Alright. Been on Rennlist for years. 13 of them

Now is the time for me to consider a GT3.

I've done about 115 track days with 3 Porsches I've owned:
1) 911SC
2) 911SC completely track modified w/3.6 Varioram .. a mini GT3 if there ever was one.
3) The 930 I have now. 2650 lbs and over 500 HP

Love the looks of a 997 GT3.
From the ton of information here I"ve read - the 996 GT3 is a rawer, more accurate etc car for track use than the 997.1.

Considering a 997.1 GT3 RS. Cannot afford a 997.2.

So.. will I really like the 997.1 RS?
What exactly is it about a 997.1 non-RS that makes it not as appealing compared to the 996 GT3? Aside from PSM etc.

Fire away and help me decide!

Drool:

 

Will this be a track car or mixed use?

 

Agreed.

I can't comment, having never driven a 6-3. Lots here seem to like them. It's more of a bargain, even though I've watched their prices creep up over the last year. To me, the 6 is the way to go if you want to o all out with mods. Lower price of entry means more money for 3.9/4.0L build.

What's not to like? Benefits over a 997 non rs are slight. But it's hard to pass up on the hips.

Sunroof makes it seem less suited to the track . From a target buyer stand-point, it seemed like Porsche backed away from the 997 being so raw.

It doesn't seem like you'll find a car well suited to the track on a dealer lot; that is, from a seats and harnesses, roll bar already installed standpoint. Best place for an already set-up car is among the members here.

 

I never thought of the 997.1 GT3 as not appealing as a track car compared to the 996 GT3.

 

This will be occasional track use and a hard edged street car - I have a lot of track days under the belt and like a car with a real edge.

A big plus is the wife liking it - she loves the 997.1 RS. At 85k and under I can afford....110k for the 997.2 is out of reach

 

You will adore the RS. It is a legend.

The non RS is amazing too. Especially for the money.

Anybody who thinks the 997 is not the experience of a 996 on track has probably nevet been in a full jam supension and exhaust equiped 997.

Not only is the 997 a track ready car but it is also a treat on the street. Dual purpose hero. Also looks great too .

996 is a bargin in itself, however you just cant say no to round headlights and center exit exhaust of 997!

 

my experience with 997.1 RS is that it needs work beyond a simple alignment and tires to balance the handling characteristics to a manageable level at speed. IMO, main issue lies in the dampers, springs and sways. improve those and you have balanced handling racecar for the street. Otherwise, jump across to a 997.2 GT3. They worked most of those handling issues out and are about the same price.

 

I'm prejudiced but, for what you want, buy the 997 GT3, RS or not. For the occasional use track car, the sunroof is a plus. The suspension isn't pure track, and I have stiffened mine a little with Damptronic B16s, but it really isn't necessary. The alignment must be changed but that has probably already been done in any car with a roll bar and harnesses. The switchable PASM is a nice feature as is the Sport button, again emphasizing the dual use, although for a pure track car the PASM is a waste. Prices on higher mileage non RS cars are amazingly low and theses motors are reputedly bulletproof. My $.02.

 

The "turn-offs" for the 997 are more weight, traction contol (which can be turned off), PASM (which can't be turned off!), and a softer ride (stock versus stock). This is why we see so many starting to strip the 996 GT3 to reduce weight and bore out to 4.0l. The 997's drive by wire is very difficult to disengage (I am being polite)... Now the 997.2 GT3 and the pending 4.0 - oh my!!!!!

Craig - it sounds like you want the 997.1 RS!!!!! So get it!!!!

-B

 

My pasm is turned off - it's easy

 

Craig,

Get the GT3 3.8, it isn't a $110k car it is a $90k-$100k car. With CPO you get the 6 years 100,000 miles warranty.

The 3.8 has a nicer stereo with aux entry for your ipod, nice torque, more downforce than the 2007 GT3 RS, bigger and lighter brakes, no sunroof, some have the PDEM, better shocks and springs so no need to modify the suspension for occasional track use. It is just 20 lbs heavier than the standard 2007 GT3 RS (negligible). So far, RMS leaks haven't been a problem (huge problem in the 2007-2008 GT3). For rain and snow, it has PSM.

The 2007 GT3 RS with a pair of GMG sway bars and proper alignment works quite well. I put a dog bones kit and had toe links in addition to the GMG sway bars. Car was fine, always ran the shocks on the soft setting. A little underpowered for my taste, same acceleration as my 996 GT3.

 

997.2 non rs

Find low option, with dem and proper seats

 

Look for 997.1RS for 90-95k
or
997.2 non RS for 95-100k
or
Super saver 997.1 non RS for 70-75k


All are great and comparable rides and almost back to back in performance.
997.1 pasm and traction control can be switched off at will and simple 5 lug wheels.Nice features for track toy.

The RS is more in your face styling whereas 997.2 non RS is more civil looking for daily driving.

You cant beat a RS if you are a p-nut. Nothing else will suffice.

As good as the 996 is for a track toy, you know you want the 997.

 

To answer your first question I think you will like the .1RS. I had two of them and even though I love high HP cars I didn't find the car underpowered. First add is either a SW or GMG bypass!!! If your not going to track all you really need is a proper alignment. Also, I prefer the colors offered on the .1RS.

 

as they said 997.2