GT4 to RS the journey ;) - Page 4 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

At the request of TDT, thought I’d make a write up of my GT4 experience. Brought my first GT4 in 2020, and was a 2021 model. First thing I noticed was the lack of sound, so started to look at exhaust options. The Cargraphic valve controller seemed like a cost effective first step, so decided to get Parr to fit one for me. Think it was the first one they installed.

The valve controller helped bring a bit more noise but wasn’t enough for a sound junky I decided to look for performance and sound so looked into manifolds. A specialist recommended kline 200-300cell headers so I decided to go for that. They said performance would improve 10-15bhp.

Next up was adding BCF exhaust This gave a sound improvement matted with the headers and valve controller.

Suspension setup didn’t feel right, too much understeer and jittery feel. At the time the only option was Manthey. A uk specialist fitted the “stage 1” kit.

Next up was a test of the manifolds and rear box. Unfortunately we did not see any noticeable gains with this configuration.

MannyLon said: Suspension setup didn’t feel right, too much understeer and jittery feel. At the time the only option was Manthey. A uk specialist fitted the “stage 1” kit. Hopefully you took this stuff of the GT4 if you traded it in a part of the 4RS deal. Kit can be reused on the 4RS.

TDT said: Hopefully you took this stuff of the GT4 if you traded it in a part of the 4RS deal. Kit can be reused on the 4RS. I’ll check as dealer is taking exhaust off. Ta.

For the camber plates…I believe the OEM 4RS plates are centred just like the OEM GT4 plate, so whilst the 4RS comes with more shim from the factory, the offset camber plate from the kit will give you wider range again, whilst maintaining correct caster. OEM 4RS toe links are different length than the OEM GT4 toe links, but standard 4RS adjustment is still done with the limited range of the eccentric bolt… so having the adjustable length toe link from the kit is still valid. This is if you want a more aggressive setup for managing tyre wear on track. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to touch anything at all if you don’t want to - in that case you can always resell this kit and make a little bit of money back and give a saving to someone else.

TDT said: For the camber plates…I believe the OEM 4RS plates are centred just like the OEM GT4 plate, so whilst the 4RS comes with more shim from the factory, the offset camber plate from the kit will give you wider range again, whilst maintaining correct caster. OEM 4RS toe links are different length than the OEM GT4 toe links, but standard 4RS adjustment is still done with the limited range of the eccentric bolt… so having the adjustable length toe link from the kit is still valid. This is if you want a more aggressive setup for managing tyre wear on track. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to touch anything at all if you don’t want to - in that case you can always resell this kit and make a little bit of money back and give a saving to someone else. Thanks. I’ll check with the dealer.

TDT said: For the camber plates…I believe the OEM 4RS plates are centred just like the OEM GT4 plate, so whilst the 4RS comes with more shim from the factory, the offset camber plate from the kit will give you wider range again, whilst maintaining correct caster. OEM 4RS toe links are different length than the OEM GT4 toe links, but standard 4RS adjustment is still done with the limited range of the eccentric bolt… so having the adjustable length toe link from the kit is still valid. This is if you want a more aggressive setup for managing tyre wear on track. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to touch anything at all if you don’t want to - in that case you can always resell this kit and make a little bit of money back and give a saving to someone else. So the GT4RS still doesn't have the adjustment out of the box, of the standard GT3 ???

ChrisW. said: TDT said: For the camber plates…I believe the OEM 4RS plates are centred just like the OEM GT4 plate, so whilst the 4RS comes with more shim from the factory, the offset camber plate from the kit will give you wider range again, whilst maintaining correct caster. OEM 4RS toe links are different length than the OEM GT4 toe links, but standard 4RS adjustment is still done with the limited range of the eccentric bolt… so having the adjustable length toe link from the kit is still valid. This is if you want a more aggressive setup for managing tyre wear on track. Of course, you don’t necessarily need to touch anything at all if you don’t want to - in that case you can always resell this kit and make a little bit of money back and give a saving to someone else. So the GT4RS still doesn't have the adjustment out of the box, of the standard GT3 ??? Always wondered why the (recent generation/s) GT3 rear toe isn’t adjustable electronically.

jackwood said: Always wondered why the (recent generation/s) GT3 rear toe isn’t adjustable electronically. I believe it is?….. The RWS actuators are in place of a traditional Toe arm? That is what they’ve done with the S/T anyway. Removed the actuator and put a traditional rose jointed arm back in. When adjusting rear toe on 991 and later GT3 i think you have to have the car powered on in order for the ecu to recalibrate the RWS, based upon the new static toe setting.

ChrisW. said: So the GT4RS still doesn't have the adjustment out of the box, of the standard GT3 ??? Nope. All solid mounts/rose jointed, so things that we have done like clubsport LCA inners and caster pucks don’t need to be done, as car comes with, but 4RS still some of the same limitations in terms of wide range adjustability. Edited by TDT on Thursday 4th January 23:00

Crazy how complex it’s got now!

nice write up, btw those guys seem to also do some nice things with Porsche. say a 981 GT4 some plug and play items and 450hp or +53 WHP so it seems they callit the GT450 package? https://www.fabspeed.com/porsche-cayman-gt4-fabspe... they also do a street set up that has less hp https://www.fabspeed.com/porsche-981-cayman-gt4-fa... they also do the 718 GT4 and RS but I guess more to come. https://www.fabspeed.com/fabspeed-718-gt4-gts-spyd... btw, then there is that company that can give the 3.8 or 4.0 cayman engine an more, 560hp NA by enlarge them to 4.5L https://demanmotorsport.com/4-5l-cayman/

ChrisW. said: Well I've made my mind up. As many will know I have massively over-serviced whilst regularly tracking and modifying my 981 GT4 which was one of the very first cars with the advantage of the splined third gear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have deliberately kept all the original components that have been exchanged ... but after eight+ years I felt that it was time for a change. I had always thought that the logical next step was a GT4RS ... the car that Porsche would never sell me, once secondhand prices dropped down towards list prices. Before Christmas this had happened and dealers were very keen to close a cash sale before the end of the year and I came whisker close to buying a red GT4RS at Porsche Edinburgh who were very straight with me, but ... 1. Even at list price the car was £25k over the new car that I would have specified for myself 2. I do have some hearing loss and I worried about exacerbating this in a GT4RS 3. The GT4RS still has limitations with the rear suspension when compared to a GT3 ... and it also has limited down force, ... I want more in the next experience of my track car ownership 4. Build numbers / residuals ... are they still going to build 7000 of them ? So I went hunting with the negotiating advantage of the December deadline ... 992 GT3 (?) ... I didn't like the less traditional interior ... and there are so many around / residuals ... manual would be nice but maybe not on an even faster track car ... 992 GT3RS (?) not an option for so many reasons ... so no to the 992. Next up was the 991.2 GT3 RS ... very few around without Weissach which I didn't want, but I managed to find a one owner 2018 non-Weissach car with one owner, full OPC service history, 7500 miles and front tyres dated week 40 / 18. Even better it carried the approved warranty which extended this to June 2026 and all the other advantages of an approved car ... new tyres / service / mot etc. It was an SOR car and the original owner and the OPC were amazing in helping me to make it happen with a committed deposit on the 30th December and completion mid January once my source investments had been liquidated ... hopefully earlier. This should keep me happy and out of trouble for another eight years when hopefully I won't be in line for an upgrade to an off-road wheelchair ?? Question ... what to do with my modified GT4 ? Surely not to return it to standard ? Look forward to seeing it I see so many people modifying GT4s, but I very rarely ever see modified GT4s for sale, bar some at RPM. Are people just selling them via GT4 specific groups/forums before they hit Autotrader?

Hm... well done on having the self control and discipline to do that Chris.... think i'd slit my wrists and burn the cars if I did a similar exercise on costs tbh so I prefer to just continue to pretend it isn't all that much.......

Wow, congrats Chris... look forward to seeing it - hopefully at RS day, If not later in the year. 991.2 3RS is definitely the PROPER change from where you have been, and hopefully you can gel with it in a way that you didn't with the 991.2 GT3. 3RS...No holds barred! Edited by TDT on Friday 5th January 11:40

It's smiles per mile ! Chris, IIRC you didn't get a lot of bites last time you considered selling what is - frankly an amazing GT4! There will be a price where a track rat grabs it from you but I am delighted to hear about your new purchase and look forward to seeing it soon.

I love this stuff because it makes me realise how much of a sissy I am. At no point have I ever gotten close enough to the limit of my car to get whether it feels "jittery and too much understeer"

MannyLon said: Next up was adding BCF exhaust This gave a sound improvement matted with the headers and valve controller. Firstly thanks for starting this thread very interesting so far As I too have a 718 GT4 and want it to sound better I've considered the car graphic valve controller and incidentally also the BCF exhaust Do you mind me asking if you had your time again would you go just for just the BCF? both still? any views you can share for someone possibly embarking on same journey? Thanks

Bringing the thread back on track We arranged the largest gathering of GT4s at C&M. Was a fun day out and nice to meet club members.

Brilliant news, looking forward to seen this :-)

kemik77 said: Firstly thanks for starting this thread very interesting so far As I too have a 718 GT4 and want it to sound better I've considered the car graphic valve controller and incidentally also the BCF exhaust Do you mind me asking if you had your time again would you go just for just the BCF? both still? any views you can share for someone possibly embarking on same journey? Thanks Wait for the rest of my journey BCF is fine by itself for sound.

MannyLon said: Bringing the thread back on track We arranged the largest gathering of GT4s at C&M. Was a fun day out and nice to meet club members. Just filling the time gap between your posts mate!. lol Let's fast forward.... Why did you decide to change to 4RS? How did the deal go down? Where did you buy from? What did P/X anything? GT4, Carrera T, Spyder? What is your impression of the 4RS? Plans for the car?.. mods, trips, drives, trackdays Pics!

TDT said: Just filling the time gap between your posts mate!. lol Let's fast forward.... Why did you decide to change to 4RS? How did the deal go down? Where did you buy from? What did P/X anything? GT4, Carrera T, Spyder? What is your impression of the 4RS? Plans for the car?.. mods, trips, drives, trackdays Pics! All in good time

MannyLon said: All in good time Looking forward to it

isaldiri said: Hm... well done on having the self control and discipline to do that Chris.... think i'd slit my wrists and burn the cars if I did a similar exercise on costs tbh so I prefer to just continue to pretend it isn't all that much....... I know I have syphoned the money I spent on my car out of the joint account over the years, but fortunately, despite a degree in maths and a masters in computer science, my wife's arithmetic isn't that sharp. I'd never risk documenting running costs like that though - if she ever found it I'd be sleeping in the shed. Congrats on the new wheels Chris.

Still not satisfied with the exhaust setup, I returned the Kline manifolds and sold the BCF rear as wanted to try other configurations. Next try was Akra link pipes: These helped produce natural pops and crackles which I really liked and saved weight being titanium.

MannyLon said: Still not satisfied with the exhaust setup, I returned the Kline manifolds and sold the BCF rear as wanted to try other configurations. Next try was Akra link pipes: These helped produce natural pops and crackles which I really liked and saved weight being titanium. Did you have to remap to kill CEL or use an OBD blocker, or nothing?

TDT said: Did you have to remap to kill CEL or use an OBD blocker, or nothing? Blocker

MannyLon said: TDT said: Did you have to remap to kill CEL or use an OBD blocker, or nothing? Blocker So much weight comes out with side silencers though. It's incredible. I guess the cats were a few kilos too?

Digga said: So much weight comes out with side silencers though. It's incredible. I guess the cats were a few kilos too? Yea, that’s coming

MannyLon said: TDT said: Just filling the time gap between your posts mate!. lol Let's fast forward.... Why did you decide to change to 4RS? How did the deal go down? Where did you buy from? What did P/X anything? GT4, Carrera T, Spyder? What is your impression of the 4RS? Plans for the car?.. mods, trips, drives, trackdays Pics! All in good time Sorry for the hijack ( ... I thought you'd finished) ... I'll start my own post

Well I've made my mind up. As many will know I have massively over-serviced whilst regularly tracking and modifying my 981 GT4 which was one of the very first cars with the advantage of the splined third gear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have deliberately kept all the original components that have been exchanged ... but after eight+ years I felt that it was time for a change. I had always thought that the logical next step was a GT4RS ... the car that Porsche would never sell me, once secondhand prices dropped down towards list prices. Before Christmas this had happened and dealers were very keen to close a cash sale before the end of the year and I came whisker close to buying a red GT4RS at Porsche Edinburgh who were very straight with me, but ... 1. Even at list price the car was £25k over the new car that I would have specified for myself 2. I do have some hearing loss and I worried about exacerbating this in a GT4RS 3. The GT4RS still has limitations with the rear suspension when compared to a GT3 ... and it also has limited down force, ... I want more in the next experience of my track car ownership 4. Build numbers / residuals ... are they still going to build 7000 of them ? So I went hunting with the negotiating advantage of the December deadline ... 992 GT3 (?) ... I didn't like the less traditional interior ... and there are so many around / residuals ... manual would be nice but maybe not on an even faster track car ... 992 GT3RS (?) not an option for so many reasons ... so no to the 992. Next up was the 991.2 GT3 RS ... very few around without Weissach which I didn't want, but I managed to find a one owner 2018 non-Weissach car with one owner, full OPC service history, 7500 miles and front tyres dated week 40 / 18. Even better it carried the approved warranty which extended this to June 2026 and all the other advantages of an approved car ... new tyres / service / mot etc. It was an SOR car and the original owner and the OPC were amazing in helping me to make it happen with a committed deposit on the 30th December and completion mid January once my source investments had been liquidated ... hopefully earlier. This should keep me happy and out of trouble for another eight years when hopefully I won't be in line for an upgrade to an off-road wheelchair ?? Question ... what to do with my modified GT4 ? Surely not to return it to standard ? Edited by ChrisW. on Friday 5th January 15:28

It's great to see another modification story Edited by ChrisW. on Friday 5th January 15:32

Next up was testing the Akra. So now we have a stock GT4 with Akra link pipes Unfortunately the test did not show much improvement. Seems Porsche have done a very good job tuning the opf pipes. But I was still happy as the sound was nice..

ChrisW. said: Sorry for the hijack ( ... I thought you'd finished) ... I'll start my own post lol - he was taking a long time! lol.

ChrisW. said: Well I've made my mind up. As many will know I have massively over-serviced whilst regularly tracking and modifying my 981 GT4 which was one of the very first cars with the advantage of the splined third gear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have deliberately kept all the original components that have been exchanged ... but after eight+ years I felt that it was time for a change. I had always thought that the logical next step was a GT4RS ... the car that Porsche would never sell me, once secondhand prices dropped down towards list prices. Before Christmas this had happened and dealers were very keen to close a cash sale before the end of the year and I came whisker close to buying a red GT4RS at Porsche Edinburgh who were very straight with me, but ... 1. Even at list price the car was £25k over the new car that I would have specified for myself 2. I do have some hearing loss and I worried about exacerbating this in a GT4RS 3. The GT4RS still has limitations with the rear suspension when compared to a GT3 ... and it also has limited down force, ... I want more in the next experience of my track car ownership 4. Build numbers / residuals ... are they still going to build 7000 of them ? So I went hunting with the negotiating advantage of the December deadline ... 992 GT3 (?) ... I didn't like the less traditional interior ... and there are so many around / residuals ... manual would be nice but maybe not on an even faster track car ... 992 GT3RS (?) not an option for so many reasons ... so no to the 992. Next up was the 991.2 GT3 RS ... very few around without Weissach which I didn't want, but I managed to find a one owner 2018 non-Weissach car with one owner, full OPC service history, 7500 miles and front tyres dated week 40 / 18. Even better it carried the approved warranty which extended this to June 2026 and all the other advantages of an approved car ... new tyres / service / mot etc. It was an SOR car and the original owner and the OPC were amazing in helping me to make it happen with a committed deposit on the 30th December and completion mid January once my source investments had been liquidated ... hopefully earlier. This should keep me happy and out of trouble for another eight years when hopefully I won't be in line for an upgrade to an off-road wheelchair ?? Question ... what to do with my modified GT4 ? Surely not to return it to standard ? Chris, are you going to start tweaking the 3rs as well? Manthey KWs would be the obvious thing given you did find a good improvement from those on the gt4 I guess...?

Not sure why Manny is doing it over so many posts! Lol

isaldiri said: ChrisW. said: Well I've made my mind up. As many will know I have massively over-serviced whilst regularly tracking and modifying my 981 GT4 which was one of the very first cars with the advantage of the splined third gear. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey and have deliberately kept all the original components that have been exchanged ... but after eight+ years I felt that it was time for a change. I had always thought that the logical next step was a GT4RS ... the car that Porsche would never sell me, once secondhand prices dropped down towards list prices. Before Christmas this had happened and dealers were very keen to close a cash sale before the end of the year and I came whisker close to buying a red GT4RS at Porsche Edinburgh who were very straight with me, but ... 1. Even at list price the car was £25k over the new car that I would have specified for myself 2. I do have some hearing loss and I worried about exacerbating this in a GT4RS 3. The GT4RS still has limitations with the rear suspension when compared to a GT3 ... and it also has limited down force, ... I want more in the next experience of my track car ownership 4. Build numbers / residuals ... are they still going to build 7000 of them ? So I went hunting with the negotiating advantage of the December deadline ... 992 GT3 (?) ... I didn't like the less traditional interior ... and there are so many around / residuals ... manual would be nice but maybe not on an even faster track car ... 992 GT3RS (?) not an option for so many reasons ... so no to the 992. Next up was the 991.2 GT3 RS ... very few around without Weissach which I didn't want, but I managed to find a one owner 2018 non-Weissach car with one owner, full OPC service history, 7500 miles and front tyres dated week 40 / 18. Even better it carried the approved warranty which extended this to June 2026 and all the other advantages of an approved car ... new tyres / service / mot etc. It was an SOR car and the original owner and the OPC were amazing in helping me to make it happen with a committed deposit on the 30th December and completion mid January once my source investments had been liquidated ... hopefully earlier. This should keep me happy and out of trouble for another eight years when hopefully I won't be in line for an upgrade to an off-road wheelchair ?? Question ... what to do with my modified GT4 ? Surely not to return it to standard ? Chris, are you going to start tweaking the 3rs as well? Manthey KWs would be the obvious thing given you did find a good improvement from those on the gt4 I guess...? I think I might leave this one as standard, ... I need to think if I can be bothered to fit the Surface Transforms ... awaiting a reply from them. I will want to preserve the OPC warranty ... so possibly a discussion with my local OPC. Anyway, over the the other post

It's just like Burlesque - he's got to do it slowly - even though we know what the end answer looks like!

I was itching for something more drastic on power and sound so looked at headers. Decided to go for soul performance ones as they get good reviews from the US and priced better than the uk ones: These really opened the sound up and you could feel the torque improvement on the seat

Snowy999 said: It's just like Burlesque - he's got to do it slowly - even though we know what the end answer looks like! I know. Who’s he kidding. Might as well chuck some decent titanium side silencer deletes into the mix too.

Next up was a trip to Manthey in Germany to get the suspension checked over and a few gentle laps to feel the difference.

It was time to test the Akra pipes and soul hearders, so back to SRR for a power run Pleasing results this time as power was up ~25bhp from previous runs so the combination worked well. The car was now sorted as it drove well and sounded like a race car.

jackwood said: Not sure why Manny is doing it over so many posts! Lol

Did you have the car live-remapped ? Or ?? With my car I found this made a huge difference with the tickover now 650rpm warm, and sweet as a turbine ... even with the lightweight flywheel and clutch ...

ChrisW. said: Did you have the car live-remapped ? Or ?? With my car I found this made a huge difference with the tickover now 650rpm warm, and sweet as a turbine ... even with the lightweight flywheel and clutch ... No remap, Chris. Was using a emission cheat to get around the cell

At this point we were approaching the end of the year and I had annual leave to use, so I booked a few Fridays off. This was probably not a good idea as my 4 was sorted and I decided to try different cars as a progression. First up was a fezza 458 advertised at egham Ferrari. Nice people, once they checked my credentials allowed a test drive. Car was fantastic, lovely noise and responsive steering. I was seriously considering one but research led me to potential gearbox issues. I also found the gearbox on the car very juttery on downshifts. Close to buying that but decided not to.

Interesting ... one of the all-time greats discounted ...

ChrisW. said: Interesting ... one of the all-time greats discounted ... Indeed, a fine drivers car.

With search for a 458 halted, I decided to try 488. Took a coupe for a drive and although very quick, felt very numb compared to the 458 or any McLaren I’ve driven. I also drove a 488 spider and this had a better experience probably due to hearing the engine more clearly. Decided not to proceed with Ferrari as McLaren do a better job at driver experience.

This left trying some more pork. Already tried 991 gt3 last year but they didn’t do anything for me. Still preferred the 4. Think I prefer the cocooned feel of the 4. After a long interview with Sussex Porsche they deemed me worthy of trying the manual 992 3 they have. Found the 992 a massive improvement over the 991 and loved the way it drove. Ultimately the car felt too big, so the search continued..

The answer was staring at my face and I didn’t realise it. I had yet to try a 4RS. It needed to be a fruity colour to replace the Python. Saw a used one on the pork website so decided to enquire about it. Went to see a yellow one in London but this was before Christmas in the evening with heavy traffic so decided to delay the drive until a quieter time could be arranged. Arranged an early morning drive on a Saturday and traffic was much quieter. The thing felt so exciting, the noise and balance, presence and that engine. I was sold. A familiar package lifted with that engine and suspension tweaks. Prices had come down considerably from the 200k mark so I put in an offer, over list but not bad considering where the market was. Offer was accepted and the 4 was a trade in.

Nice move, I think the 4RS will grow to be a very sought after model...

Picked this up last Saturday. Mixed emotions for sure as the Python was sorted and an awesome machine, but the lure of that motor sport engine in the 4 package was too strong Old and new together, an emotional day.

Not managed to drive it much as the weather has been s te and work has been stressful. Had one drive and loving it, although gently on cup 2 in the damp cold weather.

Looks fantastic!

When I had time, I recorded my adventures on UTube. This contains more details of my adventures with the 718 4: https://youtube.com/@heelntoe1904?si=SN9liQf-reRmD... I’ll start a new thread for my RS journey

Congratulations!!! Did you have to put the GT4 back to standard to part ex or did they take as is with the parts?

Snowy999 said: Congratulations!!! Did you have to put the GT4 back to standard to part ex or did they take as is with the parts? They’re taking bits off for me, so I’ll sell them em soon.

Well done ... a move that I so nearly made ... it will be interesting to see how we get on, though we probably have slightly different expectations ... As for "investment" ... the worst thing that we cold do is not use these cars It would be good to touch base sometime ...

ChrisW. said: Well done ... a move that I so nearly made ... it will be interesting to see how we get on, though we probably have slightly different expectations ... As for "investment" ... the worst thing that we cold do is not use these cars It would be good to touch base sometime ... Sure Chris. Definitely not investment. I’m an enthusiast. The overs killed it. Hopefully those days will cool and enthusiasts and drivers can buy these cars to be cherished and used

Epic thread. Thanks @MannyLon. My 981 GT4 has remained standard through many years now, aside from suspension setup, but you've reinforced my view that I probably need a GT4 RS at a point where they aren't too ridiculously over list. I think you might have timed this all quite well for value for money! Liam

LiamH66 said: Epic thread. Thanks @MannyLon. My 981 GT4 has remained standard through many years now, aside from suspension setup, but you've reinforced my view that I probably need a GT4 RS at a point where they aren't too ridiculously over list. I think you might have timed this all quite well for value for money! Liam Thanks Liam. Let’s see, market is at a strange place but the GT4 is the best platform Porsche make