Buying used GT3 mk1

[Northstar]

Hello!

I am considering buying a 996 GT3 mk1 (1999-2001). Are there any known problems with the GT3? Except for mechanical wear (clutch, brake rotors etc.)?

Thanks

Anders

996 Carrera 2

[clord]

Hi Anders... the answer depends a lot on what you intend to do with the Mk I GT3. If you intend to take it to the track, you may find that the front brakes can be overtaxed, depending on how hard you drive. Many in the UK have upgraded the front brakes to the calipers and rotors of the Mk II and attempted to increase cooling. As for the Mk II, the suspension is a compromise, but biased toward track performance with a street alignment. For dedicated track work you might consider even more track oriented springs, dampers, and alignment. Our friends in the UK get good advice from PARR Garage and in Germany from JZ Machtech. For general street/road use, it's great as it was delivered.

[Northstar]

Thanks for the info Craig!

I have had some conversation with Swedish owners regarding what to look for when checking potential buys out.

Yes, they too mention the front brakes. One owner is on his third set of front brake rotors (have upgraded to the GT2 front steel brakes the last time. Is that the same 6-piston brakes as on the mk II?).

When checking ads in Germany some owners have replaced the syncronisation rings (don't know if the translation is correct, but the conical rings in the gear box that is being used when shifting, to get the same rev on the drive shafts as the engine) from brass(?) to steel.

I have found one GT3 Clubsport version that I'm interested in (24000 km on the odo). The CS' are more likely driven more on track events but from a future value point of view a CS should be a better buy? Or?

I intend to use the car mainly in track events and Porsche Club activities.

Carnewal have a GT3 Cup brake ducts upgrade, Carnewal, might be something to go for to spare the front brakes?

Anders

[clord]

Anders.... Yes, Carnewal (Gert) is a great source of parts for the projects you describe. Since the US did not get the Mk I GT3, we have less, hands on, experience with it vs the Mk II. You should subscribe to the UK GT3 list at gt3@titanic.co.uk. Gary and his gang at Titanic are very well versed in tuning the Mk I GT3. The MK II GT3 gearbox is based on the '01 GT2 gearbox and very much up to the task. The factory updated the Mk II box with steel syncro rings in gears 3-5 for longer life. I'm not sure about the Mk I box. Check with Gert to see if the Mk II brake ducts will fit the Mk I. Gert is a member of this board... he may see this.