How to Install a New GT2 Style Front Bumper

[vividracing]

So you want to upgrade the look of your 996 Turbo. One of the best ways to do that is by adding a GT2 front bumper. There are many options from the real deal to the replica one. So we have put together some information on this upgrade including how to install the bumper and why this upgrade is beneficial.

Installation:

Tools - Flat Head to pop out clips, Phillips Head, Torx Set, and a buddy.

Step 1 - The first thing you need to do is to remove the inner fender liner that connects to the bumper. There are a couple of clips to pop out and then a couple on the underside of the bumper. Once these are removed the fender liner will slide out.

Step 2 -

Once the fender liners are removed, undo the clips and torx bolts from the underside of the bumper.

Step 3 -

Now you will want to remove the side markers. They come out really easy. Grap ahold of them from the end and simply pull forward and out. You will need to unclip the wiring harness. Behind the light is a Phillips Head screw to remove. Do this on either side of the bumper.

Step 4 -

Next you need to remove the trunk rubber seal and hood latch trim panel to access some of the final clips and bolts. The rubber seal lifts up as pictured. To remove the hood latch trim, there is 2 Flat Head clips to turn and pop out. Once you remove the trim you can see the remaining hardware to remove that will allow the bumper to slide out.

Step 5 -

Now pull gently from each side and the middle and it will slide off. If you feel anything catching, make sure you look to ensure you removed all the necessary clips.

Comparison - The GT2 bumper actually has alittle more ground clearance then the factory 996TT aero kit lip spoiler. The bumper has a flatter nose and slight change in ducting. Discussion on this below.

Step 6 -

You always want to test fit your parts before painting to ensure they fit. The bumper will slide into place same as you removed the old one. When you run the GT2 front bumper, you will need the OEM hood grill which goes between the hood and the bumper. Porsche has these in standard ABS plastic and a carbon fiber version. Our ABS plastic one is not pictured here. The part number you need is 996.575.326.30. Also included on this replica bumper is the OEM lower lip spoiler which is urethane. The actual bumper its self is high quality fiberglass. Discussion below.

You can view all the installation pictures of this GT2 Bumper here - http://www.vividracing.com/forums/gallery/showimage.php?i=9164&c=301

Once the bumper is painted you will want to follow the instructions in reverse to refit. Make sure you also predrill the toe hook hole for your factory cap to fit in place. We always recommend doing a 3M clear bra to protect your bumper from paint chips. With any new bumper, before you clear bra, make sure you wait the adequate time to make sure the paint has cured. You will want to discuss this with your bodyshop.

Now why do you want to run the GT2 bumper over the stock 996TT one?

First and foremost, is styling preference. When Porsche released the 996 GT2 model, the front bumper was a more aggressive design to aerodynamically match it to the rear wing. The GT2 bumper does have larger ducting to keep the cooling efficiency at a maximum. With the hood grill, air will pass through the front ducting and instead of turbulently getting caught in the bumper, it moves right out through the hood grill. The radiator cooling air system is derived from the race-winning 911 GT1 and 911 GT3 RS.

In addition to its enhanced appearance in aerodynamic improvements, the replica GT2 bumper is lighter then the original ABS plastic piece. Many people are concerned at the thought of fiberglass. This is not as flexible as a urethane bumper, however the strength of the fiberglass is more durable upon impact and rather easy to repair compared to urethane. Proving this true, on the Bullrun 2007 Rally, I took a piece of tire tread to my fiberglass bumper of the same manufacturer at 110MPH which it left a crack that was repaired easily later. Here is a picture of that car with 3000 miles applied to it in 6 days.

The final result of the GT2 bumper is definitely upgraded styling. Here is a black car we recently did including the clear bra.

Here is the blue car finished up.

I think it looks AWESOME!

[JG 996T]

Great write-up :D I'll put this mod on my wish list!

[phillipj]

Awesome write up. Please keep these DIY's coming for future projects. And yes the bumper looks sweet! :clapping:

Thanks!

[cakasa]

What a great write-up. Question: Will the GT2 front bumper fit a 03 Carrera NB?

[1schoir]

Nice write-up, with excellent photos of the finished product! Thanks for sharing!

Regards, Maurice.

[Mikelly]

How about info on the parts required?

I'm doing this with an OEM GT2 front bumper right now, and some info that readers should be aware of... The inner fender liners for the GT2 bumper aren't the same. Maybe Vivid's aftermarket unit doesn't require them, but the OEM unit does, and they are an integral part of the whole "aero" package... Also, the BELLOWS for the radiators don't line up with the openings in the corners. You'll need those as well. And that cool grill opening at the leading edge of the hood? If you want it to be functional, you'll have to get the proper radiator hoses, brackets, shims, and other bits in order to make it all work... Here is what I had to buy:

996-505-311-30-G2X Bumper Cover

996-505-563-30-01C Air Inlet

996-505-564-30-01C Air Inlet

996-505-561-30-01C Air Inlet

996-575-326-30 Bumper frame (front diffuser)

996-575-325-30 Bumper Air Duct

996-505-741-30-01C Bumper HID

996-505-742-30-01C Bumper HID

996-505-773-32 Spacer Panel

996-505-531-30 Retaining

996-575-321-30 Air Routing

996-575-322-30 Air Routing

996-504-195-30 Radiator Bracket (Upper)

996-504-679-31 Spacer Sleeve

996-504-413-30 Radiator Bracket (Lower)

996-575-141-30 Cooling Air Duct

996-504-123-90 Inner fender liner

996-504-124-90 inner Fender Liner

Plus 20 part numbers for related water lines if you choose to keep it completely OEM. We talk in areas of "form" and "function" but if you study the reasons for the differences in design of the GT2 front bumper, and its related ducting, you'll get a better sense of why it's important to have it matched to the rear wing, but also a better understanding of WHY it's important to make that front center grill opening functional. The amount of downforce, where it is in relation to the front axle of the car, and moreso the ability to move stagnant air up and over the car is why you want that grill opening to do more than "look" functional... think of it the same as those openings behind the doors that feed your intercoolers... They're there ONLY because they must be.

This is by no means to take away from what the boys at Vivid have posted. I'm just trying to bring to light the required parts list to make the bumper do as Porsche intended... otherwise you might was well be driving a Honda Civic with a big wing, fart-can, and cheap fiberglass bumper...NAWZ!!!

Mike

Edited December 26, 2010 by Mikelly

[Mikelly]

I've since completed this project and will post a "Laymans" DIY for those who are interested.

Mike