New 996 GT3 Owner - Let me introduce myself
05-03-2010, 06:41 AM
#16
I've just completed a swap similar to that which Dean is contemplating - a '96 993 C4 to a '04 GT3. My exposure to my car is limited to the drive home from Johannesburg where I bought it to Cape Town where I live so mostly straight roads with a few corners (and a lot of **** roadworks !). Driving the GT3 is something of a sensory overload. Apart from the obvious increase in power and the much harder suspension (and the C4 had M030 springs and Bilstein HDs) the most obvious difference is the steering which requires more concentration and commitment to get the best from the car.
On that long trip (~ 1000 miles) the road surface varied widely, in terms of both condition and composition and the GT3 produced a symphony of road noise, being eerily silent on good, new, smooth surface to a real cacophony on a rough, albeit new tarmac. Plenty of squeaks from rubbing plastic surfaces (passenger air-bag cover and the hand-brake moulding the main culprits, apparently) but some positive thinking takes away the pain. The steering wheel moves constantly in one's hands and it's important not to try to fight this. I anticipate a long and informative ownership.
Before selecting the GT3 I tried 996 Turbos (manual x 2 and auto), 997 Carrera and 997 Carrera S. A single test drive with a salesman in the passenger seat is a poor basis for a decision but the S didn't work for me at all (maybe it was a dud), the Carrera had PASM which I didn't like, and the Turbos seemed a bit compromised and single-dimensional. But the GT3 felt good just driving out of the dealer's premises so in the end it was an easy decision.
On that long trip (~ 1000 miles) the road surface varied widely, in terms of both condition and composition and the GT3 produced a symphony of road noise, being eerily silent on good, new, smooth surface to a real cacophony on a rough, albeit new tarmac. Plenty of squeaks from rubbing plastic surfaces (passenger air-bag cover and the hand-brake moulding the main culprits, apparently) but some positive thinking takes away the pain. The steering wheel moves constantly in one's hands and it's important not to try to fight this. I anticipate a long and informative ownership.
Before selecting the GT3 I tried 996 Turbos (manual x 2 and auto), 997 Carrera and 997 Carrera S. A single test drive with a salesman in the passenger seat is a poor basis for a decision but the S didn't work for me at all (maybe it was a dud), the Carrera had PASM which I didn't like, and the Turbos seemed a bit compromised and single-dimensional. But the GT3 felt good just driving out of the dealer's premises so in the end it was an easy decision.
Last edited by vanHunks; 05-03-2010 at 06:59 AM.
05-03-2010, 12:04 PM
#17
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I have only had the GT3 for a month. Thus far, my first impression (in comparison to my 993) is that the GT3 does not inspire as much confidence when driving fast; Even considering that my 993 had a pretty serious suspension with 2.4 deg. Neg. camber alignment and the works. The 993 felt "twitchy” but not nearly as on the edge as the GT3 does. I suspect that my GT3 may have an alignment problem that I will be addressing in the future. As far as looks go, I think that the 993 was a better looking car and definitely built better. I loved the click sound when you closed the door.
05-05-2010, 02:27 PM
#18
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Vader, congrats on the purchase! I think saw this car before it went to Pacific Porsche. Very nice ride and I'm jealous! I'm in the LA area and would like to check out cars and coffee sometime (if you don't mine cruising with a 964 =P).
btw, I know what you mean about how solid the door sounds when you close it on the older p-cars. love it.
btw, I know what you mean about how solid the door sounds when you close it on the older p-cars. love it.
05-06-2010, 01:44 PM
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Hey 964Q:
Anytime you come down to cars & coffee, let me know.
Where did you see the car before it went to Pacific? I am trying to put together a little history on the car.
Anytime you come down to cars & coffee, let me know.
Where did you see the car before it went to Pacific? I am trying to put together a little history on the car.
05-06-2010, 01:56 PM
#20
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I have only had the GT3 for a month. Thus far, my first impression (in comparison to my 993) is that the GT3 does not inspire as much confidence when driving fast; Even considering that my 993 had a pretty serious suspension with 2.4 deg. Neg. camber alignment and the works. The 993 felt "twitchy” but not nearly as on the edge as the GT3 does. I suspect that my GT3 may have an alignment problem that I will be addressing in the future. As far as looks go, I think that the 993 was a better looking car and definitely built better. I loved the click sound when you closed the door.
GT3 is far more planted than 993.
05-06-2010, 01:58 PM
#21
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Driving the GT3 is something of a sensory overload. Apart from the obvious increase in power and the much harder suspension (and the C4 had M030 springs and Bilstein HDs) the most obvious difference is the steering which requires more concentration and commitment to get the best from the car….The steering wheel moves constantly in one's hands and it's important not to try to fight this. I anticipate a long and informative ownership.
Vader, I had the alignment verified/corrected to stock settings before I took delivery, and the drive is still very ‘alive’ relative to any other car I’ve driven. It doesn’t hurt to verify since your GT3 also is pre-owned, but don’t expect vast improvements by adjusting to stock; I think its part of the character of the car. Others will correct me if I am wrong.
05-06-2010, 02:16 PM
#23
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I wholeheartedly echo your feedback / comments guys. I’ve had several discussions with Dell about it. I thought I was missing something.
Vader, I had the alignment verified/corrected to stock settings before I took delivery, and the drive is still very ‘alive’ relative to any other car I’ve driven. It doesn’t hurt to verify since your GT3 also is pre-owned, but don’t expect vast improvements by adjusting to stock; I think its part of the character of the car. Others will correct me if I am wrong.
Vader, I had the alignment verified/corrected to stock settings before I took delivery, and the drive is still very ‘alive’ relative to any other car I’ve driven. It doesn’t hurt to verify since your GT3 also is pre-owned, but don’t expect vast improvements by adjusting to stock; I think its part of the character of the car. Others will correct me if I am wrong.
Just lol
Put once shes on track and the hammer is down she mellows out. She loves to go fast.
05-06-2010, 02:24 PM
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05-06-2010, 02:35 PM
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05-06-2010, 02:39 PM
#26
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Nice!
05-07-2010, 11:47 AM
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964Q – No mods planned for the car at this point. I need to take it easy for a while.
///Mous3 – Looking forward to meeting up and swapping stories at C&C.
Hopefully I will get my car back from the dealer today.
///Mous3 – Looking forward to meeting up and swapping stories at C&C.
Hopefully I will get my car back from the dealer today.
05-11-2010, 01:05 AM
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I got the car back today. Of all of the cars that I have had over the years none of them have had quite the personality that this one does. I love it. It's alive really it is.
