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Shaka's 997.2 Adventures :: 2011 Carrera GTS :: Quasi-Build-Thread
This thread isn't a new member introduction, so much as a place for me to drop photos and comments about my car. Rather than post a new thread every time I want to share photos/news about a new upgrade/mod, I'll use this thread. But since I don't have majestic plans for my car, this is like a build thread... just FAR more tame!
With that said....
Over the past 20+ years I've had my fair share of fun cars. From twin-turbo 600+HP Audi sedans, down to air cooled Beetles.. from Corvettes, to Tesla electric sedans... you name it. Growing up I was heavily exposed to Italian exotics and German sports cars, too. Finally decided it was time to get my own Stuttgart-build hammer. And I'm hopeful the 997 is near the bottom of its depreciation cycle, such that maybe if I keep this car long enough I'll see the value hold nicely! (fingers crossed)
Here are some photos of the new hotness, picked up just a few weeks ago (March 2017):
997.2 GTS purchased at Porsche of Beachwood in Cleveland, Ohio
First day home with my 997.2 GTS
First drive to work in my 997.2 GTS
Somebody enjoyed driving this car, as it had a touch under 44k miles before I snagged it. Driven well, but taken care of nicely enough-- and the option list and price point fell squarely where I wanted, timing worked out great-- it all just came together. I'd wanted a 997 GTS since they came out, SUPER excited to finally be in the car! Been a while since a car has gotten me THIS excited to own.
Within the first week I already had some modifications ready to go:
Clear corner side markers installed. BBE primary muffler delete (cross pipes) arrived, ready to be installed.
Currently scheduled for installation next week of the BBE cross pipes (box shown above). Also procured a Speedster (Sport Classic) front lower lip from these forums that will be going on at the same time. Going to stick with the factory black/white theme and have the front lower spoiler/lip painted the same factory black. (the OE lip was scuffed, which urged me to replace rather than just repair, haha!). Brake fluid flush will be done at same time to prep for track season -- hope to do at least 2 PDE activities this summer or more!
This past weekend was a Cars & Coffee type event here in Cleveland, Ohio ... people were kind enough to share some photos (their credit shown in the corner of each photo- check out Flat 6 on Facebook, Greg does amazing work!)
CnC Event - April 2017
Flat 6 Photowerks does amazing work, thanks Greg!
Not shown here and truly not that exciting is a ProClipUSA phone dock installed inside the car. More photos will be taken once the front lower lip gets installed-- also have a scuff or two on the bumper that needs repaired. Once all that happens I'll get Flat-6 or someone to take photos of my car for me-- always love having a nice collection as keepsakes of the vehicles that I've owned!
Future plans are to retrofit a backup camera using the Car Solutions Interface (similar to the NAV-TV unit). Window tint perhaps... and stone guards need re-installed, might go retro/speedster style and do the black ones. I'd love to do a ducktail too if funds permit. Possibly swap out the center lock bolts for black ones. For track days I'd love to get the Champion Motorsports retrofit to change my shift blocks to legit shifter paddles.
But beyond that I just want to DRIVE IT.... looking forward to some track time. Haven't had a proper track toy in a while. And even just driving around with the wife/kid will be a blast! More photos/updates to come soon...
Okay so I've been busy living life and enjoying my 997.2 and sort of forgot to update this thread. So lots of fun photos, links, etc... here goes....
First things first, I got the car back from the body shop with the Speedster (aka Sport Classic) front lower lip. Had the car prepped for a track day, but more on that later. LOVE the way the lip came out-- it is black with a satin clear coat over top. Looks fabulous.... couldn't be happier.
Swapped tail lights with a local friend I've made who has a black 997.2 Turbo. He wanted the contrast of the clear tails on his black car, and I wanted the all red version. It was a win/win for us both and been enjoying that look FAR better, so that happened and I'm really happy with it.
Swapped out the multi-function wheel that my car was optioned with, for the sport edition paddle shifter wheel. Hated the shifter blocks, scored this for a good price too. Sold my stock wheel for a portion to recoup costs. All in all a great change. I do sort of miss the volume ****, but I never used any of the other buttons. And this makes aggressive driving easier for quick shifts... yay!!
When I had purchased the car a few months ago I had noted a few imperfections. One of them was the driver side skirt as shown here. It wasn't a big deal, but the above noted front lower lip spoiler being satin black looks new/great, and now makes my side skirts kinda look bleh. SO... I ordered up the same GTS/GT2 wide body skirts in the OEM "primer" version so that I can have the same body shop paint to match. In other words the front lip satin black will be applied to the side skirts, too.
(Sidebar: if there are any C4S or other wide-body 997.2 owners who want to upgrade side skirts, there is a good used condition driver side unit for sale on eBay -- and I'd be willing to sell my good used condition passenger side -- so you could get a set on the cheap... hit me up!)
And then FINALLY after all that was done... my buddy here: http://www.diamondfinishdetailing.com
Did a FULL detail on the car. Just did the Platinum level, because after all the other fun stuff above, I was pretty much broke! Haha..... if you're in the NE Ohio area check him out.
LAST but not least... here are some photos from today, post-detail...
(added black stone guards during the detailing... the side skirts painted to match are forth coming--- window tint and backup camera retrofit after that....)
PS: Forgot to mention two things. First off totally LOVE the BBE exhaust but as others experienced the GTS fitment is an issue that required a little monkeying around. If you have a GTS then I'd suggest perhaps Sharkworks for perfect fit instead of the Billy Boat. But the cross over pipes sound great. Secondly, the one center cap (passenger, rear) is MIA thanks to track day and me not removing them. Heat cycle = lost cap. Replacement in transit as I type. Ciao!
Big IMAGE DUMP above... and here is a quick update for early July 2017.
Been driving the **** out of the GTS, and loving every damn moment with it. That said, the PS2 tires were getting closer to end of life, so I ordered a set of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires from Tire Rack. Those are getting installed next week, along side some new TPMS (1 of 4 already replaced, OE-- so replacing other 3 while the tires are off). May do an alignment at same time given the car has 46k miles and could probably stand a refresh there.
Given my propensity to drive beyond the posted limit in this particular car, I've also acquired a (used) ESCORT 9500ci radar system. That will be installed the week after next, allowing me to feel a slight bit of added protection during my sprints. If anyone with a 997 has any pointers on the placement/etc for a 9500ci/STiR type system, please let me know so that I may pass it along to my installer. Thanks!
Future plans? Nothing but to drive the car, do another track event or two (PittRace was a blast, and the new tires will enhance that experience). Contemplating doing exhaust, but I enjoy my PSE and the valve button. But a used Fabspeed w/valves popped up so... we'll see!!
PS: Ran 12.859 at the drag strip a few weeks ago--- pretty much what the car was supposed to do, with launch control. I'll be curious to see how that improves if any with these 4S tires.
Last edited by Shaka; 07-12-2017 at 12:34 PM.
Reason: PS
Recently had Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires installed on my GTS. They are amazing! Granted I was coming from fairly old PS2 tires that were near their end. Jump to P4S was huge... can't wait to really put them through their paces. Already looking at doing a track day next month to compare to the spring track day done on the PS2 tires.
Currently my car is at the local 'stereo shop' for installation of the ESCORT 9500ci that I picked up used off eBay. It is the 1st generation system (not the Pro jammers) -- but it was a price that made the system worthwhile. Any amount of radar/laser detection/shifting will help. Hopefully this keeps me from getting unwanted "bills" from johnny law
Last but not least, put a set of these bad boys on order: http://www.fabspeed.com/porsche-997-...sport-headers/
They are built to order so I've got 4-5 weeks of wait time apparently.
Those, with my cross over pipes, and OE PSE, should make for some nice noises!
No new pics right now because, well, tires aren't really exiting enough for photos -- but I'll snap some once I get it back from the radar install, probably. :P
Escort controller mounted to right of steering wheel area Display on steering column. May relocate to rear view mirror or get a Radar-Mirror unit Rear laser shifter Front radar and laser shifters
In a strange twist of affairs, I've decided to EXIT the 997.2 GTS world. It didn't come easy, as I can certainly say this car has been the FAVORITE of any I have owned. It is up there with driving experiences of the '92 Diablo a family member owned years ago that I drove on occasion. Without a doubt one of the best true drivers cars out there.
Long story short: my work/DD needs shifted due to some restructuring at my office, and my need for a car that I can drive daily, and not worry about in winter/etc became apparent. While I had planned to buy a beater for winter, the sale of this car became a financial decision in the end. One that I may regret as finding a nice clean GTS in the future when I want to return may not be as easy as this one was.
Anyhow... it has been real, it has been fun! In the classifieds you'll find I have my clear corner markers and my rubber front mats for sale. Any other items that were removed have already sold. See y'all on the flip side!
PS: If you or anyone you know may be interested in the car, you can purchase it from the dealership my friend works at, whom bought it from me... here is the link:
04-04-2017, 11:22 AM
