MJones

The major difference between the X-51 and the GT-3 engines are the engine internals.

GT-3 has ultra-lightweight titananum connecting rods and weight optmized pistons that help minimize the oscillating masses in the engine, enabling a more dynamic and immediate response. Red line is 8,200rpm.
Torque curve is different.. max @5,000 rpm. and between 4,200-5,000 the graph goes straight up, erom 247 ft lb to 285.
In addition it has a dedicated oil-cooler system and dry-sump lubrication with engine mounted tank.
It is a RACING engine constructed from a different block.

The 3.8 X-51 is good .....but NOT a racing engine....

AeroSmith

Funny, I was thinking about that very thing in the shower last night. All that X51 stuff bolted to the same old RMS prone engine. I reckon those Gt3/turbo engines must be darned expensive for Porsche to build for them not to want to build them for the masses.

OCBen

That's waaaay too much information... Obviously an image I certainly could have done without, first thing in the morning here! ...

crispenigl

Thanks AeroSmith,

Mind telling us what speeds you hit at redline btw?

This is slightly annoying to me because the new 911 manual includes some more information on the power kit. Turns out 381 hp happens at 7200 rpm!
I can scan in it if people want to see it.

Wont it be hard to use the 381 because you will be shifting at that point? Only 200 rpm till fuel cut isnt that much to play with.

What does everyone else think?

Greg

evo_333

Amazing car... Love the color. Enjoy

AeroSmith

A little over 100 in third and a bit over 125 in fourth. I wasn't paying very close attention to the speedo though.

I think the key for acceleration is max torque, not max HP. So shifting at red line is not that important. In fact I prefer to shift earlier to get back down into the meatier portion of the torque curve. Now that we know it's 7,400 I gauarantee I never see that RPM again in this car.

9Eleven

You got to be kidding me right? Porsche wouldn't spend the extra money on painting a new tach? I thought I heard it all until now. Go ahead and push it to 8000, see what happens. Call me, I'll give you a ride back home from the Porsche Dealership.

Ray G

The GT3 motor is a little more peaky. The X51 does have extra cooling. Also, the 997 gen motor does have a lot of internal lightening of components, and it does rev faster than the 996 version.

While the GT3 motor is definitely race-derived, it is an older design and its advantages are diminishing as progress is made on the newer engines.

But, the GT3 is currently the best hardware for the track. I feel the GT3 motor is more robust and will hold up to stress better.

frayed

All I can say is "Wow". Absolutely stunning.

Ray, I have a GT3 and am presently on the hairy edge of trading it for a 997S. Frankly, I don't get to the track enough to justify the track/street tradeoff I currently am experiencing with the GT3. Maybe I'm getting there every other month, business meetings and family constantly torpeadoing my best efforts.

Anyway, do you have any thoughts on the switch to an S? I have about 2.5 hours of test driving in both steel and PCCB equiped S's, and am smitten by their composure and seemingly higher levels of grip midcorner. OTOH, they aren't as visceral, and don't have the pull up top. I found that the nervousness/responsiveness of the GT3 is OK when you are on your A-game, but sometimes you just want to drive enthusiastically w/o all the drama associated with the GT3.

I remain torn, but for my needs I think I'm going to jump.

---------------------------

On another note, your pics just cost me another coupla grand with all that leather finishing. Dayumn! Wife's gonna be pissed.

Ray G

Jeff, I remember you were trying to decide this a couple of months ago. I hear what you are saying about the GT3, and not getting to the track enough. I don't take my GT3 to the track much either, but I still like driving it. I'm planning to keep it because I still like the rawness of it. It has the race-car genes. OTOH, I am really impressed with the 997SX51. I don't think it would be a great track car, but it is a great road car. It's much easier to drive fast than the GT3 on regular roads. After a while, I may just give up my GT3, depending on how much I use it.

I guess if you really want a 997 GT3 in your soul, I would wait until the new GT3 comes out. If you are kind of tired of the rawness, then I would move to a 997S. (And buy your wife some new furniture so you can get the X51!)

Sorry about that! I think the best option is the "XPA - Thicker 3-spoke sport steering wheel in smooth leather $1050". I love the way the wheel feels in my hands. The other items I think can be retrofitted after delivery if you want them.

frayed

Thanks for your sharing your thoughts.

TT Surgeon

Jeff, are you gonna go to a 997S?

donkeyman

Ray,

Beautiful car - congratulations. Thanks for your driving impressions too.

frayed

Dunno yet, but at this point more likely than not. Problem is, what I want is quite expensive: PCCB, X51, full leather, crono, adaptive sport seats, thick wheel, some other bits and pieces. I'm trying to come to terms with a 110kish 997, when not much more will likely net me a 997 GT3 (which may have a hyper version of PASM rendering it more streetable) or a turbo or or or. Ahhh!

I really do like the 997 chassis though. All those seemingly minor improvements really add up to a spectacular car.

Ray G

I think I know just what you are going thru. I was thinking the same thing. I am fortunate enough (or dumb enough) to be able to get a 997 now and flip it in a year or so when the new GT3/Turbo/whatever comes along.

If you go as far as a new 997S with X51 & PCCB, you may like it enough to keep it for 2 or more years, until the new GT3/Turbo things are debugged. I'm starting to feel like I might keep my new 997 for a while; it's really good.