I am not fond on the M96 block that is found on the regular 996's, and are being carry over to the 997.

It used to be that all 911's have race bred engines with a separate oil tank so that you have no oil starvation problem when driving the car hard.

The 996 changed all that. It was so hopeless that Porsche didn't even bother with the M96 for the Turbo, GT2, and GT3. But instead, we have the M64 block derived from the GT1. You have an awesome car, don't downgrade to the M96.

 

4.3 conservative...R&T got 3.9 out of it...If your going for an NA car, there is no other choice other than the GT3 unless you prefer a computer controlled cushy ride...If you want a true raw sportscar feel where your brain is the computer, go GT3...

 

I can attest to that !!!!

 

The other car I have been thinking about is the SL55. Everyone seems diappointed with the handling. I think the power would be insane.

What are your thoughts Duane? Tired of your's yet?

 

as some1 above already said, 997 = RMS prob? better stay away..

 

SL55 has great power... no doubt! But hit a twisty and the 996TT will blow right by!

 

My understanding is that the SL55 also has a fair share of mechanical issues. The car is also quite heavy.

I've got to be honest...TT is just like a slice of heaven...when I'm feeling down I jump in the TT and it all goes away!

T

 

No M96 block in a GT3...While low rev torque is not the same as a TT, over 5K, the GT3 is no slouch...It's linear and predicatable...The engine sings like know other...If you like rock and roll music, the GT3 satisfies...club techno...TT. Keep in mind from a purist standpoint the GT3 engine is race bread and unlike the other carrera type cars..TT or otherwise...Some of the techno goodies include:

steel foundation of the body shell is from the carrera 4, but reinforced in various area's for tortional rigidity.

lightweight pistons with shot peened forged titanium con rods.

lightweight valve train

Sharper cam shaft contouring opening valves quicker and with higher lift - improves gas flow without the opportunity cost of greater wear and tear. Tappet surfaces are hardened by carbon nitriding, which reduces friction allowing lubrication with less oil.

8 bearing crankshaft finished by plasma carbon nitriding...GT1 technology.

Dry sump oil pump system w/ separate oil tank - system incorporates 5 separate internal pumps. The main pump in the crank case feeds oil to the pressure pipes, two suction pumps in the crank case and one in each cylinder head to feed the oil used back into the tank reservoir. Bottom line...under G's, you can be sure that the moving parts maintain proper lubrication.

Porsche Motorsport transmission - steel syncro rings on third, fourth and fifth gears guarantee shifting precision and a service life 10 times greater than the standard trannies.

Splash oil lubrication and an external transmission cooler that uses a pump to extract the hot oil and sends it through an oil/water heat exchanger integrated in the engine cooling system. After the oil is cooled, the transmission fluid is sprayed as required onto the individual gears, thus being used precisely where critical temperatures in the tranny have to be avoided.

Suspension: H&R springs with height adjustable biltstein shocks made especially for the GT3. Single ball joint support bearings resting on metal, not rubber for a planted handling at speed. GT3 anti-roll bars.

Brakes: 6 piston brembo front on 350mm rotors, 4 piston on the rear with 330 mm rotors. Air duct cooling for the fronts.

3 radiator cooling system.

That's just some of the details that make this NA car unique and a joy to own...

 

I was talking about the 997S having the M96 block.
The GT-3 and Turbo are both the same block derived from the GT1.

I love the GT-3.

 

I realized that Scott... Just wanted to make sure there was no confusion out there for others... that the NA motors were NOT the same...

 

Are they really still shared? The early GT-3s have the block made in Germany, with plugged holes for the Turbo oil lines. The latest GT-3s come with a block made in Spain, which doesn't have those holes. Maybe the '05 Turbo S's will come with the block from Spain, but with oil line holes?

 

The case design of the GT3 engine is the same as the TT and GT2. This design is based on the GT1 engine which in turn was based on the 993/964 case. The German 964 case number cars had some provisions from the old air cooled days while the newer Spanish made 996 case number cars have these extra provisions removed. Not sure about any internal changes, but I doubt there is an appreciable difference.

 

Eric,

I know I am biased, but I love the GT3. I heard last week that Brumos has one on the showroom floor. Red, PCCB, red dials, red belts, thicker wheel, full leather, electric seats, and some carbon bits... customer speced the car and then walked. Contact Ray @ Brumos for details and tell him I said hi.

Given a choice, I would take a 996 GT3 or TT over the 997 or 997S... especialy since it still has the same engine. No doubt the Aston is gorgous but certainly no Pcar when it comes to ultimate handling and reliability.

Good luck.