Question: What does it take to make a 997S into a GT3 or better for the track?

I know the first answer: MONEY $$$$

Over the next 5+ years i would like to morph my 997S into a awesome track car, like a gt3 or better.

2 reasons for my timeline: 1. Money 2. I want mods to increase as my driving ability/skills get better

This is what I have planned:

LOOKS:
GT3 front bumper
GT3 rear bumper
GT3 or GT3 RS rear wing

Suspension

Bilstein or Moton Coilovers
H&R sway bars
New control arms & dog bones
Strut Braces


DIET
GT2 seats
Back seat delete
Subwoofer delete
18" Track Wheels
Driver loses 10 Lbs (I only weigh 160 so im probably already lighter than most drivers )


Now this is where the biggest issue will be .... MATCHING THE GT3 415 HP

POWER:
Cold Air intake
AWE Headers
Cat Bypass
AWE Muffler or Muffler bypass
ECU Flash
IPD Plenum

Now my guess is that all these might add up to +25-30 HP so that only takes me to ~ 380 HP ..... that should be enough but short of a supercharger it will be hard to duplicate the GT3 power without things getting really expensive.


I estimate that all of this can be done for about $15-$20,000 if I search for deals here and there and perhaps look for used seats & wheels (most expensive items).


NOW THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY ... I KNOW. But still cheaper than me buying a GT3, which was $45,000+ what i paid for my car.

Option B: Buy a used Subaru STi for $18K due some minor mods and drive it on the track with reckless regard ... because i wont be worried about wrecking it (like i am with my 997)


WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

 

it will never be a GT3..but there is nothing stopping you from making it a great track monkey

 

You have given this lots of thought but the car you are describing is still not a GT3 . The wet sump engine of the 997S is quite differerent than the dry sump Gt3. Under suspension you will also need a LSD too. You are better off buying a Gt3 .

However if "supercharger" is the route of choice why not go into a used Turbo ? Manheim numbers for a 997tt are in the 80's . Of course I would not buy one at auction but I would look at used 997tt's .

I know of one in California which is still sitting at a dealership . it was my friend's car and he kept it impeccable , never modded it, and hardly drove it enough to justify keeping it. The only thing it lacks is the axle lock but outside of that the car is a cherry.

 

Perhaps not a gt3, because of the engine .... but you could make a slightly slower twin sister that just as pretty

I would never badge it a GT3 as I think thats ridiculous ....

 

I didn't know Gt3 had LSD.... put it on the list!

 

See Blakt Outs car..

Also, you might want to consider the GMG WC center exit exhaust and rear bumper for the 997/S. I am having it installed on my 997s as we speak.... Since your in Socal you might want to talk to Fabryce at GMG as he can probably point you in the right direction.

Jason

 

I consider blakt outs car to be even more on a race car than a stock gt3 and thats a few steps more than i can take.

 

My aim would be to make a car that with a good driver, there would be little difference between both cars on a track ... of course like already pointed out it will still be 45 HP less... but i'm shooting for a car thats as light or lighter than a GT3 RS

 

Where is this car and what's the asking price at the dealer???
Thanks..............

 

You'll be better off to just buy a GT 3. The money you we'e going to spend on mods, just bank it. In a year 3 prices will be down and you can get one. It will also hold it's value better than a modded Carrera.

tw

 

Before you do all that look for a used 996 or 997 GT3, you will be dollars ahead in the end. There are screaming deals to be had on 996TTs out there too.

 

Do a few neccesary mods, suspension, seats, harnesses, R Comps, LSD, LWFW, Hi Flow cats and learn how to drive your car. I have out driven 996 and 997 GT3's and Turbo's. My car is far from a GT3, but I drive the car a little smoother then others with more car.

I think the rest of the stuff that you listed is fluff, and can be added if you want but, you are spending $$$ for only a little bit of speed/time.

Remember it is not a race, I heard the best term to describe the driving that i do last summer, "sport driving".

Enjoy.

 

I send the info via PM . Good luck.

 

You forgot some:

- Titanium connecting rods
- Magnesium steering shaft
- Dry sump lubrication
- Variable geometry intake manifold
- etc ..

 

+1. If what you're really trying to re-create is a GT3, you'll have to buy one. The GT3 experience is far greater than the sum of the parts, or equaling (or even approaching) the measurable numbers.
The advantage of refining a single car design for 40 years is that the integrated value of the pieces has had many generations to settle. So it's all the big things - engine, tires, transmission, and the little things - clutch design, dry sump, bushings and suspension metallurgy, altered aerodynamics and reduced weight body panels, that make it all an integrated piece.
As an aside, it's not clear, if it's your DD, that you'd want one. I've not driven a 997GT3, but a 996 and it's a bit rough as a DD. Spectacular car though.
As an aside, does anyone know whether an engine (or engine/transmission) transplant could take place between a 997/1 GT3 and a 997/1 S? Not that this is likely, but if I ever came across a wrecked GT3, could I buy the engine and do the transplant? I know it would not make my 'S' a GT3 - nor would i want one. But the engine/flywheel/clutch/transmission is a collective thing of beauty.