I have always wondered if there is any gain, besides looks, with going with a GT2 or TechArt front end on the 996 Turbo. I'm talking aerodynamics and I guess weight as well. Anyone know?

 

I have a TechArt bumper or it may be a knock off. IMO the GT2 may look a bit nicer and mine is 'glass. Aero or not 'glass is a pain and if you can something more OEM I think it would work out better in the long run up front.

 

fiberglass is repairable, polyurethane is not

you have a lot less clearance with the TechArt bumper compared to the GT2 bumper... a fiberglass TechArt bumper will be heavier than a polyurethane GT2 bumper but not a fiberglass GT2 bumper...

imo TechArt bumpers look the best on a lowered car... if you're car isn't lowered, the TechArt bumper looks stupid

 

I was wondering more about Aerodynamics wise, but all good info nonetheless!

 

Yes, it's lowered a good bit - C/F piece up front too. Sure 'glass can be repaired but depending upon the damage so can polyurethane. Poly has some flex to it as well which depending on speed might not great for aero. <shrug>

 

Techart GTS (the one with the lip in front) provides bit more DF than the GT2 front. However, you can easily change a bigger front lip to the GT2 front as well, from Manthey for example.

Whether you go for Techart or GT2 front remember to do the proper full conversion, do not just slap on the bumper. Otherwise you are creating problems...at least for the next owner

 

T/A replica on mine, love it i had a custom gt3 grill installed so its 1 of a kind, just had it repaired and resprayed

 

TAT is going to be lower, so that might be something you want to consider. It is a well engineered part though. TechArt developed them for downforce.

 

GT2 bumper if OEM or moulded off OEM has provisions for angle of radiator to be changed, making the vents functional. Aero wise, if this was done would provide added downforce.

recommend getting the PU lip if go the TA route, it's really really low. Ripped mine clear off twice now. Once, it was still attached on far ends and the middle rollled and dragged under the car for a block. Still useable. PU is very durable.

costs aside, if i had a choice between gt2 and TA/TA replica, would go GT2 OEM. Less hassle, perfect fit, better clearance. Prob similar aero gains to most of us anyways.

for track driving, could always add a temp front diffuser plate that chins out beyond the bumper.

 

There is no conversion needed when swapping to a TA bumper? Is the original TA bumper made from Fiberglass?

I am not a big fan of Fiberglass, I do not think I would put a fiberglass front bumper on my car. If I did, I would have to put clear bra on it before I drove it.

I never hear about people doing the full conversions either. I assume for a GT2 full conversion OEM could get very costly.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys.

So what has to happen and what do you need to do a complete GT2 conversion like you say? Do any of the replica companies incorporate this?

 

TA orig is also FRP. think one or more of the TA style bumpers come in a carbon/frp composite which is supposed to be stronger.

The oil cooler ducts and center radiator duct needs changing with the TA style. I think most offerings come complete with these ducts as the OEM pieces wont fit. Note the OEM pieces are made of rubber/plastic; side ducts in particular fit much better with OEM, the TA replica ones are in FRP. Not sure on Orig TA. The inside front bumper needs to be cut or removed with the TA as well.

Titan Motorsports started a thread on how to do the radiator conversion. Not sure if the gt2 bumper uses the same 3 ducts as orig OEM. Guessing atleast the center one needs changing as angle of radiator changes.