when is the right time to apply for residence permit renewal in Guangdong?

I am working in China, and will remain with the same company (they usually help me with papers, but this time we have some problems to trust each other, and i feel a bit (a lot) manipulated) . My work residence permit expires on 11.September 2014. Last year i applied for new one just 8 days before the expiration date (because august is my vacation time, so i travelled).
Question 1: How early should i apply (in the meaning to give my passport and being not be able to travel abroad) under new 2013 regulations?
Q2: Can i apply 8-9 day prior the expiration of permit and then just living few weeks without to hold my passport waiting for a new permit?
Q3: Can i apply in advance, maybe 2 or 3 months before expiration, so i could have my passport with new permit already in august? And what date in this case will be the begin of a new one: date of issue or 12 of September 2014?
Thank You)