Gt3...
#46
09-05-2011 | 05:56 AM
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Just post the link in a reply, no need for a PM.
#49
09-14-2011 | 08:13 PM
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I am curious, are there any GT3 owners in the Boston area?... I went to PorscheFest at Larz Anderson, and there wasn't one GT3 there. There was a used orange CPO GT3, but that was a dealer car trying to dump off the car since it hadn't sold in over a year. There were 2 GT2 RSs though. But, where are the GT3s in MA?!...
#50
09-15-2011 | 04:33 AM
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I'm in Greater Boston, but it's true that you almost never see GT3's on the roads. You will see a bunch on the track, however. I think most of the GT3's are used more as track cars than street cars.
#51
09-15-2011 | 09:47 PM
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Thanks
#52
09-16-2011 | 07:53 PM
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The closest track is NH Motor Speedway in Loudon, the same place where they run NASCAR. The local PCA regions, Northeast (http://www.porschenet.com/JCMS/content/view/330/140/) and and North Country (http://www.ncr-pca.org/club-activiti...vers-education) run several Driver Ed (DE) events there each year. The DE events use a road course that uses part of the NASCAR oval plus a road section outside the oval. It's a very challenging, highly technical track.
I just came back from two days at NHMS. As usual there were a bunch of GT3's there, includes a few RS's and a GT3 Cup car. Next PCA DE event at NHMS (the final one there for this season) is Oct. 11-12 with North Country. See the Web site for information.
The next closest track is Lime Rock Park in the far western part of CT, almost in NY. It's about a 3 hour drive from Boston. PCA also runs DE events there.
Beyond that you have to drive 6-7 hours to get to the next closest tracks, like Watkins Glen NY, which starts to take some serious commitment.
There are also PCA autocross events at Fort Devens, although I've never done those. See the regional Web sites for details.
If you have any interest in doing track events, read up on the Web sites and sign up! The PCA program is designed to teach high performance driving skills to beginners with no previous track experience. You need to drive the GT3 on the track to appreciate what this car can really do.
I just came back from two days at NHMS. As usual there were a bunch of GT3's there, includes a few RS's and a GT3 Cup car. Next PCA DE event at NHMS (the final one there for this season) is Oct. 11-12 with North Country. See the Web site for information.
The next closest track is Lime Rock Park in the far western part of CT, almost in NY. It's about a 3 hour drive from Boston. PCA also runs DE events there.
Beyond that you have to drive 6-7 hours to get to the next closest tracks, like Watkins Glen NY, which starts to take some serious commitment.
There are also PCA autocross events at Fort Devens, although I've never done those. See the regional Web sites for details.
If you have any interest in doing track events, read up on the Web sites and sign up! The PCA program is designed to teach high performance driving skills to beginners with no previous track experience. You need to drive the GT3 on the track to appreciate what this car can really do.
#53
09-16-2011 | 09:10 PM
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Thanks jakegt3. I wonder if I one can go just to watch the event at NHMS for the first time to see what it's all about. I can't make the October event, but I'd like to make it take off for one of the days next year. Once I learn and take the courses, I might hit Lime Rock, and ultimately Watkins Glen someday... Epic ride for sure!
I'll be test driving a 2008 TT tomorrow morning, then 2008 GT3 at another dealership. Tomorrow is Judgement Day! Once and for all, I am going to see how each feels, and take measurements to see how much safer the ground clearance is on the TT over the GT3. I'll let you know how it turns out...
Thanks guys!
I'll be test driving a 2008 TT tomorrow morning, then 2008 GT3 at another dealership. Tomorrow is Judgement Day! Once and for all, I am going to see how each feels, and take measurements to see how much safer the ground clearance is on the TT over the GT3. I'll let you know how it turns out...
Thanks guys!
#54
09-17-2011 | 09:13 AM
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Each DE program at NHMS usually includes a "ride-along" opportunity where a certified DE instructor will give you a ride on the track in his car with him driving, so you can get a feel for what it's like. Then you can decide if you want to participate next time. It does cost a small amount of money to do the ride-along, which is donated to charity.
Also, the local PCA regions (NER and NCR) usually conduct a "Novice Day" at NHMS each year in May. It's a special program to get new people introduced to DE and is well worth attending. Of course, you can get started in DE any time of the year, but Novice Day is the perfect time to do it because it's early in the season. I believe sign-ups start early in March, and it fills up very quickly, so do register early to be sure of getting in. See information on the NER and NCR Web sites sometime early next year.
Last edited by jakegt3; 09-17-2011 at 09:16 AM.
#55
09-19-2011 | 04:40 AM
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I'll be test driving a 2008 TT tomorrow morning, then 2008 GT3 at another dealership. Tomorrow is Judgement Day! Once and for all, I am going to see how each feels, and take measurements to see how much safer the ground clearance is on the TT over the GT3. I'll let you know how it turns out...
Thanks guys!
Thanks guys!
#56
09-19-2011 | 05:51 AM
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Karman:
Welcome. It sounds like, from your descriptions, that the GT3 will be the right car for you. Let me try and answer your questions:
1. Yes. Techart makes a kit and I believe another top aftermarket Porsche company does as well but neither are cheap. I think around $8-9K installed. Cars with the lift may be a little harder to find but not entirely rare. I'd opt to find one with the factory system first. It's possibly my one regret on the car I purchased. There is an upside as the front lip is really a consumable: $200 buys you a new front spoiler that you can then scrape the hell out of all over again.
2. On my 2010 GT3, from ground to edge of lip is a tick under 4". That could change based on setup/ride height of the car you purchase.
3. Search far and wide; be patient; prioritize your options and colors; be ready to pounce when your find the right one. Make sure you have a PPI done on any car you're serious about. Check the DME for over revs. Don't be scared off by a car that's tracked. Most guys who track (myself included) probably take better car of their cars and do accelerated maintenance on them.
4. Try to find a car from an original owner and/or find a car with a verifiable history. A good PPI can probably tell you if the car has seen hard labor. Don't be scared by it. That is what these cars were made for and they seem to hold up to it quite well. Personally, I'd be more averse to a garage queen that was never driven.
5. Probably. Check the aftermarket tuning companies (Techart, etc). If you buy one, live with it for a while then decide if you don't like it.
6. Depending on whether PP or dealer and options, I would say a range of $95-105K. Lower mileage cars tend to bring a bit of a premium. CPO as well. Dealers tend to markup more because they have to make a profit.
I'd also highly recommend joining Rennlist and browsing the GT3 forum there as it is much more heavily trafficked and there is a greater depth of knowledge. Post there with a WTB ad and you may just find a member with a great car. There have been a couple of black cars up for sale in the time I was looking (Feb - June). So far, as far as the GT3 goes my only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner.
Welcome. It sounds like, from your descriptions, that the GT3 will be the right car for you. Let me try and answer your questions:
1. Yes. Techart makes a kit and I believe another top aftermarket Porsche company does as well but neither are cheap. I think around $8-9K installed. Cars with the lift may be a little harder to find but not entirely rare. I'd opt to find one with the factory system first. It's possibly my one regret on the car I purchased. There is an upside as the front lip is really a consumable: $200 buys you a new front spoiler that you can then scrape the hell out of all over again.
2. On my 2010 GT3, from ground to edge of lip is a tick under 4". That could change based on setup/ride height of the car you purchase.
3. Search far and wide; be patient; prioritize your options and colors; be ready to pounce when your find the right one. Make sure you have a PPI done on any car you're serious about. Check the DME for over revs. Don't be scared off by a car that's tracked. Most guys who track (myself included) probably take better car of their cars and do accelerated maintenance on them.
4. Try to find a car from an original owner and/or find a car with a verifiable history. A good PPI can probably tell you if the car has seen hard labor. Don't be scared by it. That is what these cars were made for and they seem to hold up to it quite well. Personally, I'd be more averse to a garage queen that was never driven.
5. Probably. Check the aftermarket tuning companies (Techart, etc). If you buy one, live with it for a while then decide if you don't like it.
6. Depending on whether PP or dealer and options, I would say a range of $95-105K. Lower mileage cars tend to bring a bit of a premium. CPO as well. Dealers tend to markup more because they have to make a profit.
I'd also highly recommend joining Rennlist and browsing the GT3 forum there as it is much more heavily trafficked and there is a greater depth of knowledge. Post there with a WTB ad and you may just find a member with a great car. There have been a couple of black cars up for sale in the time I was looking (Feb - June). So far, as far as the GT3 goes my only regret is that I didn't buy one sooner.
#57
09-19-2011 | 06:44 AM
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I am not sure it was mentioned but the Porsche Sport Driving School in Atlanta would be an excellent immersion in driving skills for you driving their cars. Check out the Porsche web site.
#59
09-19-2011 | 06:29 PM
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Test Drive Results: 2008 GT3 vs 2007 Turbo
My first test drive of any Porsche was a Cayman - YAWN! I finally drove both the GT3 and TT on the same day yesterday. It was an amazing experience that I will be savoring for a while as I ponder the pro/cons for each car. My observations are in line with all that you've been saying. Even for a brief 15 minute drive, there were many things that I observed for the first time, but here are some of the notable ones...
GT3:
-Sound is raw but civilized, brute yet refined at the higher registers.
-Slower acceleration in all situations, but linear.
-Less torque than TT at low rpm.
-Defined steering response
-proclivity to rev all the time - reflexive emotional response!
-Heavy clutch will be tiresome in traffic in the city or going to Cape Cod
-lower engagement of clutch.
-Ground clearance 4 - 4.4 in
Turbo:
-Sound is uninspiring at all rpm
-Whiplash acceleration, sling shot exit speed,
-non-linear acceleration due to noticeable lag
-More likely to encroach upon the rev limiter due to lower red line and faster acceleration
-Steering less focused than GT3
-Softer ride, less involving than GT3
-Softer clutch, high engagement
My big concern was the ride height of the GT3, so I measured both and the GT3 is lower only by a 1/2 inch, 4.4in vs 5in for the TT. You're all right, there's no one car that will do everything. Honestly, I would be content with either car. Ultimately, it may come down to availability, over prejudicial desire of one over the other. There are pros and cons with each. I am curious, however, I drove a 2007 TT. Is there a noticeable difference in performance, stats, feel, experience between a 480hp 2007 and a 500hp 2010 TT?...
GT3:
-Sound is raw but civilized, brute yet refined at the higher registers.
-Slower acceleration in all situations, but linear.
-Less torque than TT at low rpm.
-Defined steering response
-proclivity to rev all the time - reflexive emotional response!
-Heavy clutch will be tiresome in traffic in the city or going to Cape Cod
-lower engagement of clutch.
-Ground clearance 4 - 4.4 in
Turbo:
-Sound is uninspiring at all rpm
-Whiplash acceleration, sling shot exit speed,
-non-linear acceleration due to noticeable lag
-More likely to encroach upon the rev limiter due to lower red line and faster acceleration
-Steering less focused than GT3
-Softer ride, less involving than GT3
-Softer clutch, high engagement
My big concern was the ride height of the GT3, so I measured both and the GT3 is lower only by a 1/2 inch, 4.4in vs 5in for the TT. You're all right, there's no one car that will do everything. Honestly, I would be content with either car. Ultimately, it may come down to availability, over prejudicial desire of one over the other. There are pros and cons with each. I am curious, however, I drove a 2007 TT. Is there a noticeable difference in performance, stats, feel, experience between a 480hp 2007 and a 500hp 2010 TT?...
#60
09-20-2011 | 06:27 AM
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I drove the 2007 TT before driving a 2010, and definitely noticed a difference. I am not referring to the ponies, but more so the feel of the car. You need to drive the car if you are in doubt, but I noticed the difference.
My first test drive of any Porsche was a Cayman - YAWN! I finally drove both the GT3 and TT on the same day yesterday. It was an amazing experience that I will be savoring for a while as I ponder the pro/cons for each car. My observations are in line with all that you've been saying. Even for a brief 15 minute drive, there were many things that I observed for the first time, but here are some of the notable ones...
GT3:
-Sound is raw but civilized, brute yet refined at the higher registers.
-Slower acceleration in all situations, but linear.
-Less torque than TT at low rpm.
-Defined steering response
-proclivity to rev all the time - reflexive emotional response!
-Heavy clutch will be tiresome in traffic in the city or going to Cape Cod
-lower engagement of clutch.
-Ground clearance 4 - 4.4 in
Turbo:
-Sound is uninspiring at all rpm
-Whiplash acceleration, sling shot exit speed,
-non-linear acceleration due to noticeable lag
-More likely to encroach upon the rev limiter due to lower red line and faster acceleration
-Steering less focused than GT3
-Softer ride, less involving than GT3
-Softer clutch, high engagement
My big concern was the ride height of the GT3, so I measured both and the GT3 is lower only by a 1/2 inch, 4.4in vs 5in for the TT. You're all right, there's no one car that will do everything. Honestly, I would be content with either car. Ultimately, it may come down to availability, over prejudicial desire of one over the other. There are pros and cons with each. I am curious, however, I drove a 2007 TT. Is there a noticeable difference in performance, stats, feel, experience between a 480hp 2007 and a 500hp 2010 TT?...
GT3:
-Sound is raw but civilized, brute yet refined at the higher registers.
-Slower acceleration in all situations, but linear.
-Less torque than TT at low rpm.
-Defined steering response
-proclivity to rev all the time - reflexive emotional response!
-Heavy clutch will be tiresome in traffic in the city or going to Cape Cod
-lower engagement of clutch.
-Ground clearance 4 - 4.4 in
Turbo:
-Sound is uninspiring at all rpm
-Whiplash acceleration, sling shot exit speed,
-non-linear acceleration due to noticeable lag
-More likely to encroach upon the rev limiter due to lower red line and faster acceleration
-Steering less focused than GT3
-Softer ride, less involving than GT3
-Softer clutch, high engagement
My big concern was the ride height of the GT3, so I measured both and the GT3 is lower only by a 1/2 inch, 4.4in vs 5in for the TT. You're all right, there's no one car that will do everything. Honestly, I would be content with either car. Ultimately, it may come down to availability, over prejudicial desire of one over the other. There are pros and cons with each. I am curious, however, I drove a 2007 TT. Is there a noticeable difference in performance, stats, feel, experience between a 480hp 2007 and a 500hp 2010 TT?...