New Member, New Ride - 87 Targa

[Dpk999]

Hi all - just purchased a "new to me" 87 Targa - Guards Red with Champagne interior. Its a clean 3 owner California car with 117k miles. Couldn't be more excited to join the community and start making subtle improvements to the car. 30 miles on it so far in the Chicago burbs and smiling from ear to ear!!!

[28tbsfan]

Welcome - have an 89 Targa out in the western suburbs. I’ve had my car for around 14 years. I decided I was going to upgrade the engine and sent it to a mechanic who is reputable in Indiana to manage a project. That was two years ago, very jealous and wishing I had my car back to drive…

[PeteKz]

Welcome.

If it’s a good driver, don’t get any farkles or mods yet. Just drive it for about 5000 miles. After that, you will have a much better idea of how you ise the car and what you want. Otherwise, you are likely to spend money on stuff you don’t need or like.

[Dpk999]

Thank you! @Pete - 100% agreed, just doing some minor improvements like fixing the play in the steering wheel, hi/low beam fix, adding 23mm rear spacers, and a rennline cup holder. Was out again with my son tonight...its such a blast driving this car!

[Otter74]

Welcome! I’m on the NW side of the city.

[motorstereo]

Congrats on the car! I’d highly recommend installing a headlight relay if the car doesn’t have one already. The J West kit is available from our host and easy to install.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/JWST911HLPR.htm?pn=JWST-911-HLPR&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22208005432&gclid=CjwKCAjw_pDBBhBMEiwAmY02NikXNAwFVHoTlDh_aIcV 48XJT_okkKRIbftY1rUwdV633EcXog9jmhoCC0EQAvD_BwE

Do you ever drive out to the NW corner of the state? I recall that the roads near Wyallusing State Park in SW Wisconsin are pretty nice.

[PeteKz]

dpk: 23mm is almost 1". That's a lot of spacer if the wheels and fenders are stock. Be sure you have enough space between the tire and inner fender before you spend the $$$. With that much width, either the spacer must have lugs in it (then it's an "adapter"), or you will have to install longer lugs in your existing hubs.

What wheels and tires are currently on it? It probably would be better for you to get a wider set of rear wheels and tires than to add spacers.

[A930Rocket]

Would a 86 911 with stock headlights need the headlight relay?

Also, it was interesting that the reviews of the relay, said it came miswired. Having installed them in a few locations, they are simple and I don’t understand how they could be miswired from the factory.

Originally Posted by motorstereo

Congrats on the car! I’d highly recommend installing a headlight relay if the car doesn’t have one already. The J West kit is available from our host and easy to install.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/JWST911HLPR.htm?pn=JWST-911-HLPR&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22208005432&gclid=CjwKCAjw_pDBBhBMEiwAmY02NikXNAwFVHoTlDh_aIcV 48XJT_okkKRIbftY1rUwdV633EcXog9jmhoCC0EQAvD_BwE

[brighton911]

A930 Yes, to needing the relay. Without it, all the current for the headlights goes through the switch and high/low switch. Not hard to make up your own kit, there are threads with the details. And While you are in there, add a fuse to the interior lights circuit too.

[PeteKz]

The standard halogen lights need a relay, due to the high current. If you change the headlights to LEDs, the current drops to about 1/3 of the halogens, which reduces the load and heat on the switches accordingly, but the relays are still a good idea.