Basic 997 GT3 question

[crbox]

Can somebody please clafify: Do either the 997 GT3 Gen 1 or Gen 2, have the feature where you can modify the ride stiffness/comfort? If so, how is it referred to and is it standard equipment?
Also it seems to me, a dealer 997 Gen 2 is getting on for twice as expensive as a well bought, privately sold Gen 1. I've gleaned that the Gen 2 has the 3.8 and therefor more desireable. Also, to my mind a tidier front end, but are there any other differences, that are worth so much more?
Also is there any way one can check any over rev history, without going to an agent?

[mrdemon]

they have PASM but you cannot turn it on, on the road it would throw you off it.

you can use durametrics software and a cable
http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx

[pete a]

Hi Yes the 997.1 GT3 does have PASM which is Porsche Active Suspension Mgt and it is very effective, however for hard track use lots of people recommend going back to a set of quality passive shocks like KW or Ohlins.
the 997.1 is an excellent car and also does not have the centre lock wheels, I don't think you will get a good one for half the price of a mark 2 either but certainly about £20k in it.

Here is mine

[mrdemon]

pete a said:

Hi Yes the 997.1 GT3 does have PASM which is Porsche Active Suspension Mgt and it is very effective, however for hard track use lots of people recommend going back to a set of quality passive shocks like Motons

fixed that 4 u :-)

[David Hype]

mrdemon said:

you can use durametrics software and a cable
http://www.durametric.com/default.aspx

Sorry to hijack this thread but...

Seeing as the cost for this product is in US$. Is this tool specifically for USA spec. cars or is it a product for use worldwide?

[crbox]

pete a said:

Hi Yes the 997.1 GT3 does have PASM which is Porsche Active Suspension Mgt and it is very effective, however for hard track use lots of people recommend going back to a set of quality passive shocks like KW or Ohlins.
the 997.1 is an excellent car and also does not have the centre lock wheels, I don't think you will get a good one for half the price of a mark 2 either but certainly about £20k in it.

Here is mine

Great looking machine. Not seen one in that combination. Anyhow, whats the deal with the centre lock wheels? Is it a big problem to remove a Gen 2 wheel?

[pete a]

Yes the centre lock wheels can only be changed using a Specilist torque tool and there are a few too many cases of wheels falling off for my liking.

[PorkaFly]

pete a said:

Yes the centre lock wheels can only be changed using a Specilist torque tool and there are a few too many cases of wheels falling off for my liking.

Pete - very nice car. I think you're over egging the CL wheels "fall off" issue though. I don't like them, would prefer the studs, but I've had 2 GT3s with them now and both cars have been used very much as intended.

OP - Wheels fell off early on in 2009/10 when people were not engaging the locking mechanism properly. If it's done properly they are fine, but I would certainly argue are a faff and are now lifed parts, however the pleasure and enhancement over Gen1 is worth them IMO.

PF

[pete a]

PorkaFly said:

Pete - very nice car. I think you're over egging the CL wheels "fall off" issue though. I don't like them, would prefer the studs, but I've had 2 GT3s with them now and both cars have been used very much as intended.

OP - Wheels fell off early on in 2009/10 when people were not engaging the locking mechanism properly. If it's done properly they are fine, but I would certainly argue are a faff and are now lifed parts, however the pleasure and enhancement over Gen1 is worth them IMO.

PF

Thank you, your RS is lovely as well, nice colour scheme on it. I think the centre locks look very cool but as you say a bit of a faff about.
In regards to the falling off issue if I've over egged it then I am sorry, I just got the impression that there Were a few isuees.
Don't get me wrong, my budget only stretched as far as what I have but it truly is a fantastic car, fast, tactile, great feel and looks the business I don't know if I really think the mark 2 is worth the extra 20-25k?
Maybe it's all relative and depends on how easy you can afford the extra.
All in all I don't think there is such a thing as a bad GT3 model they are all great cars in their own right, whatever the op buys I'm sure they will be happy.

Edited by pete a on Thursday 8th August 19:31

[PorkaFly]

pete a said:

Thank you, your RS is lovely as well, nice colour scheme on it. I think the centre locks look very cool but as you say a bit of a faff about.
In regards to the falling off issue if I've over egged it then I am sorry, I just got the impression that there Were a few isuees.
Don't get me wrong, my budget only stretched as far as what I have but it truly is a fantastic car, fast, tactile, great feel and looks the business I don't know if I really think the mark 2 is worth the extra 20-25k?
Maybe it's all relative and depends on how easy you can afford the extra.
All in all I don't think there is such a thing as a bad GT3 model they are all great cars in their own right, whatever the op buys I'm sure they will be happy.

Edited by pete a on Thursday 8th August 19:31

No probs...the CLs are definitely form over function and wouldn't be my choice if there was one for Gen2s.

PF

[crbox]

Does the G2 not come with a centre lock spanner thingy?

Also can you turn PASM down or not, to get an easier ride when out with the missus?

[arcamalpha]

Gen2 with PASM in "normal" mode is just fine. PASM in "sport" mode needs a smooth road though and creates understeer unless you're pushing on.

[DiscoColin]

PorkaFly said:

OP - Wheels fell off early on in 2009/10 when people were not engaging the locking mechanism properly. If it's done properly they are fine, but I would certainly argue are a faff and are now lifed parts, however the pleasure and enhancement over Gen1 is worth them IMO.

Erm - the nuts falling off are not the problem. The central bolt suffering catastrophic failure and separating from the hub is the issue and thus far the only solution offered by Porsche to eliminate the (so far, statistically speaking) small risk of that is to spend a significant amount of money replacing the hubs and bearings at absurdly short intervals if the car sees track time. That is why they are now 'lifed' (i.e. the wheel hubs, hub carriers, bearings and nuts have been reclassified by the manufacturer as fixed interval consumables {the interval being measured against track time though - road use is not officially an issue}, which does not apply to any previous GT3 nor the Carrera GT {which uses a completely different centre lock system derived from the racing cars}). All owners of cars with centre locks should have had a letter about this. A number of people have written letters about this advisory back and are still awaiting a response from Porsche months later. Anyone looking for further information can find it on here and a number of other Porsche forums.

The Gen 2 is still overall a better car, but there are a number of issues with it that make a Gen 1 a better acquisition for track users as things currently stand unless you are prepared to make some modifications. I really hope that Porsche step up with a decent solution for this and stop dragging their heels...