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Thread: 996 GT3 MK1

  1. #1
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    996 GT3 MK1

    I know there are a fair few car lovers on here so I thought I would start a thread a thread about my new car journey. I picked it up a few weeks ago and have been out in a few times now, below is what I wrote the day I collected it....

    I picked up the GT3 on a stunning, sunny, autumn afternoon, what can I say about this car.... it's an assault on the senses, from the rattly Mezger at tick over, to the epic noise as you go past 7k, it's like nothing else. The feedback through the steering wheel is sensational and you can just feel that given some time to get used to it and the right road it will be amazing. Everything about the car is so analogue, the steering is light but direct, the clutch is quite heavy and the gear change is firm but positive, the diff grumbles in load speed turns and it does feel like an 18 year old car in some respects, but this one drives like a new car!

    I'm sure the newer GT3's would run rings round it but that's not the point, I finally get why people hold the 996 GT3's in such high regard, it's the end of an era in terms of driver interaction and and I genuinely feel privileged to be able to own one.




  2. #2
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    So this weekend I'm giving the car a good clean before it probably doesn't get used for a while with all the salt arriving on the roads. I've taken the Recaro bucket seat pads out and given them a good clean with Gliptone cleaner and then conditioner, it's made a massive difference already and I'm planning on giving them a couple more goes with the conditioner. I've also done the same to the seats in the car and the few other leather bits.



    My GT3 came from the factory with the CD holder at the front of the transmission tunnel under the dash. It was possible to order it without this, as it cleans the interior up a bit and importantly gives a bit more leg room, I've ordered the relevant parts and will collect them and fit them soon, watch this space.
    After a recommendation I have ordered some gyeon q2 rim sealant and will be taking the wheels off for a thorough clean and seal.

  3. #3
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    A few jobs and some interior detailing done today, have polished and waxed one seat back and cleaned and conditioned all the leather.
    Also done the same on the doors, the pic shows it a bit shiny as it the meg interior detail and glipton conditioner had only just been applied, it has dried to a much nicer finish.





  4. #4
    Master
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    Brilliant, looking forward to reading about your journey, just had my black car fully detailed and ceramic coated, really makes black PoP, well worth considering if yours hasn’t been done.

  5. #5
    Craftsman
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    your porsche

    Looks in very good condition.

    Did you buy it at Virgin911 near Uxbridge?

  6. #6
    Master paneristi372's Avatar
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    Excellent motor, enjoy it!

  7. #7
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobar View Post
    Looks in very good condition.

    Did you buy it at Virgin911 near Uxbridge?
    It really is in very very good condition, especially as it is 18 years old, yes I did buy it from 911Virgin, they were an absolute pleasure to deal with, highly recommended.

    Quote Originally Posted by bobdog View Post
    Brilliant, looking forward to reading about your journey, just had my black car fully detailed and ceramic coated, really makes black PoP, well worth considering if yours hasn’t been done.
    Already on it! My friend has a detailing company and he is coming over early Spring to do it.

  8. #8
    Master Tony's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bobdog View Post
    Brilliant, looking forward to reading about your journey, just had my black car fully detailed and ceramic coated, really makes black PoP, well worth considering if yours hasn’t been done.
    I had my black 997 ceramic coated in the summer. Well worth the cost.

  9. #9
    Master
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    What a car, looks very clean given the age. Can’t wait to see the finished result.

  10. #10
    Craftsman
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    Lovely car, I'll keep keep my eye on this thread :)

  11. #11
    Master -Ally-'s Avatar
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    That is rather nice indeed. Enjoy.

  12. #12
    Craftsman
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    Looks awesome, be careful, they aren't forgiving!

  13. #13
    Craftsman
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    I remember when these first came out they were only about £5k more than a standard Carrera ‘GT3 look’ - incredible!

  14. #14
    That looks fantastic, strange it is 18 years old seems like yesterday these were now.

    I was looking at a advert for a 996 C4S, thinking I wanted one back in the day, I could get this and run it for a bit and how much would it cost me.

    For now the idea is ported.

    I remember looking at a 288 GTO for 240,000 grand in 2008 I thought that was mad, same car now 2.4 million.

    So this C4S maybe not so stupid idea.

    Enjoy the GT3, it is proper ace, love it.

  15. #15
    Journeyman
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    Congratulations, that is a beautiful car and a fantastic choice!

    I fully understand and appreciate your comments re: an 18 year old car and the analogue feel. I run a 14 year old M3 as a daily. The whole experience is so much more enjoyable and tactile than modern cars. When it's cold the gearbox is cluncky, the engine a tad hesitant, the diff grumbles and the car generally feels old and heavy.

    Then it starts to warm up and the whole car comes alive. The engine becomes smooth and eager, the gearbox slick and the car seems to grow around you.

    There is something missing on modern sports cars. The electric steering numbs the senses, the double clutch paddle boxes, whilst faster and more efficient, take away your control and the satisfaction of mastering gear changes and heel 'n' toe down shifts. The way the market is leaning towards smaller dual turbo charged engines leave me cold. I love the normal aspirated engine and, as you say, the change in engine note as the 5k becomes 6, then 7 then, maybe, a little bit more :-)

    Please keep us updated with your ownership and thoughts. I've never owned a Porsche but they're on my list as my next purchase.

  16. #16
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    Thanks for all the positive comments guys, I remember almost buying a 964 RS for £33k 11 years ago and they are £200k+ now!
    I genuinely feel that these are massively undervalued at the moment, only 106 RHD Uk models imported, with only 89 left in the UK, of those more than half have been tracked heavily and modified. It is the last Porsche GT car with no driver aids and being built in the same factory as the GT race cars is essentially as close to a road going race car as you can get. The modern GT's are further and further from the race car variants with each iteration, and with the 996 RS versions being well over £200k I don't think it's a bad place to have my money, more importantly it's incredible to drive. I was specifically looking for an unmodified, completely original and as good condition as possible car, the last 2 owners combined owned it for 14 years and were best friends, it's been very well looked after.

  17. #17
    Craftsman
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    Lovely car and the 996s are creeping up despite their looks.

    I have a Cayman and looking to upgrade to a 997 next year but have gone from doing 18k a year to 4K a year so debating the classic SC route instead.

    Please keep the images coming.

  18. #18
    Craftsman
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    Wow that's one factory fresh interior, doesn't look like the passenger seat has ever been used.

    Well if that's how you look after your cars Mike I wish I wasn't buying another house & had bought you SD

    David

  19. #19
    You've made a good choice.

    I love mine. It's the Club Sport version, so very slightly closer to the race cars.

    The rattle on idle is the clutch not the engine, but otherwise I agree with everything you say about the way the car drives. If you've not see the current edition of EVO Magazine check it out. They compare a 996 Mk1 GT3 with the new 991 GT3 and whilst of course the newer car is faster, they say 996 is "off the scale" in terms of driver involvement and "utterly beguiling".

    I hope you're planning a track day or 2? You'll love it.
    Andy

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  20. #20
    I had one of those with BBS wheels and the factory aero kit, alpine silver with box tee red interior, good car, some people moan about the poverty spec interior but I liked it.

  21. #21
    Master Tony's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mikey-r View Post
    Congratulations, that is a beautiful car and a fantastic choice!

    I fully understand and appreciate your comments re: an 18 year old car and the analogue feel. I run a 14 year old M3 as a daily. The whole experience is so much more enjoyable and tactile than modern cars. When it's cold the gearbox is cluncky, the engine a tad hesitant, the diff grumbles and the car generally feels old and heavy.
    Agreed, but it's a bit embarrassing at roundabouts on cold mornings when I can't get my 997 in first gear in order to set off.

  22. #22
    That's a beautiful car. Hopefully it won't become so 'detailed' that you're scared to drive it!

  23. #23
    Grand Master hogthrob's Avatar
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    Lovely car, but someone seems to have stolen all the stuff from your garage.

  24. #24
    Lovely motor! I know exactly what you mean with regard to modern cars, I've recently got myself a mk3 focus Rs, and as much as it's a excellent car, sticks to the road like glue and for a family hatchback it's rapid, it lacks character, it's too programmed and computer controlled to be a true drivers car!

  25. #25
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    So today I've taken the drivers seat out to give it the same treatment, I've given the carpets a good hoover and the seat bases have all been cleaned up. I've also replaced the drivers seat with the passenger seat as it will a: mean I can put it back in the garage, and b: will stop the drivers seat getting all the wear.
    So you asked for some more pictures:








    Overall I am very very happy with the condition of what is a 18 year old, 40k mile car.

  26. #26
    Craftsman
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    What an exquisite automobile!

  27. #27
    Craftsman
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    A very nice example indeed!

  28. #28
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    I've just finished the 3rd application of conditioner to the drivers seat, again I'm very happy with how it's turned out, will get it back in the car when I can and then get on with sealing the wheels and giving the car a polish and wax. It looks shiny as I've only just applied it, however when it dries its matt.



  29. #29
    Master
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    Really looking good, amazing what a bit of elbow grease can do.

  30. #30
    Master PipPip's Avatar
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    An absolute pleasure to see the love and attention being lavished on this wonderful car. Great job.

  31. #31
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PipPip View Post
    An absolute pleasure to see the love and attention being lavished on this wonderful car. Great job.
    Quote Originally Posted by bobdog View Post
    Really looking good, amazing what a bit of elbow grease can do.

    Thanks guys! Appreciate all the positive comments! Need to work out how to jack it up to get the wheels off as it's so bloody low!!

  32. #32
    Master
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    Buy a low profile trolley jack.

  33. #33
    Master
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    i am insanely jealous

    i had an e46 m3 in my 20s that i lavished the same care and attention on, the only issue then was that i was very precious about where i would drive it!

    buying a house has halted me for now but one day ill buy a hobby car like that again

    fair play

  34. #34
    Master Mouse's Avatar
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    Lovely car, but I don't like the OSB rear window. I feel that Porsche have skimped a bit there ;-)

  35. #35
    Quote Originally Posted by mowflow View Post
    Buy a low profile trolley jack.
    Indeed.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mouse View Post
    Lovely car, but I don't like the OSB rear window. I feel that Porsche have skimped a bit there ;-)
    OSB?
    Andy

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  36. #36
    Master Mouse's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy tims View Post

    OSB?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriented_strand_board

  37. #37
    Andy

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  38. #38
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mouse View Post
    Lovely car, but I don't like the OSB rear window. I feel that Porsche have skimped a bit there ;-)
    Get with it, composites are the latest thing.

  39. #39
    Master Mouse's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jeremy67 View Post
    Get with it, composites are the latest thing.
    Hehe. Nice one, very true!

  40. #40
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    I headed over to Porsche Reading this afternoon to collect the GT3 centre console delete that I had ordered, essentially it removes the CD holders and gives you more leg room, for some strange reason loads of GT3's came with them fitted!! I've carefully stored the original parts away.
    From this:


    To this:




    I personally think that it looks much better and much cleaner, I also worked out why my IPod connector for my Becker Grand Prix isn't working..... it's not connected to the back of the head unit! Once I get some tools to remove it I will get that fixed!
    I also replaced the clutch foot rest that was broken and the offside bumper repeater, I mentioned both issues to 911Virgin and they had ordered them and sent them to me the next day, amazing customer service once again.
    Last edited by ditchvisitor; 22nd November 2017 at 21:09.

  41. #41
    Master Alex L's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by mowflow View Post
    Buy a low profile trolley jack.
    Get one of these, nothing else was low enough to get under my 2-Eleven.

    Lovely GT3 by the way

    Untitled by Alex L, on Flickr

  42. #42
    Master
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    Very nice. I'm going through a similar deep clean process on my 49k '03 Boxster and fitting the lower console delete kit too. Also have been wondering if it's possible to dismantle the seats and swap the leather, driver to passenger side, to even out the, so far minimal, wear on the bolsters.

  43. #43
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TomGW View Post
    Very nice. I'm going through a similar deep clean process on my 49k '03 Boxster and fitting the lower console delete kit too. Also have been wondering if it's possible to dismantle the seats and swap the leather, driver to passenger side, to even out the, so far minimal, wear on the bolsters.
    One of my friends could do that for you, he's the head trimmer at Southbound motor trimmers, a Porsche specialist.

  44. #44
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    All has been quiet on the GT3 front as it has been away at Porsche Torque having a new rear main seal, clutch, clutch release fork bearing, bush kit and starter motor fitted.
    After a few drives I noticed an oil leak on the garage floor and mentioned it to 911Virgin who immediately said they would take a look at it, it was decided to replace the RMS, during that work it necessitated needing a new starter motor and I also decided to replace the clutch whilst the gearbox was out to save on the labour later on down the line. (It was on its original clutch that was about 70% worn)
    Again awesome customer service from 911V who with no hesitation arranged to have the work carried out.

  45. #45
    Journeyman
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    Great hearing the ongoing updates, gives you a real sense of the ownership experience.

  46. #46
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    So I've made a few purchases for the car, essential small upgrades that are all OEM and easily reversable and make a big difference to the driving experience.
    First the shifter unit from a 997 GT3 RS: it replaces the plastic bushes that can get worn and thus sloppy with metal parts and also has a slightly shorter throw.
    Secondly 996 GT3 Cup shifter cables: these are slightly thicker and again replace all the plastic parts with metal and combined with the GT3 RS shifter make a massive difference to the gear change.
    Thirdly a 996 GT3 Cup steering wheel: does away with the airbag and is a dished, alcantara race wheel which vastly improves the steering feel.
    Finally a set of Michelin Pilot Cup 2's: the car is currently running almost new Pirelli P Zero's, however I fancied fitting these instead and will sell the others on.

  47. #47
    Master RJM25R's Avatar
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    Be interested to see the wheel, I’m toying with changing mine on my Boxster for a GT wheel or having my original retrimmed in Alcantara by Jack Royal

  48. #48
    Master
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    Lucky boy, just promise you'll get it out on road and track and use it :)

  49. #49
    Grand Master Chris_in_the_UK's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ditchvisitor View Post
    So I've made a few purchases for the car, essential small upgrades that are all OEM and easily reversable and make a big difference to the driving experience.
    First the shifter unit from a 997 GT3 RS: it replaces the plastic bushes that can get worn and thus sloppy with metal parts and also has a slightly shorter throw.
    Secondly 996 GT3 Cup shifter cables: these are slightly thicker and again replace all the plastic parts with metal and combined with the GT3 RS shifter make a massive difference to the gear change.
    Thirdly a 996 GT3 Cup steering wheel: does away with the airbag and is a dished, alcantara race wheel which vastly improves the steering feel.
    Finally a set of Michelin Pilot Cup 2's: the car is currently running almost new Pirelli P Zero's, however I fancied fitting these instead and will sell the others on.
    You will need to keep you fingers crossed at MOT time - if the tester notices the airbag is missing then it's an automatic fail. The spec is available to testing stations online.
    When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks long into you.........

  50. #50
    Master ditchvisitor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chris_in_the_UK View Post
    You will need to keep you fingers crossed at MOT time - if the tester notices the airbag is missing then it's an automatic fail. The spec is available to testing stations online.
    Loads of GT3's have this mod done and the MOT will be getting done at the Porsche specialist at service time, I'm sure it will be fine.

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