Enthusiast looking for his next Porsche... Needs advice..

[HFR_Racer]

Hello fellow Pelican's...

I'll start out first by adding a little history on my first Porsche experience. I purchased my first P-car a few years ago. After doing my homework, I purchased a very nice 1986 911 Carrera as both an investment and a learning experience. The vehicle has served me well and I learned allot about the maintenance and needs of this era of P-car. I've since sold my 1986 and am currently saving for a later Turbo, GT2 or GT3 model Porsche. I plan to purchase my next P-car next summer or fall.

I am asking all advice from my fellow Pelican members since everyone was so helpful in guiding me to a very good 1st pick. I've truly enjoyed my Carrera but I come from a racing family and the non-turbo car didn't cut it.

Please offer any and all non-obvious advice on selecting a good Turbo, GT2 or GT3. Wayne's books were very helpful in locating a good 86 model. I haven't checked to see if he has a book out on the later models yet.

The best to everyone,
HFR_Racer

[Komenda Fan]

Don't forget to consider going older! A nice longhood with a 3.6 Varioram would fly. Take a look at Jack Olsen's car, there is a proper 911.

[techweenie]

I've driven both a GT2 and GT3 -- 996 vintage. Maybe it was the specific cars, but the GT2 blew me away, while the GT3 was just 'very nice.' On paper they seem similar. The seat of my pants told me otherwise.

These cars have few typical problems other than the rear main seal, which seems to 'weep' oil after an average 30K miles. It's not heartbreakingly expensive to fix, but buying a car with a recent replacement is worth a little extra effort. Last I heard there had been 4 redesigns of the RMS, and maybe they have better longevity now. My opinion is that there is an engine design flaw that will always result in some leakage over time.

GT2s and GT3s are rare enough that you might have to travel a bit to have a range of choices. I strongly suggest you drive a GT2 before deciding.

[astark]

HFR--

If you want info/pricing/availability of some really nice GT2/3's I would look at:

Rennlist
rennlist.com

Pelican is great, but Rennlist is an alternative for these cars. Just my .02

Alan

PS There is a guy selling a GT3, well set up for the track/street for low-mid
60's. No affiliation, just drooling.

[zorba]

I can advise on the GT2 side. I upgraded from a 2002 996 tt to a 2005 GT2. I looked at GT3's but decided paying 5-10K over sticker for a GT3 and 40-50K over for an RS model was crazy. Found a 05 GT2 w/ 6K miles (one of 7 produced for US in 05) and paid less than a new GT3 with similar equip.

Frankly the GT2 is nothing less than a fantastic ride. The GT3's may zing up to 8000 rpm but I still see them in my rear view mirror. There are 4-6 GT2 floating around LA priced from 100K to 135K. Most are 02's or 03's both private party and dealerships. Be sure and get a PPI and a dump of the ECU for level 1 and 2 log events. (rev to red line; over rev condition) which is going to tell you how the previous owner treated the beast.

Good luck,

Jim

[HFR_Racer]

Thank you for the great advice thus far.. Please keep the great comments coming my way..

HFR_Racer