997 GT2

Hello F chatters. I am contemplating trading up from my 2005 C2 S. Was looking at 2010 tt but I have decided I really like the purity of rear wheel drive. I just would like a little power upgrade. These seem to be relatively available now, but still expensive 140-160K. I would love to hear about people's ownership/driving experiences. I want reliability/driveability on par with my current car. Are these good reliable weekend/roadtrip type cars. I know the GT3 is another option, but I'm not sure it is that much of a leap over mine. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Jim

 

have you considered significantly modifying your current car? there are several supercharger kits for the 997s, or you could (probably) do a turbo motor swap.

check out rennlist or 6speedonline for more...

also, there is a pretty significant jump from a 997 C2S to a 997 GT3, particularly the RS's. is your goal overall, track-day performance or street driving?

 

Hi Chas. Thanks for the reply. I did think about upgrading mine, but once you start screwing around especially with the engine mgt software...No significant track stuff for me. My goal is weekend back/country roads and occasionally take it to work. Reliability is key for me.
Jim

 

GT2s and GT3s are track cars. The Turbo is the weekend roadtrip car. The AWD is unobtrusive, and does not detract from the car's performance.

 

what about a 997.2 C2S w/ X51?

 

good point, I assume that would be at/over 400 bhp?

another option would be buy an awd turbo and disconnect/remove the front drivetrain.

 

GT2 is a lot more power than regular 997. I would start with a 997 GT3 and go from there. They are plenty fast for mountain road fun.

 

That is an interesting thought. I did not know the X51 was an option on the non turbo newer cars. I'll have to check it out. Thanks all for the thoughts. Any GT2 owners?
Jim

 

I think they now call it the power pack. HP goes from 385 stock to 408, for only $16,900 as an option. Is it worth it?
Jim

 

Def not worth it new. I would only buy it used.

bottomline is that the gt2/3 are too stiff for street use. Ideally I would luv to have a TT RWD.

 

I think that is what the GT2 is, ie twin turbo rear wheel drive. Maybe I'm wrong?
Jim

 

TT is very simple to convert to RWD, I did it to everyone I owned. I get asked questions like this all the time, and if the person lives around here, I take them for a ride in my car, or I ask them this, do you drive your car the 90% of its limit without traction control, and if the answer is yes and you still want more power than go for it. I mean no disrespect, but 99% of the drivers of sports cars never ever push them even close to what they are able to do.

 

i own (ed) both....997 turbo and 997 gt2. have just sold the turbo 2 weeks ago. it was a 997.1 tiptronic S. the gt2 is staying.
while they my seem to be relatively similar to the non porsche driver, these two cars couldn't be more different.

the turbo is a very very capable daily driver with all the power you could wish for. you could cruise around in it like any sedan or enjoy true supercar performance with the 4wd setup making it virtually fool-proof.

the gt2 however is much more focused driver's car. daunting for daily trips if roads are less than excellent due to it's stiffer setup. great powerful tool when in the mood to go for a drive. the michelin pilot cup's are a limiting factor depending on your climate. slippery when cold and when wet.

as you are stating that you are coming from c2s, i would most certainly recommend a 997 turbo.

gt2/gt3 2/3 rs are really only for the die-hard porsche fan.

the only reason i let go of my turbo is that i am replacing it for an sls.
however, i am already looking forward to the 991 turbo......

hope this helps.

 

Actually this is a great help from someone fortunate enough to have owned and driven both. I agree that the tt is the much more logical practical choice. The GT2 seems, dare I say more Ferrari-like. The GT2 seems more special in a way, under the radar if you will to the vast majority of people who would see it. I like that about it. I am pretty sure from your post how you would rate these on a 'fun-to-drive' scale.
Jim

 

Hi Morrie. I did not know this is possible. How is this 'simple' conversion from AWD to RWD accomplished? Thanks.
Jim

 

Jim:

I is pretty simple, I am sure you can find a shop to do it for you. It has been a few years since I did a Porsche (my Gallardo is the latest car I have converted), but if I remember (I'm getting older so my memory is not what it used to be), you just need to remove the driveshaft, and drop the front suspension down just a bit to rebalance it. I do not know your skill as a driver, and even though my reflexes or my body is what it was when I raced, I still have skills, and better yet know the basics of car dynamics, but even with that these cars change when you do these things to them, and it is not for everyone. Someone I took for a ride once said it was like being on a witches broomstick. I do not mean to preach but car companies make their living on people who keep wanting the newest thing, or more power, or a different badge on the back of the car. Though in many cases they never use anything other than the right to say look what I have. I have built or should I say rebuilt two cars that have everything I need, I can not go any faster, I have way more power than I'll ever need, and they serve me well. Good luck.

 

I've been a porschephilie for years..

The Gt2 is a raw car and demands respect. I'd recommend you test drive a Gt2 then compare it to the Turbo before making a final choice. You'll be surprized about how well balanced the Turbo is compared to how purely aggressive the Gt2 can be. The GT3 is a fantastic option because its actually a pretty good daily driver and can switch to a friendly track car for the weekend. Gt2 is less friendly and less forgiving, so you may be more reluctant to make it a daily drive, at least, at first.

In regards to the Gt3 being much of a leap over your C2S - it really is a leap nonetheless because of the driving experience. The Gt3 feels more nimble (believe it or not), the throttle response is much more ideal and the weight difference is evident, so much that you may get slightly more intimidated as you increase your speed. I say intimidated rather lightly because its a GOOD intimidation - its the intimidation which suggests a more exotic feel. With that said, i'd look at a Gt3, or an RS as well before deciding on the (very expensive GT2)

997 Turbo is the perfect Porsche 911. . . The 4wd system isnt as annoying as you'd assume and the power delivery is probably the best in it's class.. Good daily driver, comfortable long-distance cruiser and high quality performance if you'r interested in track driving. My brother in-law actually has an '07 TT and uses it as his only car. He lives in the French Alps and drives it through all seasons of the year - he tracks it every spring and summer (usually does road trips to Spa, or tracks in the mid-southern region of France).... He has put about 98,000 miles on it since then, with all that activity, and it runs PERFECTLY.... If you want to make a choice sooner than later, i would recommend the 997 Turbo.

My Gt2 is used as a daily driver when I am in Florida - but in all honesty, I have found myself driving my wife's A5 more often, whilst there just because the Gt2 is similar to the devil and will encourage you to do things you'd never do in any other car!

 

Hi Morrie. I wish I could take a ride with you sometime! I learn from the experiences of people like you and appreciate you opinions. I certainly agree that newest is not necessarily best especially with 'fun to drive' factors.
Jim

 

Thanks for the perspective Daudi. I'm starting to get a better picture of the GT2 from real owners. All the magazine reviews as you know were glowing. Any reliability issues with yours, especially as they made so few. Thanks.
Jim

 

its a supercar in concentrated form and stupendously punchy, with edgey steering. I havent experienced any reliability issues to be honest, but then again i am not in Florida often enough to drive it substantially. But i can tell you that the Gt2 is an incredible machine with the ability to be held with confidence once you get used to "punch" - having driven a Gt3 and an RS, i can also say that it would be impossible to choose between the pair. If you have the extra cash, the Gt2 will give you the power of a CGT with the compactness of a 911 - Gt3 is better for those who prefer N/A (naturally aspirated) performance. You can't really go wrong with either option.

 

no issues with my gt2 at all. car is really bullet-proof.....

 

That is reassuring. How many miles might I ask?
Jim

 

Nice problem to have! I have an '07 997TT and while it's NOT my daily driver I am approaching 40K miles.

You should realize that it is pretty easy and pretty inexpensive to improve the feel/handlling of the TT dramatically. Most don't realize that the TT from the factory has quite a wide range when it comes to it's alignment specs. So, the first thing that should be done is check the alignment - even with a new car.

The least expensive and simplest suspension mod would be springs and sway bars. couple this with an alignment using GT3 specs the TT is transformed. Bilstein coilovers is another option. I've taken it a step further and had TPC Racing in MD perform their stage 3 susp. package, which really steps is up even further. The ride is still very good - stiffer than stock, of course but still not bad at all.

As far as reliability the TT, GT2/3/RS all share the legendary, race proven GT1 Metzger engine so no worries there.

Drive 'em all and pick the one you like most!! GL.

 

Thank you for the suggestions. My other possibility was to turbo charge my current car- a 997 Carrera S. My local repair guy said basically don't even think about it-smog reliabilty issues etc. Get the turbo direct as built by P
Jim

 

You need a new local repair guy. LOL