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I remember getting a call from a buddy exclaiming he had just gotten a GT4 allocation and thinking, that's awesome!... but I'll never get one. I was already knee deep in a 517whp highly modified BMW M2 and about to move to an even larger turbo capable of 650+hp. I had it all planned out and had even purchased everything, when it occurred to me that fuel and boost management at those power levels were going to be really difficult to manage. Reliability was becoming questionable - and it was at that moment I realized it was time to move on and start a new project car.
I secured a local GT4 allocation on November 16th, 2020, and immediately started configuring my build. Aside from the usual options, I selected Gentian Blue with PDK, LWB seats, PCCB brakes and LED+ headlights. The color was an easy choice: blue is my favorite color. Although I can drive manual, after driving a Ferrari F430 with the F1 transmission I really enjoyed the flappy paddles and had them in my DCT M2 - so moving to the world-class PDK was an easy choice. I plan to track the car and rode in a buddies GT4 with LWB's so they were selected, and the brakes were a tough call but I went with the ceramics and will eventually pickup a set of Surface Transforms carbon ceramic rotors or Essex Designed AP Racing 2-piece rotors for track use.
As (bad) luck would have it, my GT4 arrived at the dealer on March 15th, 2021 and the very next day Porsche AG issued a world-wide stop sale on 4.0 GT4, GTS and Spyder models based on a connecting rod issue affecting 996 cars worldwide and 190 in the U.S. As a relief, those affected received a brand new factory engine along with an unlimited mileage 8 year extended drivetrain warranty and some financial consideration. Little did I know I would be in for a long 6 month wait to finally take possession of the car in mid-September.
Although I love my configuration, my one regret was choosing black wheels. I felt they subdue the blue color and don't provide the contrast I was looking for. BBS FI-R's have always been on my wish list, and they were available in OEM fitment for the GT4 - but not in the awesome brushed finish I had seen available for the 911. After several discussions with Eric at @SupremePower, I was able to arrange a set of FI-R's customized in the brushed clear finish. I'll be mounting Michelin PS4S tires on the FI-R's and keeping the stock wheels with Cup 2's for track use.
Having a great past experience with a @Fabspeed Motorsport downpipe on my M2, as soon as they announced the complete exhaust for the GT4 I reached out for a ride in their shop car to hear it. The video clips online don't compare to real life - this is the missing piece that makes the GT4 sound like an exotic! Included were new headers with 200CEL HJS cats, OPF delete mid-pipes and a valvetronic exhaust. Combined, this setup is good for over 30hp and really makes the car come alive!
CURRENT MODS:
• BBS FI-R wheels customized brushed clear by Supreme Power in OEM width and offset
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S NO (Porsche) tires in OEM fitment
• Fabspeed headers with 200 CEL HJS cats • Fabspeed OPF delete pipes • Fabspeed valvetronic x-pipe exhaust system • Cargraphic valve control unit
• T-Design memory module
• Rennline Competition Stud Conversion Kit
• AutoQuest Motorsports LWBS angle adjusters (removed)
• Ed Guard LWBS bolster covers
• Porsche LED clear side markers
• Porsche 992 GT3 / GT4 RS PDK shift ****
Sep 15, 2021 UPDATE: Engine swap! After the new engine arrived on August 24, 2021, installation took about a week followed by a 3 week wait for the new certification sticker tying the VIN to the new engine serial number. The new engine was provided with an 8 year unlimited mileage drivetrain warranty!
Last edited by nothingman; 09-30-2021 at 12:12 PM.
Ordered: Nov 16th, 2020 ---> Arrived at dealer: Mar 15th, 2021 ---> Stop Sale: Mar 16th, 2021 ---> Engine replaced: Sep 1st-8th, 2021 ---> Delivery: Sep 24th, 2021
Sep 24, 2021 UPDATE: It's finally delivery day after 312 long days! Porsche of Owings Mills, MD rolled out the red carpet and made me feel like royalty. We started with the reveal and tour of the car, and as we were sitting inside discussing features the most amazing thing happened. The GM came over and presented me with the certification stickers (tying the VIN to the new engine) which had just arrived mere minutes earlier; allowing me to personally adhere them to the car and officially ending the engine swap process. This may not sound like a big deal to the average person, but for me it was like cutting the umbilical cord!
After the tour, I was given two gift bags loaded with free Porsche swag which included hats, t-shirts, mugs, keychains, lanyard, first aid kit, leather conditioning kit, a GT4 diecast model, "Racing and Recipes" cookbook, teddy bear, and a USB pen loaded with photos taken during the engine swap. Amazing!
I couldn't be more ecstatic with the delivery experience before I even had an opportunity to turn the key!
Last edited by nothingman; 10-13-2021 at 03:28 PM.
Just wondering why you are not putting PSC2's on the FI-Rs for track use? Less unsprung weight is always a good thing! You could get the OEM wheels painted/powdercoated if you dont like the black. I was unsure about my black wheels at first but now they've grown on me and love the look!
Just wondering why you are not putting PSC2's on the FI-Rs for track use? Less unsprung weight is always a good thing!
The difference in unsprung weight is negligible at my skill level, I’ll only track it 2-3x per year, and the cost of the FI-R’s is too high to risk damaging them on the track.
The difference in unsprung weight is negligible at my skill level, I’ll only track it 2-3x per year, and the cost of the FI-R’s is too high to risk damaging them on the track.
I understand your point. The difference in weight is quite big actually at about 5-6 pounds per corner. For me I'm more scared of dammaging the wheels in city/daily driving then at the track. But you made a great choice with the FI-Rs! Post pics once on car!
Nice configuration!
My Spyder is waiting too (delivered to the dealer in 2nd week of March), but taken apart already (no complete block replacement).
Didn't want to bother myself with switches and/or valves, I like what I like and don't like compromises :
FabSpeed Competition Lightweight catback
JCR catless headers
NO exhaust switch
I'm looking into OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT (in 20") or OZ Racing Leggera HLT (but in 19"). PS4S is mounted on OEM wheels, so the OZ will be used with wintertires (Continental TSxxx ???)
Since the dealer will be doing all the motor swap work on their (or PCNA's) dime... assuming your service team is cool... I'd ask them to install the exhaust for you when they put the new motor in, since they'd already be doing that labor anyways...
Since the dealer will be doing all the motor swap work on their (or PCNA's) dime... assuming your service team is cool... I'd ask them to install the exhaust for you when they put the new motor in, since they'd already be doing that labor anyways...
That's a great idea which I seriously considered, but since I have access to a lift and want to do a before/after dyno and document the installation process I'll do it myself.
06-16-2021, 10:48 PM
PROJECT 718 GT4: nothingman's build
