ballzout

True, I was being facetious, point being 997's are in a class all there own in comparison to a 996 cup car, but honestly, at Willow Springs earlier this year a 997 cup had an amazing run with one of the fastest Sp's around, and he had me by over 3 seconds a lap and I had fresh tires for a few laps ( Willow tears up tires quickly) , my gripe is why did they let the 997's run all over our GT2 class without further weight, or smaller intake restrictions??? I mean come on, bigger wings, wider body/wheels, more motor, bigger brakes,and a sequential box sounds like a different class to me, oh and did I mention 3 times the price in most cases, granted it makes me drive harder tho!!!! (;

ukrbmw

Sorry for bumping this from the dead but I was hoping to get a clarification. If I read the current year rules the weight seems to be pretty much the same for 996 and 997 (2725 and 2775 if I remember correctly), however it seems 996 gets to run unrestricted while 997 has the plate, is that right?

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but it also say shocks are unrestricted if they mount in the stock location. So can one pretty much run anything - Moton, MCS, Penske, etc?

Seems 997 was the car to beat. I imagine that will stay that way, but for people familiar with both - does that bring them any closer? 996 should be in mid 380s unrestricted and 997 maybe a little less with plate. Sequential is still there, but with shocks 996 should be pretty capable.

Am I reading things correctly? What are some of the opinions out there? Thanks

analogmike

This year GT2 is changing and getting faster. The 997 no longerl needs a restrictor. There is also a GT2ST for previous STO cars which is confusing..

http://scca.cdn.racersites.com/prod/...RM%2012-10.pdf

Cars must be prepared in accordance with the appropriate model/year Porsche factory 911 GT3 Cup parts
catalog/service manual. Cars may not be altered in any way except as authorized below. Drivers must have the
correct year manuals as they apply to their specific car in their possession. Safety, drivers comfort, driver
control and instrumentation items may be modified per the GCR. Original factory installed Matter/IMV roll
cages are allowed. The stock unmodified fuel tank is allowed. Side door windows must be removed and
windshield clips must be installed per GCR 9.3 Windshield Clips/Rear Window Straps. All other SCCA safety
standards apply. The following additional modifications are authorized: Alternate hood provided it is a facsimile
of the stock part. Any wheel, including 5 bolt (and the required 5 bolt modification to the hubs) provided they
do not exceed 18x9 F and 18x11 R. Tires per GCR. Battery size and location is unrestricted. Shocks are
unrestricted but they shall be installed in the stock locations with the stock, unmodified pick up points. Any
suspension settings are allowed provided they are achieved without modifications. Machining of suspension
components and pick up points to achieve caster/camber/toe is not allowed. Lubricants, consumable fluids
(brake fluid, coolant etc.) and oil filters are open free. Modifications listed in Grand Am, IMSA Cup, World
Challenge or any other rules, except those listed above, are specifically not allowed. No updating or
backdating permitted between 996 and 997 cars. 996 required gear ratios: Crown wheel and
pinion 8/32; 1st gear 13/41, 2nd gear 20/40, 3rd gear 25/39, 4th gear 29/36 or 26/34, 5th gear
32/33 or 32/35, 6th gear 35/30 or 34/31; 997 required gear ratios: Crown wheel and pinion
8/32; 1st gear 12/38, 2nd gear 15/32, 3rd gear 18/31, 4th gear 20/28, 5th gear 23/26, 6th
gear 29/27.

ukrbmw

Ok - I must have looked at the old rules. With no restrictor plate that definitely significantly favors 997 car, especially with open shocks.

boothkc

Yes no restrictor plate for 997 this year and weight is down from 2900# required last year. This will substantially widen the gap to 996 cups.... personally I would have liked to see more P-cars in SCCA and I think this "kills" the 996.

Also GT2 now opened up for other V8 cars (550hp hard tires) which will bring up the car counts. Will be an exciting class.

Anyone else going to SCCA COTA event in March? We got two 997s registered for the "congested" event!

TwentySix

^^^^I agree, this takes the 996 GT3 Cups out of the hunt - so much for parity

But did you guys notice this? 997 Cups in GT1 at 2710lbs and Grand-Am welcome?

From Feb 2013 GCR (link to SCCA GCR PDF) page 382:

GT1 Approved Automobile List

997 GT3 Cup
Shall run as delivered for the GT3 Cup Challenge except that tires are
unrestricted and fuel per IT specs. Cars shall meet the safety requirements
as specified in the GCR except that original, factory installed roll cage is
permitted. Competitors shall have a copy of the Cup Challenge rules in
their possession. Minimum weight 2710 lbs w/ driver. Alternatively, may
run in conformance with the Grand-Am specification. Competitors shall
have a copy of the Grand-Am rules in their possession. Minimum weight
2710 lbs with driver.

and just for giggles, I think this is new to GT1 as well??

GT3 R/RS (00-02)
3600cc, Wheels: (F) 18 x 10”, (R) 18 x 11”, Allow FIA GT-2 front bumper
cover, Allow FIA GT-2 “banana” rear spoiler, Transmission: 6 speed Type
G50/30, Original, factory-installed Matter roll cage structures permitted,
weight 2340 lbs. May use fuel per the IT specs of GCR section 9.3 Fuel.

Phokaioglaukos

No more 996 in GT2. Glad I never got around to the SCCA mods (side window net and straps on front/back windshields), and was planning that for this winter.

ukrbmw

Well, that pretty much leaves GTC3 for 6 Cups than. Hmmmm - been shopping for one for something like 6 months and now that I found one this kind of limits the options.

analogmike

They may give the 996 GT3 cup something to help them.

I ran my Grand-Am '08 cup in SCCA GT1 class in 2011 at Lime Rock. Qualified on outside pole overall, first in GT1. Finished 3rd in both races, 2nd in GT1 class. But that was just a regional, in a national I would have been killed. But with a 4.0 engine I should be closer

ukrbmw

Maybe - it will also be interesting to see what happens to 997 prices as teams start switching to 991 cars and sell their current cars.

ballzout

Cal Speedway this week end I was trumped by 4 seconds a lap in my 6 compaired to the 7's and although it was my first outing on that track in this car, I held very little back, in fact only lifted a tad on the oval @155 mph. I sure hope to see the 997's coming down in price , or NASA here I come.

boothkc

If it is any comfort.... the 2 guys that alternated winning are running at "pro level" speeds. Tom won the Nationals last year and set a track record this weekend, so very high level of competition. He's been to that track a few times and is a force.

Last year in Pirelli Cup at Laguna Seca he set the fastest race lap besting the guys with 2010+ Cups in his '08. He can wring out about all there is in that car so most of us aren't in that league.

Just to make you feel better.....