Modded 718 Spyder vs. 991.2 GT3 Manual
Modded 718 Spyder vs. 991.2 GT3 Manual
Author
Discussion

Implus1

Original Poster:

192 posts

56 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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Currently own a manual 718 Spyder from new with a JCR backbox and wondering if I should go down the route of more 'invasive' mods to further unlock performance and sound. The thinking is to add the JCR manifolds which has the benefit of performance gains in addition to the sound and a custom gear set from KMP (https://www.kmpdrivetrain.com/product-category/gears/porsche982/). I have no intention of tracking nor any desire to exceedingly break the speed limit which makes this gear set attractive as it means you could keep the car in third and fourth and still be in the sweeter spot of the rev range, rather than second and third where there is a bigger risk of a 'money shift' due to going across the box. The picture below illustrates the custom gear set speeds in gear (solid) vs. OEM (dashed). Benefit of this vs. the final drive mod is that 1st and 6th remain unchanged.

Saying all that, I could achieve both the performance and sound I desire, as well as having better ratios in the OEM gearbox by simply upgrading to a 991.2 GT3 manual without losing any warranty but I would lose the open top motoring...

What would other PHers do in my shoes? I think I already know the answer, but would be good to hear other views...




Edited by Implus1 on Wednesday 15th March 19:36

guyvert1

2,103 posts

258 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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As nice as the spyder is, I'd say it would be a struggle to compare them.

The GT3 will give you much more in most areas apart from getting cold on most days smile

Twinfan

10,125 posts

120 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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New manifolds mean a re-map and potentially removing the car from the OPC network when it comes to moving it on. Same for the re-gear.

Unless it's a definite keeper I'd leave it as is, but if that's not floating your boat sell and move on IMHO.

TDT

5,942 posts

135 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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Sounds like what you really need is a Spyder RS or a 991 Speedster. biglaugh


Implus1

Original Poster:

192 posts

56 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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TDT said:
Sounds like what you really need is a Spyder RS or a 991 Speedster. biglaugh
Both unobtanium sadly!

Nuttcase

537 posts

136 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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GT3. But then I'm 6'5" and don't fit comfortably in a Spyder

TDT

5,942 posts

135 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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Implus1 said:
TDT said:
Sounds like what you really need is a Spyder RS or a 991 Speedster. biglaugh
Both unobtanium sadly!
Yep. Unfortunately.

I’d say it depends on how much you really enjoy the open top experience.

What you could do is just do manifolds 1st.
Car will run without a remap, but will likely have a CEL on the dash, but will run fine, ECU will adapt and will have more power/torque and sound.
With just a bolt-on change, it’s easily reversible for OPC visits/MOT etc.
You could run it like that for a while to evaluate if you want more Spyder ,or actually you are ready for a change.
If you decide to change, you’ll get decent resale return on the JCR headers.
If you still want more, then, go for gearing. (Personally jury is still very much out, for me on this, with this engine)

If it’s the wrong direction you haven’t done anything permanent, and haven’t spent ‘too much’ money.

Edited by TDT on Wednesday 15th March 19:46

bigmowley

2,315 posts

192 months

Wednesday 15th March 2023
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As above Spyder RS is probably the only sensible answer.
I’ve had a couple of 718 Spyders and although it’s one of the very best cars that Porsche make it’s just let down by the lack of involvement and stimulation from the power train. The rest of the package is so bloody good that the lack of visceral interaction with the important bits is a real shame.

I fully understand with why you would do the mods but I suspect that Porsche will do it better with the RS engine and PDKS box.



bosshog

1,712 posts

292 months

Thursday 16th March 2023
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bigmowley said:
As above Spyder RS is probably the only sensible answer.
I’ve had a couple of 718 Spyders and although it’s one of the very best cars that Porsche make it’s just let down by the lack of involvement and stimulation from the power train. The rest of the package is so bloody good that the lack of visceral interaction with the important bits is a real shame.

I fully understand with why you would do the mods but I suspect that Porsche will do it better with the RS engine and PDKS box.


If you are a more visceral experience you could go for the 981 GT4 instead and pocket some money. See how you get on, and if you crave more power (but seriously why would you on public roads) go for the GT3

Implus1

Original Poster:

192 posts

56 months

Thursday 16th March 2023
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Had a 981 GT4 beforehand but wanted a topless experience hence went for the 718 Spyder once I got given an allocation.

elisered

287 posts

98 months

Thursday 16th March 2023
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RPM sold a substantially modified black 718 Spyder recently - can’t remember now exactly what was done (or if they did it) but included suspension/ exhaust for sure, might be worth a chat with them to discuss pros and cons. And of course they have there own gear ratio mod an lwfw offering. Car seemed to sell quite quickly but I doubt the seller got his money back - small market for newer modified cars is one consideration I guess.

Dr S

5,078 posts

242 months

Thursday 16th March 2023
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Adding the motherhood statement: Test drive a GT3 and then decide.

PaulJC84

1,036 posts

233 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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elisered said:
RPM sold a substantially modified black 718 Spyder recently - can’t remember now exactly what was done (or if they did it) but included suspension/ exhaust for sure, might be worth a chat with them to discuss pros and cons. And of course they have there own gear ratio mod an lwfw offering. Car seemed to sell quite quickly but I doubt the seller got his money back - small market for newer modified cars is one consideration I guess.
Yeah I remember that car. Had KW V3 coilovers, ST brake discs and the gear ratio change.

braddo

11,852 posts

204 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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I think the gear ratio change is a great idea and I'd do that first. It won't harm the car's value because it would be a very desirable mod. But it would reduce the number of people interested in buying it in the future (those who want a standard car with extendable warranty) but the people who do want it will be willing to pay a (small) premium for it.


blackmamba

831 posts

252 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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braddo said:
I think the gear ratio change is a great idea and I'd do that first. It won't harm the car's value because it would be a very desirable mod. But it would reduce the number of people interested in buying it in the future (those who want a standard car with extendable warranty) but the people who do want it will be willing to pay a (small) premium for it.
For warranty renewal purposes, it would be quite difficult to notice it had different gear ratios. Presume if something unrelated failed it wouldn't be an issue.

Twinfan

10,125 posts

120 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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I think it would be fairly easy to notice because I don't think auto-blip will work properly?

GTRene

19,269 posts

240 months

Monday 24th July 2023
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modded 718 spyder? btw, also fits the 981 spyder.

De Man motorsport, listen to this 718 spyder, it has the de man 4.5 engine NA 560hp... and that sound... mmm