MNB

I have been a lifelong Porsche fan and previous owner of a 2001 TT and a Boxster before that. I am looking at purchasing a used 2008 997 GT2 with the TechArt power and interior/exterior package (GT street RS) with low miles (2000 only). Was most likely tracked by the first owner, who modified it after the TechArt modifications: installed a boost controller (EVC, made by HKS), modified the air intake, changed the position of the air filter, and other engine modifications. The second owner is a collector who has not used it much.

The vehicle had reportedly an engine misfire in 2017; it was checked at a Porsche shop (by the second owner): the six ignition coils and spark plugs were changed. The DME did not register a misfire. Had a compression test and leakdown test, both were quite good (compression test results: 14.25 to 14.50 bars in each of the six cylinders; leak down test results: between 3.5% and 4% for the six cylinders.

The car has been garaged mostly since that time.

I got it inspected at a Porsche shop. The main concern is the overrevs:
Range 1 (for a GT2, I assume it is 6800-7000 rpm): 59325, last at 303.3 operating hour (=2.9 min of overrevs)
Range 2 (for a GT2, I assume it is 7000-7200 rpm): 41064, last at 303.3 operating hour (=1.96 min of overrevs)
Range 3 (for a GT2, I assume it is 7200-7400 rpm): 27829, last at 303.3 operating hour (=77.3 sec of overrevs)
Range 4 (for a GT2, I assume it is 7400-7900 rpm): 16294, last at 300 operating hour (=44 sec of overrevs)
Range 5 (for a GT2, I assume it is 7900-9000 rpm): 959, last at 296.1 operating hour (=2.43 sec of overrevs)
Range 6 (for a GT2, I assume it is >9000 rpm): 1, last at 296.1 operating hour
Current operating hour counter is only 307 hours.

This first Porsche shop advised against the purchase due to the overrevs.

I got it inspected at another Porsche shop. A second leakdown and compression test were done: both passed: compression test results 13.5 bar for each of the six cylinders, leak down test: cyl 1 5.5%, cyl 2 6%, cyl 3 5.5%, cyl 4 4.5%, cyl 5 3.5%, cyl 6 4%, all also quite good. I also had an endoscope test of the cylinders. There was oil noted in cylinders 3 and 4 as shown in the photo

Oil within cylinder 3
There was a misfire during this second inspection but it too did not register in the DME report.
This second Porsche shop also advised me against the purchase.

I contacted TechArt in Germany, sent them some of the info. They also advised against the purchase due to the modifications and the overrev and oil in cylinders 3 and 4.

My question to the forum:
Would you advise me against purchasing this car? I loved it but don't want a huge headache having to do an engine overhaul after purchase.

Thank you very much for your advice.

Matt Andrews

Are you sure you really want more answers?

It sounds like you have had 2 professional shops that have actually touched the car, and the company that makes many of the parts on the car tell you to walk away. But if someone on an internet forum says to buy it, then that the opinion you'll listen to?

So here is the advice that would tell you to buy it. Its all about price. If it is priced in a manner that you can rebuild the engine and still be near market value with the funds you've invested, then do it. Only thing you would be out is the rebuild time. If the DME and engine scoping reports are not accounted for in the sale price, I'd walk and find a car without questions. I don't know the car in question, but be careful accessing too much value for the aftermarket parts. They cost a lot up front, but generally, have zero, or negative impact on resale.

enve46

Im no expert with Porsche's but a car enthusiast in general. Big fat NO for me. You've had 3 professionals opinions say no. Even with a good price point and rebuild, still be a no for me.

surlynkid

Only if you set aside $25K for a rebuild. That is an insane number of over revs.

Hella-Buggin'

That car has been abused. Even if you could get it cheap enough to make the numbers work, think about all the headaches you're setting yourself up for. I always pay more for less hassle as stress sucks.

pissedpuppy

$25K???

ngng

where are you getting those overrev rpm ranges from

Bxstr

Question also comes into play of how long you want to keep it. The next person buying this car is most likely going to be asking the same questions as you. I would recommend avoiding unless it is such a great deal that you can factor in the price of a rebuild.

s65e90

Car is most likely tuned so the overrevs don't mean much. The oil in the cylinders is another story.

osu s2k

My advice is, by the best car that you can within your budget, if you are reaching for a GT2 and this is the best example you can get into, walk away… Those over refs are with the car forever and will haunt you, regardless if the engine is healthy or not, which it sounds like it’s not great

Riptide

Really......

atlrvr

Further details on why this car is unique enough you've invested this much time and probably $1k in due diligence? There are more than 15 997.1 GT2's for sale, all over the spectrum of mods vs stock, miles, and overrev reports (and quite a few with accident history). Agree with others, unless price is amazing and you plan on owning for many years, I'd pass.

Sun Ra

Here's a clean DME on a 6800 mile 997 GT2 for comparison. Only 1's and 2's.NO. Name Value Unit

1 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 1 158

2 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 1 207.100 h

3 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 2 34

4 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 2 207.100 h

5 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 3 0

6 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 3 0.000 h

7 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 4 0

8 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 4 0.000 h

9 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 5 0

10 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 5 0.000 h

11 Number of ignitions at speed > maximum speed, range 6 0

12 Operating hours counter reading at overspeed, range 6 0.000 h

rbahr

The higher level overrevs are likely due to a missed shift. Rebuild one of these motors will cost AT LEAST $25k.

You have 2 problems: the immediate problem of uncertain reliability, and the long term problem of what happens when you try to sell the car.

Of course, if you buy this car, gut it, make it into a race car, and you get it for very cheap money... :-)

There really should not be a question here!

Ray

WP0ZZZ

What do you think the market value of this car would be?

My impression is that a non-insignificant fraction of potential GT2 buyers wouldn't touch a TechArt conversion with a stick. If on top of that the DME readings are factored in, my guess is that most buyers would steer clear from it.