Why are early 991 GT3 values on the best way down?
In the event you’ve even glanced at Porsche 991 GT3 costs, significantly within the final yr or so, you’ve got in all probability questioned how they’ll range a lot. Whereas separated in some instances solely by a single mannequin yr, it isn’t unusual for a later-model 991 GT3 to value almost 50 p.c greater than what the same 2014-2016 mannequin would possibly. And while you begin including in limited-run or fascinating colours and choices, seemingly comparable automobiles may be over $100,000 aside after the mud settles and the public sale ends. There are some compelling causes for the approachable value.
Porsche 911 GT3Porsche
Early 991 GT3 engines have a deadly engine flaw
Porsche produced the 991.1 GT3 from 2014 till 2016. Powering these automobiles is a 3.8-liter flat six producing 475 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Solid pistons and titanium connecting rods permit the flat-six to rev out to 9,000 rpm, which is a contributing issue to the automobile’s capacity to dash from zero to 60 mph in simply over three seconds. Regardless of the hefty {hardware}, the unique engine is, actually, the 991.1 GT3’s weak level. A couple of yr after the final 991.1 GT3 left the manufacturing unit, it (formally) got here to mild {that a} metallurgical challenge with the engine’s finger followers may result in untimely engine failure.
Porsche 911 GT3Porsche
You see, again when the automobile was new, a bunch of Porsche fanatics—recognized now because the COG, or Involved Homeowners Group—really met with Porsche higher-ups to resolve why many early 991 GT3 engines appeared to be failing. With or with out vital observe use, homeowners have been reporting widespread failures, typically tracing issues again to a high-rpm misfire and a examine engine mild. We’re simplifying, however Porsche acknowledged the problems and extended the engine warranty of 991.1 era GT3 autos in all markets to a complete of 10 years or 120,000 car miles from the automobile’s in-service date. As these warranties start to run out, peace of thoughts turns into simply barely much less accessible to homeowners and customers.
Different catches and why the 991.1 GT3 may not be the one you need
Whereas the finger follower points are the first cause 991.1 GT3 automobiles do not command as a lot money, there are different, much less essential causes for his or her relative affordability. For one, the 991.1 GT3 solely got here with a PDK computerized transmission. It is not a nasty gearbox and is arguably the higher selection for observe work, however there’s a actual attract in rowing one’s personal gears. Second, 991.2 automobiles ditched the three.8-liter for a considerably totally different 4.0-liter unit with a bit extra energy and 0 finger follower points. Limiting your self to 991.1 era automobiles additionally means you do not get the ultra-cool Touring mannequin, which got here sans wing. Typically, much less is extra.
Porsche 911 GT3Porsche
There are alternatives and workarounds for the 991.1 GT3 engine points
In fact, if none of these different “catches” are thought-about deal-breakers and you are still useless set on bringing house a contemporary GT3 with bottom-of-the-barrel pricing, you could have choices. The best of which is that many 991.1 GT3s have already had their engines changed with the confirmed “G6” substitute engine. Ask for documentation if the proprietor would not disclose it upfront.
Moreover, there are, as of this writing, nonetheless some 991.1 GT3s with time left on their guarantee. Some Rennlist members have even reported success in shopping for service contracts to increase the 10-year/120,000-mile guarantee till 2029. However that is solely a legitimate route ahead whereas the automobile’s present guarantee is undamaged. There are additionally quite a lot of aftermarket options, together with full top-end rebuilds from any certainly one of a number of nationally famend impartial Porsche retailers and just-released up to date finger followers from third parties like Efficiency Developments. Even swapping in a later 4.0-liter unit from the 991.2 is taken into account a legitimate various to some.
View the two photos of this gallery on the original article
Remaining ideas
Barring the polarizing 996-era GT3—the genesis of the GT3 nameplate—the 991.1 GT3 is the most cost effective strategy to get into one of the crucial unique and best-driving fanatic automobiles ever. When paired with vigilance and data, the suitable used mannequin can symbolize an incredible worth, particularly in comparison with the 991.2 automobiles. Full disclosure: lots of the fixes and workarounds are nonetheless five-figure prices that when added on to the preliminary buy value of a 991.1, inch fairly near 991.2 automobiles. The 991.2 can even probably retain worth higher, each due to its 4.0-liter mill and since it is the newer mannequin. Purchaser beware—however there shall be offers on the market as Porsche’s 10-year engine guarantee fades away.
