981 GTS Plus?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 187
Likes: 9
From: DFW, TX
981 GTS Plus?
Looking hard at 981s. I had a 987 base and wife currently drives a 981 Boxster S, which I think is a phenomenal car. I’m looking specifically at 981 Cayman GTS and possibly GT4s. Truth be told, the GTS is the more sensible choice, but the GT4 just feels more special. So I’m thinking—can I split the difference somehow and create an in-betweener?
Can I reasonably find another 20 HP in a GTS, and improve handling a bit, at a cost that remains below price of entry for a used GT4? I’m thinking Cobb tune, second set of wheels with track rubber, upgraded pads and brake fluid.
This will a 2-3 day a week daily (not primary vehicle) and will see a few track days a year at an advanced/ instructor level. But I’m kinda set on getting a manual instead of the PDK this time around.
GTS seem to sit in the mid 60s while GT4s seem to hover in the mid 80s for non garage queens. So quite a spread to consider.
Thoughts/suggestions? Anyone else been in a similar situation?
Can I reasonably find another 20 HP in a GTS, and improve handling a bit, at a cost that remains below price of entry for a used GT4? I’m thinking Cobb tune, second set of wheels with track rubber, upgraded pads and brake fluid.
This will a 2-3 day a week daily (not primary vehicle) and will see a few track days a year at an advanced/ instructor level. But I’m kinda set on getting a manual instead of the PDK this time around.
GTS seem to sit in the mid 60s while GT4s seem to hover in the mid 80s for non garage queens. So quite a spread to consider.
Thoughts/suggestions? Anyone else been in a similar situation?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 219
Likes: 13
From: South of Boston
I’m going through the same thing right now. My thought process is a little different because I think I want PDK but as you stated the GT4 is more special. As far as getting more out of a GTS, I think if you can find one with the X73 package you will have a fine track car. The street ride may suffer however. As far as the better buy, it’s the GT4 right now. Prices a low and the price for a GTS seem high because of a lack of availability. If I was going with a manual transmission, i wouldn’t have a decision to make, it would be the GT4.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 60
From: nowhere, but at least I'm getting there fast!
I think headers and a tune will easily get you the additional power. That said, the depreciation on a GTS will be considerable compared to a GT4 so trying to bridge the price gap may be penny-wise but pound-foolish.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 335
From: NYC <> Boston
GTS is great, don't even think it needs more power, would buy and leave stock. However, if you have the mod bug and want more power, I think the GT4 is the way to go. Where the GTS is the tuned version of the 3.4, the GT4 is a detuned 3.8 and I think you will likely get more hp/mod$ out of the GT4. Another way to look at it is resale on mods suck so ultimate cost of ownership of a modded GTS vs stock GT4 might favor the GT4 and after purchase if you decide you want more power you can still mod the GT4.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 259
From: Honolulu
Austin Porsche has had this CPO Cayman R for awhile. It's arguably perfect for what you want it for. Virtues over the GTS is quicker throttle response, better steering feel, X73 if a particular GTS doesn't have X73, lighter weight, LWBs, and the car is rated at 330 hp but sure feels like it has more than that. FVD tune would get much more out of it.
https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...Black+21092211
https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...Black+21092211
Last edited by MidEngineRules; Nov 14, 2019 at 12:08 PM.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 355
Likes: 135
A used Cayman R for $69,000! Wow.
I would offer the following alternative: skip the GTS and get a S - you can get the same performance from the S as a similarly modded GTS and save yourself at least $10,000. The GTS comes with several standard "upgrade options" that are add on with the S but they also demand a significantly higher price. You can get into a very nice 2014 Cayman S for $50,000 or less, add headers and a ECU tune all for under $55,000, it would be faster than a stock GTS and would be a lot less expensive.
Food for thought...
I would offer the following alternative: skip the GTS and get a S - you can get the same performance from the S as a similarly modded GTS and save yourself at least $10,000. The GTS comes with several standard "upgrade options" that are add on with the S but they also demand a significantly higher price. You can get into a very nice 2014 Cayman S for $50,000 or less, add headers and a ECU tune all for under $55,000, it would be faster than a stock GTS and would be a lot less expensive.
Food for thought...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 534
From: UK
A used Cayman R for $69,000! Wow.
I would offer the following alternative: skip the GTS and get a S - you can get the same performance from the S as a similarly modded GTS and save yourself at least $10,000. The GTS comes with several standard "upgrade options" that are add on with the S but they also demand a significantly higher price. You can get into a very nice 2014 Cayman S for $50,000 or less, add headers and a ECU tune all for under $55,000, it would be faster than a stock GTS and would be a lot less expensive.
Food for thought...
I would offer the following alternative: skip the GTS and get a S - you can get the same performance from the S as a similarly modded GTS and save yourself at least $10,000. The GTS comes with several standard "upgrade options" that are add on with the S but they also demand a significantly higher price. You can get into a very nice 2014 Cayman S for $50,000 or less, add headers and a ECU tune all for under $55,000, it would be faster than a stock GTS and would be a lot less expensive.
Food for thought...
The GTS is a great car, but hardly good value for money when compared with either the GT4 or an S.
Be patient, find a nicely spec'ed S with the options you want and modify that.
Here in Europe we have guru at tweaking the Gen 2 DFi engines. The results are impressive :
https://en-gb.facebook.com/9x1.org/p...1516839382865/
In The States you'll need to speak to John Teece at BGB (who I suspect has dealings with/buys software off Jens)
A 375-380 hp 981 S with a brake upgrade and some suspension tweaks would be perfect for mainly street use, and will be considerably cheaper than a GT4 (and more discrete too)
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 259
From: Honolulu
^^ I went from a '14 Cayman S PDK to a '12 Cayman R manual back in 2015. The Cayman R is the superior performer of the two. Throttle response is much more urgent, and steering is sublime. Mine also had factory short shifter and mechanical LSD which I believe were both options. Mine also had PCCB and LWBs which really set the two further apart. Anyway the R is lighter and more agile overall. I just plug the R as I still think Porsche never bettered it until the GT4, and that's subjective. The R is a far better street car than a GT4. The R is also more special, will be a future classic, will hold its value best comparatively, and is quite the balanced package as is. Add a tune and you're done. Plus 19" wheels (forged and light) is better for street and track, buying rubber, etc. I haven't had a 981 GTS (did have a 982 GTS for a fleeting moment), but between my R and my current GT4, I wish I still had the R instead.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 534
From: UK
Just to follow on from my previous post, some good data from one of Jens 3.8 X51 981 conversions :
https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...l-numbers.html
https://rennlist.com/forums/987-981-...l-numbers.html
Last edited by Atgani; Nov 14, 2019 at 06:18 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 750
Likes: 269
From: Tanagra
Austin Porsche has had this CPO Cayman R for awhile. It's arguably perfect for what you want it for. Virtues over the GTS is quicker throttle response, better steering feel, X73 if a particular GTS doesn't have X73, lighter weight, LWBs, and the car is rated at 330 hp but sure feels like it has more than that. FVD tune would get much more out of it.
https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...Black+21092211
https://nationalpreownedporsche.com/...Black+21092211
are cars built on the cusp of the new high tech era. Like the CaymanR and my 2008 Viper (fingers crossed).
They might have some tech, but not the crazy high tech of their more contemporary counterparts.
These cars represent a definitive fork in the road.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 259
From: Honolulu
I've read (and heard) speculations about the next niche car market that will experience a crazy spike in valuation.. like the Classic Muscle car market,
are cars built on the cusp of the new high tech era. Like the CaymanR and my 2008 Viper (fingers crossed).
They might have some tech, but not the crazy high tech of their more contemporary counterparts.
These cars represent a definitive fork in the road.
are cars built on the cusp of the new high tech era. Like the CaymanR and my 2008 Viper (fingers crossed).
They might have some tech, but not the crazy high tech of their more contemporary counterparts.
These cars represent a definitive fork in the road.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 551
Likes: 4
From: Ridgefield, CT
I have X73 ('16 CS 6spd with COBB tune, 20" wheels, PTV) and have compared it to a GTS with PASM. I MUCH prefer the X73 suspension. The GTS in sport was 'softer' but actually I think the seats made more of a difference to the overall ride quality, which felt much softer than my standard sports seats. After test driving the GTS I decided not to upgrade. Take that for what it's worth.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 67
From: Oklahoma
Ordered my 981 BGTS with PASM, which I MUCH prefer over the cheaper, not adjustable at the press of a button, X73 
If I tracked my car would get a DSC PASM controller, not available for X73 Manuals are slower than PDK, fine if you want to go slower and risk a money shift. Have owned both and PDK is superior, in M mode it's like the best manual transmission you have ever driven except you don't have to press the clutch. Race headers and a protune later, my car is much faster than stock, can easily break the tires loose and absolutely shrieks. An S will never be a GTS, no matter how it's optioned or what you do to it. Buy what you want.
If I tracked my car would get a DSC PASM controller, not available for X73 Manuals are slower than PDK, fine if you want to go slower and risk a money shift. Have owned both and PDK is superior, in M mode it's like the best manual transmission you have ever driven except you don't have to press the clutch. Race headers and a protune later, my car is much faster than stock, can easily break the tires loose and absolutely shrieks. An S will never be a GTS, no matter how it's optioned or what you do to it. Buy what you want.