997 GT3 RS 3.8 known problems, issues? (Any owners, experts)
Discussion
A petrolhead friend of mine has bought a used 997 GT3 RS 3.8 from 2011. It's a great car... He bought it for the love of cars, the potential future value and most of all to enjoy it now on trackdays (mostly Nürburgring).
It is his first Porsche and it replaces a F430. We are both somewhat more specialist of BMW M models and know a lot about those cars. This GT3RS is always maintained in a official Porsche garage and the previous owner only used it on the street. Are there certain things you best do or let your Porsche garage check out on GT3 before you start to drive it intensively on track?
For example; on the BMW s54 engine it is advised to change the bearing shells and oil pump on a certain point because these items can wear out and give you a lot of s54 engine trouble if they break. It is also advised that you check your Vanos bolts on this s54 engine.
So are there certain check-points or things you must do (besides the normal maintenance) to keep a 997 GT3 RS 3.8 engine running perfectly on track. If the car sees a lot of tracktime, should you shorten the period between the oil changes?
What's is that issue with the central bolts of the wheels that at one point needed to be replaced, because they could get loose and fall of? How can you see if this is done? Are there any well know problems with the 997 GT3 RS than can occur?
It is his first Porsche and it replaces a F430. We are both somewhat more specialist of BMW M models and know a lot about those cars. This GT3RS is always maintained in a official Porsche garage and the previous owner only used it on the street. Are there certain things you best do or let your Porsche garage check out on GT3 before you start to drive it intensively on track?
For example; on the BMW s54 engine it is advised to change the bearing shells and oil pump on a certain point because these items can wear out and give you a lot of s54 engine trouble if they break. It is also advised that you check your Vanos bolts on this s54 engine.
So are there certain check-points or things you must do (besides the normal maintenance) to keep a 997 GT3 RS 3.8 engine running perfectly on track. If the car sees a lot of tracktime, should you shorten the period between the oil changes?
What's is that issue with the central bolts of the wheels that at one point needed to be replaced, because they could get loose and fall of? How can you see if this is done? Are there any well know problems with the 997 GT3 RS than can occur?
Porsche911R said:
bought at the top of this bubble though so investment choice seems odd as cars just have not been selling, in fact OPC cars have been dropping as have JZM prices.
Buying to drive though one of Porsche best cars, enjoy
Who says he paid the same price as some unrealistic sellers are asking for a GT3 RS? Remember; there is always the asking price and the price car's realy sell in the real world. You can ask what you want but if nobody buys it, then the car is just sitting there and people who need the money will lower the price to more realistic levels. Buying to drive though one of Porsche best cars, enjoy
He did not buy the car the make money on. He bought it because a 997 GT3RS 3.8 is his dream car. When maybe one day selling it he will not lose money on it while enjoying a great car for some years. Not losing to much money and still having fun with a car is a good "car" investment in my book!
For example; buy a normal, more expensive Ferrari today and next year you will have lost a lot of money. If you want an long term investment where you can make money on, buy a house or appartement...but where is the driving pleasure in that?
RDMcG said:
Had one for four years, and had no problems with it, lots of tracking.
There were two important recalls:
(1) Centre locks needed new hubs and there is a specific mileage limit in when you replace them, I forget which. Critical recall
(2) There was a small component, in the air intake that could disintegrate and fall into the engine as I recall, in which case the engine would completely crater. Minor fix for a major catastrophe.
Otherwise a great car.
How can you check if the new hubs are on the car yes or no?There were two important recalls:
(1) Centre locks needed new hubs and there is a specific mileage limit in when you replace them, I forget which. Critical recall
(2) There was a small component, in the air intake that could disintegrate and fall into the engine as I recall, in which case the engine would completely crater. Minor fix for a major catastrophe.
Otherwise a great car.
RDMcG said:
My personal take is that prices will ease back.
They will come down a little...but no to much I think. Personally I find it stranger that the price of a used 991 GT3 stays higher then when the car was new 2 years a go. With the 997 GT3 RS 3.8 I can understand the reasons for the used price on the market and why it is a collectable car, but not in case of the 991 GT3. I think prices of the 991 GT3 will start dropping when the 991.2 GT3 goes on sale.
MDL111 said:
Nice thread revival there and some tips that sounds helpful to me - don’t have an RS unfortunately
Another thread revival He still owns the car. Nowadays it is in full Manthey Racing spec (KW suspension) and the only thing he needed to replace until today is the clutch, brakes and tyres. Still the most exciting car I ever drove on track Digga said:
STOP IT!
Happy as I am with my 7.1 GT3, I've been mulling a 7.2 RS...
Did your mate ever put the Guards diff ramps and plates in? I had mine done early last year and it really did make a huge difference. As a very average, hamfisted amateur track driver, I was not convinced I'd be able to perceive the difference, but it really did transform the car for the better.
I don't think they changed anything on the diff.Happy as I am with my 7.1 GT3, I've been mulling a 7.2 RS...
Did your mate ever put the Guards diff ramps and plates in? I had mine done early last year and it really did make a huge difference. As a very average, hamfisted amateur track driver, I was not convinced I'd be able to perceive the difference, but it really did transform the car for the better.
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