My Tennis Ball GT3
08-30-2020, 03:00 AM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
My Tennis Ball GT3
Hi everyone. First of all, I want a blame all of you for making me buy it (I am sticking to that story). This community is relentless in enthusiasm and passion, and an invaluable wealth of information.
My first Porsche was a Boxster which I bought new in 1998. I did have to wait 9 months to actually get it (I ordered it in 1997). I picked Arena Red, sports package, cruise control. and also got a hard top. 9 months later, the car arrived. The problem was that I actually did not know how to drive stick, and it was a nerve racking and exhilarating experience driving it home from the dealer that 1st day (I did stall a few times at red lights). Three plus years later, one child born, another on the way, along with moving to Arizona, I gave it up.
In 2005, after our 3rd child, and new house, I got the itch. I got the green light from my wife to get another one (she knew I really missed my Boxster). The 997 had just been released and got outstanding reviews. This was the time frame when people would walk into the dealership and buy the car with the big spoiler (996 GT3) and then wreck it on the way home because there was no traction control, or return it in a few weeks because there was no radio or air conditioning. The 997 was everything I wanted, and I think PASM was reassuring that I could handle the car (along with all the other refinements). I 'splurged', Atlas Grey metallic paint, full natural leather, Porsche crests in headrest, illuminated door sils, etc. Of course after the Boxster I 'needed' a Cab, and the S was the best bang for the buck option I could add.
I had always envisioned my next Porsche would have been a TTS (cab). I figured I would do PTS, European delivery, as likely that would be my 'last' real sports car. I think when the 991 was launched, I was less enthused with the direction Porsche was going. Gone were naturally aspirated engines, and when they released the 991 TT without a manual, I guess my vision of my next Porsche was eroded. When the GT3 launched without a MT as well, my disappointment was complete. For a company that prides itself in allowing customers to pick literally any option, they basically are saying 'we know what is best for you and you will drive the car as we tell you to'. I understand the technology, and the fact that the PDK is phenomenal, but there is something about the MT that resonates in nostalgia, and sense of being more engaged in the driving experience. I know for track purposes there is no beating the PDK, but I doubt that I will pursue that hobby.
The moment Porsche mentioned they were going to put the MT in the GT3, I knew that is what I wanted. So of course there was no way I was going to get one new. I am no VIP. I wanted PTS, tourist delivery and not have to pay any ADM. I guess I was a little annoyed with the 'market trends' but I guess that is the reality. Thus I waited. I figured there is no way there are that many 'enthusiasts' all of a sudden. Sure enough, low mileage cars have been popping up steadily for the last 9+ months. Next step, color. Birch Green. I maybe in the minority on these forums, but I like color on the GT3. I love my Atlas Grey 911, but if there was any regret, it was that I did not pick speed yellow. I picked Atlas Grey to conform. 'Everyone' has a white, black, variation of silver or grey car/SUV where I live. I guess I am rebelling as I am getting older. Bought a Riviera Red Lexus for my wife, Ultrasonic Blue Lexus for my son, and went totally loco with Acid Green.
I found what I wanted in Dallas. Not Birch Green but close enough (and in retrospect I think I like it more). Got it delivered a couple of nights ago.
It had all the options I wanted, PCCB, Buckets, Fal, Black LED's, Bose, deviating stitching in green, etc.
The previous owner put full body Xpel, tinted windows, and Soul exhaust (any chance a fellow Rennlister?)
I prefer the leather steering wheel
A friendly reminder of what I am driving
Mmmmmm Black LED's.....
It might stick out a little in the Sonoran Desert
I don't think I could get up my driveway without FAL
Anyways, I know, not many peoples cup of tea, but I am excited and love it. It is a really hard color to capture. I'll post some driving impressions (as it compares to my 997.1 Cab S in the next post.
My first Porsche was a Boxster which I bought new in 1998. I did have to wait 9 months to actually get it (I ordered it in 1997). I picked Arena Red, sports package, cruise control. and also got a hard top. 9 months later, the car arrived. The problem was that I actually did not know how to drive stick, and it was a nerve racking and exhilarating experience driving it home from the dealer that 1st day (I did stall a few times at red lights). Three plus years later, one child born, another on the way, along with moving to Arizona, I gave it up.
In 2005, after our 3rd child, and new house, I got the itch. I got the green light from my wife to get another one (she knew I really missed my Boxster). The 997 had just been released and got outstanding reviews. This was the time frame when people would walk into the dealership and buy the car with the big spoiler (996 GT3) and then wreck it on the way home because there was no traction control, or return it in a few weeks because there was no radio or air conditioning. The 997 was everything I wanted, and I think PASM was reassuring that I could handle the car (along with all the other refinements). I 'splurged', Atlas Grey metallic paint, full natural leather, Porsche crests in headrest, illuminated door sils, etc. Of course after the Boxster I 'needed' a Cab, and the S was the best bang for the buck option I could add.
I had always envisioned my next Porsche would have been a TTS (cab). I figured I would do PTS, European delivery, as likely that would be my 'last' real sports car. I think when the 991 was launched, I was less enthused with the direction Porsche was going. Gone were naturally aspirated engines, and when they released the 991 TT without a manual, I guess my vision of my next Porsche was eroded. When the GT3 launched without a MT as well, my disappointment was complete. For a company that prides itself in allowing customers to pick literally any option, they basically are saying 'we know what is best for you and you will drive the car as we tell you to'. I understand the technology, and the fact that the PDK is phenomenal, but there is something about the MT that resonates in nostalgia, and sense of being more engaged in the driving experience. I know for track purposes there is no beating the PDK, but I doubt that I will pursue that hobby.
The moment Porsche mentioned they were going to put the MT in the GT3, I knew that is what I wanted. So of course there was no way I was going to get one new. I am no VIP. I wanted PTS, tourist delivery and not have to pay any ADM. I guess I was a little annoyed with the 'market trends' but I guess that is the reality. Thus I waited. I figured there is no way there are that many 'enthusiasts' all of a sudden. Sure enough, low mileage cars have been popping up steadily for the last 9+ months. Next step, color. Birch Green. I maybe in the minority on these forums, but I like color on the GT3. I love my Atlas Grey 911, but if there was any regret, it was that I did not pick speed yellow. I picked Atlas Grey to conform. 'Everyone' has a white, black, variation of silver or grey car/SUV where I live. I guess I am rebelling as I am getting older. Bought a Riviera Red Lexus for my wife, Ultrasonic Blue Lexus for my son, and went totally loco with Acid Green.
I found what I wanted in Dallas. Not Birch Green but close enough (and in retrospect I think I like it more). Got it delivered a couple of nights ago.
It had all the options I wanted, PCCB, Buckets, Fal, Black LED's, Bose, deviating stitching in green, etc.
The previous owner put full body Xpel, tinted windows, and Soul exhaust (any chance a fellow Rennlister?)
I prefer the leather steering wheel
A friendly reminder of what I am driving
Mmmmmm Black LED's.....
It might stick out a little in the Sonoran Desert
I don't think I could get up my driveway without FAL
Anyways, I know, not many peoples cup of tea, but I am excited and love it. It is a really hard color to capture. I'll post some driving impressions (as it compares to my 997.1 Cab S in the next post.
Last edited by Deven; 08-30-2020 at 03:11 AM.
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and 18 others liked this post.
08-30-2020, 03:00 AM
#2
Pro
Thread Starter
I knew the 991 was refined, but I have to say, I am amazed on how much so. I would say my 997 in Sports mode has a 'harsher' ride than the GT3 in standard mode (the shocks were changed a couple of years ago, so they are 'new'). The roads here in Arizona are pretty good for the most part, and in the 100 miles or so I have 'cruised' around in so far this car can no doubt be a daily driver.
I am totally blown away on how slick and smooth the transmission is. The stick almost wants to slide into the next gear with almost no effort by itself, and it almost feels like the RPM stays locked when shifting gears and there is literally no jerk when releasing the clutch. The engine revs so effortlessly, that if you did not hear the engine sound, you would not realize you were cruising at 5000+ RPM. I have not had an opportunity to go fast, but at 6000-7000 RPM the engine is screaming (almost scary) so I have not taken it into the 8000's.
PCM is pretty good (anything is better than 2006). I have been impressed with the Bose especially since many people are disappointed with the audio. It is no Mark Levinson, but I was surprised that it was better than expected. No doubt between the engine noise and radio, one will get auditory fatigue very quickly, but not bad.
I have always been ambivalent about PPF, but I think I am glad this car has it. I notice it, because I have been looking at every single curve and crevice with extreme detail, and 'feeling' body panels and edges (just admiration, nothing else), and notice all the imperfections that are there because of the PPF, but, so far, I like the protection it offers.
I cannot do an A-B comparison of stock to Soul exhaust (I have not looked under the car yet to see which mod is there), but OMG, this car sounds amazing. I cannot believe anyone would want it louder than it is currently, but the growl and rumble, definitely has enough base to rattle the chest.
The buckets are 'comfortable', though I would prefer the seat back tilted forward a little more. I now understand how hard it is getting in and out, and why people want the 18 ways. I was non stop getting in an out all day, programming the garage door, gate, taking pictures, filling gas etc, and it was a 'pain'. As a side question, that edge of the seat will get worn down quickly by getting in and out, and I worry about really scuffing it up, any suggestions on how to protect it?
Porsche salvaged any of my disappointments with the 991 generation and made the perfect car (for me at least). I am not going to say this is my last 'real' sports car, but I have a hard time believing they can improve on perfection. Sure, no European delivery, but I think things worked out rather well overall.
I am totally blown away on how slick and smooth the transmission is. The stick almost wants to slide into the next gear with almost no effort by itself, and it almost feels like the RPM stays locked when shifting gears and there is literally no jerk when releasing the clutch. The engine revs so effortlessly, that if you did not hear the engine sound, you would not realize you were cruising at 5000+ RPM. I have not had an opportunity to go fast, but at 6000-7000 RPM the engine is screaming (almost scary) so I have not taken it into the 8000's.
PCM is pretty good (anything is better than 2006). I have been impressed with the Bose especially since many people are disappointed with the audio. It is no Mark Levinson, but I was surprised that it was better than expected. No doubt between the engine noise and radio, one will get auditory fatigue very quickly, but not bad.
I have always been ambivalent about PPF, but I think I am glad this car has it. I notice it, because I have been looking at every single curve and crevice with extreme detail, and 'feeling' body panels and edges (just admiration, nothing else), and notice all the imperfections that are there because of the PPF, but, so far, I like the protection it offers.
I cannot do an A-B comparison of stock to Soul exhaust (I have not looked under the car yet to see which mod is there), but OMG, this car sounds amazing. I cannot believe anyone would want it louder than it is currently, but the growl and rumble, definitely has enough base to rattle the chest.
The buckets are 'comfortable', though I would prefer the seat back tilted forward a little more. I now understand how hard it is getting in and out, and why people want the 18 ways. I was non stop getting in an out all day, programming the garage door, gate, taking pictures, filling gas etc, and it was a 'pain'. As a side question, that edge of the seat will get worn down quickly by getting in and out, and I worry about really scuffing it up, any suggestions on how to protect it?
Porsche salvaged any of my disappointments with the 991 generation and made the perfect car (for me at least). I am not going to say this is my last 'real' sports car, but I have a hard time believing they can improve on perfection. Sure, no European delivery, but I think things worked out rather well overall.
Last edited by Deven; 08-30-2020 at 04:13 AM.
The following 3 users liked this post by Deven:
08-30-2020, 12:07 PM
#3
congrats man, glad you were able to find what you were looking for. I agree with you about the transmission. It is my favorite part of the car, makes every shift enjoyable. There is a leather side covering that you can wrap around the buckets that many use. Ill try to find the link... Beautiful color, suits the care well.
08-30-2020, 12:29 PM
#4
Great looking car, congrats.
There are several vendors that can provide solutions:
I recommend the Crazy Eddie's bolster protectors; also the Autoquest (John Gaydos) seat brackets/recliners.
Finally, when you start looking for the rattle, that key chain should be on your list to delete.
There are several vendors that can provide solutions:
I recommend the Crazy Eddie's bolster protectors; also the Autoquest (John Gaydos) seat brackets/recliners.
Finally, when you start looking for the rattle, that key chain should be on your list to delete.
The following users liked this post:
Deven (08-30-2020)
08-30-2020, 12:29 PM
#5
Congrats. Great looking car.
08-30-2020, 12:36 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
Congrats, I love that color.
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evilfij (09-02-2020)
08-30-2020, 02:31 PM
#9
Pro
Thread Starter
Great looking car, congrats.
There are several vendors that can provide solutions:
I recommend the Crazy Eddie's bolster protectors; also the Autoquest (John Gaydos) seat brackets/recliners.
Finally, when you start looking for the rattle, that key chain should be on your list to delete.
There are several vendors that can provide solutions:
I recommend the Crazy Eddie's bolster protectors; also the Autoquest (John Gaydos) seat brackets/recliners.
Finally, when you start looking for the rattle, that key chain should be on your list to delete.
Did not even think about the keychain, haha.
I am going to have to keep adjusting my seat to decide what position I like, but I actually want the back tilted more vertical, not reclined more like most of the brackets do (though my son wants the seats reclined more).
Thanks.
08-30-2020, 03:14 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Beautiful car with an outstanding color!
There is a trick my wife and I use getting in and out of our T with the buckets.
This also keeps you from rubbing/sliding on the bolsters.
For the driver side,
Left hand on the bottom door sill
Right hand on the right side of the seat bottom
Then just lift your body over the seat and into position.
Enjoy your new ride, it's beautiful.
There is a trick my wife and I use getting in and out of our T with the buckets.
This also keeps you from rubbing/sliding on the bolsters.
For the driver side,
Left hand on the bottom door sill
Right hand on the right side of the seat bottom
Then just lift your body over the seat and into position.
Enjoy your new ride, it's beautiful.
08-31-2020, 01:27 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
Awesome catch. That’s a great color, a keeper for sure.
08-31-2020, 11:25 AM
#14
Congrats, enjoy in good health!
08-31-2020, 09:28 PM
#15
Beautiful car and love the color!