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As many on this forum know, I previously started an interesting project - I purchased a wrecked 992 GT3, and then found some S/T parts that enabled me to build my dream GT3 S/T - (4.5L Deman engine, PDK, PTS, custom extended leather interior, etc) . . you can read about this project here:
As the body on my wrecked GT3 was pretty badly twisted, I decided to try and procure a new body from Porsche - while they list a PN for a complete body assy, it's not as easy as writing a check and placing an order. My dealer in San Diego has been very helpful in working with me to jump through the hoops with Porsche to get a replacement body, and we've received tentative approval to purchase. However, I still haven't written them a check, nor do I have a delivery date, so not a done deal yet.
As a contingency, I started to look for a "lightly damaged" 992 as a donor - windshield back they are all the same, so an ideal candidate would have light front end damage. I ended up finding a nice 2022 992 Carrera S at auction, and got it at an attractive price. This example had a few negatives - it came with a sunroof, which is a PITA to remove, and also lacked rear wheel steering. I does have the Burmester stereo, FAL, and several other niceties. My intention is to retrofit RWS, so we shall see how much of a chore that is. As this is an option on this model, it shouldn't present any issues coding it in if all the OEM hardware is used.
In the interim, I brought my silver 2022 GT3 Touring up to my home in Alpine, Wyoming for the summer - elevation 6,000'. It's quite remarkable what density altitude does to a NA engine - the reduced power at altitude is VERY noticeable. I thus started to think about a twin turbo GT3 - AKA GT2! About the same time, I received tentative approval from Porsche to purchase the new body for the S/T project, and thus this freed up this one.
So the plan is to graft on a complete GT3 front end - I ordered the full front tub from Eurospares and it should arrive next week. I will then place the body on my Celette frame jig, remove the front end, and replace with the GT3 sheetmetal. I've been collecting GT3 bits along the way as well, and also intend to install full GT3 rear suspension, but retain the 8 speed PDK trans. The body will have S/T carbon fiber front fenders, and GT3RS Carbon doors - a la S/T. On the outside, both projects will look exactly like an S/T. I ordered the carbon "double bubble" roof from Porsche to complete the look - we test fit it up today as you will see in the photos.
On the engine front, I'm still exploring what is possible. This is a street-focused build, and thus I don't intend to tune for race fuel - I want to stick to 91 octane. However, my goal is 4.0 L or larger - preferably 4.5 L with low compression, and somewhat small turbos to make linear power will little lag. My goal is somewhere between 800 - 1000hp on pump gas w/o meth. Should be fun with 2WD!!
So, stay tuned as this project moves forward - lots of learning here, not the least of which will be integration of GT3 shocks / suspension to standard 992 chassis electronics.
As with the other project, I welcome suggestions / ideas!
Bones
Engine split from PDK Engine with the 8 speed PDK This is a comparison of the 7 speed GT3 PDK vs the 8 speed - the 8 speed is SUBSTANTIALLY larger. 8 speed PDK 7 speed GT3 PDK Stripped shell with the RS carbon lid test fit . . . LOVE the double bubble lid! It was a MASSIVE PITA to remove the sunroof and associated mechanicals that were in this donor . .. but in the end, it's a very doable mod if anyone wants to do a sunroof delete and add a carbon roof. Pretty much a bolt on w/ no paintwork required.
Holy smokes D.! This is going to be the project of all projects. Epic!
Will you text me the details on the roof? As you’ve coded and been in my car, you are already familiar with it. How easy would this carbon roof install be?
the sunroof delete is pretty straightfoward, but NOT cheap! The double bubble was $11,500 from Porsche - you can find the straight carbon roofs used for around $5K I think - I have one if anyone is interested that I will replace with the double bubble . . . you will also need a replacement headliner (without a hole) - these come up on ebay from time to time - I saw a set with the A/B/C pillars in Alcantara for about $750 . . . Other than that, you just need the adhesive (around $200), to glue it in. Removing it is a TOTAL PITA - the glass parts comes out pretty easy, but the frame is such that you have to cut it out - at least that's how I got it out. Once it's out, the installation of the new carbon roof is simple - glue line and 4 nuts . . .
On insurance, yes, these will have salvage titles (most likely), but that shouldn't be a difficult barrier to getting them insured. On another note - I tried fitting the GT3RS carbon roll bars today - the rear mounts fit on the shock towers, but there are no front mounts, so will need to make a simple adapter. The adapter is basically an "L" with a flat mounting surface on top that received 3 bolts per side. I'm shocked that this adapter doesn't exist, but I've searched everywhere and can't find any reference to it. Basically all the clubsport roll bars mount this way, so they won't bolt into a US 992. . . . I'll post photos later of the adapter . .
Absolutely - my shop in Wyoming is in Alpine, Wyoming - about 30 miles south of Jackson Hole. My shop in San Diego is at Gillespie Field in El Cajon - that where I'll do the paint work as well. Will do the front end replacement up here, but then take down to SD to paint, and then bring back up here to build. I can't wait to get the body done and back from paint so the fun work can start!
I actually removed every fastener and bead blasted them to prep for electroless nickel plating - something I do on all my aircraft projects. Its a very nice touch, and all the fasteners look amazing with EN plating. I fully disassembled all the suspension pieces, and also glass bead blasted them, fluffed them up, and Cerakoting them in a satin metallic silver - Cerakote weighs nothing, and will give all these bits some protection, and will also look amazing.
On the front suspension, I researched the IPC to try and find out differences between the ST suspension and the GT3 - most are the same PNs, but there are several pieces that have different PNs - even different than the RS. I went ahead and ordered all the parts from the ST configuration, so will be interesting to see how they are different (if at all) - they generally weren't much more expensive than straight GT3 parts.
The last piece of the puzzle if the RS doors - I've yet to find any, and I need two sets. I have all my moles in Europe looking - hopefully I will find a few sets before we are ready for paint.
My last BIG decision is what color to paint this GT2 clone - my S/T clone will be "liquid metal metallic" 9S8 (Porsche 918 color). I tend to skew towards gray and silver tones, so open to suggestions!!
I need to weigh all the sunroof parts that were removed - it has to be 50 lbs. Very, very heavy. One only needs to remove one of these and feel the weight to become a slick-top convert. The carbon panel that replaces it can't be more than a few lbs - feather light. Clearly the most significant weight reduction option on the 992.
I need to weigh all the sunroof parts that were removed - it has to be 50 lbs. Very, very heavy. One only needs to remove one of these and feel the weight to become a slick-top convert. The carbon panel that replaces it can't be more than a few lbs - feather light. Clearly the most significant weight reduction option on the 992.
I wonder what the weight delta is between a slick top aluminum roof and the carbon fiber roof.
06-12-2024, 10:07 PM
My "Accidental" 992 GT2 project!
