SM_ATL's 2007 997.1 GT3 Journal
 

Call me crazy, but I just traded my 991S for a 2007 997.1 GT3 in mint condition with only 5,000 miles. I certainly had some hesitations, but the raw nature of the GT3 really won my heart :D

Here's a pic of the 'old' car:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8163102733/
And of the 'new' (but-not-so-new-in-fact) one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8328831158/
I'll start reporting on this new adventure and car modifications shortly.

You'll find some of my recent work on 6speed in my signature. I also started a Journal on facebook where I share info and opinions more casually than here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SM_ATLs-Journal/196300207176016.

Any input and suggestions of GT3 veterans are welcome! Glad to join this section of the forum:)

I have a 991 and a couple 997.2 GT3 and simple GTS cars have come through the dealership and had me thinking....but I use the car as a daily driver so I haven't been swayed yet...besides I think I might get a 78-88 and backdate it into an 72/73 RS track car before that.

Hear you well and it makes a lot of sense! I'll for sure miss the smoothness of the 991 as a daily driver (family SUV and company cars available for long trips though). My idea for now is to enjoy the GT3 and drive it like I stole it ;) until a more polisher 991 GT3 comes out... Time will tell!

I too bought a 07 GT3 over a 991S. I love the rawness of the GT3, I feel more connected to the car and the road then I did in my 997C2S, and was sure the 991S would be even further removed.

Congrats!

Thanks and agreed! It is all about the rawness of the GT3. The 991S is stupid fast though, so if it is about sheer speed and a comfortable daily driver, it is a fantastic car.

For how long have you had the GT3? I am curious to hear if the rawness does not get old after some time.

Who doesn't love a white GT3?! Congrats!! I think you'll thoroughly enjoy it!

I've been daily driving my 997.2 3RS since I got it (30 mile round trip per day) and I still love it. I think the "rawness getting old" really just depends on how crazy you are ;)

Congrats on the new ride, I think you made the right decision!

I have had my GT3 for about 14 months now.

My car was modified before I bought it, and came with

Moton Club Sport Coil Overs
All rubber suspension bits replaced with cup car parts
4.0 Ring and Pinion
Re Geared 6th gear
Club Sport rear roll bar
Recarro Seats (I replaced with them with 996 GT3 Seats)
Wheel Studs
PCCB's converted to 350mm 2 piece "steel" rotors
GT LSD repack
and a bunch of other track mods

Since I got it, I did the following

Coolant Welds
Cup Car Cables
Rennline Solid Engine Mounts
Caliper Stud Kit
Sunroof Delete
Replaced 2nd and 3rd gear syncros with Cup Car Syncros
Custom RSR Style Catless Headers
Custom Tune

I am sure there is some other stuff that I am missing, needless to say car is very fast.

Nice build! Are you actually daily driving the car?
I'll use it part for the street, part on the track, so I'll probably have to be a bit more conservative. I have a few things going on (rollbar, bucket seats & harness, solid engine mounts, wheel studs, center muffler delete -only for the sound ;) - ).
Comparing the GT3 to my track prepped 996, the suspension is currently the weakest point. The GT3 is definitely faster on the track, but with all solid bushings, Agency Power 'red' track adjustable arms and links and PSS10's the 996 feels a bit more planted and definitely more predictable close to the limit. I am not sure I want to get rid of the PASM and do not know what the GT3 would feel like on the street with a similar setup. I'll track the GT3 again tomorrow...

Yes, on the most part it is driven daily. Not so much right now as the weather isn't right for the GT3's tires.

I use it for the track as well, the upgraded suspension is very planted and precise on the track, yet livable on the street (although not a smooth as your 991 was). If you decide to keep the GT3, I would consider getting rid of the OEM suspension, and try to remove a lot of the rubber in the suspension. I also recommend swapping the R+P, it will make your car a lot quicker.

I also bought a 2008 997.1 GT3 RS for my track activities, but still love my 991 for daily use. I agree the GT3 is more raw, but not necessary suitable for DD.

My initial modifications are:

1. GMG Rollbar
2. GT2 bucket seats
3. 6 point harness

These are for safety reasons.

I also added:
1. Cup shifter cable, stock one is weak and could make 2-to-3 shift difficult on track
2. StopTech Big Trophy brake kit, replacing the PCCB, for better modulation feel and cheaper replacement cost
3. Cup front lip, for more flexible lip and more downforce
4. RSS solid end links, replacing the OEM rubber bushing, to prevent rear toe-out under hard braking at high speed
5. GMG front and rear anti-sway bars. The 997.1 OEM sway bar has been known to be under strength, especially the rear.

You probably don't need all these, but I would recommend safety gears first, the roll bar and the harness.

1, 2 and 3 will be completed next Monday. Cup front lip on order too. I'll post current mods shortly...

Week 1 modifications

Here are few snapshots of the first mods. Nothing dramatic, basically more of a quick 'refresh' of the car and a few must do upgrades.

ROTtec LED conversion: front (+matching 6,000K Xenon's), rear, license plate and interior

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8332134144/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8331078299/
GT2 seats and RSS rollbar. Black Schroth harnesses will be installed next week.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8343655903/
GT3RS steering wheel

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8332135132/
Hardwired Escort 9500ix (hardwired to rear view mirror)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60293300@N06/8332134880/
More to follow soon... For more details and day to day follow-up, check my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SM_ATLs-Journal/196300207176016

to me the white 997.1 GT3 is "IT"... awesome car... gives me chills when I see one.

congrats on a super car!!!

+1, I like the blacked out dash (HVAC and PCM)