Any 997 GT3 owners?

[UGADawgFan]

Hi Guys,

So I picked up my F80 not quite two months ago, and one of the dealers I work with just took a white 2008 911 GT3 on trade. 40K miles looks but looks pristine. I've always wanted a GT3, but in no way shape or form can I afford a newer one.


They're asking $83K for this one. Anyone here owned one? Would love to hear your thoughts as I'm seriously toying with trading in my F80 for it.

[Rambler]

I have not but I am always on the lookout for well-spec'd 997.1s and .2s. These cars are pretty bullet proof and usually will hold value if you decide you don't like it or want to move on. Maintenance history and getting a clean PPI are highly recommended with these. Also check out the 997 GT3 forums on Rennlist, you'll find everything you need to know there.

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-gt3-forum-141/

Here are a couple of good videos that will make you want one more after watching.

[Jojipoji]

I don’t own one but I have driven them extensively. It is everything people say it is. Loud, visceral and planted. Tech is dated as to be expected in a ten year old car. The handling is amazing and it revs like a s2000 but with far more torque. I almost traded my gtr for one but couldn’t pull the trigger. I would jump on a high mileage one if it was cheap enough.

[UGADawgFan]

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

I don’t own one but I have driven them extensively. It is everything people say it is. Loud, visceral and planted. Tech is dated as to be expected in a ten year old car. The handling is amazing and it revs like a s2000 but with far more torque. I almost traded my gtr for one but couldn’t pull the trigger. I would jump on a high mileage one if it was cheap enough.

Thanks- I'll drive it this week...but sucks that it's rainy season in Washington.

[THEROK]

Unless you need the commuter car chassis practicality, there is really zero comparison. The 997 GT3 is the right size with the right dry sump motorsport block (mezger) and like a vintage Rolex Submariner will retain its value unlike the Breitling M division cars.

Just make sure it's got the Guards LSD on it. If you track it, get the coolant lines pinned or whatever the popular method is these days. The factory LSD is junk and none of them work right. Porsche engineering has some serious black marks, but overall, the 997 GT3 is a lifetime vehicle.

The only downside could be that this one is considered higher mileage in GT3 world where owners have money to burn with multiple toy cars. Might be tougher to unload if you care about that sort of thing. I'd personally spend more for less miles, pristine private owner sale.

Subjectively, I like the M4 look better than the 997 GT3 since it's not the widebody RS. I have serious RS arse envy right now, but you will pay more than double for that extra 2 inches and the single mass flywheel, wing plus stickers.

Good luck.

[attila]

From Porsche I owned a 2011 997.2 GT3RS for almost 6 years, currently own a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.1GTS4 (DD car).
I did drive the M4 x2 in 2015 before getting the GTS and vaguely remember what i liked and what i did not, but i do not qualify as an authority about the M4.
The m4 with DCT will be slightly quicker in a straight line compared to the 997.1 GT3. The in-gear acceleration might be similar. (I felt the M4 accelerated very similarly form a roll than my 991.1 GTS4 manual) The steering, throttle response, braking, road feel will be better in the GT3. The GT3 will feel like a more special car, some sort of an occasion compared to the F80 with way less practicality. For a DD car I would go with the F80, if you track a lot go with the GT3. There are some issues with the GT3, as someone mentioned it, cooling line separation, weak LSD, rear suspension changing toe setting under braking, etc. I modified my RS heavily for track use. Since I reevaluated my track experience and goals and tracking a heavily modified MX-5. Suits me better than any of my fast street cars.
Ultimately, no person can decide for you. When I test drove the M4 I liked it a lot - (thought better looking than the 991.1 911) but ultimately the NA engine in the last NA regular 911 plus the better manual gearbox and steering was too much to ignore.

[UGADawgFan]

Originally Posted by attila

From Porsche I owned a 2011 997.2 GT3RS for almost 6 years, currently own a 991.2 GT3 and a 991.1GTS4 (DD car).
I did drive the M4 x2 in 2015 before getting the GTS and vaguely remember what i liked and what i did not, but i do not qualify as an authority about the M4.
The m4 with DCT will be slightly quicker in a straight line compared to the 997.1 GT3. The in-gear acceleration might be similar. (I felt the M4 accelerated very similarly form a roll than my 991.1 GTS4 manual) The steering, throttle response, braking, road feel will be better in the GT3. The GT3 will feel like a more special car, some sort of an occasion compared to the F80 with way less practicality. For a DD car I would go with the F80, if you track a lot go with the GT3. There are some issues with the GT3, as someone mentioned it, cooling line separation, weak LSD, rear suspension changing toe setting under braking, etc. I modified my RS heavily for track use. Since I reevaluated my track experience and goals and tracking a heavily modified MX-5. Suits me better than any of my fast street cars.
Ultimately, no person can decide for you. When I test drove the M4 I liked it a lot - (thought better looking than the 991.1 911) but ultimately the NA engine in the last NA regular 911 plus the better manual gearbox and steering was too much to ignore.

Thank you for your very insightful response- I'm driving it this afternoon and I'll let you guys know my thoughts as well!!

[usmc03xx]

I have both, the GT3 is annoying to drive in the city but amazing on the track the f80 goes everywhere. I obv love my GT3 but the f80 is more liveable.

[996ttelise]

These things are not moving really well right now at current prices. I would negotiate very aggressively and you might could get one with half the miles for not much more. I would go 2010, but the .1s are fun as well. Good luck.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by attila

. Since I reevaluated my track experience and goals and tracking a heavily modified MX-5. Suits me better than any of my fast street cars.

Mx5 cup?

[espho]

Originally Posted by THEROK

Unless you need the commuter car chassis practicality, there is really zero comparison. The 997 GT3 is the right size with the right dry sump motorsport block (mezger) and like a vintage Rolex Submariner will retain its value unlike the Breitling M division cars.

Just make sure it's got the Guards LSD on it. If you track it, get the coolant lines pinned or whatever the popular method is these days. The factory LSD is junk and none of them work right. Porsche engineering has some serious black marks, but overall, the 997 GT3 is a lifetime vehicle.

The only downside could be that this one is considered higher mileage in GT3 world where owners have money to burn with multiple toy cars. Might be tougher to unload if you care about that sort of thing. I'd personally spend more for less miles, pristine private owner sale.

Subjectively, I like the M4 look better than the 997 GT3 since it's not the widebody RS. I have serious RS arse envy right now, but you will pay more than double for that extra 2 inches and the single mass flywheel, wing plus stickers.

Good luck.

Great advice. Buy the GT3, you will not be dissapointed.

[attila]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Mx5 cup?

Sort of. Ohlins coil overs, good-win racing full exhaust,full CAI, Moto East tune, etc. I don't even know those would be legal in MX-5 Cup car.
Driving the RS on track started to feel like work. More stress than fun. Will try the new GT3 when the local (MAM) track opens, but will not modify anything. Not even a track alignment first. Then who knows..
For me the 650s was useless on the track, Overheated after 4 laps.