Does anyone regularly track a 997s? I have been looking into getting a 2004-2005 996gt3 but I have come across several great deals on 1-2 year old low mile 997s cars. Will the wet sump motors hold up to repeated track use on r-comp tires (20-25 days a year)? I would prefer a 997 over a 996 but my budget (wife) will not step up to a 997gt3 to trash on the track.

 

I made the decision to get a used 2006 997S over a used 996 GT-3 because the deal was better and the 997 chassis is a great improvement over the 996. I track my car with Sport Cups and have not had oil starvation issues. I asked several race shops about the wet sump and starvation and they all said it should not pose a problem. I have also read that you can install a slightly modified 996 GT-3 oil pan with higher baffles as an added measure.

I am now deliberating adding GT-3 control arms, RS motor mounts, GT-3 trailing links and adjustible sway bars. The standard setup is just too loose and there is not enough negative camber.

I do not do near the number of track days that you are contemplating. The car runs well but I cannot stay with 997 GT-3's and have not run against 996 GT-3's. The biggest difference in peformance is at higher speeds, for the 997s pulls well out of corners. I have run well against Z-06's at Lime Rock.

Hope this helps.

 

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-forum/419128-is-it-time-to-list-my-c2s-for-sale.html

Could be the car for you...........

 

I track my 997S. The car is really nice and faster for a beginner for a year or 2 before any serious mods should be made. I am now in solo and advance solo groups and for track days all I do is put on my 18" CCW wheels with Toyo RA1 R-Comp tires and Performance Friction PF97 pads for better stopping power. I also put in Motul600 brake fluid. Not many car pass me and the car is very powerful and stops like crazy. I now have found that the suspension is a little soft once I add the sticky tires and pads.

 

You need to read your owners manual about the tire compounds that you're running with the 997 engine.

 

I have both.

997 Carrera S is very competent but IMO does not have the turn in of the 996 GT3.

Otherwise, brakes are wonderful, no problems with wet sump motor (I ran RA-1s on 18" rims).

997S is a much better street car. 996 GT3 is a wonderful track car. It depends what you want to do. Do you want to mod the 997S to make it a great track car? If so, buy the GT3. If you want to drive a beautiful car on the track occasionally but mostly tour on the street buy the 997S. Modifying the Carrera S with race buckets, rollbar etc. is something to ponder. How far do you go? It will never be a GT3 and you'll have reduced its street appeal.

If you're a track guy buy the 996 GT3 (997 GT3 is a better street/track compromise). Otherwise buy the 997 Carrera S. Both are great cars but they serve different purposes.

 

what he said^. If you are going to track 20+ times a year with R compound the GT3 can not be beat.

 

997S with power kit will stay with 996gt3 no prob.
however, it depends on what you want to do with the car. the two cars are very different, not just wet vs dry sump. the gearbox is different, suspension tunabilty is different.

very few ppl really track over 20+ days. if you do 10 or less days, 997S is better (i presume you do use it on street).

if you do 10-15 day, it's a toss up.

over 15 days, GT3 period.

 

I have a 996 X51 oil pan on my 997 and the oil pressure gauge does not go down anymore in high speed corners. I also have a X51 3rd center radiator and my oil temp went down a little. That's a big help on the track.

 

Hey Dave how do you do up against "S" cars in acceleration and braking. I am probably going to take my 997 instead my SC to one track event this year and It would be nice to know what to expect.

Cheers
Steve

 

gt3 is worth it just for the revs. If you think you are leaning to the 997... do not test drive the GT3

 

I'm able to run with and in some cases run away from 996 GT3's in my 997C2S on the track. The only mods are PSS9's lowering the car about 1" and a full AWE exhaust. Between these two cars I'm finding the skill of the driver and how well dialed in you are that day to be the more defining factor. In the hands of a skilled driver, the 996 GT3 would probably be the better track car IMO.

 

Dan: you going next week? Apr 9th.

 

Yep! Rain or shine....counting on shine.