I would like some opinions on this potential brake issue. I have a tenative deal struck on a low mileage used GT3 (under 3k). The car went to a Porsche dealer for a pre-inspection. The dealer said the car looked like new and that there was no evidence of it being tracked. (Not that tracking would void the deal.) Anyway, the DME showed no evidence of over revs and/or abuse.

The only issue that was reported was that the front rotors and pads had more than normal wear. My numbers are likely incorrect, but I think the dealer said that normal (rotor) run out should be .002 or so and that these these were .005, which is very, very close Porsche's max. recommended run out. He felt that it could be due to some repeated hard street driving/braking or possibly SCCA events. (which I am okay with, it is a race car, anyway, right?)

Of course, the dealer won't commit to mileage, but just said that the car could need front pads and rotors within the next 10-12k, maybe less if driven very hard. I mean it could need front brakes within 4-5k, right?

Is this type wear normal? I would expect GT3 rotors to last much longer even with hard use. These are of course steel rotors not PCCBs. Other than this issue, the car looked and drove like new. It's midnight blue by the way and looks incredible. It doesn't appear to be a popular color when ordered new, but it sure looks nice. I don't think that the color will hurt resale. I haven't committed yet.

Sorry for the long thread. I welcome any opinions.

 

Gt3 rotors are not known for longevity. There are many options available and basically all after market rotors are better than stock. Don't let this minor issue keep you from buying a nice car. Sweet color by the way.

 

Any recommendations on other brands that look similar to stock? Prices?

I have to say that I normally don't consider dark colors, but this car looks so nice in midnight blue.

 

Slotted AP Racing rotors or Brembo rotors outlast all others. Stock rotors are only good for normal street driving.

 

DeMan Motorsports has a cost effective replacement to OEM rotors

http://www.demanmotorsport.com/news/...tory.php?id=60

Cheers
DI

 

In addition to Landjet & DHI's strong recommendations, you can also check out StopTech. In any case, go with slotted vs. drilled, especially if you are going to the track.

Typically, the rear rotors take the most abuse, so it's interesting that the fronts are worn more.

It's great that you are working with a dealer, but for any upgrading, going to a serious p-car tuner/shop will be best. I am on west coast, so don't know who is best back east. Ask around.

I have to echo the other comments on the color. Looks really sweet and rare.

 

Missed the bit about the color...
I agree with your impressions of the midnight blue color. Beautiful and rare. IMO, will not hurt resale.

 

I appreciate the reponses. The more I look t the photos, the more I like the color and agree that it will not hurt resale.

I guess I didn't realize that the gt3 rotors wore out as quick as some have stated. I still have a hard time understanding that this car with no other evidence of track use-or even with track use, would have front rotors at the limit with less than 3k.

 

I have a few questions, 3,000 on the street should not bring them to that point. It either was tracked or the pads are not OE but some harsher pad that ground on the rotors. But like you say 3,000 miles on that car is just over the break in period. I use protosport slotted, I would look to see if the rotors have stress crack between the cross drilled holes, if it does then it was tracked for sure and that should not happen on the street.

 

That's what I thinking.

 

+1! Anyway the best thing about the steels is that you can replace/upgrade for much less than the PCCBs'.

 

Unfortunately, I won't likely track the car. I know, I know, why am I buying a GT3 then!? I just love the more raw feel, look and sound of a GT3 over other 911 variants. (I've owned a few 911s, 997tt, S, and C4S Cab).

I do question if this would be a lasting car for me or if I would just end up getting another 911S anyway, once the GT3 is out of my system; if it ever leaves my system. I did love my test drive of the new 911S. Although, I would go stick along with SPASM and PSE.

Having only test driven a 997 GT3 once -although quite extensively- my test drive did confirm what I suspected. The car lacks low end but screams on top . It's louder (cool), less insulated (that can be cool most of the time), handles more tightly, however, would be used less for week end trips than a new 911S.

As I'm sure you can tell, I am really confused -losing sleep- over this decision. The front rotor issue has me questioning it even more. It makes me question how the car was driven previously. I have to decide by tomorrow morning.

 

You don't have to be a track rat to own a GT3. Don't lose too much sleep over it. There are plenty of GT3's on the market. You don't have to get this particular one, especially if you doubt how the car was driven/cared for. There are a bunch of GT3s on Ebay in all colors, options, etc. Let us know what you decide.

Cheers,
Laguna_Dude

 

How do you figure? My rear rotors outlast the fronts 3 to 1.

Rotors and pads are expendables. That's like saying the tires are a bit worn and I'm worried about buying the car because of it.

 

No offense, but that may be a bit extreme. Tires are one thing, rotors worn to the max. limit with less than 3k is another to me.