I've had a 2003 996tt for a couple of years and really enjoyed it but as I have tracked the car more I'm starting to feel like a GT3 would be a better choice.

Looking at 2005 GT3 and interested in any input from the forum.

The two cars are worlds apart in terms of driving experience which really surprised me. The GT3 is an almost visceral experience relative to the TT. Are there specific issues I should be aware of as I look for a GT3 ?

 

I bought a 2005 and love it. Sold my 1975 carrera, 944S2 and my 914 to get it. It reminded me so much of the 75 but more horsepower, braking, and well just about everything.
My car had 42k miles and was extremely well maintained. Put on dyno this summer and it pulled nearly as new numbers. Very robust motor.

Check for rear seals being replaced, mine had the cats replaced. The engine oil line made of plastic has been replaced as they will come apart eventually. Stay away from ceramic brakes as most people have converted them.

I have a few updates such as adjustable rear control arms, GT3RS front bumper.

Good luck.

 

In which way you mean converted ceramic brakes?

 

converted from ceramic to steel rotors.
pccb for street use is ok, but on track they wear quickly and badly,
and cost a small european nation to replace.

 

996 GT3s are a lot of fun, good value for the money too. Do it!

 

aren't supposed to last quite longer than steel ones, even in track conditions?

 

last way longer on the street.
but, last way less on the track.
they never reach the extreme temps reached during extended use on the track.

 

I'm a GT3 fanatic trapped with a 996TT myself, but I absolutely couldn't give up the widebody to go to a 996GT3. It would have to be a 997GT3 for me, which makes it cost prohibitive! Best wishes to you for your decision.

 

Is the 996 GT3 that much faster than a 996TT with the right suspension set-up? I know the GT3 has an "aura" but I have passed several at the track with my lowly 996TT. At one point I considered selling my 996TT to buy a GT3 but the economics didn't make sense.

 

As noted RMS issues need to be accounted for. Sounds like the car would be a good choice for you since you are tracking. I owned a modded 996tt, now a 997 GT3 and it's a much more engaging drive...steering feel, sounds, throttle feel. More of a scalpel and the tt is a sledgehammer. But you will give up boost and all traction aids so some extra DE is prob a good idea. As well the GT3 is not as capable as a tt if you want to DD. Personally I have no regrets.

 

I'd say one way to assess that would be to compare the 997 GT2 RS to the 997 GT3 RS, meaning we can then compare the cars with a very similar/aggressive and developed suspension setup. When you get to that point the GT2 RS has the clear speed advantage anytime there is a straightaway worth mentioning (not on a super tight track obviously), but the end result is a fast car that doesn't give nearly as much driving feedback as the GT3 would.

The problem with my hypothetical scenario is the amount of money you're going to spend on a 996TT to get it sorted to the point of behaving like a 997 GT2 RS...it's going to be extremely significant. So, the GT3 remains the drivers Porsche in my mind...although there is no arguing with the speed potential of a 996 (or 997) TT.

 

I think I found the answer....they are about the same in 996 form.
This is from fastestlaps.com at Nordschleife.

66. Porsche 911 GT3 7:54.00 156 '03 380 / 1380 Sport Auto
67. Ferrari F430 7:55.00 156 '05 489 / 1450 Sport Auto
68. Caterham R500 1.8L K Series 7:55.00 156 '99 233 / 450 EVO
69. BMW M5 7:55.00 156 '11 560 / 1870 BMW
70. Porsche 911 Turbo 7:56.00 156 '00 420 / 1540 Sport Auto

 

Yup, and imagine how much better a 996TT would be able to run around that track if that 1540 kg number were the same as the GT3 at 1380!

 

Lets see- If I replace the seats with gt3 seats that's 30 lbs less, lighter wheels 20 lbs less, remove stereo and speakers 15 lbs, remove a/c 10 lbs...

.

 

It's a slippery slope (just like adding power), but I like the way you think. Don't forget a nice lightweight battery for an easy 30 pound weight reduction up front, and a lightweight aftermarket exhaust for 30 pounds in the back.