For the past few years, I've been struggling with the idea of selling my 6GT3 (as many of you know), and getting into a kinder/gentler car. In fact, sold the car last April, but reneged after further consideration. Long story short, I'm back in that mode again looking at a 2009 997S w/PDK and/or a 2007 GT3. I know, very different cars.

But before I do anything, I'd like to see if I de-mod my car, if that might do me. I have Cargraphic mufflers and a TC Design roll bar, and the interior noise is uncomfortable (for me) for street driving. So, am thinking the roll bar introduces the more noise of the mufflers into the cabin, and removing those would make it acceptable (to me).

Anyone in the SF Bay Area have a bone stock 6GT3 in which I can get a ride? Just want to hear it from the inside.
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Joe, I would go with the a 997.2 C2S especially for the noise factor as I can tell you 100% that it is noisy in the cabin of the 7GT3 as well.

My apologies for getting back to you so late on your email. I'll get something off to you shortly. Been a crazy week.

 

On my way out to drive a 997S w/PDK.

 

I'd check out a Cayman S/R PDK too.

 

I heard the 997.2 with PDK is amazing. You can even get the upgraded paddle shift wheel!

 

^ It is, but initial impressions, not my cup of tea. I need to make my own mistakes. Row it!!

 

Agree 100%.

 

U would be happy with a 7.1 gt3- really comfortable on the street. Mike

 

joe,

smart ppl dont drive 6gt3 on street. really, certainly not in nor cal.
since you retired from tracking any 7gt3 variant is better than 6.
de modding your slightly modded car wont do much. i dont even like my 100% stock 6gt3 just rolling out the drive way. my lotus with nitron suspension (their version of motons) was quieter and more comfy than 6gt3. in fact, my full race SM was more comfy.

 

Just to offer the other side of the coin - stock GT3 with those stock lazyboy seats IMO is fine. Add some softer sidewall, all season, quiet tires, and I'd think you'd be fine. I think you are on the right path though - find one to ride in and make your own decisions. The 6-3 is a rare bird; IMO, keep it and make the best of it.

 

Maybe a GTS is a better ride for you.

It is sort of a cross between the GT3 and the Carrera S.

 

I'd go for the 997.1 GT3 if it were me... I still love my 6.2 GT3, but driving it on the street is a bit too rough.

About a year ago, I purchased a 997.1 S Cab as my DD, and to be honest - it is too soft for my taste... Once the CPO expires next winter, I plan to buy a 997.1 GT3 as my DD. I looked very closely at the .2s with PDK, and they would be amazing in a high traffic environment. However, I agree with you that shifting is really part of the sports car experience - especially for a street car.

Good luck with your search.

-B

 

I read an interesting thread on pistonheads about the compliant ride quality of the exe-tc suspension on Chris Harris' GT-3. I would like to learn more about this package. Interesting comments from the thread:

"The suspension. This is the real surprise of the car to me. The system fitted is a development kit from exe-tc (www.exe-tc.co.uk). Chris has been working with them to develop a customer system based on the set-up from the VLN cars they have been racing for the last 2 years. Everything on this car is fully solid. No rubber bushings. No Poly bushing. Just solid mounting on every link. It may sound hardcore, but it works very well. Yes, there is quite a bit of noise at low speed. It doesn't feel like a "production" car, but to me that just adds the theatre of it. At walking pace you can hear the joints moving and knocking slightly. They are sure that they can eliminate most of this on the final system, but even as it is, I could live with it very easily. Very easily knowing the benefits it gives once you get really moving...
The only way I can describe how the car rides bumps, grates, potholes and ridges is to liken it to a magic carpet. Only when I got it back home tonight and drove the roads I drive every day, the roads I know every dip, camber and divot of, did I fully understand how good this system is. It isolates features in the road that crash through the suspension of my Merc and used to have the Cayman hitting its bumpstops. Yet it is full of delicacy and feel with clearly defined limits. But it doesn’t ever feel “soft”. You can carry huge pace over most roads that would have the car bucking out of shape, yet this never feels like happening. It is just a magical combination of exemplary ride quality and unshakable body control."

 

Joe, if you like rowing, would a 997.2 GT3 be an option. It is apparently the most civilized of the bunch, yet would be plenty entertaining.

 

Joe, I suspect my GT3 might be the closest to bone stock around here. Have a DAS bar and euro GT3 seats, but stock exhaust and suspension. Let me know if you want to go for a spin. You can also try my 997.2S PDK for back to back comparison too.

Strangely enough, it seemed to me that after I put the DAS bar in, the GT3 seemed a tiny little quieter and more comfortable on the freeways. Maybe it just stopped some rattles. But of course it's nowhere nearly as quiet or comfortable as a 997.2S. I took the S up to TH recently for its first track session - was only a little slower than the GT3 but the drive up and back was WAY more comfortable. You can hear music if you want to (BTW did you get your audio input working?).