Matt Farah Test Drives Lightly Modified 997 GT3 in One Take
The GT3 still needs a Manual Gearbox
Some say that the 997 GT3 was the last “raw” driver’s car from Porsche next to the 997 GT3 RS. Equipped with a Mezger 3.6L flat-six engine putting down 415 horsepower to the rear wheels and a slick 6-speed manual gearbox, the GT3 was a tough package to reckon with and still is today. When the 991.1 GT3 came out, those who fell in love with the 997 GT3 had their hearts broken when they found out that it would only come with a PDK. With reports of a 6-speed manual transmission coming back for the 991.2 GT3, it seems that Porsche have listened to the response of the hardcore fans.
911 Turbo to GT3
In a recent episode of The Smoking Tire’s One Take Series, Matt Farah test drives a lightly modified 997.1 GT3. Before the test begins, we get a introduction to the owner and how and when he acquired his GT3. The owner, Zac mentions that he used to own a 997 Turbo prior to purchasing his GT3 just about a year ago. He also mentions that the car isn’t a garage queen and is actually driven like it’s supposed to be – he managed to log in about 10,000 miles in a single year.
Less is More
As far as modifications go, Zac mentioned that all the mods were done by the previous owner. The following mods consist of a Sharkwerks muffler bypass system; Endless MX-72 brake pads; Endless RF-650 brake fluid; welded cooling lines by BBI Autosport; DCT steering wheel, and a Cargraphics front axle lift. Zac says that he wanted to get a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, but the sizes he needed were on backorder. Instead, he opted for the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 – an older model but still sticky enough for the GT3 to attack the corners.
When it’s good, it’s good
Right from the get-go, Farah immediately falls in love with Zac’s GT3. He mentions how delightful it feels to row through the gears and how aurally pleasing the Mezger engine sounds. You know you’re enjoying driving a well built car once you get into rhythm and Farah couldn’t stop complimenting how much of a joy the 997 GT3 was to drive on the mountain road. The GT3 is already a great driver’s car from the factory, but with the little modifications Zac’s car has, it made it even better.
