DJM Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 So I went and test drove 997.1 GT3 CS this week thinking I was going to haggle and buy. Unfortunately 997 CS seats are quite a bit narrower than the perfect for me 996 ones. I have bruised hips to prove it, extremely uncomfortable. And strangely it just didn't feel like 415hp to the point I walked away a little disillusioned. And at nearly $200k for a 10 year old car.....looked and sounded great though.For months I've been considering "what else would I buy". That Sierra RS500 is interesting. Then I was surprised to read this:To put its performance into perspective, Porsche’s road going race prepared 911 996 GT3 Clubsport was lapping the infamous Tsukuba circuit in 1.07.68. The Sprit R – 1.06.47. Costing 1/3 of the price and over 1 second faster round the track – the Spirit R was out performing a specifically track focused flagship model from one the world’s most reputable supercar producers. Well played Mazda!http://www.fabcar.com.au/thats-the-spirit/RX7 Spirit R was the last of the line and Type A is a pseudo clubsport. Only 1000 made worldwide. Sub 1300kg. Sure they look a bit limp wristed by comparison and 13B TT in stock form vs 3.6 Mezger is no comparison. So what are they worth? about 45-50k for the "touring" type B with recliners or up to 60k for fixed bucket type Aor for $70k (but I reckon $60k might buy it) some bloke has professionally built a 20B T with 600 rwhp - add some track seats, cage, harness, wheels and tyres and this would demolish anything on road and trackhttps://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-RX-7-2002/SSE-AD-4778425 Its OK, it's a Porsche forum, I fully expect to be howled down for suggesting such blasphemy ..? But I've owned a few contrarian cars over the years - I'm about the seat of the pants enjoyment, not appearances or status. And in fact I don't enjoy the responsibility of being custodian of a collectible or having to consider the cars rarity and value every time I hop in.I thought GT3 had to be ticked off but I'm not sure now. So do I spend $50k and keep $150k in the bank and go as fast as a GT3? Has anyone here owned one of these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D2000 Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Why not buy the Mazda and a 996 GT3? Best of both worlds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 4August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Well I do have a 4 car garage with 2 vacant spots......?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastr Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Do it! You can crowd fund a set of apex seals Why not try and find one of the original rx-7 SPs which were prepared for Bathurst? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 4August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Do it! You can crowd fund a set of apex seals Why not try and find one of the original rx-7 SPs which were prepared for Bathurst? don't believe the hype about reliability. Built properly these engines last - in fact my mechanic who is currently rebuilding my race car engine (ironic...) says the facts show they are THE most reliable race engine in the world. It's the back yard guys that don't understand tolerances and attention to detail that build shit engines that fail and they sook about it. My guy talked me through it with my engine on the bench in bits. Super simple but assembly of the springs and seals etc and machining of surfaces, balancing rotor assembly etc are all critical.SP is super rare and super expensive. Buy a replica instead:1995 Mazda RX-7 SP Series 6 Manual73,454 kmCoupeManualRotary 13BTT RPrivateFor more information on this vehicle please visit:https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mazda-RX-7-1995/SSE-AD-4859442 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coastr Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Yeah I know they can be good I just can't help making rotary jokes. I'm a long time fan of the spinning triangles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Why not buy the Mazda and a 996 GT3? Best of both worlds I'd do this, as you considered dropping 200 large anyway ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hugh Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Why not just a 996 GT3 then? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 4August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 RX7 is faster.....! You know me, never one to follow convention with cars. Maybe try an RX7 for a while then buy your GT3 when prices plummet back to $80k ?.....unlikely.Buy the 20B car for $60k fit some wide wheels, cage and wing and sell the current track car with a new engine. Club reg the 20B car for weekend blasts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symsy Posted 4August, 2017 Report Share Posted 4August, 2017 Hip Surgery - become a hipsterorImport a rotary out of Japan.. cheaper and build what you want ..or Comfort Spec 997 and harness and or fit a 996 seat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 5August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 ^^ nah it's like the European supermodel farted in my bed - reality didn't live up to the hype and I'm moving on to a Japanese girl next door type that caught my eye, is just as "fast" but not as glamorousi am actually struggling to see $190k of value in GT3s to be honest. Perhaps has more to do with the way I own and drive cars, $200k cars are just not a sensible investment for me. I want $50k hard and fast and if it gets thrashed and trashed and is worth $20k when I'm done so what. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symsy Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 Cheap Asian thrills , .. not the Outlaw .. more Soi Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutch-monkey Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 20B is bucket list motor, would definitely go for that 20B rx7.Gt3 can be had anytime. it's advantage lies in more usability, not track speed imo. i.e. i'd love that rx7 for track, but for, my roadtrips the Gt3 would be first choice.depends what your preference is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1q2w3e4r Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 ^^ nah it's like the European supermodel farted in my bed - reality didn't live up to the hype and I'm moving on to a Japanese girl next door type that caught my eye, is just as "fast" but not as glamorousi am actually struggling to see $190k of value in GT3s to be honest. Perhaps has more to do with the way I own and drive cars, $200k cars are just not a sensible investment for me. I want $50k hard and fast and if it gets thrashed and trashed and is worth $20k when I'm done so what. Your a boost addict, a GT3 is never going to fix the itch! You'd really need another 6/2 or 7/2 or a TT to get the power you'd want if you stick with Porsche Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James P Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 CUP CAR!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 5August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 20B is bucket list motor, would definitely go for that 20B rx7.I looked at sourcing and building a 20B BP Turbo for my S1 TX7 track car, stopped counting at about $40k. So I had my 13B rebuilt instead under $10k. It's fast enough. Oh and bridgeports were cleaned up and enlarged so probably get a few more ponies anyway. Makes that built car look bloody cheap. It's a $50k - $60k car without the 20B and all the supporting bits.Your a boost addict, a GT3 is never going to fix the itch! You'd really need another 6/2 or 7/2 or a TT to get the power you'd want if you stick with Porsche done the Porsche Turbo thing, don't plan on going backCUP CAR!!!!!!!!!!yeah but heard horror stories about maintenance costs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clutch-monkey Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 I looked at sourcing and building a 20B BP Turbo for my S1 TX7 track car, stopped counting at about $40k. So I had my 13B rebuilt instead under $10k. It's fast enough. Oh and bridgeports were cleaned up and enlarged so probably get a few more ponies anyway. Makes that built car look bloody cheap. It's a $50k - $60k car without the 20B and all the supporting bits.exactly. i reckon grab it and experience it while you can. if you change your mind, can get a Gt3 later. the other way around would be harder! 20b's thin on the ground Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 I want $50k hard and fast and if it gets thrashed and trashed and is worth $20k when I'm done so what. Bravo sir! Wish more people would think like that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 5August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 Haha just what I needed, validation for my hairbrained ideas! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeM Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 Having an ex many years ago who was a Japanese model, I can't agree on the less glamorous part though mate ??(I still don't know how I snagged her!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zelrik911 Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 Since you are talking JDM !!!Has anybody spent any time in a Godzilla GT-R R35? I know they are fast but are they comfortable? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzJustin Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 My vote goes to the 20B RX7 as well. It sounds like that's the car to scratch your itch. The GT3 can still come later... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smit2100 Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 done the Porsche Turbo thing, don't plan on going back haha "gt3 didn't feel like 415hp" = +1 on boost addict diagnosis comment from q1w2e3r4Like your home mechanics comment on modifying rx7's, same applies to Porsche turbo's. If your ever in Sydney, reckon q1w2e3r4 could change your mind very quickly on the P turbo comment. (take your pick, 996 or 997) Not all modded boosted P cars are alike and select your turbo's and tuner wisely me thinks. Eg, Same principles you mention on your built rx7 motor applies to say a 996 turbo. Both q1w2e3r4 and I are onto a mechanic / turbo builder / engine builder who also tunes select P cars that's into zero tolerance clearances on one area of the 996 turbo that many dismiss and overlook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevepGT3 Posted 5August, 2017 Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 The whole GT3 thing only comes into it`s own when you are really up it , I would say that a test drive around town would be like using a diving bell in a bathtub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJM Posted 5August, 2017 Author Report Share Posted 5August, 2017 I did get up it along the freeway but granted only a short squirt 2nd, 3rd gear. I'm sure they are great, I'd be foolish to suggest otherwise given rave reviews but just didn't have the poke I expected. Maybe rob had the handbrake half on ?I was more focussed on the agony of sitting on a angle with my arse half wedged into the seat. Felt like my pelvis was 50mm wider than the carbon shell of the seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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