bricem13

Hi guys

I'm a 964 guy (c2 MY90) and lately got strong interest in the gt3 (well when I bought my 964 I considered the gt3 as well but at the time - 8 years ago, the 964 was more affordable for me). 996 was unveiled when I was 19 yo and now 20 years later I more and more think it's the right time I get my 20 dream car. so we'll what the future will tell.

Anyway I came across the debate mk1-mk2 (there is quite a substantial $$ difference between both). Searching and searching I find some useful info about differences between both (ie https://rennlist.com/forums/996-gt2-gt3-forum/869907-996-gt3-mark-1-vs-mark-2-a.html) and landed by the gearbox change and the controversial MY2011 model.

It is admitted that mk1 has brass baulk ring on 3-4-5-6, whereas mk2 has steel and additional cooling. Apparently, according to some internet resources, my2001 should be in between with steel sync rings but no gearbox cooling.

Now my point, not debating that steel are better than brass or that brass, if gently used should be all ok, I digged into the pet 996 gt3 and according to it, there are:
- 3 gearbox types: G96.90/93/96
- G96.90 is mk1
- G96.93 is my2001 Japan
- G96.96 is mk2

In the parts list for the gearboxes, the sync rings numbers are the same for all 3 gearboxes...

So brass rings are myth ?

GT3_Punk

I guess the reason for this is that in the case of replacement, worn out brass sync rings are replaced by steel rings no matter what MY gearbox. But this is Just a guess.


Your story sounds very familiar to me, I also had a 1992 964 (from Philadelphia) and traded it in for a MY 2000 GT3 three years ago.
Best regards from Europe

bricem13

Well from the 964 PET, there are several references for a single part meaning the last reference is the last version and often the one to be sold and each part upgrade/update gets a specific reference. Therefore to my minds all have steel sync rings.

I came accross http://www.gboxweb.com/gt2specs.html (no affiliation) which specifies steel syncro as well for G96.90 (and 93/96).

Cheburator

PET could be wrong - has been in the past. Ealry cars most definitely had brass synchros...

Bxstr

My best guess is that the brass rings are no longer available at all and the steel rings actually superseded the brass rings.

Porsche won't list every single part number for a part in the PET. I think it's the most up to date at the time of publishing of the PET. If it is updated, that newer part number, I think, typically goes in there.

bricem13

well 964 PET lists all parts Ids: the first one and the replacement - I had to replace the handbrake spring making electric contact, 2 references were listed *** 00 and *** 01, I ordered the *** 00 and Porsche delivered me the *** 01

Johannvb

Brass syncrorings are superseded by the steel versions. When Porsche releases a part that supersedes a previous part they will always up the last digit of the old part number by 1. This is the way it has always worked on all Porsche models. So if you see a 2 or higher number as the last digit of a part number you know the part was either improved or they switched suppliers.

MK1's a great cars and I think the most special of all GT3's from a collectible point of view, however technically the Mk2 is superior on many fronts:
- better gearbox
- better brakes
- beter con rods i.e. lighter weight = higher revs
- stiffer body C2 as base for the mk1 and C4 as base for the mk2
- better quality interior

The one thing that they did wrong on the mk2 was the introduction of the dual mass flywheel, but that is a simple fix.

good luck with your choice!