First DE with 997 GT3 - Watkins Glen
#16
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I've driven the 996 GT3 on the street several times (different levels of mods) and I don't perceive the 6 vs. 7 as being more or less visceral, just different. I do agree that it is probable that the 7 GT3 instills a greater sense of comfort / confidence at speed as it is the next generation platform. I felt incredible confidence (read this as not over-confidence, just a great feeling of surety) in the 7 on the track and at high speed (ie: Flat in most parts of the Esses, though I was easing at certain transition points) - more sense of being settled than in the 997S for sure.
Stock GT3 seats, which with the Alcantera felt more grippy than the same seats I had in the 997S but in all leather. I am looking into the roll bar and seat options (perhaps the new GT2 ones for the airbag for street driving, but $5950 shipped for a pair in cloth is expensive). I have my 2nd helmet and Hans ready for when I can get the bar installed.
No lap times recorded on purpose (left the TraqMate in the bag). I'm sure that I was quicker than last month in the 997S, where I was at 2:16 with a TBL of 2:13. Can't really guess as it was my first event with the new car, but maybe 2:14?
Stock GT3 seats, which with the Alcantera felt more grippy than the same seats I had in the 997S but in all leather. I am looking into the roll bar and seat options (perhaps the new GT2 ones for the airbag for street driving, but $5950 shipped for a pair in cloth is expensive). I have my 2nd helmet and Hans ready for when I can get the bar installed.
No lap times recorded on purpose (left the TraqMate in the bag). I'm sure that I was quicker than last month in the 997S, where I was at 2:16 with a TBL of 2:13. Can't really guess as it was my first event with the new car, but maybe 2:14?
#17
Forgot to mention some efficiency information... 300 miles there averaged 26.4 MPG, 300 miles home averaged 28.1 MPG, 410 track miles and to/from the track averaged 10 MPG. I was shocked - the GT3 burned less fuel all around than the 997S did while driving the same speed to/from but faster on track. I always found better economy on the way home and never really knew why. Engine operating more efficiently after being pushed, more down-hill going from WGI to CT vs. the other way around, combination, etc.?
Nice write up.
I was squirming just thinking about your uphill near tank slapper.
Next time you go to the glen, try adjusting your rear wing up to the max attack angle and see how it feels - it may not be faster (I think it is) but it sure does feel way, way better in the transition at the top of the esses. That section alone allows me to go foot to the floor at least 100ft earlier - at the end of the curbing on the right before the transition to the left versus full throttle at the apex without the wing up. With the wing in the stock position as seen in your photo I found that the rear of the car would start to slide very uncomfortably towards the armco on the right at the top of the hill.
Hope to see you there in October
Last edited by 997gt3north; 06-26-2008 at 12:19 PM.
#18
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I've driven the 996 GT3 on the street several times (different levels of mods) and I don't perceive the 6 vs. 7 as being more or less visceral, just different. I do agree that it is probable that the 7 GT3 instills a greater sense of comfort / confidence at speed as it is the next generation platform. I felt incredible confidence (read this as not over-confidence, just a great feeling of surety) in the 7 on the track and at high speed (ie: Flat in most parts of the Esses, though I was easing at certain transition points) - more sense of being settled than in the 997S for sure.
Stock GT3 seats, which with the Alcantera felt more grippy than the same seats I had in the 997S but in all leather. I am looking into the roll bar and seat options (perhaps the new GT2 ones for the airbag for street driving, but $5950 shipped for a pair in cloth is expensive). I have my 2nd helmet and Hans ready for when I can get the bar installed.
No lap times recorded on purpose (left the TraqMate in the bag). I'm sure that I was quicker than last month in the 997S, where I was at 2:16 with a TBL of 2:13. Can't really guess as it was my first event with the new car, but maybe 2:14?
Stock GT3 seats, which with the Alcantera felt more grippy than the same seats I had in the 997S but in all leather. I am looking into the roll bar and seat options (perhaps the new GT2 ones for the airbag for street driving, but $5950 shipped for a pair in cloth is expensive). I have my 2nd helmet and Hans ready for when I can get the bar installed.
No lap times recorded on purpose (left the TraqMate in the bag). I'm sure that I was quicker than last month in the 997S, where I was at 2:16 with a TBL of 2:13. Can't really guess as it was my first event with the new car, but maybe 2:14?
#19
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We had a great time at Zone 1 and Larry ( rebecca's larry) and I has a fantastic 40 minute session in our 6 GT3's. Sorry I missed you at the CVR event as I couldn't stay. I agree with an earlier post. I run the rear wing with the 4 degree shims and I'm very comfortable (althought not flat out quite yet) through the esses.
I'm very happy about your new addition. Welcome to the 6/7 club.
david
I'm very happy about your new addition. Welcome to the 6/7 club.
david
#20
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fantastic write-up.
I was disappointed to have had to cancel the CVR event.
I did do two days last week in my "new to me" 996 GT3 though with the BMW club. What a BLAST!
so, with all this GT3 wing shim talk ("max attack angle" love that) , where does one buy them?
I was disappointed to have had to cancel the CVR event.
I did do two days last week in my "new to me" 996 GT3 though with the BMW club. What a BLAST!
so, with all this GT3 wing shim talk ("max attack angle" love that) , where does one buy them?
#23
NASA Racer
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There's a whole new world of stuff you'll "need" to buy with your new car
#25
Nordschleife Master
Both 996 and 7 ar great cars. A friend of mine has a 964 with a 3.8 montor motor. Great DE/racecar. I wanted to buy it for a couple of years. He keeps telling me that his car can not get better and mine faster is still street legal . By the way, he just bought a GT3 cup. I still love the 964 but he is right