GT3 incoming - a few questions
Discussion
I'm in for a long week...first 911 being collected next Saturday, in the form of a 911.2 GT3. Took it our for an hour or so with the sales guy from the OPC last week, wow ! Cannot wait to get it. Anyway, in the meantime, a few questions for those in the know:
- On the test drive I used the paddles to override the PDK box a few times, but it dropped back into auto mode after a while. How do I set the PDK so that it works only in 'manual' mode i.e. holds the gears that I select using either the shift lever, or the paddles? I use an M4 at present with DCT box and it does what I'm describing here, so I am of course assuming that the GT3 does the same, so that I can assume control of the box. (I didn't think to ask the sales guy at the time)
- Centre lock wheels. I gather that you need a specific tool, digital torque wrench and a bloody long lever to get the wheels on and off. I like to take wheels off my cars a few times a year to properly clean them. Do any other owners with centre locks do this themselves ? Is it feasible ?
- Tyres. It's just had a brand new set of Cup sport 2's which I gather are the OEM tyre. I do intend to use it for fun drives all year round i.e. dry winter days will be fair game. Assuming I'm not trying to push the car, is it feasible to use it with these tyres in relatively cold condition ? Or do owners that use them in colder climes swap tyres for winter to say PS4s, or maybe have another wheel set ? (though optional wheel sets seem to be £000's.)
- Does anyone by any chance have a PDF owners manual. It's a 2018 GT3, would love to get hold of the manual to have a read before d day.
Thanks in advance (and thanks to those that failed to sufficiently deter me from purchase in my post leading up to this JFDI moment !)
- On the test drive I used the paddles to override the PDK box a few times, but it dropped back into auto mode after a while. How do I set the PDK so that it works only in 'manual' mode i.e. holds the gears that I select using either the shift lever, or the paddles? I use an M4 at present with DCT box and it does what I'm describing here, so I am of course assuming that the GT3 does the same, so that I can assume control of the box. (I didn't think to ask the sales guy at the time)
- Centre lock wheels. I gather that you need a specific tool, digital torque wrench and a bloody long lever to get the wheels on and off. I like to take wheels off my cars a few times a year to properly clean them. Do any other owners with centre locks do this themselves ? Is it feasible ?
- Tyres. It's just had a brand new set of Cup sport 2's which I gather are the OEM tyre. I do intend to use it for fun drives all year round i.e. dry winter days will be fair game. Assuming I'm not trying to push the car, is it feasible to use it with these tyres in relatively cold condition ? Or do owners that use them in colder climes swap tyres for winter to say PS4s, or maybe have another wheel set ? (though optional wheel sets seem to be £000's.)
- Does anyone by any chance have a PDF owners manual. It's a 2018 GT3, would love to get hold of the manual to have a read before d day.
Thanks in advance (and thanks to those that failed to sufficiently deter me from purchase in my post leading up to this JFDI moment !)
Congrats enjoy, got any pics or spec details?
For manual, push PDK stick to the left.
To get center locks on and off will require specialist torque wrench plus understanding of the procedure and correct position of centre lock center splines (out position). Such as the Norbar 300-1000nm torque wrench. Or lower rated wrench and converter. Plenty info online.
You can get ‘no’’ rated PS4S tyres, good for all year road driving. cup 2 preferred for the track or summer. ‘no’ approv d for OPC warranty.
For manual, push PDK stick to the left.
To get center locks on and off will require specialist torque wrench plus understanding of the procedure and correct position of centre lock center splines (out position). Such as the Norbar 300-1000nm torque wrench. Or lower rated wrench and converter. Plenty info online.
You can get ‘no’’ rated PS4S tyres, good for all year road driving. cup 2 preferred for the track or summer. ‘no’ approv d for OPC warranty.
PS4, or 5’s once they start to become available, are a very good idea if you want to use the car all year round. Cup 2 tyres are great on track but are very compromised in cold damp weather and will aquaplane badly in very wet weather whatever the temps.
I would book a session at the Porsche Experience Centre, PEC for short, at Silverstone. You can do it in your car and with an instructor, could be the best money you ever spend!
Otherwise enjoy and where are the pictures?
I would book a session at the Porsche Experience Centre, PEC for short, at Silverstone. You can do it in your car and with an instructor, could be the best money you ever spend!
Otherwise enjoy and where are the pictures?
Thanks for info guys as always. I'm keeping the power dry on pictures until it's actually in my garage !
Re the tyre situation then and all year round use. I tend to get out all year round in whatever more interesting car I have, runs out with mates, walks in snowdonia to take in the roads en route.
So do people just not use their GT3's in the cooler months in the UK, or there's a risk of standing water ? This seems to limit it's use case somewhat. Of course, I don't expect it to be a complete all rounder, but just how 'unusable' or risky is it, if for example you get caught out weather wise ? If I'm on a 2 / 3 day trip, in good old blighty you can encounter all 4 seasons as anyone here knows !
Re the tyre situation then and all year round use. I tend to get out all year round in whatever more interesting car I have, runs out with mates, walks in snowdonia to take in the roads en route.
So do people just not use their GT3's in the cooler months in the UK, or there's a risk of standing water ? This seems to limit it's use case somewhat. Of course, I don't expect it to be a complete all rounder, but just how 'unusable' or risky is it, if for example you get caught out weather wise ? If I'm on a 2 / 3 day trip, in good old blighty you can encounter all 4 seasons as anyone here knows !
Some of us use our cars all year round, some don’t. To be fair the GT3’s raisen d’etre is track work and that is what they are brilliant for and how they come out of the factory. The perfect all season road going Porsche 911 is the Turbo and to be fair the current ones are bloody good on track too.
I have not specified a new GT3 for a few years but you used to be able to specify a more road friendly tyre rather than Cup 2’s as a no cost option.
Here is one of mine, on Cup 2’s in Andorra in January. It can be done it’s just not ideal
I have not specified a new GT3 for a few years but you used to be able to specify a more road friendly tyre rather than Cup 2’s as a no cost option.
Here is one of mine, on Cup 2’s in Andorra in January. It can be done it’s just not ideal
Edited by bigmowley on Sunday 17th November 09:37
Inspectorclueso said:
- Centre lock wheels. I gather that you need a specific tool, digital torque wrench and a bloody long lever to get the wheels on and off. I like to take wheels off my cars a few times a year to properly clean them. Do any other owners with centre locks do this themselves ? Is it feasible ?
-
This will give you some idea of the kit needed to deal with centre locks. If you have ceramics then in additon to the breaker bar and torque wrench and special grease you might like to consider the tool to screw into the hub to prevent chipping of discs.-
I bought the kit but never used it. All the gear, no idea.
Enjoy the new car, 991.2 is for me the perfect GT car.
Additionally on tyres. When I got mine it was January and was on cup2’s temp dropped to low single digits and I had quite a drive home. I was totally side ways a couple of times….
I switched to PS4S and have still had some ‘moments’ when on road trips, especially if wet or colder temps. Traction control doesn’t help you out much in my experience, luckily the steering is so quick you can gather it all up quickly and easily. When tyres are up to temp you can really lean on them though through the twisties with no issues at all. Unless you really take the piss!
I switched to PS4S and have still had some ‘moments’ when on road trips, especially if wet or colder temps. Traction control doesn’t help you out much in my experience, luckily the steering is so quick you can gather it all up quickly and easily. When tyres are up to temp you can really lean on them though through the twisties with no issues at all. Unless you really take the piss!
Mankers said:
Additionally on tyres. When I got mine it was January and was on cup2’s temp dropped to low single digits and I had quite a drive home. I was totally side ways a couple of times….
I switched to PS4S and have still had some ‘moments’ when on road trips, especially if wet or colder temps. Traction control doesn’t help you out much in my experience, luckily the steering is so quick you can gather it all up quickly and easily. When tyres are up to temp you can really lean on them though through the twisties with no issues at all. Unless you really take the piss!
Hey...thanks ! It may be a 'steady' drive back on Saturday. I'll def be looking at some driver coaching, someone mentioned the PEC at Silverstone, and doing Silverstone circuit in general is on my list for next year.I switched to PS4S and have still had some ‘moments’ when on road trips, especially if wet or colder temps. Traction control doesn’t help you out much in my experience, luckily the steering is so quick you can gather it all up quickly and easily. When tyres are up to temp you can really lean on them though through the twisties with no issues at all. Unless you really take the piss!
I know what you mean re all the gear...been there many a time. It does have PCCB, so will likely leave the job to an expert, I can imagine the feeling if I get it wrong. I've had a few twitchy RWD cars, TVR, M3, M4, M5 and managed to keep them generally pointing in the right direction, but of course always had a fair few tyre choices. May have to just take it steady through winter...
Inspectorclueso said:
Hey...thanks ! It may be a 'steady' drive back on Saturday. I'll def be looking at some driver coaching, someone mentioned the PEC at Silverstone, and doing Silverstone circuit in general is on my list for next year.
I know what you mean re all the gear...been there many a time. It does have PCCB, so will likely leave the job to an expert, I can imagine the feeling if I get it wrong. I've had a few twitchy RWD cars, TVR, M3, M4, M5 and managed to keep them generally pointing in the right direction, but of course always had a fair few tyre choices. May have to just take it steady through winter...
Take a look at https://www.drivelimits.com/ Mark is an instructor at PEC Silverstone, but runs 4:1 training days at North Weald, it’s only £250 for a full day and you get learn what the car is capable of in a sate environment I know what you mean re all the gear...been there many a time. It does have PCCB, so will likely leave the job to an expert, I can imagine the feeling if I get it wrong. I've had a few twitchy RWD cars, TVR, M3, M4, M5 and managed to keep them generally pointing in the right direction, but of course always had a fair few tyre choices. May have to just take it steady through winter...
Congrats on buying the GT3 sweetspot in the 991.2 they are fantastic cars and the last of the better sounding pre gpfs.
Most points covered by others but just be careful of the Cup 2s they are poor with standing water and temps sub 7 degrees quite compromised. Bearing in mind we are expecting winter to hit this week with a vengeance sub zero temps likely/ice/slush a challenging combo for your collection on Saturday.
Most points covered by others but just be careful of the Cup 2s they are poor with standing water and temps sub 7 degrees quite compromised. Bearing in mind we are expecting winter to hit this week with a vengeance sub zero temps likely/ice/slush a challenging combo for your collection on Saturday.
av185 said:
Congrats on buying the GT3 sweetspot in the 991.2 they are fantastic cars and the last of the better sounding pre gpfs.
Most points covered by others but just be careful of the Cup 2s they are poor with standing water and temps sub 7 degrees quite compromised. Bearing in mind we are expecting winter to hit this week with a vengeance sub zero temps likely/ice/slush a challenging combo for your collection on Saturday.
Beautiful car. A white 1.2 GT3 just looks sooooo rightMost points covered by others but just be careful of the Cup 2s they are poor with standing water and temps sub 7 degrees quite compromised. Bearing in mind we are expecting winter to hit this week with a vengeance sub zero temps likely/ice/slush a challenging combo for your collection on Saturday.
gareth h said:
Take a look at https://www.drivelimits.com/ Mark is an instructor at PEC Silverstone, but runs 4:1 training days at North Weald, it’s only £250 for a full day and you get learn what the car is capable of in a sate environment
Thanks for this, I've taken a look at the website and definitely interested, looks like great value. I think that the biggest improvement I'll be able to make on the me / GT3 combo, is definitely me ! Inspectorclueso said:
- Centre lock wheels. I gather that you need a specific tool, digital torque wrench and a bloody long lever to get the wheels on and off. I like to take wheels off my cars a few times a year to properly clean them. Do any other owners with centre locks do this themselves ? Is it feasible ?
Honestly its not a big deal, and very quick once you've done it the first time. No specialist tools needed aside from the specific lub you can order online. You just need a breaker bar (and a short bit of scaffolding tube makes it a breeze). The nut needs torquing to 650Nm - there are a few ways of doing this:- Cheapest is buy one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009GLITFW/ref... . They are very accurate (see many tests online) and use the breaker bar.
- Get a torque multiplier and use your existing torque wrench or above tool - this is the most easy from an effort perspective.
- Buy a torque wrench that can handle 650Nm and check its calibration with the above or do it yourself with a vice and some weights (very easy)
As mentioned above there is plastic hub that can be screwed onto the main bolt that helps you slide the wheel off to try and not hit the ceramics (I got one on ebay for £40 - search lambo/porsche), however ideally have another person to help.
Ah and make sure the wheel is off the ground. Lots of videos on yourtube.
Edited by bosshog on Monday 18th November 10:41
bosshog said:
Honestly its not a big deal, and very quick once you've done it the first time. No specialist tools needed aside from the specific lub you can order online. You just need a breaker bar (and a short bit of scaffolding tube makes it a breeze). The nut needs torquing to 650Nm - there are a few ways of doing this:
- Cheapest is buy one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009GLITFW/ref... . They are very accurate (see many tests online) and use the breaker bar.
- Get a torque multiplier and use your existing torque wrench or above tool - this is the most easy from an effort perspective.
- Buy a torque wrench that can handle 650Nm and check its calibration with the above or do it yourself with a vice and some weights (very easy)
As mentioned above there is plastic hub that can be screwed onto the main bolt that helps you slide the wheel off to try and not hit the ceramics (I got one on ebay for £40 - search lambo/porsche), however ideally have another person to help.
Ah and make sure the wheel is off the ground. Lots of videos on yourtube.
Thanks, super useful will check out the products you mention. I don't mind a few quid to give me the flexibility to do stuff myself. I've even cleaned out the garage to make the whole place look more fitting for a GT3...!- Cheapest is buy one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009GLITFW/ref... . They are very accurate (see many tests online) and use the breaker bar.
- Get a torque multiplier and use your existing torque wrench or above tool - this is the most easy from an effort perspective.
- Buy a torque wrench that can handle 650Nm and check its calibration with the above or do it yourself with a vice and some weights (very easy)
As mentioned above there is plastic hub that can be screwed onto the main bolt that helps you slide the wheel off to try and not hit the ceramics (I got one on ebay for £40 - search lambo/porsche), however ideally have another person to help.
Ah and make sure the wheel is off the ground. Lots of videos on yourtube.
Edited by bosshog on Monday 18th November 10:41
bosshog said:
Honestly its not a big deal, and very quick once you've done it the first time. No specialist tools needed aside from the specific lub you can order online. You just need a breaker bar (and a short bit of scaffolding tube makes it a breeze). The nut needs torquing to 650Nm - there are a few ways of doing this:
- Cheapest is buy one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009GLITFW/ref... . They are very accurate (see many tests online) and use the breaker bar.
- Get a torque multiplier and use your existing torque wrench or above tool - this is the most easy from an effort perspective.
- Buy a torque wrench that can handle 650Nm and check its calibration with the above or do it yourself with a vice and some weights (very easy)
As mentioned above there is plastic hub that can be screwed onto the main bolt that helps you slide the wheel off to try and not hit the ceramics (I got one on ebay for £40 - search lambo/porsche), however ideally have another person to help.
Ah and make sure the wheel is off the ground. Lots of videos on yourtube.
Do you have a link to the £40 version. The ones I can find are more like £140!- Cheapest is buy one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B009GLITFW/ref... . They are very accurate (see many tests online) and use the breaker bar.
- Get a torque multiplier and use your existing torque wrench or above tool - this is the most easy from an effort perspective.
- Buy a torque wrench that can handle 650Nm and check its calibration with the above or do it yourself with a vice and some weights (very easy)
As mentioned above there is plastic hub that can be screwed onto the main bolt that helps you slide the wheel off to try and not hit the ceramics (I got one on ebay for £40 - search lambo/porsche), however ideally have another person to help.
Ah and make sure the wheel is off the ground. Lots of videos on yourtube.
Edited by bosshog on Monday 18th November 10:41
lowndes said:
This will give you some idea of the kit needed to deal with centre locks. If you have ceramics then in additon to the breaker bar and torque wrench and special grease you might like to consider the tool to screw into the hub to prevent chipping of discs.
I bought the kit but never used it. All the gear, no idea.
Enjoy the new car, 991.2 is for me the perfect GT car.
If you are looking to sell it please send me a pm. I bought the kit but never used it. All the gear, no idea.
Enjoy the new car, 991.2 is for me the perfect GT car.
Jeremy
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