My new 997.1 GT3 from Switchcars
 

Hey guys,
This is a late introduction to the 997 GT3 section after picking my car up last month. I've been a lurker of the GT3 section for a long time. Thrilled to finally be able to post my new to me GT3. This is my 3rd Porsche, coming from a 996 Turbo and before that a modified 993 to RS specs (minus the 3.8 and close ratio gears). To me the GT3 feels like a modern day version of my 993, but better in every way.

After selling my 996 Turbo a couple months ago I set out to find a nice 997.1 GT3. I was looking for a clean car without any modifications and in original condition. I looked at a low mile local 7.1 GT3 and sent it for a PPI, but that car had a laundry list of issues so I decided to pass on it. While I was in the process of selling my 996 Turbo I had reached out to Doug at Switchcars as he had a nice 996 GT3 I was thinking about, I also noticed on his site a freshly listed 997.1 GT3 which piqued my interest, well spec'd and in my favorite Carrara White. After some back and forth emails my dad and I made the drive out to Ohio from Chicago to check the car out in person.

Long story short we closed a deal on the 7.1 and the car turned out to be just what I was looking for and more. I am super happy with it and the experience working with Doug. Anyone looking for a no hassle purchase of a GT3 should check to see what Doug at Switchcars has available. The car is a blast to drive. I love the 1.) heavy clutch pedal, 2.) the bolt action feeling of the shifter 3.) the NOISE! I fitted a SharkWerks center muffler bypass, I thought my 993 sounded good with a cat bypass, but wow.. the sound is just unreal! Onto some pics...

The factory build sheet..
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/...0e61b492_b.jpg
Seeing it for the first time. By far my favorite angle of the 7.1 GT3

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4729/...7653cb0d_b.jpg

Only non factory modifications being the Carrara White painted center console and Cargraphic front grille screens

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/...a0b80664_b.jpg

Some of the hardware at Switchcars :bowdown:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/...4f2dd3d4_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4645/...e8aed3d1_b.jpg

My dad helping wrap up the car for the 380 mile journey home..

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/...096c20ea_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4637/...938aa0a9_b.jpg

Cloud 9...97 GT3

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4592/...bb1269bc_b.jpg

Somewhere in Indiana ...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/...f45304be_b.jpg

In need of a good bath

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/...c96fb091_b.jpg

It fits!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/...2b79bf9b_b.jpg

A few days later a package shows up from Alex @ SharkWerks

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/...98eeacbe_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/...bcfe7d84_b.jpg

Under the knife

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/...c3ed893e_b.jpg

SW 88mm ceramic black tips vs OE

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4593/...0993c89a_b.jpg

The must do GT3 mod installed

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4735/...79e933ab_b.jpg

Next up was Xpel PPF full front end wrap. After having film on my 996 Turbo I don't think I could be without it now. Anyone looking for a PPF guy in Chicagoland area lmk. He can even come out to your home and do the install so it's super convenient.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4592/...1d66d12a_b.jpg

Hood almost done

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/...773d1818_b.jpg

One piece front bumper

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4593/...a737b8bf_b.jpg

Fender in progress

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4597/...69e01cf8_b.jpg

9 hours later ...Done!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/...5518a4e5_b.jpg

After the first real detail in freezing temperatures...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4596/...d6987ecd_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4638/...aca7f180_b.jpg

Collinite 845 at work

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4634/...cd3e9d40_b.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/...09fafd8e_b.jpg

Waiting for warmer weather

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/...7a6a6cc1_b.jpg

Beautiful car - congratulations

Gorgeous!

I can't wait for my Sharkwerks bypass to arrive next week sometime. I might just have to take the girl outta winter sleep to install it.

Oh, nice Raptor and garage too :)

Congrats. Beautiful example. Similar garage as I have GT3 and Raptor.

Where did you get the SVT sticker or whatever it is on the skid plate on the raptor?

Doug is great to work with. Sharkwerks is on my list of stuff to do for my 11 GT3 RS. Maybe in the spring. Might have to try you PPF guy in the future. were you happy with his worK?

Again congrats.

Tal

Congrats, perfect Christmas present! Good to see another GT3 in Chicago. Car and garage look great, nice work!

Thanks ! Appreciate it.

Thanks! You will love the bypass. Once you hit the sport button you'll be grinning ear to ear. I don't think I've listened to the stereo since putting it on :thumbup:

Nice! Raptors make the best daily drivers don't they?
The sticker on the skidplate is from SVC offroad. It is their front bumper and their composite skidplate came with the decal installed.

The PPF installer did a great job. Very well done and he took his time. He was in my garage for about 9 hours doing the whole process. All of his cuts are nice and symmetrical from side to side too. Wrapped the edges and you can't even tell it has film on it. I will definitely be using him again. Send me a PM if you would like his contacts.

Oh, and you won't regret the SW bypass. You will love it!

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for you!

Congrats and I'll second it's great to have another GT3 in Chicago. Hoping to add one myself in the near future. Will we see you out at PCA events?

Beautiful car!

Awesome car! She looks very similar to mine. Enjoy it as intended. You are very lucky indeed. Good work! Best JBO

I think I remember seeing your GTS at the Irongate Porsche gathering earlier this year. I think it had the E88's and the GT2 buckets? Very nice. I will definitely be at some PCA gatherings this coming year. I'll have to say hi!

Thanks!

Thanks! Looking forward to some driving this summer.

Congrats! That's awesome! Doug@SC is the man!

congrats. White fastest color

Great machine. Enjoy! Adding sharkwerks to my 991 GT3 this week. Fantastic sound.

Well done! Doug was instrumental in helping me import my car from Canada. I kept the temp OH plate he sent me as a souvenir.

Congratulations! Gorgeous!