991 GT3

I'm looking to pick up a 997 Turbo. I'm a GT3 guy so my Turbo IQ needs improvement.
I've been watching 07,08,09 Turbo's. I like the hardtop and am looking for a general consensus of this group's knowledge. What would be the one to watch for and any problems associated with these 997 versions to avoid or be aware of. Prices seem to be a good value on a lower mileage cars. Prices seems to range from 60's for 07 to 80's for 09's depending on build and mileage of course. If you were me, what would some of you look for? Auto vs Manual etc.

-Much thanks in advance for any tips or advice for my search.

Dennis C

When you say hard top, are you talking about a cabriolet with the optional hard top, or are you talking about a coupe?

Do you prefer a manual transmission or an automatic? Will you modify the car, or leave it in stock form? How will you use this car; weekend cruiser, track car, daily driver, or something else?

991 GT3

Use as a weekend car, am not sure on manual vs auto. What's more fun and will be a smart longer term choice with PDK? A coupe. Cabs aren't my thing. Seems prices are right on those models vs new MSRP on a not so old car.

RJKflyer

Do you have a 991 GT3? Because I suspect our views will be swayed by that...

Meaning if you had a 996 or 997 GT3, I'd say do a PDK Gen 2 turbo - being a real contrast of a mega-fast but capable GT (and the 'last of the real 911' feel cars) to your hard-ish core racer.

But if it's against a 991 GT3, then maybe a 6MT. However, probably needs to be Gen 2 as the handling of the Gen 2 is better sorted and the Gen 1 might find you needing to tinker with it to feel comfortable (with then handling that is).

Anyway this should put the cat amongst the proverbial...

991 GT3

Thank you. I do have a 991 GT3, I agree on a manual 997 Turbo. What year(s) are the gen 2 Turbos. 2010+

Dstutler

Great questions and it seems like you're touching all the right buttons. I've always been a M/T guy until I drove a Gen2 with PDK. The car is well balanced between speed and comfort (especially in traffic). If you must there is always the paddles in manual mode. I found for me that that gets sorta old so I just let the PDK do its thing in sport mode. Go drive one before you decide.

alpha motoring

2010+ is the 997.2 TT. Keep in mind that 2010 Turbo have a different bore/stroke then the 2011-2012 Turbo and Turbo S cars. Porsche did this as 2011 is the year they introduced the Turbo S on the 997.2 cars.

2009 gets the 7.2 interior but not the motor or exterior. The Turbo and Turbo S 997.2 cars are very similar, a Turbo S just has more options that would be optional on the Turbo and a CF airbox and a little bit more power. Only available in PDK.

Some say the 2009 997.1 is the best of both worlds. You get the PCM 3.0 with the touch screen and the newer interior while retaining the Mezger motor. Of course the GT1 block does have its issues like needing this coolant lines pinned, etc. I really don't hear this as frequently as I do with the GT3 guys though.

Only real big ticket maintenance items would be spark plugs at 30-40k. It's about a $1k job, parts and labor. Everything else on the 997.1 cars are pretty solid as long as you find a good example. I personally prefer driving the 6 speed cars vs. PDK in the 997 body style. The PDK is awesome though so don't get me wrong. I think if you already have a 991 GT3 in PDK a 6-speed turbo would be a nice option for you!

991 GT3

Thanks for the information. This really helps me understand what I'm looking for.

Dennis C

It sounds like you've got a good start. Here are a few options that I think are very nice to have in a 997 turbo:

- PCCB
- Adaptive Sport Seats
- Sport Chrono Turbo
- Short Shifter

I'm sure you'l find other things that you like, but these options were definitely on my list.

alpha motoring

Sport Shifter is kinda rare to find on the TT for some reason. It's not very costly to add.

A big option I would DEFINITELY look for is the axel diff lock for the 7.1 cars or PTV on the 7.2 cars. It wasn't a very expensive option new, but it's very expensive to add in.

A418t81

I have both and really like the contrast with the 997.1 6MT. These things are damn rockets with relatively few mods as well.

thxbuff2001

I was on your situation until recently. I am expecting my 997.1 TT cab tomorrow.

Why did I choose a 997.1? A little history, I have had a 997.1 and 997.2. The difference is the PCM and a 997.2 has a DFI. The DFI in a .2 is not applicable since we are talking about a TT. Now the PCM, is it important to you? If yes, then go with the .2. If not, like what I decided, its just a matter of getting a manual transmission mezger engine. That's the primary importance to me.

Why get a PDK, you have a PDK already in your GT3? For me, if I got a PDK again, it would be compared with my GT3 and it would be an ugly duckling.

But with a manual, it would hold its own against my GT3 and SCUD. Nothing like a good old manual transmission.

991 GT3

I agree with your advice. I Appreciate your perspective and the 6 speed metzger is a plus with all the new technology. The PDK in the gt3 is incredible but also love the m/t in these cars. It appears there are a lot of good values out there which is fun to look and narrow down to my specific likes. I like the hunt but also want to buy smart. My Turbo IQ is climbing

Steve 96C4S

The best option I'd suggest....


is to drive a couple of the nicest cars in your area to see what car you'd like best.

We can talk all day about what we like, but it's about what you find most exhilarating. I'm always amazed at the folks with SUPER NICE, newer 911's that end up having a craving for a 993, or a 997 Turbo, or whatever other older car that's out there, Porsche-wise.

It's pretty cool since ALL 911's of any year pretty much rock. The 996 long term owner/love story in the recent Panorama highlights this type of thing.

CodeRed

I had a 991 3, went to 09 TT MT, i like it more for street only. Tq is great. mezger has heritage, not 9a1