10 GT3

I was getting ready to order GT3 adjustable control arms for my 996. To get all the part numbers, I have copies of the 996 and GT3 parts catalogs. Looking at them, I discovered that the ball joint on the GT3 uses a 2mm larger end that the regular Carrera by comparing the lock nut sizes. This makes me know wonder if anyone has really done this conversion since it appears you have to drill the hole in the wheel carrier to install them. I have never heard of a problem before. Anyone have an insight on this?

FYI, in my research I discovered that the front wheel carriers and hubs are unique to the GT3 from other 996 models. The rear wheel carriers, hubs and control arms are all common between the the 99-01' GT3 and the 02'+ 996 (non-C4S), but the 04-05 GT3's have also unique parts (including a unique adjustable toe arm).

Alan C.

I have an interest in this as well. Curious about the rear control arms.

JimB

I sure they will fit. On the stock control arms the shaft tapers down so that the threaded area is considerably smaller than the area that seats in the upright. Does that make sense? I'm sure the cup car and GT3 versions have a larger threaded area but the same size main shaft.

I believe the rear toe arms (tie rods) are interchangeable between 996, GT3 and cup cars.

Hope this helps.
Jim

Holger B

The GT3 rear toe arms suck. This is a much better solution (it's what I have on my car now):

http://www.tarett.com/Browse_Item_De...ontrol_Arm_(pr)

karlooz

i fit the gt3 front control arms to my 996 and they work and fit fine. i ordered the arms and nuts to make sure that they fit and secondly i just wanted new hardware.

JimB

I don't disagree that the stock tie rods suck but these seem to use the weak link from Porsche. It's the outer piece with the ball joint that fails. I went through four of them in one season before replacing them with the ones from Motorsports. They replaced the wrong end.

Holger B

Not at all. The problem on the GT3's is with the eccentric. This design eliminates that. And I think the stock part flexes under load and this doesn't do that. For me, it's been a great upgrade.

karlooz

if you are referring to the ball joint at the end of the control arm, then you should upgrade to the fabcar control arms.

beafy and supposedly more robust than gt3 control arm but pricey and heavy

JimB

Carlos,
I was reffering to the ball joint on the rear tie rod. They were a weak point for all 996s including cup cars. If you looked at the inventory of the big race teams they would have a dozen spares along. As I mentioned, I went through 4 in a season. My point with Holger is that the ones he has still use the weak Porsche ball joints so I'm not sure I would get too excited about them. Porsche Motorsports now makes a much beefier version although we had to have the wedges that go into the heim joints on the end remade in stainless. The alum ones that come with them wear out.

Thanks for the tip on the Fabcar control arms. I broke two of the stock ones. Both broke right where the shaft narrows to the threads. I now use beefier ones but the Fabcar ones look better.

Obviously my car deals with some stresses that most don't but I still think it's a good indicator of potential problems.
Jim

evolvedaz

Good GT3/996 Rear adjustable control arms

http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/p...oducts_id/8370

JimB

These control arms are different than the lower control arm and different than the rear tie rod that Carrera originally asked about but it's always good to slip in a little advertising I suppose.

Maybe we need a thread on the various 996 control arms, their function, their weaknesses and alternatives.
Jim

AudiOn19s

and price

viper501

Hate to resurrect an old thread but can't find the answer yet despite my searches. I have a significant toe problem in my 996 C2 w/ x74 installed. Despite their best efforts, there is still too much toe in the rear for street use. It is so bad that it is killing my rear tires with both inside wear and moderate cupping. I know that I need to buy adjustable control arms but which will be better for a 'vigorous' street application with many highway miles? Lower or upper? Recommended brands?

JimB

This is the first I've heard of this problem. So at their shortest setting your rear tie rods are too long? How much camber do you have in back?

MagnusB

So JimB, I'd love to get an explanation of the different control arms!

TRG sells rear toe links, start with what they do please.