Long time reader of 6spd.
Finally decided to pull the trigger and pick up what i believe will satisfy my hunger for hp.
In purchasing a 996 GT2, How do i choose the right one?
Is high mileage such as 20k+ an issue?
What should i expect as far as maintenance/service?
How to choose the right tuner, (since numerous tuning shops are out there)
Should i buy something stock vs something ready to hunt.
Are there certain options on the car i should look for? not look for?
Is there a certain year i should look into?

A little about me and my experiences with cars.
Owned many cars in my time, and driven many more.
Last year when i thought my hunger for power had subdued, i purchased an e60 m5. Little did i know my hunger had just been dormant. The m5 is a great all around car. but sometimes it feels like an old man thats in great shape. Its got pull on the higher end.
So i hope that my need for speed can be satified with what i am searching for now. I dont care if you school me. Just tell me what i need to know.
Moderators: feel free to chime in.


I hope your advice can steer me in choosing the right car.

cheers
George

 

Hi George,
I went the same route as you. Got an e60M5 and loved it but it wasnt hard core enough for me. So got myself a 2002 GT2 Club Sport with 23,000 miles on it. The CS version has a full roll cage (or 3/4 depending on what you spec), recaro racing seats (not leather and therefore lighter), fire extinguisher, engine cut out (for track work), and thats about it. So its basically a more track orientated, hard core version of the GT2. Numbers made were much less than the non CS. The 2002 had the gen 1 ceramic brakes and to be honest are a tad lacking in feel for my liking. They sure do stop you though. The gen 2 came out with the 2004 model and have more feel from what i've heard. Problem is the 2004's cost around 20% more than the earlier GT2's.
I havent done much to boost the power of my GT2 apart from a remap to give it 530bhp at the crank. But i'm sure there are many who can chime in with mods. As a daily driver the suspension is very hard, especially on the bumpy uk roads and the car is noisy on a long high speed cruise. Not everyone will be able to live with these points.
Hope it helps

Andrew

 

The Clubsport-version isn't available in the US, so don't care about that

I bought my car just over year ago with 26000 miles in the clock, and done another 10000 miles the last year. This is NOTHING for these cars, they are just awesome.

I have changed exhaust, remap, modified turbos, upgraded clutch, LWFW, airfilter and the car will go in for new suspension tomorrow (more track oriented).

Nothing has gone wrong in a year, except for a ignition switch (which costs around $100, but I got it on my warranty). So all maintance was a small service I did last week, ready for another year of fun!!!

 

George,

Go visit Lucent Motors in West LA and talk to Tom and Arling, they'll tell you everything you need to know. While you're there, you can check out a beautiful black 2002 996 GT2 sitting on the floor.