The Porsche 997 was more than ‘just’ the latest – sixth at the time – iteration of the seminal sportster that was, and is, the Porsche 911. It was a statement car that gave the Porsche sporting heritage a new twist. And if your 997 is a bit more heritage than new, we have the replacements and upgrades you need. For this blog, we’ll focus on the non-glamorous, but mission-critical, units doing the heavy lifting while the engine puts in the hard yards. Power is nothing without control and that means unrivalled stopping power on demand.

As well as going big with the choices of configurations, with a coupé, cabriolet and Targa all available, the Porsche 997 was also a design innovation, straddling both the past and the future. The past was represented by the glass roof, first seen on the 993, and the futuristic large wheels and the ‘bug eye’ style headlights that replaced the famous ‘fried egg’ format. But let’s start with the fundamentals. And that means brakes for both every day, and out of the ordinary, use.

Clean brake?

The Porsche 997 offered three different power options: a 3.6, 3.8 or 4.0 litre naturally-aspirated or twin-turbocharged flat-6 mill that nudged 200 mph, and that demands a lot of braking. It may be that your calipers need refreshing. These OE Match front calipers are compatible with Brembo systems and are available, on order, at a discount.

Similarly, those who want to take their cars to the limit by proving them on the track will need to upgrade their stopping power. This is no place to discover that what works on the ring road doesn’t deliver on the Nürburgring. Check out these PFC Track and Race pads. They fit front and back, and are compatible with the Porsche 997 3.6L and 3.8L Mark 11, C2S and C4s variants.

Thermal expansion? Not here!

While car performance levels have increased since the invention of the disc brake, the fundamental design hasn’t changed. Consequently, drivers of high-performance cars have noticed issues with vibration and pulsation. The thermal expansion caused by overheating has warped discs and compromised performance. But things have moved on.

Slipped disc?

Better talk to Design 911, then. These PFC slotted front discs are a two-piece assembly that utilizes a patented attachment design – a unique, two-turn retention ring that clamps hat and disc together.

Say goodbye to torque wrenches and hassle, hello to optimal stopping performance for your 2005 Porsche 997 GT2, GT3, RS or Turbo, or any second-generation Porsche 997. Rolling a Porsche 997 C2 or C4? This Giro Disc 340mm upgrade comes with spacers and hardware. Either option works even better with fast road and track pads.

Hat trick.

The same manufacturer offers this rotor-slotted brake disc, front assembly only, for multiple 997 models with or without ceramics. While the Girodisc assembly is a little lighter than the OE system, wider rotors transfer weight from the less-effective centre hat to the outer diameter, where it actively absorbs and disperses heat – another weapon in the fight against heat-induced warping.

Package deal.

Sometimes, like holidays, instead of trying to cobble individual elements it’s best to buy everything you need in one hit. Our Porsche 997 brake packages are a great example of this. This Brembo front brake pad and disc package for the Porsche 997 C4 includes original equipment quality parts and represent a like-for-like, rip and replace option for the standard assembly. Meanwhile, this is the option for swapping out the sport equivalent.

Go big!

Sometimes, bigger is better and that’s the case with this brake upgrade kit. Compatible only with 18” wheels or above, the extra radius boosts stopping power by a mighty 50mm – just add brake pads – either standard OE pads or PFC performance pads – when selecting this product. The kit has everything you need, including genuine GT3 calipers, 380mm discs, pad sensor, caliper adapters and every bolt and screw.

Hose about that?

Brake hoses are not top of anyone’s wish list, but if any assembly fails at its weakest point, you don’t want to miss out on swapping out your standard hoses when changing other brake components . it’s worth making the extra effort when upgrading your stopping options – and these Goodridge premium performance stainless steel brake hoses are top quality. Their race-bred street brake lines include a PTFE inner hose covered by braided stainless steel to provide a more responsive and firm action by eliminating the ‘spongy’ feel drivers notice with stock rubber brake lines.

Wasted energy.

While Design 911 are always happy to share their expertise with customers, and that includes the sometimes-confusing technical terminology, some things just sound wrong to everyone. Take ‘boiling brake fluid’. That can’t be good, right? This happens when the caliper pistons transfer heat from rotors and pads directly into the fluid.

Boling brake fluid releases air, reduces compression, and means the brake pedal goes to the floor instead of moving the caliper pistons. It’s a thing with production cars on track days as they lack the extensive cooling and fit-for-purpose materials found in the brakes of true racing cars. The key is choosing metal with the appropriate conductivity.

This Girodisc brake pad shield solution is fitted with titanium caliper pistons and a thin titanium shim placed between the pad back and the pistons, to keep the braking heat from transferring into the pistons and fluid for low thermal conductivity. Great news for keeping fluid cool, and brakes working at maximum effectiveness. It’s a more cost-effective option than boiling your brakes at a moment when you might really, really need them.

Does it fit your Porsche 997?

Almost certainly. These rear shields are compatible with most models, including the 06997 Turbo, GT3 and RS; these front shields work with the Porsche 997 3.6L C2 and most C4 models between 05-09, but not the 3.8L, while these fit the rear. If you drive the 3.8L, you’ll need these, while drivers of the 06 Porsche 997 GT3 and RS will need these.

997 (911) MK1 & MK2 2005-2012