996 GT2 or GT3?

[RSA333]

Have owned and loved 2 996 GT3s. Never had a 996 GT2. My use would be 50/50 track street - would have to modify suspension on GT2. Obviously, the 996 GT3 is less expensive.

Any thoughts from owners out there? Thanks in advance - Gerry

[roberga]

That is a tough question: I sure like the 8,200 revs... but the GT2 would be way fun. It is the only turbo that I would consider. Moton's and springs and away you go

[996FLT6]

Does it have to be a pcar? Your current cars ain't shabby : (. I'll trade my smart car and gt3 for both of your cars : ). What's the percentage of use street/track for your nice machines? If 90 track 10 street I go 6gt3. At 50/50 I be happy with either one. Mike

[99D3C2]

similar curiosity here....weighing a 996 GT2 vs. a 997 GT3 RS MkI. 10 track/90 mtns/0 city

what do the wise rl'ers say?

[Jager]

Totally different beasts. From what I hear GT2 is torque on tap anywhere all the time, so much twist and power, containing it becomes the challenge. GT3 is rev happy, power developed at hi rpm needs to be kept hot, linear power, shifting is strategic, edgier. Different rides. Depends what kind of driver you are or want to be. But you have had GT3's so maybe its time for a GT2.

[roberga]

i just noticed you have a RUFGTR. GT3 would be a nice balance.

[Sloth]

Both are a hoot, but my personal preference is the 3. Turbo power through the rear wheels can be a handful.

[964Q]

I am in the market for a 996 GT2 for a couple reasons: 2WD turbo power, fairly exclusive and somewhat reasonable in this soft market. I've spent a lot of time in a 996 turbo X50, and enjoy the plush suspension compared to the GT3. The GT2 would be a good compromise between track and street. There are a few GT2's out there with low miles and some goodies (motons, cage, seats, etc) from 80-100. My 2 cents.

-Stuart

[thusly]

Different tools (2 vs. 3):

From a track perspective only: you will be able to drive the 3 faster quicker (learning curve isn't as steep with the 3 compared to the 2) and the penalties for mistakes far less severe. Clearly a momentum car that rewards learing how to control (and use) rotating the rear end.

The 2 commands great attention and respect, as it is not forgiving (and accentuates) mistakes. That said, mastering or developing competence in the GT-2 is highly rewarding - the power and torque are exhilirating and intoxicating, short of a CGT or Cup car on the track. I also like that is widely acknowledged that it is a challenging car to drive.

[964Q]

Thusly, great pics of the 2. Is yours a 2004? Been looking for one but no luck...

[RSA333]

Thanks for feedback from everyone. I used to race a 993 GT2 Evo in IMSA and FIA GT, so I thought I could handle the car.

Also, there is a great deal of conventional wisdom that says the 996 GT2 is all about suspension set-up - they seemed to come from the factory all wrong. But I don't know this as a fact.

Thanks. I am still missing my 996 GT3s...but hard to find one with low mileage.

-Gerry

[thusly]

Originally Posted by RSA333

Also, there is a great deal of conventional wisdom that says the 996 GT2 is all about suspension set-up.

-Gerry

My car is a 2003.

I owned 2 996 GT-2s, a 2002 and a 2003. When I first got the 2002 car (with stock suspension), I was deathly afraid of it, as I had experienced very twitchy handling on straightaways when putting the throttle down. Never really checked the suspension settings, but suffice to say, the car would start fishtailing upon full throttle in 3rd gear at 90 mph. I sold it shortly thereafter.

Concurrent with the ownership of the 2002 GT-2, I was heavily modifying a 996 GT-3 and was gaining good proficiency in that car. I then decided to try a GT-2 again and bought the 2003 GT-2. First thing I did was change the suspension (Motons and a relatively soft suspension set-up). I also then hired a pro who was super smooth and actually loved driving GT-2s (a number of pros hate the car, as it is too much work). Smoothness seems to be the key here, as abrupt braking, power on, etc. doesn't work well with the 2. I gained significant confidence driving the car on the track, to the point where I then did ECU and header tweaks (my reward for learning how to drive the car). I also increased spring rates. Thus far, a work in progress that mirrors my progress with the car.

FWIW - my front ceramics finally pooped out and I changed the brake system to the Brembo 8-piston, 15" front, 14" rear steel brake set-up I had on my WC 996 GT-3 Cup car. An expensive set-up, but holy smokes, the braking of the car is even more breathtaking than the car's new found acceleration. Big fun!!

[Carnerd]

Originally Posted by RSA333

Also, there is a great deal of conventional wisdom that says the 996 GT2 is all about suspension set-up - they seemed to come from the factory all wrong. But I don't know this as a fact.

Actually, Excellence mag ran an article on this awhile back. They found that with a proper alignment the GT2 became just as responsive, communicative, precise, etc...as the GT3.

For 90% street use the stock suspension with a proper alignment will be more than fine for your track days. The problem with upgrading to a damper system that uses external reservoirs, like JRZ's or Moton's--while being extremely convenient and a far better damper system--both require yearly maintenance depending on your usage. That coupled with each of those systems running about 5-6k may not be worth it for 10 track days a year.

[roberga]

Originally Posted by RSA333

Thanks for feedback from everyone. I used to race a 993 GT2 Evo in IMSA and FIA GT, so I thought I could handle the car.

Also, there is a great deal of conventional wisdom that says the 996 GT2 is all about suspension set-up - they seemed to come from the factory all wrong. But I don't know this as a fact.

Thanks. I am still missing my 996 GT3s...but hard to find one with low mileage.

-Gerry

check out the one here: www.parkplaceltd.com
seal grey: great car and the PO is a very nice guy.

[thusly]

Originally Posted by Carnerd

Actually, Excellence mag ran an article on this awhile back. They found that with a proper alignment the GT2 became just as responsive, communicative, precise, etc...as the GT3.

For 90% street use the stock suspension with a proper alignment will be more than fine for your track days. The problem with upgrading to a damper system that uses external reservoirs, like JRZ's or Moton's--while being extremely convenient and a far better damper system--both require yearly maintenance depending on your usage. That coupled with each of those systems running about 5-6k may not be worth it for 10 track days a year.

I agree 100% with both statements.