not come with front lift unlike my GT3. My thoughts were to try it out and adjust again if necessary.
The process was fairly simple.
- Clean / degrease the arches to remove any dirt and debris from the coilovers
- Add penetrative spray to lube up any seized parts
- Use a vernier calliper to measure up
- Adjust with my C spanners
I thought that coilovers on a 6 year old car would be pretty much seized tight and was expecting a nightmare. Luckily the previous owner/s had really taken care of Viper because it was already nice and clean, with threads pretty much good as new. Adjustment took a few minutes each side.
The results were subtle but just how I imagined. It will be going in for a geo soon for a final setup.
Next on the list was the exhaust / sound. The GT4 has a lower overall rev range vs the GT3 (obviously) however the point in which the valves open up are the same. At lower speeds they are mostly closed. So the easy fix for this is to plug the valves. This is what I did on the GT3 and can be easily reverted. they are tucked away safely in between the heat sheild.
It now sounds great with limited drone (remember this is not a daily, its a weekend car).
Lastly I hard wired the CTEK so that I don't need to unclip the front panel every time I need to hook it up. Remember to snip the o rings as the nuts do not fully remove from the fastener and can strip the treads if you force them off. I've learned this the hard way before!
Next up wing risers....
The ride height on the GT4 sat a little to high vs my GT3 (might be perception vs reality). So I decided to lower the height by 10mm exactly each corner. This is a risk as we all know the GT4 does not come with front lift unlike my GT3. My thoughts were to try it out and adjust again if necessary.
The process was fairly simple.
- Clean / degrease the arches to remove any dirt and debris from the coilovers
- Add penetrative spray to lube up any seized parts
- Use a vernier calliper to measure up
- Adjust with my C spanners
I thought that coilovers on a 6 year old car would be pretty much seized tight and was expecting a nightmare. Luckily the previous owner/s had really taken care of Viper because it was already nice and clean, with threads pretty much good as new. Adjustment took a few minutes each side.
The results were subtle but just how I imagined. It will be going in for a geo soon for a final setup.
Next on the list was the exhaust / sound. The GT4 has a lower overall rev range vs the GT3 (obviously) however the point in which the valves open up are the same. At lower speeds they are mostly closed. So the easy fix for this is to plug the valves. This is what I did on the GT3 and can be easily reverted. they are tucked away safely in between the heat sheild.
It now sounds great with limited drone (remember this is not a daily, its a weekend car).
Lastly I hard wired the CTEK so that I don't need to unclip the front panel every time I need to hook it up. Remember to snip the o rings as the nuts do not fully remove from the fastener and can strip the treads if you force them off. I've learned this the hard way before!
Next up wing risers....
Very interested in this. Wing riser shots before and after please! :-)
Mine is possibly even a tad lower yet than yours and has the shims and 2 degrees negative on the fronts, but crikey it turns in well and handles superbly. I had a few taster sessions on track last Friday @ blyton and there was no understeer, very neutral balance. I have to be careful of road humps of course but its not a daily .
Might follow your lead on the exhaust valves to try it.
Mine is possibly even a tad lower yet than yours and has the shims and 2 degrees negative on the fronts, but crikey it turns in well and handles superbly. I had a few taster sessions on track last Friday @ blyton and there was no understeer, very neutral balance. I have to be careful of road humps of course but its not a daily .
Might follow your lead on the exhaust valves to try it.
200Plus Club said:
Very interested in this. Wing riser shots before and after please! :-)
Mine is possibly even a tad lower yet than yours and has the shims and 2 degrees negative on the fronts, but crikey it turns in well and handles superbly. I had a few taster sessions on track last Friday @ blyton and there was no understeer, very neutral balance. I have to be careful of road humps of course but its not a daily .
Might follow your lead on the exhaust valves to try it.
That’s great to know - I think it’s settled since I took those photos so slightly lower. I’ve already fitted the risers and taken the pics so next post won’t be long (and you can see current ride height too). Mine is possibly even a tad lower yet than yours and has the shims and 2 degrees negative on the fronts, but crikey it turns in well and handles superbly. I had a few taster sessions on track last Friday @ blyton and there was no understeer, very neutral balance. I have to be careful of road humps of course but its not a daily .
Might follow your lead on the exhaust valves to try it.
More info on the shims please! Really interested.
https://rennlist.com/forums/718-gts-4-0-gt4-gt4rs-...
Mine had them added before I bought the car. Its now running 2.1 degrees and I think the maximum without extra shims is about 1.5?
Anyhow it appears it also gives more castor and the car certainly seems very well set up as it is for it. Full alignment needed obviously. I've not played with the anti roll bar settings as yet as to be fair it's a weekend road car and am happy with how she goes. New pilot sport 4s also have helped, wasn't comfortable with half worn cup 2 tyres on it, back end was loose on occasion
Mine had them added before I bought the car. Its now running 2.1 degrees and I think the maximum without extra shims is about 1.5?
Anyhow it appears it also gives more castor and the car certainly seems very well set up as it is for it. Full alignment needed obviously. I've not played with the anti roll bar settings as yet as to be fair it's a weekend road car and am happy with how she goes. New pilot sport 4s also have helped, wasn't comfortable with half worn cup 2 tyres on it, back end was loose on occasion
Edited by 200Plus Club on Thursday 30th June 06:07
Edited by 200Plus Club on Thursday 30th June 06:08
Edited by 200Plus Club on Thursday 30th June 06:08
I ran Cup 2 on the GT3 and even hit the Peaks District in winter! The GT4 has nearly new Cup 2 also so will wait for them to wear before potentially moving to 4S also. They approved now for warranty? I remember reading they were about to do that when I had the GT3 as I wanted to make the move.
I’ll look into the added negative camber thanks.
I’ll look into the added negative camber thanks.
Next update Wing risers.
I love the form factor of the GT4 vs the 991/992 GT3. Its small and agile so perfect for the roads I live near in Wales. However, the rear design of the Cayman GT4 body was always a weak point for me. It just lacked aggression like other GT cars.
A simple fix for this are to add wing risers which increases the height by 3" depending on the brand you use. There are 2 that were of interest to me as they have the OEM look and quality (actually better).
- RNSV
- Renntechnik Motorsport
Both are identical.
I ordered the Renntechnik as they seem to be UK based whereas RNSV are US based, with superb quality.
This will change the downforce at the rear (additional 20% as per RNSV testing) so it is recommended that the front aero flaps are also adjusted to equalise the car. This is a fairly easy job to do.
They arrived fairly quickly and packaged very well.
The GT4 was filthy, I would normally have cleaned it prior to installing the wing however I was too excited to get the job done.
This was a before any work was done.
First job was to remove the wing itself which was easy as it was attached with 4 x T30 bolts. I then masked the base, heated up the 2 trim pieces prior to removing them. The gunk left over was easily removed with Tardis after a bit of soaking. You then need to remove the side trim panels inside the boot recess prior to removing 3 x T30 bolts each side. The risers are then easily pulled out.
I am still yet to paint correct and ceramic coat the GT4 (further updates to come), so I saw this as a great opportunity to machine polish the rear boot lid whilst the spoiler was off. This also helped get some of the very minor adhesive off the paint.
Parts that came off and to go on
Assembly is the reverse of disassembly, with a drop of blue Locktight as per OEM recommendations
You can already see the difference
At this point with the wing installed the front aero needed to be adjusted, these are flaps that are removed from in front of the front wheel under the arch.
Final result, before and after
I am really happy with the install. Quality of the kit surpasses OEM, it looks more aggressive without being OTT. It has a little bit of an RS or GT3 homage. It is also totally reversible which is key. An added bonus is that I can actually look out of the rear view mirror as there is no wing there to block the view!
I have a few updates to come, GTS rear tail lights and some further detailing.
I love the form factor of the GT4 vs the 991/992 GT3. Its small and agile so perfect for the roads I live near in Wales. However, the rear design of the Cayman GT4 body was always a weak point for me. It just lacked aggression like other GT cars.
A simple fix for this are to add wing risers which increases the height by 3" depending on the brand you use. There are 2 that were of interest to me as they have the OEM look and quality (actually better).
- RNSV
- Renntechnik Motorsport
Both are identical.
I ordered the Renntechnik as they seem to be UK based whereas RNSV are US based, with superb quality.
This will change the downforce at the rear (additional 20% as per RNSV testing) so it is recommended that the front aero flaps are also adjusted to equalise the car. This is a fairly easy job to do.
They arrived fairly quickly and packaged very well.
The GT4 was filthy, I would normally have cleaned it prior to installing the wing however I was too excited to get the job done.
This was a before any work was done.
First job was to remove the wing itself which was easy as it was attached with 4 x T30 bolts. I then masked the base, heated up the 2 trim pieces prior to removing them. The gunk left over was easily removed with Tardis after a bit of soaking. You then need to remove the side trim panels inside the boot recess prior to removing 3 x T30 bolts each side. The risers are then easily pulled out.
I am still yet to paint correct and ceramic coat the GT4 (further updates to come), so I saw this as a great opportunity to machine polish the rear boot lid whilst the spoiler was off. This also helped get some of the very minor adhesive off the paint.
Parts that came off and to go on
Assembly is the reverse of disassembly, with a drop of blue Locktight as per OEM recommendations
You can already see the difference
At this point with the wing installed the front aero needed to be adjusted, these are flaps that are removed from in front of the front wheel under the arch.
Final result, before and after
I am really happy with the install. Quality of the kit surpasses OEM, it looks more aggressive without being OTT. It has a little bit of an RS or GT3 homage. It is also totally reversible which is key. An added bonus is that I can actually look out of the rear view mirror as there is no wing there to block the view!
I have a few updates to come, GTS rear tail lights and some further detailing.
Edited by christurbo on Saturday 2nd July 08:36
Edited by christurbo on Saturday 2nd July 08:42
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