Warning - not a GT3 thread. Just a 997.2 C4S
Discussion
Having had a 996 C4S and a 996 Turbo I realised the dream and got a Ferrari 360. With the arrival of my daughter the Ferrari had to go (no airbag deactivation and would have to live on road) it was time to go car shopping.
Having enjoyed the C4S, but found it a little lacking in power, but not enjoyed the Turbo - plenty of power (especially after I had it chipped to 500bhp) but poor steering feel and a sterile experience - I was nervous about going back to Stuttgart. Also looked at a Maserati Gransport, Quattroporte and a GTR.
Didn't like the driving position, particularly pedals, in the Gransport; loved the Quattroporte and will have one but not now; didn't gel with the GTR.
So it was back to Porsche. Initially wanted a Cayman R, but Porsche refused to fit airbag deactivation kit to bucket seats. Went back to my trusted dealer Kier Chappell at Chappell Sports Cars in Chichester (can't recommend him enough), who just happened to mention he had something interesting coming in - a 997.2 C4S with full GT3 aerokit, manual, Turbo 2 alloys, 10k miles, and almost every option including the all important PSE. The Gen 2 engine not only offers more power but with direct injection I understand the prior engine issues are no more.
Test drove it and was won over. Engine was fantastic, responsive and so much torque, steering was spot on and there was enough aural pleasure to keep me amused. Have had the car a month or so now and done over 1000 miles and thought I'd offer my experiences.
It's more than fast enough for my wants (at the moment!), am still staggered by the grip and confidence (and feedback) offered. Can attack roads so much more than in the 360. Only gripe - having listened to a screaming V8 for the last year I would welcome more in the sound department. Love the looks of the aerokit, makes it standout a little. Not fussed it's a "fake" GT3 - need something with back seats! It's as happy around town as it is in Sport mode, comfortable on long journeys and it is not too harsh that makes the roads in Kent an unpleasant experience. It doesn't quite have the soul of the Ferrari, but a 2 year warranty, practicality and peace of mind are worth the trade. And i's still got enough character to make me want to head out for a drive.
I was a little concerned about the 4wd system removing some of the fun or 'experience'. But on this car I needn't have worried. Know there's a lot of 2v4 debate here but if I can get my thrills and have added security/usability then I am happy with that. Tail can still be provoked...
And a few pics...
Oh and plenty will think I am mad but for what I paid I could have easily gone into 997.1 Turbo territory. But having driven both, am very happy with my choice.
Having enjoyed the C4S, but found it a little lacking in power, but not enjoyed the Turbo - plenty of power (especially after I had it chipped to 500bhp) but poor steering feel and a sterile experience - I was nervous about going back to Stuttgart. Also looked at a Maserati Gransport, Quattroporte and a GTR.
Didn't like the driving position, particularly pedals, in the Gransport; loved the Quattroporte and will have one but not now; didn't gel with the GTR.
So it was back to Porsche. Initially wanted a Cayman R, but Porsche refused to fit airbag deactivation kit to bucket seats. Went back to my trusted dealer Kier Chappell at Chappell Sports Cars in Chichester (can't recommend him enough), who just happened to mention he had something interesting coming in - a 997.2 C4S with full GT3 aerokit, manual, Turbo 2 alloys, 10k miles, and almost every option including the all important PSE. The Gen 2 engine not only offers more power but with direct injection I understand the prior engine issues are no more.
Test drove it and was won over. Engine was fantastic, responsive and so much torque, steering was spot on and there was enough aural pleasure to keep me amused. Have had the car a month or so now and done over 1000 miles and thought I'd offer my experiences.
It's more than fast enough for my wants (at the moment!), am still staggered by the grip and confidence (and feedback) offered. Can attack roads so much more than in the 360. Only gripe - having listened to a screaming V8 for the last year I would welcome more in the sound department. Love the looks of the aerokit, makes it standout a little. Not fussed it's a "fake" GT3 - need something with back seats! It's as happy around town as it is in Sport mode, comfortable on long journeys and it is not too harsh that makes the roads in Kent an unpleasant experience. It doesn't quite have the soul of the Ferrari, but a 2 year warranty, practicality and peace of mind are worth the trade. And i's still got enough character to make me want to head out for a drive.
I was a little concerned about the 4wd system removing some of the fun or 'experience'. But on this car I needn't have worried. Know there's a lot of 2v4 debate here but if I can get my thrills and have added security/usability then I am happy with that. Tail can still be provoked...
And a few pics...
Oh and plenty will think I am mad but for what I paid I could have easily gone into 997.1 Turbo territory. But having driven both, am very happy with my choice.
Congratulations - great choice! I'm not a fan of the aerokit but it's difficult to find the perfect spec car, so if you like it, that's what counts!
I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
hondansx said:
Congratulations - great choice! I'm not a fan of the aerokit but it's difficult to find the perfect spec car, so if you like it, that's what counts!
I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
Your ride height looks perfect, are you sure there was no negative impact to ride quality or handling though? H&Rs available for 997.1 with PASM as well?I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
Also remember an aero kit car scrapes a lot more than regular as its so much lower at the front due to the splitter, well mine does anyway, I think if I went more than 5mm more lower at the front I'd not be able to navigate any speed bumps.
P.S. 30mm or 15mm drop on yours?
Edited by Gibbo205 on Tuesday 5th August 21:55
Gibbo205 said:
hondansx said:
Congratulations - great choice! I'm not a fan of the aerokit but it's difficult to find the perfect spec car, so if you like it, that's what counts!
I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
Your ride height looks perfect, I would urge you to fit the H&Rs to get rid of the 4x4 look though. Whilst you get the occasional scrape, the ride quality is no different from OEM.
Nero44 said:
hondansx said:
the 4x4 look though.
....although I assume the car is parked on a slope/camber in that pic?The H&Rs say 20-25mm. They are the 'Sport' springs and I would just say they are the same spring rate, just lower. Genuinely cannot tell any difference in ride and handling.
Perhaps it is different for Gen 1, but there is only one spring choice from H&R as far as i'm aware.
When it comes to scraping, it's really the little mud flaps on the rear of the front arch rather than the actual front of the car. I am of course careful over speedbumps, but there's no been no damage caused.
In my eyes, they are £300 well spent as it transforms the look of the car without making it look modified.
Perhaps it is different for Gen 1, but there is only one spring choice from H&R as far as i'm aware.
When it comes to scraping, it's really the little mud flaps on the rear of the front arch rather than the actual front of the car. I am of course careful over speedbumps, but there's no been no damage caused.
In my eyes, they are £300 well spent as it transforms the look of the car without making it look modified.
There was a slight camber!
To be honest I've not really noticed the spacing until that photo/it was raised above. Do really like the ride on hondansx's car. But two concerns - one re warranty and one re day to day ride height. Part of the latter might be re the front splitter but I can occasionally scrape the bottom of this on driveways, lowering the car would mean slightly worse scrapes...
Must learn to take better photos
To be honest I've not really noticed the spacing until that photo/it was raised above. Do really like the ride on hondansx's car. But two concerns - one re warranty and one re day to day ride height. Part of the latter might be re the front splitter but I can occasionally scrape the bottom of this on driveways, lowering the car would mean slightly worse scrapes...
Must learn to take better photos
uktrailmonster said:
Callughan said:
Didn't know aerokit removes rear strip on gen 2
I noticed that too. Also saw the same on a 4GTS with aero, so confirms it is correct. Much prefer the standard rear end with strip, one of the defining points of a C4S.
I didn't notice the strip!
I understand the concerns over warranty. Having purchased a number of cars from my local OPC, i have earned a certain amount of flexibility in exchange for my loyalty. Even without this relationship, i'd argue the toss of invalidation of claims when the failed part is not related to another.
I understand the concerns over warranty. Having purchased a number of cars from my local OPC, i have earned a certain amount of flexibility in exchange for my loyalty. Even without this relationship, i'd argue the toss of invalidation of claims when the failed part is not related to another.
The red strip goes with the aerokit. Doesn't bother me on this model (993 and 996 it would have - like the symmetry of the unbroken red stripe) but 997.2 it doesn't work so well. Just my opinion! And plus there is a spoiler...
Had a 996 C4S and a 996 Turbo - spent ages trying to find a way of putting the strip under the Turbo spoiler. Didn't find one!
Had a 996 C4S and a 996 Turbo - spent ages trying to find a way of putting the strip under the Turbo spoiler. Didn't find one!
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