There are many 997.1 GT3s showing up on the pre-owned market. Probably from owners with 3 yr leases ending and/or selling in order to upgrade to a new gen II GT3/RS. In looking at some of these cars for sale, I'm seeing that many have been upgraded for the track.

Do you think that modifications to a 997.1 GT3 add value to the car, or actually de-value the car? I know that the GT3 is meant for tracking, therefore it's not uncommon to see cars with seats/rollbars installed or aftermarket exhausts (sharkwerks, GMG). What do you guys think of more significant upgrades like swapped out brake rotors, suspension (Motons, sway bars, springs, control arms), or engine ECU work (flash, chip)?

As for tuner shops, if the upgrades were done by one of the more reputable shops (ie, Sharkwerks, GMG) does that make the upgrades seem more "valuable" than if the owner installed the upgrades himself?

As a example, I'm comparing two nearly two identical cars from the factory (steel brakes, nav, chrono, xenons). One car has been heavily upgraded with GT3 bucket seats, rollbar/harness, GMG alignment/suspension upgrades w/Motons, GIAC tune. The other car was left stock. Would you guys pay a premium to get the upgraded car and possibly risk facing warranty denial issues on the remaining 1 yr of warranty? Or would you opt for the stock car? How much more would you pay for those upgrades?

Thanks in advance for any advice/wisdom.

 

if my intention was to go tracking then definitely yes...I would much rather have a car that is properly set up...if I never intended to track the car then I might want a garage queen

 

I usually look at it ths way: if the mods are something I would likely be doing myself anyway or something I can remove and sell for decent money then they have some added value. If they are not something I would likely be adding myself or are a hassle to to remove and sell, then they donlt add value for me.

 

th GT3 bucket seats, rollbar/harness, GMG alignment/suspension upgrades w/Motons, GIAC tune.
===> for ME...

seats: add value
roll bar/harness: add value
alignment: no value, alignment is based on YOU, every driver has a different alignment, i for one love a car that pushes A LOT. most ppl would just fly off track in my car.
moton: big value, but budget for new springs. everyone like different rates
GIAC: i would subtract value on any ECU mods, that's just my personal thing.

warranty: mods has nothing to do with warranty, but your relationship with the dealer has everything to do with it. i can probably drive my honda to my porsche dealer and have them warranty it. do let mods scare you off with regard to warranty issues.

 

As long as the previous owner is an enthusiast and knows exactly what he has and how to take care of it. I'll trust a professionally modified car that is enthusiast owned vs. a stock car from a non-enthusiast owner or dealer.
As for paying a premium, that's up to you. I would be willing to pay some premium, but everyone's tastes are different.