996 GT3 - Advice?

[Rio]

As a massive 911 fan I have always promised myself my dream car.......

On Saturday I am going to look at a 996 GT3 from an official dealership, any advice on what questions I need to be asking and what I need to look for?

Kris "911 Virgin"


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[bones]

Which dealer I live in Enfield . I've owned a 911 since '84 so I know a bit . However if I were buying a GT3?
I assume it's used as you would have to order a new one . Have the usual security checks done but you might want to track down the previous owner and find out how it was used . But even if it was thrashed at trackdays providing it's been serviced correctly it should be fine. I would still get an independent expert (there aren't many GT3 experts though) to check the car over however , you never know.
The Gt3 motor is a strengthened version of the stock 996 and the suspension and brakes are matched to the extra performance. So , you might like to check for the usual bonnet/front spoiler stone chips and if i's been used on the track for some reason the rear paint often takes a hammering too . Check the wheels for kerbing too .
There is a guy who writes frequent reports about his modified GT3 in Porsche & 911 World Magazine so read a few back issues and try and contact him , after all the work he has done on them he should be pretty knowledgeable and from first hand experience . Also phone Paragon motorsports they race them and Steve McHale at JZ-Mactech will probably help you out too .
Good Luck let us know what happens you lucky devil !

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[James Ball]

Kris

As Bones mentioned, there is a guy in 911 & Porsche World who writes a lot about his GT3 which he has had brought up to RSR specs. The work has been done largely by Dick Lovett's in Swindon, I believe. If you can contact him it would be useful. If not, a standard PPI by a Porsche Centre should find most problems with any potential purchase.

Just one little addition to Bones' post (sorry Bones)... the engine is very different to stock 996. It is, in fact, based on the much stronger 964/993 bottom end.

Also, there is a register forum for GT3's:
http://tristar.orbitzero.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/GT3

Cheers, James


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[James Ball]

By the way Kris, I forgot to mention that if you get one (and you definitely should!) you will be a lucky, lucky man.




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[Rio]

Thanks Bones / James

I am buying it from Tonbridge Porsche. Its done 22K miles.

I have been waiting sometime for a Silver one to come up and this seems to be spot on. I opted to put a refundable deposit down on the car to make sure it wasn't sold before I could get down there. It has everything I have been looking for so I didn't want it to go.

I presume it must have been used on the track before as although its the comfort edition the previous owner changed the seats so they are putting the black leather buckets back in. They have also told me that there is some stone chips on the front bumper which will be fixed. Now this is the main point ...... They are having to put a new clutch in ..... should I be worried or pleased?




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[James Ball]

Be pleased. The car has obviously seen some track time and perhaps the previous owner had a clumsy left foot but that doesn't mean it isn't a great car. Definitely get it checked out - a full PPI - ideally by somewhere other than the vendor. You might want to have them do the clutch after you have had the check done so they can carry out any extra work while the engine is out. GT3's are meant to be tracked so I wouldn't worry. Their weakness, as I am sure you know, is their brakes, so given its likely track history I would make sure the disks aren't warped etc.


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[bones]

And after all this advice we want an invite to a track day as your 'Passengers'!

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[JimJam]

have you got it yet?

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[imported_Paul D]

seems you have already got lots of advise on the GT3, I have got one and the only usefull advise I can give you is BUY IT! I have had mine for two months now and it is without a doubt the best car I have ever driven. Mine is the new shape one and has a few updates from the car you are looking at but they are similar beasts.

Just to add to the engine debate, I beleive the GT3 engine is derived from the GT1 crank case with titanium rods etc. By all accounts it is bullet proof, the GT2 derived gearbox is however sometimes prone to worn synchros. especially if its been on the track alot. The rear diff is also prone to wear, again especially if the car has been on the track alot. As already pointed out the brakes on the 99-00 GT3 are its weakness, looked for signs of overheating and dis-colouration on the callipers was the advise i heard.

Good luck, if yours is a good example you are in for some great driving. One thing I found helps the already capable handling is a strut brace on the front suspension turrets. This and a carefully set up suspension make understear a thing of the past.




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[Rio]

Thanks guys


So after I have bought it and lets face it I'm kidding myself if I go down there and don't get the car I've dreamt of having for years, while its under its years warranty its worth me then getting a check by an independent Porsche specialist.


These bits I should be aware of, do any of you guys know if they will be covered under the warranty?


Oh and yes if you are willing to put your life in my hands on the track, then you are welcome to get in the passenger seat........ be warned though I have been used to driving an Audi TT Roadster! :wink:


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[James Ball]

Personally, I get it checked over. For the sake of £100-ish that extra peace of mind is worthwhile, but others will disagree. Certainly, buying from an OPC is safer than privately but as you might have read on another thread OPC's are not always that great themselves.

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[JimJam]

Upgrading from a TT flipflop, your'e in for some fun

If you've got warranty on it and its from an OPC. I'd not bother with an inspection, because if there was anything wrong with the car they'd fix it and claim the labour back off of Porsche as warranty work.

However an inspection might be able to get you some money off of the car.

If no warranty or not from an OPC then have an inspection done. I bought my 964 with no warranty and no inspection because once I'd decided I wanted it, I had to get my butt in the seat asap. 6 months and 6k later I realised I'd been a tit


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[Rio]

Bought it and should be in the seat by Saturday. What a car, the sound of it, the drive......mmm...mmmm

Thanks for your help guys. I certainly felt more confident in terms of asking the right questions.


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[bones]

Congrats. you lucky devil!..We need pics though .

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