Hi,

Friend of mine just got almost brand new 997 GT2 - 2009 model.

With only 1200 miles. Though very happy with it, yet he complains of 'very hard' clutch when he press it, also changing gears/shifting is not easy, to say the least. Comparing it with his other Porsches like 993TT, he says that there must be something wrong here!

Told him, heard that in GT2 cars, from 996 to 997, are all like that. Hard/stiff clutch, and trans/gear shifting. It's only normal, I would think! As they are race/track cars oriented to start with!

His counter point was like: if these cars were really meant to be raced/tracked, then the clutch/shift should be so soft, and smooth to engage for overtaking and down/up shifting corners, etc.!!

To all GT2 owners here from 997 and 996, whats you take on this issue, "non-issue" debate.

Some expert opinion needed here, guys.

Cheers!

 

I dont have a gt2 but just had the evoms gt2 slave conversion performed. Stiffness compared to stock is multiplied by 10 but i love it. Engagement point is much more predictable and overall feedback has been greatly improved.

Your friend may just need to drive the car for a few hundred miles to get used to it.

 

Your friend is very lucky to find a 2009 - the best of all worlds as it has the updated PCM. I think they only brought 20 '09s into the states. I have a 2008 GT2 and it has a MUCH stiffer clutch but I've never noticed it to be harder to shift. I would love to see some pictures of the car.

 

Same here. The clutch is stiff but I have no issues engaging gears

 

The clutch sounds completely normal. It can be adjusted though, but it sounds normal (night and day from a TT to a GT clutch/slave).

 

The GT2 does not have a hydraulic assisted clutch. The force required to push the pedal is greater, and takes about a week to get used to. But he will learn to appreciate it as the engagement feel is far better than on the 997TT.

The shifter is notchy because it uses a shorter throw design compared to the 997TT. It requires a little more force to engage, but should still be bolt-action accurate. If your friend has access to a GT3RS, the transmission feel should be pretty similar (except the GT3RS has a LWFW.)

 

Exactly what folks said above and also, regarding the short shift throw, if the transmission is cold it could be a little tougher to get into gear. If you don't hear any grinding or kick back from the synchro the transmission is absolutely fine.

Do not force it into gear as those transmissions are "bolt-action" accurate to quote bbywu.

 

Can you post some pictures?

 

Thanks guys for the feedback. Seem to convince him that that in fact is the way this car should run, stiffer clutch/shift. Nothing out of ordinary. Hoping!

Johnny DB. Not my car, else would've posted pics. Will see if he doesn't mind posting.

Cheers to you all

 

It's definitely an acquired taste and not for everybody. I personally found in any form of stop start trafficable environment the pedal was just far too stiff to deal with as a DD any i'm positive any novelty would be very short lived even for the die hards. I'm not sure why they couldn't give the pedal in the GT cars the same stiffness as the standard Carrera, as that i found to be OK in DD situations....but in stop start traffic it can still get to you after a while of owning the car.....but you just live with it knowing that outside of those situations it's much more engaging and fun that a tip/pdk (imho). Not sure if that would be the case with the stiff pedal of a GT car tho..

 

That's exactly what the owner of the GT2 was complaining about! Guess it all boils down to issues of race/track car mechanics and the tech behind.

Watching driver videos of track cars, one notices an incredible ease, comfort how those guys shift gears. Will then assume that a street-adapted sports car like GT2, be much easier to handle

Could this be the reason, so many like new 997 GT2 cars - very low miles, practically not driven - offered at steep discount (almost 50%!) from MSRP

 

Just love the way it feels, if you don't have a 8 year old leg is not a problem. Used to drive my GT2 all the time left and right on the street, and do drive my RS also.
Love the feel. Couldn't get over the TT clutch ... no feel.

 

As said the GT2 does not use the power steering to ease the operation. I'm pretty sure the pressure plate is different also. That can lead for a heavy clutch pedal.

However, with the clutch fully depressed the transmission should not be that much different to actually shift. To ensure the clutch system is working correctly, I recommend he run through the gears with the engine off. If there is a noted difference and shifting becomes easier he may indeed have an issue with the hydraulics . As with the motor off and the flywheel not turning, you eliminate the bind that is made possible while running the motor.

Good luck, and as a transmission specialist, I would be glad to help troubleshoot further if needed.

Mike

 

Yep, the GT2 has a noticeable heavier clutch than the GT3, 997 and Cayman. Can't say about the TT because I've never driven an MT example.
ya bought yourself a racecar....!!!

 

" Couldn't get over the TT clutch ... no feel."

Removing the clutch assist spring helps on the TT. I did that a few months back and would never go back. Much better feel.