GT3 delivery today
I just picked up my GT3 this morning and want to report back on the issues I was concerned about:
1. Clutch: Yes, the pedal is firmer than the reg. 997, but clutch travel is so short that only my foot is involved. No sore thighs. For me, the firm clutch is a non issue.
2. Stiff shifter: Yes, the shift throw is much shorter on the GT3 than on the reg. 997, and it's very precise. Someone here said it's like a "rife bolt." Now I know what he meant. It's like when you're locking and loading. Precise. Exact travel. It takes a bit more effort, but there's more satisfaction that comes along with it.
3. Low ride height: I drove to my place of employment, which has ramps and speed bumps. I was able to negotiate all with no noticable scraping of the lip spoiler. This is due in part to the great coaching I got on this site and elsewhere.
4. Firm Ride. Yes, the ride is firm. I'd say it is as firm as my reg. 997 with 19s and without PASM. But, while firm, I have experienced no jarring and banging in the GT3, as I sometimes did in my 997 without PASM. Since our roads are b-grade here in some instances, or worse, I get a bit of road noise from the GT3. I cranked up the optional upgraded stereo, and that helped. It doesn't have the base of the Bose, but it is quite nice and acceptable.
5. Cup Tires. Yes, I need to change them -- and will. It rains a lot in Hawaii. We're in the dry season now, but as soon as I can order in some PS2s or Pirelli P-zeros, off come the Cup tires.
Overall impression. I'm totally stoked with the GT3. From the rumble of the engine at start up, to the precise feel of the shifter, to the purposeful clutch, to the whine and roar when you rev through the gears, to the "planted" feel of the car and razor sharp steering, this is a very satisfying driver's car.
The Turbo I had hoped for as an alternative was gone. Sorry I didn't even get to drive it. But, hey, I have no regrets to score the GT3 instead. I'd probably love the Turbo too -- in different ways.
More reports, or at least some pics, I hope will follow.
1. Clutch: Yes, the pedal is firmer than the reg. 997, but clutch travel is so short that only my foot is involved. No sore thighs. For me, the firm clutch is a non issue.
2. Stiff shifter: Yes, the shift throw is much shorter on the GT3 than on the reg. 997, and it's very precise. Someone here said it's like a "rife bolt." Now I know what he meant. It's like when you're locking and loading. Precise. Exact travel. It takes a bit more effort, but there's more satisfaction that comes along with it.
3. Low ride height: I drove to my place of employment, which has ramps and speed bumps. I was able to negotiate all with no noticable scraping of the lip spoiler. This is due in part to the great coaching I got on this site and elsewhere.
4. Firm Ride. Yes, the ride is firm. I'd say it is as firm as my reg. 997 with 19s and without PASM. But, while firm, I have experienced no jarring and banging in the GT3, as I sometimes did in my 997 without PASM. Since our roads are b-grade here in some instances, or worse, I get a bit of road noise from the GT3. I cranked up the optional upgraded stereo, and that helped. It doesn't have the base of the Bose, but it is quite nice and acceptable.
5. Cup Tires. Yes, I need to change them -- and will. It rains a lot in Hawaii. We're in the dry season now, but as soon as I can order in some PS2s or Pirelli P-zeros, off come the Cup tires.
Overall impression. I'm totally stoked with the GT3. From the rumble of the engine at start up, to the precise feel of the shifter, to the purposeful clutch, to the whine and roar when you rev through the gears, to the "planted" feel of the car and razor sharp steering, this is a very satisfying driver's car.
The Turbo I had hoped for as an alternative was gone. Sorry I didn't even get to drive it. But, hey, I have no regrets to score the GT3 instead. I'd probably love the Turbo too -- in different ways.
More reports, or at least some pics, I hope will follow.
This must be GT3 delivery day: you and Cram. 
