I am about to pick up my 04 GT3 this coming Monday and I've been reading as much as i can about the car on the forum. Give the car has 50k miles and the current owner has no idea whether or not there car had experienced any coolant hose problems, is this a potential issue that must be remedied immediately. I've read the big thread on this issue and it seems like a big issue that needs attention immediately but I would love to hear some comments on this. Thanks!

 

I bought a 996 GT3 recently and nothing was done to address the coolant hose problem. I had some concerns and looked into doing it but it isn't cheap! Ended up flushing the coolant and replacing with water/water watter. If one of my coolant hose gives up, I'm just dumping water on the track... ruins my day but not a big deal as it dry quickly. It's a cheap "band-aid" to the problem.

 

If you are not running the car at full tilt at the track, don't be overly concerned.

 

^ This

It isn't something that doesn't need addressing but if you can wait until you have to pull the engine for clutch replacement then it helps to defray the cost. It is really something any GT3 owner needs to budget when he buys the car if he doesn't he is just kidding himself.

Peter

 

Thanks for the advice. I just wasn't sure if I needed to drop $3k to get it done after getting the keys to my car next week. I have a trackday on 6/28 so I guess I will go get alignment done and also need to get a set of new tires.

 

It's a safety issue on the road or the track.

 

It can happen!

 

+1


.

 

If you are going to track it before having the coolant pipes welded at the very least change out the coolant and put in wetter water. If you have a failure it'll be marginally safer, but it will also be a much easier clean up. Also it' be a good idea to have the two large coolant hoses on either side of the motor replaced; they are only about $40.00 each and if original they can go at any time on the track.

You will love the car on track

 

Can't wait to go to the track. I am a little nervous given the lack of any possible computer intervention to save my ***.

 

If you are fast - it's all you! (Same if you're not though)

 

even trottle thru the turns. It's all about weight transfer and balance.

 

It's a little daunting in the rain. Fine in normal DE conditions.

 

Good alignment is key, many posts on that subject here. Also, start with street tires, more forgiving and will allow you catch the car. See my 'TWS May 18/19" post.
Also, change out rear toe link from stock to one with locking plates. (Tarett engineering or others) The stock rear toe link wont hold alignment long and if alignment is out, the car will not handle well and be unpredictable.
When or if you change to water/water watter (can get at Autozone), make sure you add a lubricant or use Pencool 2000 which according to sources here is better.

 

Congrats, I purchased my car in November and I have 11 track days. It is an amazing car that I am still learning and will for a long time.
Have fun on the track!!