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My outdated username notwithstanding, I recently acquired an 07 997 Turbo, Tiptronic gearbox. I absolutely love the car - can't believe how much performance I got for the dollars involved. However, I would love to make it a bit more hardcore, brutal, loud and racey than it currently is. In short, I'd love it to be more like a GT2/GT3.
I totally recognize the 997TT is specifically designed to be a GT/gentleman's land missile than anything truly track-focused - and that the GT2/GT3 of the era are the ones you want for that loud, brutal, thinly disguised race-car feeling. I also recognize that GT2/GT3 models of the era are about triple the price.
So my question is this: what could I do to modify my car so that it more closely *approaches* the feel of a GT2/GT3, without a) ruining it or b) completely breaking the bank (for my purposes, assume $15-$20k total budget)?
I'm thinking of something that would feel more at home on a road course than on a long highway blast. I'm prepared to sacrifice ride, backseat and NVH (within reason).
My first thoughts on mods are mainly about steering, suspension, weight reduction, gearbox responsiveness, and interior safety + driver feel/experience. Not so bothered about power (the TT's got plenty for me).
First things that come to mind:
-Suspension: uprated sway bars, end links, bushings... maybe adjustable coil-overs? (had Ohlins R&T on a previous car and they were stupendous)
-Gearbox: TCU remap?
-Drivetrain: aftermarket exhaust (sound/weight/minor HP)
-Interior/Safety: conversion to 997.2 paddle wheel (I know this won't quicken shifts, but it will improve feel), fixed-back race seats, half-cage & harnesses
-Other: steering rack bushings? chassis bracing? other?
You need to determine whether a DSC controller plus front and rear sway bars and links will be enough for you or whether you require coilovers. The DSC route is a great upgrade but may or not be hardcore enough for your tastes.
You *may* be able to remove the front diff and go to a RWD setup. I think that will get you part of the way towards your goal of GT2-lite but I don't know if it's so easy on a 997 compared to a 996.
For NVH, get some trans mount inserts and performance engine mounts.
Best bang for $$ would be GT2 rear sway, GT3 front LCA, lowering springs, DSC controller, GT2 alignment, firmer engine and trans mounts, flashed TCU, flashed ECU, catless X pipe exhaust, AM intercoolers
@lflouie - I've heard great things about the DSC suspension "remap" (?) as well, on this forum and elsewhere. Seems like pretty amazing value for what you get...
@jeebus31 - very good point - honestly i'm a little afraid that pulling the front diff out will be going a bit *too* far :-)
@nzskater - that is exactly the sort of thing i had in mind but didn't really know the best parts list to work with - thanks for the advice!
I've decided to start small with the paddle wheel swap - got the parts for good value and my local Porsche geniuses (Cantrell Motorsports) are going to handle the PIWIS part. Will let you know how it goes.
Update: the 997TT now has a PDK paddle wheel from a 997.2! Works like a charm and the paddles are SO much better than those god-awful toggle buttons. It's still a Tip of course, but MUCH more fun and controllable.
I'd still love to do some kind of TCU reflash to sharpen shifts and get a little closer to PDK land. If anybody wants to share their experience with particular TCU reflash brands or tuners, I'd love to hear about it.
On suspension, decided to ditch the PASM altogether and go for OHLINS road and track instead. Had them on a previous car and absolutely loved em.
Last edited by porsche914ct; 04-24-2020 at 06:00 PM.
Reason: Resize Pictures
10-14-2019, 07:15 PM
997 TT to "GT2/3"?
