Do you guys know how the additional 15hp (360 to 375 hp) was gained in the mark2? was it through a new intake system, cam or exhaust or combination?

Just curious since I just got my mark1 and was looking at the most reliable way to increase engine power. Thanks.

 

The MkI GT3 will always be the first of the Gt3s. I woudn't be surprised if they become more valuable than all the GT3s together with the 996rs down the road.
Gongratulations on the car.

The difference of output in reality is more than 15 about 40hp actually.
Most stock mk1 dyno around 355 and most mk2 around 395.
This is due to many things changed in the engines.
The exhaust was same mk1 didnt have the post cat o2 sensors.
Intake is similar but with a smaller diameter maf.
The motronic management was updated from M5.2 to ME7.8
The variocam system was altered from two stage to a simpler system
The mk2 has lower jackets and lighter pins for the pistons that saved about 300gramms, key difference were the connecting rods that were 2.2mm longer and lighter and also the valves were reproffiled and lighter about 250 gramms and the tappets were smaller.
The crankshaft was different and the vibration damper of the mk1 was removed.
Also the gearbox had steel rings for last gears on the mk2 and also added external cooling.
The mk2 didnt have a single mass flywheeel unless it was the rs vs mk1 clubsports that had it standard.
All these differences allowed the engine to be even more free reving and max out in the mk2 at 8200 for the first 2 gears.
Tuning a mk1 to the limit requires a good tuner because the engines of mk1 dont like to be overreved. Many "internet" tuners alter the motronic of the mk1 and increase rev limiter above 8000. That is never good for the mk1 engine.
If you want to do it properly find a GOOD tuner and follow their advice.
It might be more expensive but you ll have a car many years from now.
They usually fit a bigger diameter exhaust less restrictives cats a cup filter or a panel and the much needed on the mk1 dme upgrade.

Hope that helps.

John

 

John, btw I'm also John thanks a lot for the info! it helped a lot in making a decision...don't think I will upgrade my engine anymore...just upgrade the driver

 

I love this forum, good people from all over the world helping each other.

 

Just an addition to his comments about the gearbox. They didn't just add an exernal cooler to the later boxes. They actually added a spray bar to lubricate the gears externally as well as a hollow mainshaft to lubricate the bottom side of the bearings. The 2nd generation GT3 gearbox is a major step forward for people wishing to track these cars. Thankfully these things are like legos and a '99 gearbox can be updated to newer spec when it comes time to take it apart for service.

Regards,

Matt Monson
Guard Transmission LLC

 

Thanks! good to know about the gearbox upgrade, will consider when the time comes (hopefully not), dont think it will see excessive track action since it will share duties with my other car (2.5L E30M3 with euro drivetrain)...just took the mk1 for a long drive last sunday and i must say its such a great car to drive, its like my m3 but everything is 1 level higher except for the engine which is 1.5 level higher Great car!!!