981 GT4 - Page 5 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Prices seem to be holding, the new car hasn't really effected prices on the 981GT4, is it because the new 718GT4 car is slow coming to the market, or owners paid way to much over list for the 981GT4,or maybe because Porsche could make double the numbers or more of the new GT4 making the 981 the model to have over time, are people holding on to the old car thus making a small choice of cars for the market as they don't feel there is not enough change for the extra £20k for the new one, I don't understand why £10k hasn't been wiped off them yet like the 991.1gt3, the Porsche market is crazy, I would really like to know peoples views, I do speak as a owner, kind regards

The new car, optioned up a bit, is an £85k-£90k car. Very few have landed in the UK yet. 981 GT4s aren't going to drop to £60k overnight. They might when lots of 718 GT4s are available, but who knows?

The new 718 GT4 are also selling on the overs market for £120k for the better spec cars. Is it really worth the extra 40k-50k to change from a 981? I think 981 prices will stay firm for a while yet and may even rise slightly once the winter is out the way But then again, we might end up in a recession next year and they'll be worth £50 Edited by WORRALL. on Saturday 30th November 18:49

Bloody good job too lol. We paid £80k for our 981 Club Sport spec in March with 2k miles on it. Probably now with 5k miles would retail £77/£78k but I’d still lose at least £8/£9k on trade in so £1k a month. Not bad I suppose but not great. Still mega car though and defo sounds better than 718 model. Plus they can’t make it to good as they need to leave room for the RS model, if it gets to good the gap to a GT3 will narrow to much.

Twinfan said: The new car, optioned up a bit, is an £85k-£90k car. Very few have landed in the UK yet. 981 GT4s aren't going to drop to £60k overnight. They might when lots of 718 GT4s are available, but who knows? Good point, maybe we will see more 718GT4s than 981GT4s for sale come next summer, all at overs I expect, but I don't see the overs market lasting like it did for 981s when they start pumping them out

I spoke to the business manager today at an OPC while ordering a new Macan and he felt that with the extended production run that anyone who really wants on will probably get one, it just might be 2021 before they get it. By then the newness and excitement will have faded and the numbers will be fairly high so speculation will be finished by then, leaving cars for people who really want one to drive. Possible PTS options at the end of the run as well.

There's a hierarchy for pricing of Caymans and at the moment it's: 987R - 981 and 718 GTS - 981 GT4 - 718 GT4 I personally see that hierarchy being maintained in the short term with only the price gaps between models being squeezed. One car won't fall independently, if one drops they all will. I also personally think that overs on the 718 GT4 will be a very short term thing, purely for those who aren't prepared to wait for their own allocation on a new car.

I personally don't see the 718GT4 receiving the same critical acclaim as the 981GT4..After reading Autocar's 2019 Driver's car where even the humble 992 Carrera S beat the 718 GT4 by quite a margin on Anglesea circuit..This will support 981 GT4 values IMO. In complete contrast i believe the 718GT4 Spyder will/has affected 981 Spyder values as its a much bigger step up.All IMHO.

I'd be very surprised if 981 GT4 values end up higher than 718 GT4 values, the cars are very similar and there's nothing to justify it. Both will drop over the next few years in my opinion. Time will tell though!

Twinfan said: I'd be very surprised if 981 GT4 values end up higher than 718 GT4 values, the cars are very similar and there's nothing to justify it. Both will drop over the next few years in my opinion. Time will tell though! That's not what i said.

True, just continuing the discussion

Twinfan said: True, just continuing the discussion Porsche don't go backwards however they as are all car makers are having to develop new cars with one eye on the tree huggers.. The new 718GT4 is a better car than the 981 GT4 in every objective measure..However the 981 GT4 was under priced when new as Porsche were treading into unfamiliar territory.. I'd be after one if i wasn't lucky enough to get an RS..

It's a .2 upgrade of the 981 in my eyes - evolution not revolution. The Autocar review would apply equally to the 981. I'll be interested to see how they compare when I get my PEC day.

Twinfan said: It's a .2 upgrade of the 981 in my eyes - evolution not revolution. The Autocar review would apply equally to the 981. I'll be interested to see how they compare when I get my PEC day. I'm at the PEC on Wednesday driving the RS and if i get a chance will ask for a go in the new GT4..It'll be most likely booked up but still no harm in asking.

Nope, none at all. Enjoy! I might see if I can book the 981 GT4 when I'm there for my 718 GT4 and do a true back-to-back...

There must also be some reason why the 718GT4 Clubsport has retained the 981 engine which is untimed for racing. The new 4.0 engine is as yet relatively untested ... Add to this the suggestion that the 981 engine was expensive ... and the high price now of the 718 GT4 Clubsport ... and maybe the 981GT4 will prove to be a far better platform for modification. I believe that you are correct that the new 718GT4 leaves room for an RS ... and if much closer in price to a GT3, why would Porsche worry which of these two cars they sell ? The curent GT3RSR is mid-engined ... maybe the GT4/GT3 will morph ? The GT3 has become a very big car in order to enable Porsche to move the engine further forward in the chassis ... and the more they do to make this chassis handle safely in potentially in-experienced hands, the less the skills of a good driver are allowed to shine. QED ... GT3 becomes GT4 called GT3 ??

Taffy66 said: Twinfan said: It's a .2 upgrade of the 981 in my eyes - evolution not revolution. The Autocar review would apply equally to the 981. I'll be interested to see how they compare when I get my PEC day. I'm at the PEC on Wednesday driving the RS and if i get a chance will ask for a go in the new GT4..It'll be most likely booked up but still no harm in asking. A move forward in all but exhaust noise and clutch weight, without doubt evolution not revolution, more civilised, not as hardcore but feels quicker. IMO

Geoff39GL said: A move forward in all but exhaust noise and clutch weight, without doubt evolution not revolution, more civilised, not as hardcore but feels quicker. IMO Whilst the subdued exhaust note of the 718 is to be expected I agree the lighter clutch is a retrograde step (a la GT3) particularly disappointing with the 981 clutch action being near perfect. Of course anyone wanting a PDK car means there will only be one choice in the 718 and it will be interesting to see the take up for this gearbox but I for one will be speccing this option mindful of the retention of the high gearing and overlight clutch.

av185 said: Whilst the subdued exhaust note of the 718 is to be expected I agree the lighter clutch is a retrograde step (a la GT3) particularly disappointing with the 981 clutch action being near perfect. Of course anyone wanting a PDK car means there will only be one choice in the 718 and it will be interesting to see the take up for this gearbox but I for one will be speccing this option mindful of the retention of the high gearing and overlight clutch. I never drove a manual GT3 to compare however i found the clutch weight on both my GT4 and 981 Spyder pretty much perfect.

The 718 GT4 Clubsport has the old engine with a Powerkit because race teams are very familiar with the engine and the rules allow for it to continue to be used. I'm not sure the 4.0 was ready for the season start last year either. I think we would have had the same engine in the road car if it wasn't for the new emissions regs requiring GPFs. Edited by Twinfan on Saturday 30th November 22:33

ChrisW. said: There must also be some reason why the 718GT4 Clubsport has retained the 981 engine which is untimed for racing. I think it is simply because the new engine just wasn't ready in time for 2019 season, particularly considering a 6-9 months lead-time to finalise Clubsport design, test, procure components etc to meet their Daytona Roar deadline.

gtsralph said: ChrisW. said: There must also be some reason why the 718GT4 Clubsport has retained the 981 engine which is untimed for racing. I think it is simply because the new engine just wasn't ready in time for 2019 season, particularly considering a 6-9 months lead-time to finalise Clubsport design, test, procure components etc to meet their Daytona Roar deadline. Yep this is true, but it’s also true that the new engine will not go into the 718 Clubsport for this cars lifecycle. So non-motorsport engine in the 718… lol. Remember all the foolish conversation about that last time… discuss… As Chris says though, the 3.8 will show out being the easier unit to modify. It ran 430hp in the 911 GTS and easily can get to 430 in the GT4 with just bolt-ons. Take it to 4.0, 4.25 or 4.5 and you’ve got nearly 500hp. All cost money but the block is all but bulletproof. Ride can easily be sorted to at least match the 718, just a PASM tune as the hardware is exactly the same. So 981 owner have loads of options, DSC, KW, Ohlins, JRZ. Tyres are the same, and most of the 718 performance gain in laptime is from the tyres. So a wash. 718 has cleaner aero, not sure this will make much difference to most people, sounds like a lot of these cars won’t see the track anyway. Apart from the rear wing, 718 does look good though, nice visual update. It has grown on me as I have the privilege of spending time up close and personal with a 718 Clubsport. More to come. The Spyder is the one to have, no question… it’s a new thing.… but it’s ethos has changed. Is that for good or bad? Edited by TDT on Sunday 1st December 09:39

I thought I read that the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 was different, more like the GT3 in design? I also think the new 4.0 is a big unknown as yet, it's a bit early to be writing it off...

Twinfan said: I thought I read that the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 was different, more like the GT3 in design? No it’s different than the rest of the 718 range. But it’s a GT4 setup… exactly the same as the 981 GT4. I’ve been under the cars, and you can see it in the press pack cut aways. Twinfan said: I also think the new 4.0 is a big unknown as yet, it's a bit early to be writing it off... Not writing it off, but it’s is more complicated as more going on, more computer controls for auto-start-stop and cylinder de-activations. Sure it can all be worked around it’s a less old school approach and there may be less margin in it in the current configuration in the GT4/Spyder and the 911 won’t be getting it apparently. So to get more power Porsche will give us more exotic stuff, titanium parts etc… this won’t be as easy to get a hold of as an IPD plenum, GT3 TB and Cobb tune. But we’ll see.

Very interesting info Tyrone about the similarities between the 981 GT4 and 718 GT4..I'd wrongly assumed that there would have been some minor hardware changes on top of software updates..It makes perfect sense to me to fit a DSC controller to a 981 GT4 along with some of the aforementioned engine updates up to 430PS.. The new Spyder is a different proposition as it has been seriously updated over the 981 version..Whether or not this is a good or bad thing depends on the owners usage.

Gotcha. I think for existing owners it makes sense to stick with what you've got. For me, having a brand new car to my spec is worth the extra £15k-ish. I refuse to pay overs too.

Taffy66 said: Very interesting info Tyrone about the similarities between the 981 GT4 and 718 GT4..I'd wrongly assumed that there would have been some minor hardware changes on top of software updates..It makes perfect sense to me to fit a DSC controller to a 981 GT4 along with some of the aforementioned engine updates up to 430PS.. The new Spyder is a different proposition as it has been seriously updated over the 981 version..Whether or not this is a good or bad thing depends on the owners usage. Yep. Ref suspension I’ve got a DSC on order… thanks Black Friday. So can wait to do a full review. Also driving the new 718 twins on Thursday. Will probably drive my 981 GT4 there in order to have immediate comparisons. Twinfan said: Gotcha. I think for existing owners it makes sense to stick with what you've got. For me, having a brand new car to my spec is worth the extra £15k-ish. I refuse to pay overs too. Yep, allows more people to have one, which is a good thing. To me ultimately the 718 GT4 shows what a good job Porsche did on 981 the first time out with the core formula. However it proves even more that Porsche are limiting this car to keep it under GT3. Of course it’s their hierarchy… I wonder if the GT4 RS will really break out of the chains, and at what £££. By that time the new 992 GT3 and maybe RS will be out so the GT4 RS will have more room to play in.

Some very good points been raised, look forward to the RS version and would love to have one but in reality that's not going to happen so will enjoy the 981 GT4 for what it is, will one day make the step up to a 991.2 GT3 as that is the only car on offer that interests me at the moment

I think the biggest limit is the maximum torque in order to use the existing manual gearbox. The 718 GT4 has it spread over a wider range, but the maximum is the same. It's it really that expensive to develop a new box? They've done a whole new engine which most cost more. So they're potentially using that as a forced restriction to maintain the GT3 superiority? GT4RS will be PDK only IMHO, as the current manual box won't be able to take a torque increase. Edited by Twinfan on Sunday 1st December 14:50

I considered a 991.2 GT3, but I'd want a Touring. So I'll take a new 718 GT4 at half the price instead thanks

04BAP said: Some very good points been raised, look forward to the RS version and would love to have one but in reality that's not going to happen so will enjoy the 981 GT4 for what it is, will one day make the step up to a 991.2 GT3 as that is the only car on offer that interests me at the moment The 981 GT4 and 991.2 GT3 make a good contrasting pair.

Anyone know the white car at porsche bristol? Good history?

I believe the 50% increase in downforce of the 718GT4 amounted to around 12Kg's at what speed ? 200 kph ? Yes I also will be very interested to see the spec of the GT4RS ... and dto be fair, I would be very happy with the latest PDK. I'm certainly not writing off the new 4.0l engine ... it is great that Porsche listened and gave us NA whilst integrating particulate filters ... I really hope that these do not cause the same issues that they have in many diesel cars. Maybe this makes the best possible case for the electric sports car ? All we need is the power generating capacity ... but unless storage capacity for weight increases, these will be either lightweight short range, or comparative heavyweights ... and we all know the costs of this. Even though we live in a golden age, I believe most of us do have an energy conscience. Why waste it ? Of course, product lifecycle plays a very relevant part of the big picture.

arcamalpha said: Anyone know the white car at porsche bristol? Good history? Not sure but it looks nice. It's interesting there's alot of private sales with similar 10-15k mileage heading into the low £70's. I wonder which seller will go sub £70k first?

When is the 982 GT4 out of warranty. I’m in the UAE and most of the GT4 cars here are 2016s so these come out of warranty soon, meaning there should be a drop in value, hopefully. I’m considering getting out of my 996 turbo and into a 981 GT4.

TDT said: As Chris says though, the 3.8 will show out being the easier unit to modify. It ran 430hp in the 911 GTS and easily can get to 430 in the GT4 with just bolt-ons. Take it to 4.0, 4.25 or 4.5 and you’ve got nearly 500hp. All cost money but the block is all but bulletproof. Been thinking about this. As I say above, the gearbox in the 981 GT4 is the issue for tuning as you'd be using it over its rated torque capacity. It might be fine, but it might not. In the 911 GTS the engine was paired with PDK or the 911's 7-speed manual so it wasn't an issue.

Twinfan said: Been thinking about this. As I say above, the gearbox in the 981 GT4 is the issue for tuning as you'd be using it over its rated torque capacity. It might be fine, but it might not. In the 911 GTS the engine was paired with PDK or the 911's 7-speed manual so it wasn't an issue. Just make sure 2016 GT4s with the welded 3rd gear has already had the updated version done as the recall campaign..Once Porsche find its been tuned above the 310 lb/ft gearbox torque limit i can't see them honouring it.

TDT said: As Chris says though, the 3.8 will show out being the easier unit to modify. It ran 430hp in the 911 GTS and easily can get to 430 in the GT4 with just bolt-ons. Take it to 4.0, 4.25 or 4.5 and you’ve got nearly 500hp. All cost money but the block is all but bulletproof. Not with "just" bolt-ons, you need a tune. People like Jake Raby have been building large capacity engines since the 9x6 era and there is no reason to suppose the 9A2 crankcase is any worse and indeed with improved oiling and variable exhaust camshaft it will have more potential than the 9A1. With the larger capacity engines, whilst they all seem to be tried and tested by the builders, they will be increasing the bore, so thinner cylinder walls and what is the longevity of whatever cylinder liner they are able to apply? This was my main concern when looking at an Ehresmann big-bore. Better in my view to go with more aggressive cam profiles and improving the gas flow by machining the heads, essentially leaving the bottom end alone. But of course the ECU only supports up to 8.1k rpm so there is a limit to building a screamer. The ECU for the 718 will be broken in the new year and off we go again. Maybe 450PS without low cell manifolds. The new issue will be the GPF and it's ability to handle the flow rate, but it is a large cross section design so better able to do so. In Germany, tuners are likely to find their market more constrained than previously because penalties for running outside emissions certificate (non TUV or "export") kit is likely to be more rigorously tested and penalised in the current green environment. My two penny worth.

TDT said: Twinfan said: I thought I read that the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 was different, more like the GT3 in design? No it’s different than the rest of the 718 range. But it’s a GT4 setup… exactly the same as the 981 GT4. I’ve been under the cars, and you can see it in the press pack cut aways. AP claims it's all new for the 718 here: (Skip to 6:40) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqW-cQPL6tE Top Gear also claim it's new (https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/porsche/gt4-2dr-auto/first-drive): "The suspension package is largely carried over. The front end has much in common with the 911 GT3, including the brakes (carbon ceramics are on the options list), but now more GT3 has made it into the back axle, too, including the subframe, upside-down dampers, longitudinal and transverse control arms and ball joints. It’s all in the name of control and precision."

So the rear suspension on the718 GT4 is nothing like the 981 GT4 then.

av185 said: So the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 is nothing like the 981 GT4 then. I've no idea, I'm just quoting the sources of what I'd heard. TDT seems to think otherwise having seen the cars.

Twinfan said: I've no idea, I'm just quoting the sources of what I'd heard. TDT seems to think otherwise having seen the cars. Well the basic layout is still macpherson strut rather than multi-link. So it might have some added tweaks but it's still fundamentally a weaker solution than what the gt3 has. Although given Porsche have kept the gt4 race cars on the same it's hardly a shock the road car isn't being changed either.

Twinfan said: av185 said: So the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 is nothing like the 981 GT4 then. I've no idea, I'm just quoting the sources of what I'd heard. TDT seems to think otherwise having seen the cars. I’ve been under both cars, it’s the same. Even the rear toe link is the same and still fixed in the new car. You need to change it for an adjustable unit if you want to run more than stock camber.

isaldiri said: Twinfan said: I've no idea, I'm just quoting the sources of what I'd heard. TDT seems to think otherwise having seen the cars. Well the basic layout is still macpherson strut rather than multi-link. So it might have some added tweaks but it's still fundamentally a weaker solution than what the gt3 has. Although given Porsche have kept the gt4 race cars on the same it's hardly a shock the road car isn't being changed either. Yep, still no match for the precision of a multi-link set up, and better still would be double wishbone.

Twinfan said: TDT said: Twinfan said: I thought I read that the rear suspension on the 718 GT4 was different, more like the GT3 in design? No it’s different than the rest of the 718 range. But it’s a GT4 setup… exactly the same as the 981 GT4. I’ve been under the cars, and you can see it in the press pack cut aways. AP claims it's all new for the 718 here: (Skip to 6:40) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqW-cQPL6tE Top Gear also claim it's new (https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/porsche/gt4-2dr-auto/first-drive): "The suspension package is largely carried over. The front end has much in common with the 911 GT3, including the brakes (carbon ceramics are on the options list), but now more GT3 has made it into the back axle, too, including the subframe, upside-down dampers, longitudinal and transverse control arms and ball joints. It’s all in the name of control and precision." If you watch the 981 GT4 launch videos. He says exactly the same thing. Its not a debate… the hardware, concept and implementation is unchanged for the 718 GT4 vs the 981 GT4. GT4 rear is significantly different from a series 981/718 Edited by TDT on Monday 2nd December 11:12

TDT said: Yep, still no match for the precision of a multi-link set up, and better still would be double wishbone. Hm... double wishbone to multi link is probably debatable I think tbh in terms of the 'better' setup but not either compared to struts.

isaldiri said: TDT said: Yep, still no match for the precision of a multi-link set up, and better still would be double wishbone. Hm... double wishbone to multi link is probably debatable I think tbh in terms of the 'better' setup but not either compared to struts. Not sure if I’ve read that correctly or there was a slight mistype. But struts are inferior to multi-link or double wishbone. Right?

TDT said: Not sure if I’ve read that correctly or there was a slight mistype. But struts are inferior to multi-link or double wishbone. Right? Yup definitely on the latter. I just meant before that between multi link and double wishbone it's probably (I think anyway) debatable as to which works better.

isaldiri said: TDT said: Not sure if I’ve read that correctly or there was a slight mistype. But struts are inferior to multi-link or double wishbone. Right? Yup definitely on the latter. I just meant before that between multi link and double wishbone it's probably (I think anyway) debatable as to which works better. Ok, yep.

Autoquest in Florida have a multi-link rear suspension kit for the 981 GT4, I know there is at least one GT4 running in the UK with the main reported advantage being able to get on the power earlier exiting corners. https://www.autoquestcars.com/custom-09 Having spent over three years testing different DSC maps, I can assure you that it is best to find someone with experience of setting it up together with OEM or upgraded suspension hardware and who can reflect your driving style in the mapping. There are probably people in the UK who have such experience these days. The GT4 top mount damper attachment points are not central, but offset inboard which does not necessarily imply extra camber through this feature. The rear is constrained as stated previously by the eccentric feature of the stock TCA which Chris Franklin replaced with RSS on my custom suspension.

gtsralph said: Autoquest in Florida have a multi-link rear suspension kit for the 981 GT4, I know there is at least one GT4 running in the UK with the main reported advantage being able to get on the power earlier exiting corners. https://www.autoquestcars.com/custom-09 Having spent over three years testing different DSC maps, I can assure you that it is best to find someone with experience of setting it up together with OEM or upgraded suspension hardware and who can reflect your driving style in the mapping. There are probably people in the UK who have such experience these days. The GT4 top mount damper attachment points are not central, but offset inboard which does not necessarily imply extra camber through this feature. The rear is constrained as stated previously by the eccentric feature of the stock TCA which Chris Franklin replaced with RSS on my custom suspension. Yep - I've met Tim, and spoken to him about the Multi-link setup. DSC have now published some geo settings that will work with their provided maps, and for generic adjustable rear toe-links vs their own offset rear toe links. They have also added some other tables over the summer (GRS) which provide even greater resolution of control. So I'll be keen to play with it and find out the possibilities - as it's worth a play and low risk for the money, vs full rip and replace with KW or JRZ setup, if you aren't sure that's want you want. Plus we haven't really had much feedback apart from yourself on the unit on this platform, although BubblesNW also runs one. Loads of cars in the US run it and people are finding many seconds with just the confidence the unit brings through 'basic' active control roll in the corners, and dive when braking at the limit which can cause the rear to dance as rear toe changes due to the weight transfer - thats even before we get into custom mapping. I have spoke with CG about custom mapping before and also the multi-link setup. 9E and Parr are also UK resellers. I have purchased the unit from 9E. At the end of the day the mapping is about what electric load and therefore damping rate do you want per corner for a given combination of G-loading or velocity. There are some handy trick bits in the tuning software which allow you to pick a start and end value - and then press a button which will then interpolate the values in between. You can load 2 maps at a time - so have them in the Chassis 'normal' mode and Chassis 'sport mode' but they can be what ever you want - do you can have a dry setup and a wet setup for given track - and you can just load it up in less than a minute - if you want to change something you can... and you have live data recording to show you the values as you ago around the lap. Edited by TDT on Monday 2nd December 18:17

Re DSC, remember to get dampers that respond mid-stroke and far faster than Bilstein’s 100ms or more. I am not sure whether KW actives are fast enough, but Mike will know.

All sounds great, but I just read that thinking it's a lot of effort to go to for billy days in a road car.

thelostboy said: All sounds great, but I just read that thinking it's a lot of effort to go to for billy days in a road car. LOL, you can just use out of the box, y'know - Plug and play. But cool that you can really dig into tuning if you want to.

gtsralph said: Re DSC, remember to get dampers that respond mid-stroke and far faster than Bilstein’s 100ms or more. I am not sure whether KW actives are fast enough, but Mike will know. Ref mid-stroke - the tractive dampers are cool, but 'm not going to go with that. I'll use the DSC box with my current setup based on the Manthey Trackday Kit. Ref, the Manthey Kit, I'm already happy with that, so I just want to see if the DSC will flatten the platform, in the high load zones. If/when I out grow this/get bored - it'll probably be time for another car.

Jens also does a Multilink Rear Suspension set-up ... My feeling is that this may be a step beyond my driving abilities !

ChrisW. said: Jens also does a Multilink Rear Suspension set-up ... My feeling is that this may be a step beyond my driving abilities ! Hey Chris - is that different to the Autoquest solution?

What effect does the sports exhaust button have on a 981 GT4? Mine makes seemingly no difference to the loudness and just adds some light burble on the overrun. Is that right? I’m used to the exhaust button adding a lot more noise.

arcamalpha said: What effect does the sports exhaust button have on a 981 GT4? Mine makes seemingly no difference to the loudness and just adds some light burble on the overrun. Is that right? I’m used to the exhaust button adding a lot more noise. Exhaust button will open the valves from idle all the way through the rev range, so you should notice the change, and it will be louder vs valves closed beneath about 4K RPM, as the valves open automatically over that whether the button is pushed or not.

I tried a DSC unit on my stock GT4 a year or so back. It was an improvement in terms of low speed ride quality but when pushing on it was terrible, verging on dangerous. I fitted it just before a euro trip but swapped it back to the OEM unit after the first day. Car was way better after that. Admittedly the geo was factory at the time and I have since had it adjusted by Chris at CG. That was a far greater improvement. I suspected that the map on the DSC unit I had wasn’t optimal for my car / set up. But the supplier didn’t seem too interested in changing it or advising how to do so. He did however take it back and give a full refund. I’ll like to try another one but only if it was set up correctly for my car.

jcosh said: I tried a DSC unit on my stock GT4 a year or so back. It was an improvement in terms of low speed ride quality but when pushing on it was terrible, verging on dangerous. I fitted it just before a euro trip but swapped it back to the OEM unit after the first day. Car was way better after that. Admittedly the geo was factory at the time and I have since had it adjusted by Chris at CG. That was a far greater improvement. I suspected that the map on the DSC unit I had wasn’t optimal for my car / set up. But the supplier didn’t seem too interested in changing it or advising how to do so. He did however take it back and give a full refund. I’ll like to try another one but only if it was set up correctly for my car. I’m on a voyage of discovery with the DSC and in honesty I can understand some of your experience, as the behaviour of the car is a different concept, than it would be with a non-active setup.… it takes some getting used to - so it’s a question of whether or not it’s right for the individual. No question about the ride up to about 5 or 6 tenths, though… it does take the edge off and smooth and settle things down.

TDT said: Hey Chris - is that different to the Autoquest solution? I don't know ...

Has the asking price (not necessarily selling price) of 981 GT4 gone up the last month or so? For example, this was on ebay a few months back at £65,000 with no taker...now £71,500. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... Maybe sellers seeing overs on 718 GT4 and raising prices. This market's nuts IMO and will take a year to settle once lots of 718 GT4 are hitting the market.

Could just have been the end of year slump - prices always drop at year end and go up as we approach Spring.

I definitely think it's linked to the overs market appearing for the new 718 GT4. Leave them to it

Andyoz said: Has the asking price (not necessarily selling price) of 981 GT4 gone up the last month or so? For example, this was on ebay a few months back at £65,000 with no taker...now £71,500. https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... Maybe sellers seeing overs on 718 GT4 and raising prices. This market's nuts IMO and will take a year to settle once lots of 718 GT4 are hitting the market. I don't ever recall that being £65k. It should have easily sold at that price with PCCB and 918 seats?

Armitage.Shanks said: I don't ever recall that being £65k. It should have easily sold at that price with PCCB and 918 seats? I originally had it priced at £75000.

[quote=Fizzbomb] I originally had it priced at £75000, not £65000.

1 of 1 Peridot Green Looks lovely in my opinion, fair price though the basic dash. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309...

KittyLitter said: 1 of 1 Peridot Green Looks lovely in my opinion, fair price though the basic dash. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309... Agree that looks lovely. Rear wing needs painting black for the full Cayman R look though! (I was ready for a "Cayman R tribute" 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 in Peridot with a black rear wing this time last year. They pulled PTS and most of the metallic colours before my spec freeze, so I ended up with yet another white Cayman.) Liam

KittyLitter said: 1 of 1 Peridot Green Looks lovely in my opinion, fair price though the basic dash. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309... hm, I do like that color, price not bad, personally I do like a leather/alcantara dash with color stichting though, but other then that, nice, guess it will be gone soon, first GT4 model = pure maybe more rare then the later model, I guess demand will be good for that at some time.

GTRene said: KittyLitter said: 1 of 1 Peridot Green Looks lovely in my opinion, fair price though the basic dash. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309... hm, I do like that color, price not bad, personally I do like a leather/alcantara dash with color stichting though, but other then that, nice, guess it will be gone soon, first GT4 model = pure maybe more rare then the later model, I guess demand will be good for that at some time. One could buy a second hand 981 leather dash from one being sold for spares. Not ten a penny but I bet they crop up.

KittyLitter said: GTRene said: KittyLitter said: 1 of 1 Peridot Green Looks lovely in my opinion, fair price though the basic dash. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404309... hm, I do like that color, price not bad, personally I do like a leather/alcantara dash with color stichting though, but other then that, nice, guess it will be gone soon, first GT4 model = pure maybe more rare then the later model, I guess demand will be good for that at some time. One could buy a second hand 981 leather dash from one being sold for spares. Not ten a penny but I bet they crop up. or when its out, retrim that dash? I do not know how Porsche does it and or do they use say the same dash for leather trim? is that what is under a leather dash? I know that Porsche does old models retrim and of course you can retrim many small parts, like say all those silver parts from that green gt4 dash for carbon, not really expensive if you scroll down for such set? 1.600 $ that is just what i came across so could be cheaper elsewhere, but not bad such change with the silver (personally I think) https://www.macarbon.com/porsche-2999/981/981-inte...

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/16596551 The sub 60k 981 GT4 Clubsport seems very much to be in the wild. Invictus motors cornering the market !

Lovely Carmine Red one listed with every single extended leather and alcantara option selected. Even the PCM is leather! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250... Edited by KittyLitter on Saturday 25th May 20:05

Is the 981 GT4 more desirable than the 718?

Having owned both identical spec cars from new.... imo no.

DarkVeil said: Is the 981 GT4 more desirable than the 718? That particular one, at that price with that spec surely is.

DarkVeil said: Is the 981 GT4 more desirable than the 718? We will know in 10 years time better, on the whole, the really good ones seem to be hold their money better in my view.

I think eventually 981 will overtake 718 in value, but it’s 3-5 years away. Has started in America and we’ll surely follow. Lower numbers and much more character.

KittyLitter said: Lovely Carmine Red one listed with every single extended leather and alcantara option selected. Even the PCM is leather! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250... Love Carmine Red, but then I’m biased… it doesn’t appear to be a popular colour. Edited by KittyLitter on Saturday 25th May 20:05

Chrisatronic said: I think eventually 981 will overtake 718 in value, but it’s 3-5 years away. Has started in America and we’ll surely follow. Lower numbers and much more character. Interesting to read elsewhere similar numbers for 981, 718 Man and 718 PDK, at around 500 each. I’d imagine PDK will hold its value better over time.

DarkVeil said: Is the 981 GT4 more desirable than the 718? All in the eye of the beholder really. The 718 GT4 is much more the "finished article", with many, if not most, with PDK. Even the manual version is a bit softer, more refined, and better developed than the original. The 981 GT4 is the "skunk works special" that started the whole nonsense back in 2015, and only available with manual gearbox. For me, and a few others, the 981 is the original and best. When I was offered a 718 GT4 allocation, having driven one, I just couldn't consider letting go of my old GT4. Warts and all, it's a very engaging drive, albeit a bit rough round the edges compared to the 718 version. What started 6 years ago with the question, "Could a GT4 be a useable daily drive?" has been answered with an affirmative "Yes", and I think the 718 version even more so. I'm likely selling my 981 GT4 this summer, and it will be like losing a limb in many ways. I think in time, the 981 GT4 will carry a premium through relative rarity. Both really good cars, and the differences are actually quite subtle from a perspective of driving them. The 718 version is faster without any doubt, but somehow trying to keep up with them on the track makes me love my old 981 even more. I'm still quietly trying to figure out a way of keeping it! Liam

That reads like the 981 was almost a prototype for the 718. :-) Did the JPC/Yiannimize event at Croft last Saturday in my 981, passenger laps for Joe public. Every passenger I had got out of the car with a massive grin, most saying they weren't expecting that. The 981 is a hooligan of a car, and I love it for that. Sure, it's noisy as hell and a very stiff ride, but I also love the lack of 'over tech' on it which every car seems to be full of now. The steering wheel has no buttons on it, it's just for steering. Excellent.

I believe the promotional tag line of the 981 was "Rebels rebel on" It could have been Rebels Rebellion ? A Cayman that's as fast as a 911 ....

plynchy said: That reads like the 981 was almost a prototype for the 718. :-) Did the JPC/Yiannimize event at Croft last Saturday in my 981, passenger laps for Joe public. Every passenger I had got out of the car with a massive grin, most saying they weren't expecting that. The 981 is a hooligan of a car, and I love it for that. Sure, it's noisy as hell and a very stiff ride, but I also love the lack of 'over tech' on it which every car seems to be full of now. The steering wheel has no buttons on it, it's just for steering. Excellent. I have to wonder if the prototype was a better thing in some ways. When I did the Porsche "Precision" course at Silverstone last year the instructor was laughing out loud at the noisy exhaust, but even more at the ridiculously great handling (has been set-up). It was his first time in a 981 GT4, possibly in a GT4 with a half-decent track day suspension set-up on it. Hooligan of a car is a great description! Liam

I tried the 718 and I just found it less engaging than the 981 version. I like the looks of the newer one over the original but to drive I must prefer the 981. I don’t do track days anymore so my driving is all trips and backroads and the rawness and sound track make for such an enjoyable car. I particularly prefer the steering feel on the 981 over the 718 - much more detail for me ( It was a 728 spyder). However I’m not try to diss the 718 in any way , I just personally find the older car more fun all round - everyone is different

traded my california in for a 981 and had it for just over a week now. I am struggling to drive it like a normal road user and enjoy the long range in second. (Not sure why it was a negative). The car feels really well put together, ready for track and has a lot more road presence than I had anticipated. Few questions: 1- does the excitement of the speed wear off or do you find you drive it faster in general? 2- i have the regular seats, how is it for a road trip? 3- anything I need to be aware of in regards of ownership? cheers w

[Image-only or quote-only post; no author-written text.] https://forums-images.pistonheads.com/632520/202405284514057?resize=720

I've owned mine for 3 years, it's one of those cars that makes you smile every time you drive it. The speed thing, whilst it's not actually that fast, the enjoyment is found in wringing it's neck just for the noise. Ownership wise, mine has cost nothing but servicing, besides a handbrake adjustment which I could have done myself had I have known. never seen better than 30mpg if that's a concern. I did 3600 miles through Europe in '22, on buckets, no issues at all. Going off again in June. Enjoy, epic cars.

fantastic thanks mpg not really a factor other than the actual range you get between garages on a road trip.

Redshed said: traded my california in for a 981 and had it for just over a week now. I am struggling to drive it like a normal road user and enjoy the long range in second. (Not sure why it was a negative). The car feels really well put together, ready for track and has a lot more road presence than I had anticipated. Few questions: 1- does the excitement of the speed wear off or do you find you drive it faster in general? 2- i have the regular seats, how is it for a road trip? 3- anything I need to be aware of in regards of ownership? cheers w I've had my 981 GT4 for over 5 1/2 years now. 1. Excitement doesn't so much wear off, as you realise exploiting it fully isn't conducive to keeping a driving licence. Then you discover that it's a surprisingly well-mannered car to drive at any speed, bit clattery and bumpy, but smooth to drive, and really good in traffic. Brilliant fun on track though. 2. I'm on carbon buckets, but have had Caymans with sports seats, and have one with sports seats plus currently. I can do 6.5 hour days in any of them very comfortably, in fact did 2 long days in a row last week. 3. So far, so very good for me. Servicing has been reasonably priced for what it is, fuel consumption actually a little better than my 718 GTS 4.0. Responds well to having the right tyres for the circumstances. If you are going on the track, or even drive spiritedly on the road, a good suspension set-up by someone that knows the cars well is worthwhile. But in general, I've just been able to jump in my one and use it. Hope you have as much fun as I have had. Love that car! Liam

HighwayStar said: KittyLitter said: Lovely Carmine Red one listed with every single extended leather and alcantara option selected. Even the PCM is leather! https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405250... Love Carmine Red, but then I’m biased… it doesn’t appear to be a popular colour. Edited by KittyLitter on Saturday 25th May 20:05 I am surprised there isn’t any love for this one.

LiamH66 said: I've had my 981 GT4 for over 5 1/2 years now. 1. Excitement doesn't so much wear off, as you realise exploiting it fully isn't conducive to keeping a driving licence. Then you discover that it's a surprisingly well-mannered car to drive at any speed, bit clattery and bumpy, but smooth to drive, and really good in traffic. Brilliant fun on track though. 2. I'm on carbon buckets, but have had Caymans with sports seats, and have one with sports seats plus currently. I can do 6.5 hour days in any of them very comfortably, in fact did 2 long days in a row last week. 3. So far, so very good for me. Servicing has been reasonably priced for what it is, fuel consumption actually a little better than my 718 GTS 4.0. Responds well to having the right tyres for the circumstances. If you are going on the track, or even drive spiritedly on the road, a good suspension set-up by someone that knows the cars well is worthwhile. But in general, I've just been able to jump in my one and use it. Hope you have as much fun as I have had. Love that car! Liam Where did you get your suspension done Liam?

thanks for that Liam

KittyLitter said: I am surprised there isn’t any love for this one. Carmine is generally unpopular as a colour on Porsche GTs especially the GT3. Seen more of a GTS model/Macan colour.

Redshed said: traded my california in for a 981 and had it for just over a week now. I am struggling to drive it like a normal road user and enjoy the long range in second. (Not sure why it was a negative). The car feels really well put together, ready for track and has a lot more road presence than I had anticipated. Few questions: 1- does the excitement of the speed wear off or do you find you drive it faster in general? 2- i have the regular seats, how is it for a road trip? 3- anything I need to be aware of in regards of ownership? cheers w I've owned my 981 GT4 now for just over four years. It is a Clubsport spec car, and I will probably never sell it, thankfully I own it outright. I've had a geometry setup by Center Gravity who transformed the car, best £600 I've spent on a car. Servicing wise I now, as most owners of 981 GT4's should now get if serviced with an OPC receive 20% discount on the service costs as most of these cars are now 8 years old. I renew the warranty on an annual basis which for the last two years has been £690 / year. Some people will argue that OPC servicing costs are very expensive. I've compared prices to the well known indies and OPC costs, especially with the discount offered from Porsche, are very competitive. I recently looked at a 991.2 GT3 and I couldn't justify the extra £65K -£70K that was needed to buy the GT3. The 981 GT4 is just a great car for the price point.

Would you mind sharing what the 8 year service cost you? Mine getting done tomorrow.

My OPCs refuse to allow me to supply oil. Their quotes, from 4 different locations (same group) varied by over £500 for the same job. Go figure that one out. 🤷🏻‍♂️

plynchy said: Would you mind sharing what the 8 year service cost you? Mine getting done tomorrow. My GT4 is going on Saturday. Quote… Your Porsche is booked in for the following: MOT – Free Of Charge Major service Brake fluid change Check Ancillary Unit Mounts And Chassis Visual Inspection of all Rubber Mounts For Damage Replace Spark Plugs Check Drive Belt Total £1,576.66 -20% = £1,261.33 I was advised the 20% discount was made up of the car being 8yrs old & loyalty discounts. The OPC are fine with me providing the oil, that’ll be around £160 off the quote. Edited by HighwayStar on Wednesday 29th May 18:39

plynchy said: My OPCs refuse to allow me to supply oil. Their quotes, from 4 different locations (same group) varied by over £500 for the same job. Go figure that one out. ??????? My local OPC have are pretty good. I’ve personally had no problem with them which is great as it’s only 5mins up the roadl. The next one is 41miles away.

HighwayStar said: plynchy said: Would you mind sharing what the 8 year service cost you? Mine getting done tomorrow. My GT4 is going on Saturday. Quote… Your Porsche is booked in for the following: MOT – Free Of Charge Major service Brake fluid change Check Ancillary Unit Mounts And Chassis Visual Inspection of all Rubber Mounts For Damage Replace Spark Plugs Check Drive Belt Total £1,576.66 -20% = £1,261.33 I was advised the 20% discount was made up of the car being 8yrs old & loyalty discounts. The OPC are fine with me providing the oil, that’ll be around £160 off the quote. Edited by HighwayStar on Wednesday 29th May 18:39 Basically what HighwayStar said

Andy OH said: Basically what HighwayStar said Evening, would you mind explaining the 20% discount - is this widely offered by all OPC’s? I haven’t been able to find anything online I have recently bought a 981 GT4 myself that is due a service in a few thousand miles, saving 20% on the cost would be very welcome Thanks!

NomadicTurbo said: Where did you get your suspension done Liam? Suspension Secrets, near Knutsford. They have lots of parts available to extend the range of adjustment, but declared for my "mainly road and a bit of track" use, I'd be fine with a setup, and no parts needed changing. They were absolutely right, car was transformed, and just perfect for my purposes. Liam

HighwayStar said: Reading plynchy’s post, £500 variation in quotes and not allowed to provide his own oil shows the differences across the various OPC’s. I booked my 981 GT4 in for its 8yrs service back in February for June 1st. The basic cost would be £1576.66. It was explained to me that as the car was 8yrs old it qualified for 10% discount plus a further 10% loyalty discount. My previous 981 CS which I had for 6yrs was also looked after by the same OPC. The discounts were applied with no prompting from myself. My local OPC is part of Jardines, clearly others OPC’s are so generous/don’t feel the need to off the discounts. Brilliant thanks, hopefully my local OPC is as generous as yours!

RM93 said: Andy OH said: Basically what HighwayStar said Evening, would you mind explaining the 20% discount - is this widely offered by all OPC’s? I haven’t been able to find anything online I have recently bought a 981 GT4 myself that is due a service in a few thousand miles, saving 20% on the cost would be very welcome Thanks! Reading plynchy’s post, £500 variation in quotes and not allowed to provide his own oil shows the differences across the various OPC’s. I booked my 981 GT4 in for its 8yrs service back in February for June 1st. The basic cost would be £1576.66. It was explained to me that as the car was 8yrs old it qualified for 10% discount plus a further 10% loyalty discount. My previous 981 CS which I had for 6yrs was also looked after by the same OPC. The discounts were applied with no prompting from myself. My local OPC is part of Jardines, clearly others OPC’s aren’t so generous/don’t feel the need to off the discounts. Edited by HighwayStar on Wednesday 29th May 23:38

I'll report back on the service costs later today once I've been well and truly rinsed.

RM93 said: Andy OH said: Basically what HighwayStar said Evening, would you mind explaining the 20% discount - is this widely offered by all OPC’s? I haven’t been able to find anything online I have recently bought a 981 GT4 myself that is due a service in a few thousand miles, saving 20% on the cost would be very welcome Thanks! I use Porsche Colchester for everything related to my 981 GT4, so that’s servicing, MOT and warranty renewal. I’ll dig out the letter they sent me offering the discount and see how the discount is structured but it’s probably just as HighwayStar explained in a couple of posts above. Porsche Colchester are part of the Jardine Group, so if Colchester offer the discount it’s worth asking other Jardine Group OPCs. It may be OPC specific and as has been mentioned is possibly combined with a loyalty discount too. Edited by Andy OH on Thursday 30th May 07:46

Andy OH said: RM93 said: Andy OH said: Basically what HighwayStar said Evening, would you mind explaining the 20% discount - is this widely offered by all OPC’s? I haven’t been able to find anything online I have recently bought a 981 GT4 myself that is due a service in a few thousand miles, saving 20% on the cost would be very welcome Thanks! I use Porsche Colchester for everything related to my 981 GT4, so that’s servicing, MOT and warranty renewal. I’ll dig out the letter they sent me offering the discount and see how the discount is structured but it’s probably just as HighwayStar explained in a couple of posts above. Porsche Colchester are part of the Jardine Group, so if Colchester offer the discount it’s worth asking other Jardine Group OPCs. It may be OPC specific and as has been mentioned is possibly combined with a loyalty discount too. Edited by Andy OH on Thursday 30th May 07:46 Porsche Colchester is who I use…

Bit of a saga today all told. Dropped car in at Leeds for major service, car turned to me around 2pm. ‘That’s all done, we haven’t done the places they weren’t on the order’’ “WTF? I booked it in for a major service, which includes plugs” “Oh, can you bring it back for those cos the workshop is really busy?” “No, I live 90 mins away” They sorted it, at additional cost obv but still came in £100 cheaper than Teesside, and £300 cheaper than York. Central booking people had screwed it up apparently. Total came in at £1300 and odd.

I thought this was a brilliant vid, well worth a watch if you have a GT4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmsLgwOGTB8