A few questions...

[weatherson]

I purchased an '04 GT3 about a month ago. The car had 1500 miles and is basically brand new. I'm still getting a feel for the car but love it thus far. Definitely a phenominal car. I do have a few questions though that I would greatly appreciate any available input on.

Does anyone know of a means to add an audible chirp to the setting of the alarm. I asked my local dealer and was told it isn't possible. There is a built in chirp when double setting the alarm to deactivate the inside of car motion sensor. I find it difficult to verify activation in bright, daylight times when relying on the light flash indicator only. On a similar note, I do plan to have the speed activated door lock system enabled by the dealer service department. I'm a little surprised this isn't set from the factory.

I have relatively large hands but unfortunately, this car wasn't optioned with the thicker steering wheel. Where would be the least expensive place to acquire the stock, thicker wheel? I believe the airbag will fit both so I won't need to purchase this. Correct?

This car also did not come with the optional yellow gauge faces. It does have the seat backs, rear console and dash strips in Speed Yellow as well as yellow safety belts so I would like to retro-fit the gauge faces. Are any of the aftermarket faces that are available of comparible quality? I've heard that there are nighttime lighting issues (too dim) with these. I'm in California and am aware of Palo Alto and North Hollywood Speedometer who both can do the recalibration required.

Last of all, I notice a slight rattle sound from the engine area when started cold. This stops after about 10 to 15 seconds. Is this typical? I assume it's either time taken for oil to reach key components or is a part of the exhaust sytem that quiets once warmed up. Any thoughts?

Thanks and regards,

Joseph

Edited September 10, 2005 by weatherson

[brunsje]

I have relatively large hands but unfortunately, this car wasn't optioned with the thicker steering wheel. Where would be the least expensive place to acquire the stock, thicker wheel? I believe the airbag will fit both so I won't need to purchase this. Correct?

Look for a wrecked GT3. Otherwise buy a new one form the dealer or Gert at Carnewal.

Last of all, I notice a slight rattle sound from the engine area when started cold. This stops after about 10 to 15 seconds. Is this typical? I assume it's either time taken for oil to reach key components or is a part of the exhaust sytem that quiets once warmed up. Any thoughts?

Yes :drive:

Thanks and regards,

Joseph

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[ar38070]

I have relatively large hands but unfortunately, this car wasn't optioned with the thicker steering wheel. Where would be the least expensive place to acquire the stock, thicker wheel? I believe the airbag will fit both so I won't need to purchase this. Correct?

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Last of all, I notice a slight rattle sound from the engine area when started cold. This stops after about 10 to 15 seconds. Is this typical? I assume it's either time taken for oil to reach key components or is a part of the exhaust sytem that quiets once warmed up. Any thoughts?

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There is a disturbing thread on rennlist about this:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/show...ad.php?t=222546

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Thanks and regards,

Joseph

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[skl]

The starting "rattle" is normal- a smog thing- nothing to worry about. I got the thicker wheel and love it but if I hadn't I"d get the Alcantara wheel from Gert. I also would like a beep when arming the car- my dealer said he'd try to do that with the PST2 tool- was easy to do on the Cayenne ourselves. If you leave the center compartment lid open it will honk the horn when you lock it (to warm you it's open) but that's a less than desireable way to do it. Enjoy the car- a REAL sports car!

[weatherson]

Thanks for your input everyone.

skl,

Do you know exactly what of the "smog thing" is causing this noise and have you seen anything written up about it?

Anyone have any advice regarding the gauge face replacement?

Thanks again,

Joseph

Edited September 12, 2005 by weatherson

[clord]

Joseph.... Here's a quote from my posting answering a similar question about a ROW Mk I GT3: "The Mk I and Mk II street GT3's are know for a metallic rattle on cold start. I believe there are two kinds of rattle. The first is a "low oil pressure" rattle (for a few seconds at most) and the second is a warm-up rattle (for about a minute depending on temps) due to the secondary air injection into the exhaust that is there to speed the warmup of the catalytic converters. It kind of pops/rattles in the exhaust. The second may be unique to the Mk II and/or US cars. We don't have Mk I's in the US. Yours sounds like the first kind of rattle. On my Mk II, the duration of the first kind of rattle is based on how long it has sat without running leading me to conclude it has to do with oil draining out of a chain tensioner or valve lifters." What is happening is that all engines have to run rich on cold start due to insufficient atomization of fuel on cold engine parts. The cold, rich engine burns incompletely and there is unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust. The secondary air pump puts fresh air into the exhaust near the exhaust ports where it helps burn the stuff in the exhaust which tends to heat up the cats quickly. The duration of the process is controlled by the ECU.

[weatherson]

Craig,

Thanks for the additional information. From what you say, it sounds more like the smog system in action on my car. I may have underestimated the duration of the rattle in my original post. Since then, I have timed it and although it varies each time, the length of time is typically 30 seconds or slightly longer. I'd have to deduce from this that mine is the smog system and not a lack of oil issue. I may still have it checked out for peace of mind. Thanks for your informative response.

Joseph