996 Turbo x50 GT2 Gear Upgrade
01-09-2018, 06:36 PM
#1
Track Day
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996 Turbo x50 GT2 Gear Upgrade
The 2nd gear on my 2002 996 Turbo sheared off - assuming a prior owner tracked it. Plus it's got a lot of miles on it.
I have it sitting at a reputable shop in Orange County, CA. I am wondering if I should just get 2nd gear replaced with a used gear or if I should undertake an upgrade to the GT2 main shaft, steel synchro rings, and new GT2 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. I plan to drive it frequently on the street and I want to enjoy that. I may do some track driving but I at this point, I don't think that will be significant.
Just fixing 2nd gear is going to be expensive (~$5K), but the GT2 upgrade is going to more than double the cost - mainly in parts.
Someone also suggested upgrading the rear differential at the same time to something with a limited slip element. Maybe the Wavetrac if the goal is primarily street driving with occasional performance driving.
It sounds like the GT2 hardware would be pretty bullet-proof. Just wondering if I could get some opinions on the upgrade(s) being recommended - or whether I should just stick with the repair.
Thank you.
I have it sitting at a reputable shop in Orange County, CA. I am wondering if I should just get 2nd gear replaced with a used gear or if I should undertake an upgrade to the GT2 main shaft, steel synchro rings, and new GT2 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. I plan to drive it frequently on the street and I want to enjoy that. I may do some track driving but I at this point, I don't think that will be significant.
Just fixing 2nd gear is going to be expensive (~$5K), but the GT2 upgrade is going to more than double the cost - mainly in parts.
Someone also suggested upgrading the rear differential at the same time to something with a limited slip element. Maybe the Wavetrac if the goal is primarily street driving with occasional performance driving.
It sounds like the GT2 hardware would be pretty bullet-proof. Just wondering if I could get some opinions on the upgrade(s) being recommended - or whether I should just stick with the repair.
Thank you.
01-09-2018, 06:46 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
I believe 1st and 2nd are one part. My first was difficult to get into and felt notchy, also gearbox started to whine when throttle was applied. "classic pinion bearing, thrust bearing problem"
Rebuilt the transmission, replaced 1st, 2nd, syncros and a whole bunch of bearings and other stuff.
I didn't bother upgrading. I track a lot but 1st and 2nd gear is not used much at all. I am happy with the stock setup not sure it would have made any difference. I think the real issue is with the bearing issue I mentioned above that wear out too fast.
Rebuilt the transmission, replaced 1st, 2nd, syncros and a whole bunch of bearings and other stuff.
I didn't bother upgrading. I track a lot but 1st and 2nd gear is not used much at all. I am happy with the stock setup not sure it would have made any difference. I think the real issue is with the bearing issue I mentioned above that wear out too fast.
01-09-2018, 07:37 PM
#3
6GT2 gears are not any improvement in strength. The 997GT2 1-3 mainshaft has stronger teeth, with 3rd being about 30% wider. 1-3 is also taller which is very nice if your engine is tuned. The stock gearing is rather short. I also installed a taller 4th. If in there, I'd do it right and beef it up. The parts are not all that expensive, in relative terms...
01-10-2018, 01:08 AM
#4
where the GT2 mostly benefits in strength is through its gearbox cooler
01-10-2018, 07:34 PM
#6
6GT2 gears are not any improvement in strength. The 997GT2 1-3 mainshaft has stronger teeth, with 3rd being about 30% wider. 1-3 is also taller which is very nice if your engine is tuned. The stock gearing is rather short. I also installed a taller 4th. If in there, I'd do it right and beef it up. The parts are not all that expensive, in relative terms...
In your experience John, what should one expect to pay to do the 997GT21-3 with steel synchros along with a standard refresh (assuming there is such a thing)? Just curious since this is right up your wheelhouse.
01-10-2018, 07:39 PM
#7
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Honestly you should be able to r&r the 1/2 gears and accompanying parts AND have a wavetrac installed for about 5k parts/labor and add the cost of the wavetrac (1300) and you'll have an utterly transformed car. No reason ( necessarily ) to "upgrade" gears on a primarily street driven car.
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01-10-2018, 07:56 PM
#9
Again, if opening the box I would absolutely install the stronger gears and also do the GT3/Cup shift lever which only costs about $100. The gearing is also so much better with the taller 7GT gears. Stock 1st and 2nd are pretty much useless on a built or highly tuned engine. This is what I get with the taller 7GT2 1-4 using a 7500 redline and a 26" tall rear tire.
1st......52mph
2nd.....87mph
3rd....117mph
4th....150mph
5th....178mph
6th....218mph
I think you also mentioned looking to install an LSD. I have an extra OEM 996GT2 LSD if you're interested. It's new and still installed in brand new 996GT2 gearbox I have sitting around as a spare. I will be swapping a Guard GT2 Pro LSD into it in the next week or so and won't need the OEM LSD. Cheers...
Last edited by powdrhound; 01-11-2018 at 02:05 AM.
01-10-2018, 10:30 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Does the Wavetrac / LSD make sense if you are staying AWD? Or are you guys assuming RWD conversion?
01-10-2018, 10:45 PM
#11
01-11-2018, 12:45 AM
#12
Having any lsd installed whether the lowly and much maligned yet fabulous wavetrac? or a more "traditional" plate type lsd? the advantages would be readily apparent. If and once...
you remove or even disconnect the front diff. then you'd have a high powered Porsche you can properly throttle steer as 911's were intended to be driven.
Until then, you have a car that will try to compensate with awd and abs/psm which can very nearly render an lsd superfluous.
Per John's point though? I'd rather enjoy having a taller 1/3 ratio. That is for certain, and no matter what.
you remove or even disconnect the front diff. then you'd have a high powered Porsche you can properly throttle steer as 911's were intended to be driven.
Until then, you have a car that will try to compensate with awd and abs/psm which can very nearly render an lsd superfluous.
Per John's point though? I'd rather enjoy having a taller 1/3 ratio. That is for certain, and no matter what.
01-11-2018, 11:53 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thanks for the answers. I'll hijack the next RWD thread with my the rest of my RWD questions. 
Back on topic, my car is tough to get into first gear, so I'm saving my pennies for the inevitable rebuild. Still need to install the new 997 trans mount, though.
Back on topic, my car is tough to get into first gear, so I'm saving my pennies for the inevitable rebuild. Still need to install the new 997 trans mount, though.
01-12-2018, 12:04 AM
#14
01-12-2018, 11:03 AM
#15
Nordschleife Master
Current list on a GT2RS mainshaft is $1800, Germany only last time I checked. The matching wider 3rd gear is $1200. So $3k before synchros, bearings, and labor. Good luck getting a decent build for under $5k, and definitely no money left for a diff.