Yes, the differential clutch packs are not very strong and tend to wear out. There is some info here.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...utch-pack.html

This page also has a lot of great info about the things that you should consider upgrading on a 997 GT3, although there is not a lot, but It's a great article to read as you prepare to purchase a GT3. This one is specifically for a 997.1 GT3.

https://www.sharkwerks.com/tuning-gu...-gt3-2007-2008

 

There is a stickied thread about the coolant lines issue (https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...-registry.html) if you want to learn more about it. I went through the entire thread (48 pages) and counted a total of four reported incidents with .2 cars, plus one anectdote of a .2 owner getting their lines welded pre-emptively and their tech reported three pipes were easily pulled out with finger strength. The majority of the reported cases were with .1 cars. It seems whatever adhesive Porsche switched to with the .2 generation was "better" but didn't necessarily address the issue.

That said, I think it behooves all owners with the GT1-based motors (996/997 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 models including the 2010+ GT3 and GT3RS) to get their lines pinned or welded. With either approach, the proper way is to drop the engine for easy access and to do some "while you are in there" maintenance. BBi advocates welding (https://www.bbiautosport.com/blog/20...-weld-retrofit) and sells a pipe kit if you choose to do it yourself or have your shop do the work. Shark Werks advocates pinning (https://www.sharkwerks.com/tech-arti...gt2-turbo-cars). I don't know if there is any conclusive "best practice" or approach.

Someone on the forum came up with a DIY on how to pin your lines without having to remove the engine (https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...n-the-car.html). This is a quick and dirty way to get this done and relatively inexpensive (about $50 in parts and 6 hours of labor). If you are averse to the cost of a full engine drop, this could be a good solution. Better than doing nothing.

Regardless of which solution you choose, it seems caution should prevail and they should be done. Porsche chose a poor solution for how to secure the coolant lines.

 

Thank you all for the excellent information. Those links, especially the sharkwerks site is a wealth of information on these cars.

It’s a shame the coolant lines and the diff are so weak, but I guess it’s not terribly difficult to rectify and fortify them.

 

I have a gotten a few leads on cars. Thank you for reaching out! I started this thread to learn some of the key differences between cars and also to get some leads for folks who are considering selling. I’m happy to report it has been successful so far.

Please keep the interest coming. I feel confident enough to move immediately on the right car and the right deal if/when it materializes.

 

I will be listing a 2007 GT3 with factory CPO until 7/21. It has under 9000 miles and is near perfect. Color is GT silver.

 

Nice looking car. Where are you located and how much are you looking for? You can pm me if necessary.

 

Car is in Wilmington, NC or Asheville, NC. Have not listed the car so I will be working on the price.

 

Looks like a nice car. May want to reach out to Switchcars. According to their website they have someone looking for a GT silver car. Would make for a quick and easy transaction on your end.

https://www.switchcars.com/carsneeded

 

This is something I probably should’ve asked before. What are the best options for removing center lock wheels? I’ve been actively shopping and it seems the .2 cars do not come with the big torque wrench, wtf lol! How does Porsche expect you to change your tire?!?

 

The socket should be in the toolkit in the frunk. The wrench itself you have to buy online. Most purchase one by Precision Instruments, but you can get one from various brands. Also you'll need some Castrol Optimol paste. Many also purchase a torque multiplier to make it a bit easier to torque down the wheels. Then you'll need a spreader clamp to hold down the brake pedal so the wheel does not spin when you are torquing the wheel.

None of the Porsche's come with the wrench from my understanding. Not the 991 cars either. Only the socket.

Various videos on YouTube on the process.

 

Thanks for the info as always bxstr! You’re always quick to the trigger and right on the money to answer my noob questions.

Holy crap! Leave it to the Germans to create something twice as complicated and 3x as difficult as normal 5 lug hubs. I always viewed German engineering as different for the sake of being different...not better.

Let’s see if my new car proves me wrong.

 

Just wanted to update this thread and, as always, ask a few more questions haha.

The search has come to an end! I bought a car and it was delivered on Friday. I will post more details soon, as I am still waiting for a few things to get sorted.

The video that Bxstr posted showed the guy using a tool to remove the center caps on the center lock wheels. He said that it is locked in the socket. His car is a 991. Are 997s supposed to have this tool?

 

Congrats! Definitely post some pics when you get it.

I don't think 997's came with the tool. In the owners manual for 997's, it looks like they mention a small screwdriver to remove the cap. However, if you do want the tool, it is relatively inexpensive, can be found below. Look at the PDF for the owners manual instructions, at this link. https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ips-tools.html

Part number: 9P1012243
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/por...he-99136107900

 

I live in NJ.com have a 997.2 with Under 3k miles yes it comes with the socket but no breaker bar or torque wrench you will need both.
good luck

 

Thanks for the replies. Where are you in NJ? I met with a few folks this weekend for some nice fall drives.

I cannot wait to spill the beans, but I am waiting for a few loose ends to get tied up before I review the whole experience. I will be updating this space soon.

Another question: how many different radios did the GT3 come with? I believe I have the base radio. What options do I have to connect my phone and stream music?