997 GT3 Owner's Experiences
Discussion
I have a 997 GT3 due for delivery in early October (build date mid September) and I would be interested in current (and former) owners impressions and experiences.
I have spec'd my car as follows:
Carrera White
Clubsport
Sound Package
Sports Chrono Plus
Red Seatbelts
Carbon Door Entry Guards
Sat Nav and Telephone Package
Rear Centre Console in exterior colour
Steel Brakes (after a very protracted period of deliberation)
I am particularly interested in how well the Clubsport seats wear with regular use. Do I have to be particularly careful getting in and out etc. Has anyone made the modicifation to the exhaust system described in the thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... if so how is it? Are there any other issues I should be aware of with the GT3 in particular?
I have had two 997's previously (a C2 and a C2S), so know a little about the car in general, it's really the GT3 specific issues, hints and tips I'm after.
The car won't be my daily driver, but it will be used very frequently.
Thanks for your collective help!
Mark.
I have spec'd my car as follows:
Carrera White
Clubsport
Sound Package
Sports Chrono Plus
Red Seatbelts
Carbon Door Entry Guards
Sat Nav and Telephone Package
Rear Centre Console in exterior colour
Steel Brakes (after a very protracted period of deliberation)
I am particularly interested in how well the Clubsport seats wear with regular use. Do I have to be particularly careful getting in and out etc. Has anyone made the modicifation to the exhaust system described in the thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... if so how is it? Are there any other issues I should be aware of with the GT3 in particular?
I have had two 997's previously (a C2 and a C2S), so know a little about the car in general, it's really the GT3 specific issues, hints and tips I'm after.
The car won't be my daily driver, but it will be used very frequently.
Thanks for your collective help!
Mark.TheDeadPrussian said:
I have a 997 GT3 due for delivery in early October (build date mid September) and I would be interested in current (and former) owners impressions and experiences.
I have spec'd my car as follows:
Carrera White
Clubsport
Sound Package
Sports Chrono Plus
Red Seatbelts
Carbon Door Entry Guards
Sat Nav and Telephone Package
Rear Centre Console in exterior colour
Steel Brakes (after a very protracted period of deliberation)
I am particularly interested in how well the Clubsport seats wear with regular use. Do I have to be particularly careful getting in and out etc. Has anyone made the modicifation to the exhaust system described in the thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... if so how is it? Are there any other issues I should be aware of with the GT3 in particular?
I have had two 997's previously (a C2 and a C2S), so know a little about the car in general, it's really the GT3 specific issues, hints and tips I'm after.
The car won't be my daily driver, but it will be used very frequently.
Thanks for your collective help! Mark.
3200 miles on my 997 GT3 RS, have sport chrono and as yet haven't used it. Have PCCB's, Bi-Xenon, sat-nav, telephone, and would spec these if I was ordering again.I have spec'd my car as follows:
Carrera White
Clubsport
Sound Package
Sports Chrono Plus
Red Seatbelts
Carbon Door Entry Guards
Sat Nav and Telephone Package
Rear Centre Console in exterior colour
Steel Brakes (after a very protracted period of deliberation)
I am particularly interested in how well the Clubsport seats wear with regular use. Do I have to be particularly careful getting in and out etc. Has anyone made the modicifation to the exhaust system described in the thread http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... if so how is it? Are there any other issues I should be aware of with the GT3 in particular?
I have had two 997's previously (a C2 and a C2S), so know a little about the car in general, it's really the GT3 specific issues, hints and tips I'm after.
The car won't be my daily driver, but it will be used very frequently.
Thanks for your collective help!
Mark.Only thing I would add is FACTORY COLLECTION. We went beginning of June and it was a superb experience. Typical German efficiency, flew from London City airport to Stuttgart. Hotel, factory tour, museum, Porsche restaurant all top-notch.
Driven car through Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Northern Italy. So easy to drive and very comfortable on the road. Had roll cage taken out whilst car is in `touring mode`, thus freeing up loads of extra luggae space. Roll cage designed like a spiders web and makes access to area behind seats much less accessible than previous GT3/GT3 RS's. Clubsport package standard on RS but would go same route for a GT3.
Go for it.
Hi & welcome to the club (well shortly anyway). I can't help with the buckets as I only have standard sport seats (& am happy with the choice) & also haven't modified, don't see the need to in honesty!
I agree with above, but went comfort spec myself as it is a daily driver, so no cage or buckets... also have Xenons, soundpack, crests, plus full leather, Nav etc!
But I can give you a taster of ownership so far! Like yourself, I have been a serial Porker owner & there is no doubt the GT3 is my best slice of Pork yet, it really does live up to the hype IMO! An awesome all round drivers car, refined enough on road, but also at home on track!
Compared to the S it is a more interactive cohesive package, from the fabulous sound & reach of the
engine, the feel-some direct steering via that chunky alcantara wheel, the car feels so rigid & responsive to inputs you really do feel very much part of the machine, it responds to your every input however slight & the cornering forces are awesome with virtually zero body roll! Every time you drive this car it is a special occasion!
Few points I can think of, may be of interest...
1/ Make sure you CAREFULLY check your car on delivery, mine had a chip out the door opening, a scuffed front spoiler & more!
2/ Ask the dealer to carefully check the short shift kit for alignment, mine is too stiff between 2nd & 3rd, others say it just needs aligning, I haven't taken it back as I don't want to loose the car at the moment..enjoying it too much!
3/ Be prepared to dissapear in a cloud of oil smoke most morning, mine smokes more than any other Porker I've had.
4/ The engine has a touch of harshness at certain revs can cause vibrations in the door at 3-3.5k revs, some are worse than others, check yours.
5/My front spoiler lasted 2k miles was fine until I took it on a VERY bumpy B road at speed, it now has a serrated bottom, body control is great but the spoiler so low that it is just a matter of time!
6/ Gear selection, you need to change your mind set & choose a gear lower than you expect, the car has very long gearing, 2nd will go over 80 & 3rd to over 110!!! So 1st gear off a roundabout & at 50 mph behind traffic 2nd, then the cars acceleration is simply awesome & the sountrack absolutely spot on!
7/ it hasn't used too much oil & is doing an average 19 mph.
8/ the Soundpack plus is ok (a must buy as the standard is crap), but you need to crank the bass a bit for best effect. or turn it off & hit the sport button!
9/ Be prepared to clean the wheels a lot it sheds dust like a dust shedding thing!
Summary: Its a living snarling howling adrenalin pumping beast of car, IMO it offers one of the highest levels of driver interaction available at any price but (here is the key benefit....)is also refined enough to use on the long haul, commute, motorway or track in fact every day like an S!
Trouble is you'll grow these
the second you get behind the wheel...enjoy
I agree with above, but went comfort spec myself as it is a daily driver, so no cage or buckets... also have Xenons, soundpack, crests, plus full leather, Nav etc!
But I can give you a taster of ownership so far! Like yourself, I have been a serial Porker owner & there is no doubt the GT3 is my best slice of Pork yet, it really does live up to the hype IMO! An awesome all round drivers car, refined enough on road, but also at home on track!
Compared to the S it is a more interactive cohesive package, from the fabulous sound & reach of the
engine, the feel-some direct steering via that chunky alcantara wheel, the car feels so rigid & responsive to inputs you really do feel very much part of the machine, it responds to your every input however slight & the cornering forces are awesome with virtually zero body roll! Every time you drive this car it is a special occasion!
Few points I can think of, may be of interest...
1/ Make sure you CAREFULLY check your car on delivery, mine had a chip out the door opening, a scuffed front spoiler & more!
2/ Ask the dealer to carefully check the short shift kit for alignment, mine is too stiff between 2nd & 3rd, others say it just needs aligning, I haven't taken it back as I don't want to loose the car at the moment..enjoying it too much!
3/ Be prepared to dissapear in a cloud of oil smoke most morning, mine smokes more than any other Porker I've had.
4/ The engine has a touch of harshness at certain revs can cause vibrations in the door at 3-3.5k revs, some are worse than others, check yours.
5/My front spoiler lasted 2k miles was fine until I took it on a VERY bumpy B road at speed, it now has a serrated bottom, body control is great but the spoiler so low that it is just a matter of time!
6/ Gear selection, you need to change your mind set & choose a gear lower than you expect, the car has very long gearing, 2nd will go over 80 & 3rd to over 110!!! So 1st gear off a roundabout & at 50 mph behind traffic 2nd, then the cars acceleration is simply awesome & the sountrack absolutely spot on!
7/ it hasn't used too much oil & is doing an average 19 mph.
8/ the Soundpack plus is ok (a must buy as the standard is crap), but you need to crank the bass a bit for best effect. or turn it off & hit the sport button!
9/ Be prepared to clean the wheels a lot it sheds dust like a dust shedding thing!
Summary: Its a living snarling howling adrenalin pumping beast of car, IMO it offers one of the highest levels of driver interaction available at any price but (here is the key benefit....)is also refined enough to use on the long haul, commute, motorway or track in fact every day like an S!
Trouble is you'll grow these
the second you get behind the wheel...enjoyEdited by Grant3 on Wednesday 29th August 19:34
Thanks for all the useful info so far, it is great to know that current owners hold the car in such high regard.
I forgot to add that I have spec'd the Xenons as well.
As I said in the original post, I agonised over the PCCB for a very long time, and after all of the useful advice offered here and elsewhere, decided that for me, the cost - benefit analysis did not stack up.
I have absolutely loved owning my 2 previous 997's but from what has been said so far, this should take my owning experience to a new level.
With regard to the Factory Collection, I haven't opted for this, mainly because I spend a fair amount of time in Germany, and so I fully intend to make a trip down their independantly. Can you do most of the 'collection program' on a day trip or are some of the activities exclusive to those collecting cars?
Thanks again so far, it's great to get such positive feedback.
I forgot to add that I have spec'd the Xenons as well.
As I said in the original post, I agonised over the PCCB for a very long time, and after all of the useful advice offered here and elsewhere, decided that for me, the cost - benefit analysis did not stack up.
I have absolutely loved owning my 2 previous 997's but from what has been said so far, this should take my owning experience to a new level.
With regard to the Factory Collection, I haven't opted for this, mainly because I spend a fair amount of time in Germany, and so I fully intend to make a trip down their independantly. Can you do most of the 'collection program' on a day trip or are some of the activities exclusive to those collecting cars?
Thanks again so far, it's great to get such positive feedback.
Edited by TheDeadPrussian on Wednesday 29th August 15:55
Well, you 2 are one of the lucky ones, I know someone who just got handed back their £10K deposit. I have had mine since April and spec'd the clubsport seats. Wear wise; no signs at the moment but they pick up everything, don't take a trip to the barbers in it is good advice!! In terms of comfort, even on longer haul, the clubsport seats are far better (my opinion) than 996 turbo in which a long journey killed my lower back but these are sooo supportive.
I also agree with the other comments (roll cage) you need to be "de-boned" to even get near back window. I spec'd xenons, nav + sound plus. Smoke on starting; 7/10 times, only when cold, shifting to 3rd too stiff, front spoiler nearly destroyed (bought spare from carnewal.com in readiness of total destruction) I am pleased to see that I am not the only one averaging 19 mph and on a recent track day down to 8!! Do you know already what tyres your car is coming with?? I think I was the only person to not get Cups at the time, fitted with P Zero Corsa's but I hear some are now coming with Rosso's???!!! Not sure you would be missing anything major with cups not being on in October as many posts have tyre mileage betwen 4-5000 miles before needing replacements.
Awesume car and without doubt best I have owned, I keep saying this will be the last one and at the moment still think that. Enjoy you new toy
I also agree with the other comments (roll cage) you need to be "de-boned" to even get near back window. I spec'd xenons, nav + sound plus. Smoke on starting; 7/10 times, only when cold, shifting to 3rd too stiff, front spoiler nearly destroyed (bought spare from carnewal.com in readiness of total destruction) I am pleased to see that I am not the only one averaging 19 mph and on a recent track day down to 8!! Do you know already what tyres your car is coming with?? I think I was the only person to not get Cups at the time, fitted with P Zero Corsa's but I hear some are now coming with Rosso's???!!! Not sure you would be missing anything major with cups not being on in October as many posts have tyre mileage betwen 4-5000 miles before needing replacements.
Awesume car and without doubt best I have owned, I keep saying this will be the last one and at the moment still think that. Enjoy you new toy
henna777 said:
Well, you 2 are one of the lucky ones, I know someone who just got handed back their £10K deposit. I have had mine since April and spec'd the clubsport seats. Wear wise; no signs at the moment but they pick up everything, don't take a trip to the barbers in it is good advice!!
Lucky, I certainly feel that way, I've had my deposit down for over a year and was beginning to wonder if I would ever get the car!With regards to potential wear on the seats, that's good news, but the fact they pick up everything will put an end to my wifes riding in the car without a hair net! (or helmet)
henna777 said:
shifting to 3rd too stiff
Is this a common problem everyone is experiencing? Is it just that the 'box needs to warm up when setting off / loosen up over a few months, or is it down to alignment as mentioned ealier?Edited by TheDeadPrussian on Wednesday 29th August 16:21
TheDeadPrussian said:
henna777 said:
shifting to 3rd too stiff
Is this a common problem everyone is experiencing? Is it just that the 'box needs to warm up when setting off / loosen up over a few months, or is it down to alignment as mentioned ealier?Edited by TheDeadPrussian on Wednesday 29th August 16:21
I've had mine for nine months and remain very impressed with the breadth of its capabilities and useability.
No issues, no problems, probably the best Porsche I've ever owned or driven. Love the pccbs, but sometimes wish I'd spec'd the lwt buckets. Trying an RS for a few days next week, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
Only query is whether to run it on approved road tyres this winter? Mind you, never had a problem with the Cups even in attrocious weather.
No issues, no problems, probably the best Porsche I've ever owned or driven. Love the pccbs, but sometimes wish I'd spec'd the lwt buckets. Trying an RS for a few days next week, so it'll be interesting to see how they compare.
Only query is whether to run it on approved road tyres this winter? Mind you, never had a problem with the Cups even in attrocious weather.
Geneve said:
Only query is whether to run it on approved road tyres this winter? Mind you, never had a problem with the Cups even in attrocious weather.
As far as I know my car will come on the Cups, but as I said I am in Germany a great deal and with their introduction of winter tyre laws (which means you must have either all season rated tyres or specifically designed winter tyres fitted during the winter months) I am already resigned to the fact I am going to have to fit another set of wheels and tyres in November/December.
Geneve said:
Only query is whether to run it on approved road tyres this winter? Mind you, never had a problem with the Cups even in attrocious weather.
At recent GT3 driving experience, advised to press the sport button everytime, is this the norm? Anyone tried to change the emphasis, so button is always on sport mode unless manually deactivated?
Just being lazy !!
Congratulations all of you on having the good sense to buy what could be the best all round car on the road! Sorry to go off message slightly. If you specify the Carrera Power Pack on a C2S, does that get you an engine more akin to the GT3 unit, or is that something else altogether. I appreciate that the one is a 3.8 and the other a race-derived 3.6, but in terms of what they do to it? Any body got any experience of driving a car with that particular option.
Also, there are a few comments above about stiff gear changes. Is that about the standard manual box or the optional shortened sport-shift?
Do the PCCB's improve the handling as Porsche suggest or only the braking?
Also, there are a few comments above about stiff gear changes. Is that about the standard manual box or the optional shortened sport-shift?
Do the PCCB's improve the handling as Porsche suggest or only the braking?
cardigankid said:
Congratulations all of you on having the good sense to buy what could be the best all round car on the road! Sorry to go off message slightly. If you specify the Carrera Power Pack on a C2S, does that get you an engine more akin to the GT3 unit, or is that something else altogether. I appreciate that the one is a 3.8 and the other a race-derived 3.6, but in terms of what they do to it? Any body got any experience of driving a car with that particular option.
Also, there are a few comments above about stiff gear changes. Is that about the standard manual box or the optional shortened sport-shift?
Do the PCCB's improve the handling as Porsche suggest or only the braking?
Re. the engine it's completely different both mechanically and in nature but I think others more qualified than me will probably be able to explain the tech. bit better than me.Also, there are a few comments above about stiff gear changes. Is that about the standard manual box or the optional shortened sport-shift?
Do the PCCB's improve the handling as Porsche suggest or only the braking?
It's the short shift that can be stiff.
IMO the biggest difference PCCBs v Standard is in handling and ride. I back to backed a standard braked car(mine) with a PCCB car down an undulating B road and you really could feel that the PCCB car was 'lighter' on it's feet and in it's responses. Frankly in terms of pure braking performance I don't think you'd notice a difference on road - on track maybe but not on road. If I was buying another GT3 I'd have the PCCBs for the improvements as mentioned. Mind you I wasn't exactly depressed with my standard braked car!
Edited by Pugsey on Wednesday 29th August 17:26
he hee Mark
i think it may become ur dailey drive
This was my first 997 gt3 - and i've been overjoyed since March this year.
I found the buckett seat painfull at first after a few hours of driving, but glad to say i have no probs now, just took some getting used to. I also spe'd the sports chrono but have never used...
All the best.
i think it may become ur dailey drive
This was my first 997 gt3 - and i've been overjoyed since March this year.
I found the buckett seat painfull at first after a few hours of driving, but glad to say i have no probs now, just took some getting used to. I also spe'd the sports chrono but have never used...
All the best.
TheDeadPrussian said:
henna777 said:
shifting to 3rd too stiff
Is this a common problem everyone is experiencing? Is it just that the 'box needs to warm up when setting off / loosen up over a few months, or is it down to alignment as mentioned ealier?Edited by TheDeadPrussian on Wednesday 29th August 16:21
I didn't get clubsport but have the sport seats - didn't like the sound of black fabric seats in a 90k car - mine are the carbon fibre ones with alcantara and black leather...they are absolutely
Didn't bother with sound pack - that's what the engine/exhaust is for!!
I like the cruise for motorway driving - cheap at £294!
Small carbon pack gives you the GT3 insert in the handbrake lever - NICE.
Here's a photo of my interior:-
http://porsche997gt3.fotopic.net/p44472295.html
Cheers - Phil
[quote=997GT3
I like the cruise for motorway driving - cheap at £294!
Here's a photo of my interior:-
http://porsche997gt3.fotopic.net/p44472295.html
Cheers - Phil
[/quote]
Thanks Phil, I forgot to mention that I had specified the cruise as well! (my memory must be failing), I also find it really useful.
I travel through Belgium and the Netherlands a fair bit and I find it the easiest way to keep to the speed limits(ish) on their mostly empty roads. A friend had his car impounded in the Netherlands for speeding, something I don't want to have to go through.
The interior of your car looks great.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, it is really useful to gain the benefit of your collective ownership experiences.
The only trouble is you have me revisiting the whole PCCB issue all over again
I like the cruise for motorway driving - cheap at £294!
Here's a photo of my interior:-
http://porsche997gt3.fotopic.net/p44472295.html
Cheers - Phil
[/quote]
Thanks Phil, I forgot to mention that I had specified the cruise as well! (my memory must be failing), I also find it really useful.
I travel through Belgium and the Netherlands a fair bit and I find it the easiest way to keep to the speed limits(ish) on their mostly empty roads. A friend had his car impounded in the Netherlands for speeding, something I don't want to have to go through.
The interior of your car looks great.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, it is really useful to gain the benefit of your collective ownership experiences.
The only trouble is you have me revisiting the whole PCCB issue all over again
TheDeadPrussian said:
The only trouble is you have me revisiting the whole PCCB issue all over again
I deliberated for ages over PCCB, and finally decided to go for them predominately due to the longevity (?) but mainly for the additional saving on unsprung mass, which for a car mainly used as a road car was worthwhile.Plus, I think yellow calipers against black wheels looks the dog's preverbials.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff