The Merit Partners Podcast delivers one of the most comprehensive buyer-focused discussions about Carrera GT ownership available anywhere. Filmed at Merit Partners' Texas facility, this nearly 40-minute conversation between Jimmy Repasi and the Merit Partners team provides invaluable insights for anyone considering CGT ownership or wanting to understand what proper maintenance of these legendary supercars actually requires.
What sets this episode apart is its focus on practical ownership concerns. Unlike interviews that dwell on the CGT's history or performance specifications, this conversation addresses the real questions prospective owners have: What should you look for when buying? How much does proper maintenance cost? What upgrades actually make sense? Jimmy's answers draw from his experience performing major services on 80-100 Carrera GTs—more than any other independent specialist.
Key Takeaways
- A thorough pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable—it can reveal issues that save buyers from catastrophic expenses
- Major engine-out service typically requires 120+ billable hours and involves inspecting every accessible component
- Service decisions should be based on the car's age (20+ years), not mileage—time degrades components regardless of use
- The Repasi clutch upgrade addresses the CGT's original design limitations while maintaining OEM feel
- The Repasi exhaust system was specifically designed to amplify the V10's signature sound without changing its character
- KW coilover suspension with four-corner axle lift dramatically improves daily usability
- CGT values have risen significantly, making proper documentation and service history even more important
- Owners nationwide ship their CGTs to Repasi Motorwerks because specialized expertise is worth the logistics
Expert Commentary
Jimmy's discussion of the CGT buying process reveals just how much can go wrong without proper inspection. He describes scenarios where sellers present cars as well-maintained despite having significant hidden issues—problems that only become apparent through thorough inspection by someone who knows exactly what to look for. The cost of a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is trivial compared to the cost of discovering major issues after purchase.
The conversation about Repasi Motorwerks' proprietary products is particularly illuminating. When discussing the exhaust system, Jimmy explains the design philosophy: retain the F1-derived V10's distinctive pitch while simply adding volume. This approach respects what makes the CGT's sound special rather than transforming it into something generic. The same thoughtful engineering applies to the clutch upgrade, which addresses the car's well-known engagement characteristics without compromising its mechanical purity.
Perhaps the most valuable insight concerns service intervals. Jimmy explains why a CGT with just 5,000 miles may actually need more attention than one with 15,000 miles driven regularly. Time-based degradation affects rubber components, seals, and fluids regardless of mileage. A car that's been properly maintained and regularly driven is typically in better mechanical condition than a "time capsule" with minimal miles.
The discussion of suspension upgrades highlights practical ownership improvements. The KW coilover system with axle lift capability transforms the CGT from a car that requires constant vigilance over driveways and speed bumps into something far more usable without compromising its handling character when the lift isn't engaged.
Why This Matters for CGT Owners
For anyone considering Carrera GT ownership, this conversation provides a realistic framework for understanding what you're getting into. The costs discussed are substantial but clear—major service in the $40,000-60,000 range, clutch replacement in the $15,000-20,000 range—but knowing these numbers upfront allows for informed decision-making rather than unpleasant surprises.
The episode also demonstrates why geographic proximity to a specialist matters less than expertise. Merit Partners, based in Texas, brought Jimmy to their facility to discuss these cars because they recognize that proper CGT service is a national, not local, concern. Owners regularly ship their cars across the country to Repasi Motorwerks because the quality of service justifies the logistics.
For current CGT owners, this conversation validates the importance of proactive maintenance and provides insight into which upgrades offer genuine value versus which are merely cosmetic changes.
Merit Partners' podcast with Jimmy Repasi stands out as essential listening for the CGT-curious. The combination of Jimmy's deep technical expertise and the hosts' thoughtful questions creates a comprehensive guide to CGT ownership realities. Whether you're actively shopping for a Carrera GT, evaluating whether CGT ownership fits your lifestyle, or simply wanting to understand these remarkable machines better, this 39-minute investment of your time will leave you significantly more informed.
