Probably going to be picking up a 996 Turbo Cab soon, love the GT2 front -- but living where we live, dealerships are few and far between. Closest is over an hour away now that Porsche revoked dealership status from the only one on our town. (Apparently because the showroom and service areas were also a BMW dealer and Porsche wanted it to have exclusive areas, not shared).

Annnnnyway, if I do the GT2 front end upgrade who needs to do it? Can any competent dealer install the GT2 front? I'm assuming a bodyship will need to paint it, but can I expect the dealer to be able to put the GT2 bumper on and move things around as needed, or is this a specialized thing that I have to hunt around to find someone to do it?

I'm about 2 hours from DC which I suppose is the best bet to find more dealers and tuners if needed.

Also does the GT2 front look and drive OK with the stock rear spoiler or is it necessary to upgrade that as well?

Thanks for any advice.

 

Any bumper will need some sort of "fitting". How much depends on the car and the bumper. Get a good body shop...fit it first, then paint and install.

 

To do a GT-2 front end properly, you have to change not only the front bumper, but you also have to change all of the ducting, which involves relocating the radiator and certain other things (I think). I looked into this a couple of years ago when I got a really good deal on an OEM GT2 bumper. I found out that it takes a lot of expertise to do it properly with all of the ducting (and a LOT of money).

People on this forum warned me that if I didn't get it done properly with all the ducting, the car might not cool properly and it may also affect the aerodynamics of the car and make it lift at high speeds. Despite these warnings, I installed the GT2 bumper without changing any of the ducting. It worked out fine - no problems with overheating or lift (of course, I don't track my car). Only problem was that visually, the ducting behind the bumper didn't line up with the openings in the GT2 bumper. I solved that problem by having the shop install mesh painted black.

I got all the work done at Mr. Spoiler in Manassas, VA. He did a perfect job.

 

there is more than just the bumper that has to be dealt with when installing a GT2 front bumper on the TT. Some plumbing will need to be redirected which costs an extra grand, so I'm told.

 

I'm planning on doing this mod as a winter project! any pics of the bumper with the mesh inserts and what else should i be aware of would like to know before i start. different brackets...etc..

 

you are looking at 3 grand worth of oem gt2 parts not including labor to put it on and getting it painted and stuff vs aftermarket ones, will cost you i think from 1500 to 2000 bucks for the front bumper, lip, and center grill that will work with your existing parts but i dont know about the fitment for those cause i went with the oem gt2 front bumper conversion

 

Thanks guys, I did some searches before and found most of this info. Also saw that some of the aftermarket alternatives may be more cost effective. Well since I don't even have the Turbo yet I'm in no hurry -- but I do love that GT2 front end look.

 

Scott, you should talk to Sharky. He's done this numerous times.

 

I just did this to my car, it was a bit of an ordeal but a REALLY good body shop should be able to handle the process. I basically ordered all of the parts needed from my local dealer and dropped them off to the body shop. He was able to fit everything properly and get it done in about 2 weeks time. It definitely changes the look of the car, well worth it in my book.

 

hey Onelove, can you pm-me the list of parts need to complete the transformation and cost? if you don't mind, I already have the bumper but still need to gather other parts (upper vent , lower lip etc..)

Thanks

 

Get the MaShaw GT2 bumper. You wont have to relocate anything and any half decent body shop will be able to put it on with out issue. thanks


S


His advertising tag in on the side -------------->

 

Have you looked at the aftermarket techart gt2 bumpers or do you want to retain the stock GT2 look? If you want super aggressive...go with the techart gt2!