Porsche 996 GT3

By: Ismael "the Corvette guy" Gonzalez

  I know what you are thinking: This is not a Corvette. I KNOW! 
But: I am not just a Corvette guy, I'm a car guy.  Back in late 2002 I had the privilege of been invited to test the whole line of Porsche cars in a racetrack.  I always liked these sports cars, but after driving them like if they were stolen, I now have a much greater appreciation for them.

Let's start with the pictures first and then the details of the build.  This is a curbside model in 1/24 scale.

No, no, no, no, you fool! The lug nuts go AFTER the wheel, not before LOL

This is my favorite picture....

 I started with the Tamiya GT3 1/24 model, with the intention of only modifying the headlights from a 1999 to a 2003 model year. HA!

Facts:
- Cobra Colors Cobalt Blue authentic Porsche color.
- Carbon fiber spoiler
- Carbon fiber mirrors
- Carbon fiber transaxle pan
- blue tinted windshield top
- dark gray flocking
- Anthracite gray roll bar
- home computer generated Brembo logos for the calipers
- PR emission inspections and license plate (so it CAN be used on the street)

This is box stock build except for the following:  :)
- Modified bumper, headlight  and headlight covers to replicate a 2003 model year
- mesh grille in the front bumper to stop track debris
- Mandatory tow hook for track usage
- Eliminated back seat templates
- Soldered brass roll bar
- leather wrapped foam core padding
- Five point harness with PE hardware (one locked, one loose)
- Computer generated GT3 emblems
- Scratchbuilt inside door handles
- machined fire extinguisher
- leather seating surfaces
- key in the ignition
- side glass eliminated (you think I'm going to hide all that work inside???)
- Drivers side rear wheel hub added studs and center nut
- brake lines added
- inside wheel well liner
- Added lug nuts
- Wheel left out of course

These Tamiya kits are so nice they are a dream to work with.  The precision and fit is so superb you have to try it at least once.

4/9/2007