Watch this BEFORE you buy a Porsche 996.1 or 996.2 GT3 | Model Guide

[@MD-qp8gj]

Love my 996.2 GT3. Best part about it is how you can throttle steer it and make slide all over the track anytime you want. Love how it demands respect, yes I have spun it. Love how all the parts are still available and you can keep it in 100% condition. Love how when I’m at the track, some drivers flock to my car to tell me how awesome it sounds and how much they regret selling theirs.

[@rubenharris9241]

The way you talk about Porsches make me appreciate each and every one of them 👍

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Us too!

[@clickynote]

I’ll watch any Nathan Merz video produced. This guy makes me really appreciate the minutia and look differently at every listing.

[@stevetheodore_specialtycars]

Nathan continues to set the standard into what I consider true knowledge about so many different Porsches. Although I consider myself very knowledgeable about these cars, I feel that Nathan is just a cut (or two, or three) above most of us with his ability to remember, explain, and describe so many of the features of these amazing machines. Thanks for another truly great video, and I always look forward to these.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Nathan is definitely an encyclopedia of Porsche knowledge!

[@sklyrovka]

Nice to see the narrative finally shift. These are the ONLY proper analog GT3.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

So glad you agree!

[@nicolojaselli2452]

this will be my bible for my 996 gt3

[@mikebarnard2689]

I’m lucky enough to own the Biarritz White 996.1 GT3 Clubsport , remapped to 384bhp and running Manthey spec KW3 suspension… just aesthetic and analogue perfection.

[@andyirwin70]

The only one in the UK. Looks great in photos I've seen

[@mikebarnard2689]

@@andyirwin70 cheers Andy, don’t use it as much as I used to but it never disappoints, there is just nothing out there that I could replace it with.. so I’ll keep it 😀

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Sounds like the perfect back road/track day car

[@bruceloheac8581]

Got also a Biarritz white 996.1 GT3 clubsport. After more than a year waiting for this, last week we took a photo shoot of mine and another one, both coming from Japan originally. This moment was really special!

[@mikebarnard2689]

@@bruceloheac8581 superb, post a link to pics , I’d love to see it ( them).

[@SF_Native]

Already like, I absolutely LOVE these episodes. Nathan is like the yoda of Porsches.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

100%

[@anson4741]

Haven't even watched it and already knew it's going to be great. Thank you Nathan for another informative, insightful video for our Porsche addiction!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@gabebercz6651]

Another great video Nathan! I’m lucky to own a .2 not realizing fewer than a thousand were sold in the US. If anyone is interested in Porsche deep dives, they should watch Nathan’s other excellent videos. The amount of work he puts into them and the his vast knowledge presented in an easily understandable and professional manner make a two hour video seem like 30 minutes. I’ll be looking forward to the 997 GT3 video in the future!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We appreciate the kind words, and we're looking forward to making the 997 GT3 video!

[@Keiferdrives]

I could watch these videos all day

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Same

[@raphaeledwards]

I'm not even in the market for a 996 GT3 and found this fascinating! Thank you for taking the time and really appreciate my 991 that much more

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! It's always fun to learn about the cars we love, even if you're not in the market for one.

[@owenoconnor2700]

Love the history of these, Roland Kussmaul went out on a limb for this, agree re 000 magazine, Norman Foster describes the 996 as the spiritual successor to 356 in Road Rat, the gt3 epitomizes this philosophy of making to most of what’s available, many thanks for this video

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@florianl4255]

What a great video! I adore the amount of detailed information. I have been owning my 996.1 mk2 since 2007 and thought I knew most about it. Yet here I have learnt so much more. Thank you very much!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@larrygk1257]

The more I dislike the headlights the more I love them. 😉 Great videos always and wish when I bought my 996.1 TTx50 a year ago that I could have stretched to buy a GT3 but happy enough. I remember even back in 2010 looking at these for about $60k IIRC. And watched Nathan's video on my car before purchasing.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Awesome to hear you watched Nathan’s 996 Turbo model guide before buying yours :)

[@tedshaw4160]

One more thing about the Taco Wing. It's adjustable, 3 positions, manually adjustable. One click up produces a distinct difference in downforce and stability above about 70 MPH.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chickenfurnace]

996.1 and .2 are some of my favourite looking porsches. The GT3 is so cool :)

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Ours too!

[@andyirwin70]

Great video. These engines really come alive above 6000rpm and not sure those roads/traffic really let you explore that. You mention at the end about digging into the changes between the two engines....The Mk1 has the simpler 2 Stage 'Variocam' on intake side whereas the Mk2 has 'Variocam Plus' which is infinitely adjustable. On the Mk1, you really feel/hear the last cam stage come in above about 6500rpm as it's a step change, not gradual like the Mk2.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for the info!

[@kUdtiHaEX]

I am planning to purchase 996.2 GT3 for myself and this video landed in a perfect time. Excellent, no bullshit, informative video that I needed. Thank you!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@kUdtiHaEX]

@@PorscheClubofAmerica I was wondering about space inside. I am 6.8”, am I going to fit inside one of these MK2? I do not have a chance to try one of these in my country so I am trying to find information on how spacious they are inside.

[@brembopollypor9965]

Hi, European here! My normal non-GT3 996.2 has ribbed headlights, so not unique to (European) GT3’s 😅 So frustrating that ‘investors’ got wind, finally got close to be able to afford one some 4 years ago and then the prices went bananas😥

[@porschenut9]

What a great video. I own a 996.2 cup and 996.2 GT3 clubsport and had a chuckle at the comment at the end of the video. It’s so true, the cup car adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Love the road cars just as much!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching and for owning some great cars!

[@sodomoto]

Cool video - thanks for putting this together PCA / Nathan M. Have a 1999 996.1 GT3 Cup for you to shoot if you'd like. Working to secure a couple more 996.1 GT3 as well...

[@juzmonger]

Excellent video! Thank you for this. So detailed and thorough. The 25 year rule is exciting - these cars are a real sweet spot between classic analogue and modern, giving an exciting and satisfying drive 🙏

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@francoislopin6372]

Hi Nathan, really loved the comprehensive video. I have option codes on mine that I can’t decipher. Option 734: PV-0 series engine Option 735: PV-0 series transmission Option 776: zero series What do they mean?

[@bluesky9093]

Another great video from Nathan, I learn so much each time. I have to say it nice to see silver rims on a car. I noticed in Porsche’s recent launch of the 992.2 GT3 touring, the car in their video was a beautiful oak green with silver rims - stunning

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Silver wheels are always a classy look.

[@peterglibert5848]

This is THE best informative video I have ever seen about these amazing cars. Thanks !!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We appreciate the feedback! That’s what we were going for :)

[@Inazuma68]

I drive a Swiss 996.2 GT3 in midnight blue. I guess that was not sold very often. Also with the RS wing it looks much better. Just love to drive that car. I wished, spring would come soon….

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That’s a great color, and the RS wing certainly enhances the look.

[@tomjakaby6126]

Very well done video. So much knowledge about these cars. I'm not in the market for one. Just bought a Cayman R. Love it!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The Cayman R is a great choice!

[@MD-qp8gj]

My buddy auto-crosses his Cayman R, great car! I autocross my 996 Gt3!

[@3161051]

Hey Nathan, congrats on another great video! Quick question regarding the .1 GT3 in the video...shouldn't the Porsche crest on the steering wheel be silver for MY2000 like your C2 Aerokit car? I believe all MY2000 cars had the silver (millennial) crests on the steering wheels?

[@stimsingh9361]

Love my 996 RS white/red spec 2.3k miles with no milage restrictions in the USA… 💥

[@nathanmerz]

That is my near grail spec car! First choice is a blue graphic but if you ever want to sell it, come find me!

[@stimsingh9361]

@@nathanmerz If you are in CT, let me know. You can take it out for a spin... Or review my car at the next Porsche meeting. take care.

[@nathanmerz]

@@stimsingh9361 I WILL take you up on that offer!

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

It's funny that I always hear that the .1 cars had the mechanical trunk release and that the electronic system didn't debut until the .2 models, but my 2001 Carrera (aerokit) has the electronic releases in it and it's definitely a .1 car.

[@904carrera]

You are right, the MY2001 introduced the electric hood release, alcantara headliner and electric mirrors on the 996.1 (at least on the GT3, and I guess probably on all of them)

[@andyirwin70]

Hi, there was a second batch of 996.1 GT3"s made that had electronic release. They had to take a break to make 996 Mezger Turbo engines.

[@RichardStrahota]

Thanks for the deep dive on the 996 GT3.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@woodsidecredit]

2 hours of Porsche enthusiast gold!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@private.possessions]

I understand why you didn't want to quote estimated production figures for the 996.1 Clubsport models since no official numbers were ever published, but after years of research it is generally agreed they are somewhere in this ballpark: - 1,868 Mk1 996 GT3s - 374 total Clubsports - 283 LHD/91 RHD It is a far rarer car than the later 996.2 GT3 RS (682 examples).

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for the insight!

[@Craina-gk8uz]

Great video. Love my 996.2 gt3. I have done a lot of upgrades, my favorite of which being the lwfw and clutch from the RS 4.0. One more thing to look for underneath is the adjustable lower control arm. I have heard of some cars where these have been replaced with the non-adjustable from a C2.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That's a great detail to point out - we appreciate it!

[@MD-qp8gj]

I changed all mine to RSS, totally worth it!

[@Craina-gk8uz]

@@MD-qp8gj I replaced mine when I bought the car. I wanted to track it and at 40k miles it gave me peace of mind. I went with the Porsche Motorsports LCA. Added them in the rear as well.

[@original2758]

I'll take a .1 with the original sleek headlights with the performance upgrades of the. 2 Would pair nicely with my 02, 3.2 liter, six speed Porsche Boxster S with Fabspeed Exhaust, CAI, catless headers, IPD Plenum/TB, Numeric shifter etc. The headlight design aged well!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That sounds like a great pairing!

[@nyguy0204]

Nathan is always the best!

[@joeyhill218]

Another great video by Nathan

[@pricepolice834]

holy shit this is 2 hours. should be a doc shown in schools

[@florianl4255]

I would really like to find out on how many 996.1 GT3 are out there that came later than my "piano black" one that was picked up by the first owner from Dusseldorf at the PORSCHE factory on December 5th 2000. I know it is one of those last 518 that were built after the 2000 summer factory break. The 99.1 MK2 GT3 included a quite significant number of upgrades compared to the first batch of 1350 items that were produced in 1999 and first half of 2000. Upgrades included alcantara roof lining, stell synchro gearbox, optimized water cooling and motronic engine management, electric trunk and hood release, ...Do the VIN numbers actually follow an order over those last weeks? Which ones would be the latest?

[@larrycable984]

had a .1 CS and a .2 ... .1 brakes (front 4 pot from the 996 turbo I believe) were not up to the task on track ... wish I could import a .2 RS!

[@JoseSinibaldi]

Brilliant! How about a comparison with the 40th AE? If my sources are correct that car’s engine was developed by Porsche Motorsports along with the GT3 just in case the GT3 couldn’t pass emissions or proved unreliable. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts @NathanMerz

[@nathanmerz]

While I REALLY like the 40th AE and think it is an amazing package, IMO a comparison isn't really worthwhile as while they have a similar amount of absolute power 345hp (AE) vs 380hp (.2 GT3) the cars have VERY different design goals and mission. It all depends on what you want to use the car for. I find myself driving my non GT 996 Aero much more often my GT cars or my Turbo as it is a GREAT everyday car that is comfortable, plenty interesting for street driving and easy to live with. The GT3 on the other hand is a MUCH more focused performance car that when driven as intended is extremely rewarding. So while one could use either car for either purpose, each car is best in its designed environment. Love them both.

[@JoseSinibaldi]

@ As always, you bring perspective to the conversation. Great points! Thank you.

[@kaplandjk]

Man love for this guy.

[@NZotyoka81]

The best candies were always here in Europe. There is a 996 c2 competition with carbon fiber interior and with the x50 Metzger engine. Limited and only for european market.

[@nathanmerz]

Sadly true! So many great cars were denied us here in the US, luckily that is not as prevalent as it was thru the early 2000's, but we still miss some cool stuff!

[@thetumanshow]

Another Porsche that will slip out of reach. Just glad I have my 4/98 996.1 C2. It’s a great little car but the Metzger motor definitely has a unique, Aircooled type character

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you’re enjoying your car!

[@francoislopin6372]

Hi Nathan, do you know if there was a special-order aero kit for the GT3 featuring an air-intake on the upper part of the front bumper, like on the GT3 RS?

[@nathanmerz]

No, but it was a common change in period by owners.

[@darioazul]

Would someone please post the link to the person that makes the stickers? Thank you.

[@jm4037]

Nathan do you have a shop you recommend in the Seattle area for general maintenance?

[@MD-qp8gj]

Dundon Motorsports

[@nathanmerz]

In Seattle we are blessed to have many amazing independent shops. It highly depends on what specific model Porsche you own, your location and your personality.

[@jm4037]

@@nathanmerz how about for 987.1s? I’m located in downtown Seattle but flexible

[@jambear7862]

So cool

[@nahknahk]

I don’t believe the info about the headlight ribbing is correct. I believe only the GT2 and Turbo have the non-ribbed headlights

[@nathanmerz]

You are correct, I misspoke, the Turbo and GT2 have the smooth and the .2 Carrera and GT3 have the ribbed. Thanks for catching that!

[@nahknahk]

@@nathanmerz Thanks for the video! impossible to get everything right!

[@Porsche_Past]

Love me 996's

[@YogisGarage]

While I don't own a 996 GT3, I own TWO 996 cabriolets. A Carrera that's been bored to a 4.0 and a 2005 Turbo S cab with almost 600 hp. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this generation. Fried eggs and all.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Those sound like fun cars!

[@rbslammed6163]

The amount of commercials in these videos is killing me

[@hughmann1908]

Give me the 2010 all day long. Last Metzger. These are still too expensive but now I know why 😊 Which Ohlins on your Cayman?

[@kidnplaye4630]

Rather own a turbo

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Lots of good reasons to own a Turbo over a GT3. And vice versa

[@butzi911]

Used to have a 6spd turbo Cab and then a 6spd aerokit turbo coupe before my .2 GT3. I prefer the GT3 but they are all great cars.

[@nathanmerz]

Both are great, it all depends on what you use case and your driving preferences are. I did a similar deep dive on the Turbo here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3SxeqirhJlgeqs

[@emilymckenna6261]

I've owned both... I prefer the .2 GT3 over all my previous Porsches.. aircooled and other various watercooled it works best for me... 996 Turbos are great daily drivers comfy soft good Trq... but out if the box the .2 GT3 just delivers smiles best damn 911 Porsche has made total package.. for me of course. Thanks for video!

[@Phil99six]

At first I thought that Nathan was FINALLY doing the 996. Nope, disappointed again 😞

[@nathanmerz]

Don't lose hope Phil! It is on my list, but believe it or not I have a pretty busy schedule both in the shop and outside. Love the 996, so be patient.

[@Phil99six]

@@nathanmerz Thanks! I’m looking forward to watching it

[@kcw9313]

996.1 wheel fitment is way off dude lol. Sits inboard like an RV.

[@hertzair1186]

As much as I try, I just can’t warm up to the 996….just can’t get past those egg-lights.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Fair enough!

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

I struggle with the 991 and 992 models having the four square ice cube lights arranged in a rectangle inside of the round housing. It's a terrible look in my opinion, and makes me appreciate my 996's round headlights within the runny egg housings even more.

[@realstradman]

Well from the drivers seat you don't see those right? And from that perspective the 996 chassis is special and way underappreciated. However people "in the know", know..