996 GT3 to 997 GT3RS conversion

[V12orFlat6]

Many may not approve of this but I wanted to show that these cars can be saved. Being a long time Vintage Automobile/Porsche enthusiast I have always found it hard to not save any great car. I have seen new rare cars simply tossed by insurance companies. Such was the case with a Silver 2004 996 GT3 that had extensive panel damage. Nearly every panel below the window line was damaged. I wanted to save it from going to the yard. We acquired the GT3 and completed a full tear down removing all damaged parts. What remained was a structurally sound Porsche. [Airbags were not deployed] So the decision was made to rebuild it visually as a 997 GT3RS for my personal auto. We then proceeded to remove everything from the car including the interior yielding only the shell. Since the car was to have a color change to black I wanted the fit and finish perfect and show quality. Only new Porsche factory parts were used in the rebuild and correct 997 detail throughout the exterior. [note 997 door handles as well] It was not a simple build. The car has been completed for some time and has proven itself via many trips to and from Northern and Southern California. At events many are surprised to see it retains a 996 GT3 interior. [We have recently installed a Tequipment roll bar,alcantera wheel etc.] We love this car and the fact that this Porsche continues to provide daily enjoyment. We are fully aware that the tainted title limits its value and will always be a difficult sell. We’re fine with that. Also saving an existing 996 GT3 is much “Greener” than buying a new Prius.

[Fast Corners]

Very cool and oh by the way WOW!

[TRE Cup]

From your use of all new porsche 997 parts, i suspect you ended up with a total cost higher than a decently kept 996 GT3, but then you would not have the distinctive look of the newer GT3 RS
nice job! it is quite stunning

db

[V12orFlat6]

Actually it went over the cost of a nicely kept 996 GT3. The 997 RS conversion was the only reason we attempted this project as well as saving the 996 since we knew no one was going to spend the money rebuilding it [correctly] to a proper original 996GT3. The only item on the car that is not production 997RS are the rocker panels. Although Porsche items these are the one piece rockers used on the race cars without the plastic lower section. [see photo] These were available to us and thought it would be unique. We also converted what we could to RS interior which also added cost. Reupholstered the seats in Alcantera with orange stitching, Custom RS mats, RS carpets and Bar. Now considering Plexi rear window and side vented quarters. Even with these we will be much less than a 997 GT3. Considering its rebuilt title it will never have the resale value of a well kept 996GT3 im sure. This is unfortunate as it is a very very good car.

[Matt Monson]

Well done.

[pete917]

do 997 panels fit directly onto a 996 with no modification?

[Thielt1]

Originally Posted by pete917

do 997 panels fit directly onto a 996 with no modification?

I would also like to know the answer to this.

[bxtech]

Wow! Fantastic job on your car! I love reading stories like this and especially one about another Porsche being saved! You saved it, and resurrected it into something much better imo! It wouldn't matter to me that it's not original because you made it better in the end! I was in your area and I actually saw your car while I was driving by. I was gawking at it and loved it, but I had no idea on the story behind it. Now that I'm reading this, I can appreciate it so much more!

Once again, a fantastic job on it!! My hats off to you! PM sent.

[uniquenamehere]

That's amazing... I'd love to see some pictures during the build... do you have any?

[rattlsnak]

yes, must see the before pictures!

[mightyb28]

As this is a 996 cna you go through the interior upgrade:
What interior did you use.
How hard was it to fit the new dash?