Having driven the GT3 for 1700 miles and now having driven the RS, I have reached a conclusion. The single most fun mod you could do for the GT3 if you are so inclined, is to install the light weight flywheel.

The RS is so much fun to drive, because the engine revs so freely and willingly. It has altered the way I drive because I constantly want to rev it ! Light, nimble, and an engine that wants to be revved easily = big time fun factor.

The tach positively flys over, and the car responds differently. I don't know how much it would cost or how much is involved, but if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg, its definitely worth it.

 

Does it feel different launching the car with a LWFW?

 

Yes it does, grabs a little more abruptly but then takes off.

 

Last I had inquired about this it was 4k for the parts and sure its about another 1-2k for the install

 

I did it to my GT3 and I love it, but remember just as fast as the revs zing up to 7 - 8K rpm the tach drops equally as fast so you have to be faster w/ your throttle / clutch play so as not to stall. That would be an embarrassment.
The motor feels much more alive and responsive.
Compounding this w/ the hp gains from the headers the GT3 feels mighty strong. Can't wait for the GIAC software.

GT3Ranger

 

Instead of GT3 owners ripping out parts on new cars to install a LWF that should have been there in the first place, Porsche could have just made the LWF a GT3 option.

I bet A LOT of people would've ordered the LWF option.. I know I would have. It could've been another easy $1K - $1.5K option for Porsche. We all know they like these money making options.. they only offer like 10,000 of them for their cars - except this most important one.

 

i am with Rob on this!!!

 

Believe me, 930man, that would've been the first option out of my mouth to the salesman.

As I'm leaving the dealership.. "You got the LWF option on there, right? You sure?"

 

You're right on that one. Porsche could have made more money offering the LWFW as an option on the GT3 as they have w/ the ceramic brakes.
Another painful thing is the sunroof. Should have been a delete option.

Oh well that's the way it goes.

GT3Ranger

 

Having done lots of A-B comparisons driving my RS and my 3 back to back, I fully agree that LWFW is the #1 mod for the 3. I'm getting the LWFW installed on my 3 next week (along with Sharkwerks exhaust to match the RS setup).

I am paying $1684.00 for the OEM LWFW without replacing the pressure plate on the assumption that I can reuse it as the car only has 2,500 miles on it. Figuring on 6 hours labor cost in addition to get it installed. So figuring a total installed cost (without pressure plate) on the 3 to be around $2500.

And indeed the LWFW should have been standard on the 3 or at least a factory option. Porsche did not make this decision based on cost reduction for the 3 as the parts pricing for the regular or LWFW is the same. I guess they figured 3 drivers would want a smoother drivetrain experience and might be annoyed by the gear rattle at idle that you get with the LWFW. Personally, that sound doesn't bother me...and +1 on how the LWFW transforms the car!

 

Suncoast Porsche has the parts for less than $1300. The labor will be at least that much more for installation. IMO its hard to justify the upgrade unless your already dropping the engine/tranny for a clutch, RMS, or other work. The lucky ones got the install covered under warranty.

 

I agree it should have been an option. Then again if they optioned the LWFW, the sunroof, and the CF spoiler then very few people would buy a RS for the mark up. Porsche isn't THAT stupid.

 

Does the factory LWFW rattle in neutral as much as the aftermarket? Not that it matters as much on a GT3 or RS, but I hated it on my Turbo.

 

I would definitely do this mod if I still have the 3.

 

What was the design reasoning for why they used a heavier fly wheel in the first place? does it make the car easy to drive? harder to stall out? Was that the only reason or is the LWF harder on the engine because it does not have that Momentum? anyone know. I almost pulled the trigger on the LWF when they did my RMS leak but Money is getting tight whit my buying a trailer and now a truck to pull it with.