Pelican Parts Forums - 911 Targa; to track or not to track

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- - 911 Targa; to track or not to track (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/124025-911-targa-track-not-track.html)

Yes, folks. Your targa is faster than you are :D

When you think about it the Targa may actually be the better choice for someone starting out at the track.

I've heard it said that the Targa kind of "warns" you when your getting near the limit of tire adhesion. It's better at testing the limits so to speak. I guess the trade of is a lower limit though.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bobboloo
I've heard it said that the Targa kind of "warns" you when your getting near the limit of tire adhesion. It's better at testing the limits so to speak. I guess the trade of is a lower limit though.

Bobby, I'm not sure any of this is really true with stock suspension. The amount of body deflection compared to suspension deflection with stock suspension (even on a g50 carrera) is miniscule. if it wasn't the targa top would be buckling. Once stiff suspension is put on and aggressive alignment settings, I think the body deflection may become more of a factor. chances are though, a better driver could still drive the targa faster than the targa owner could drive an equivalent coupe, IMHO.

Targas definitely make for awfull track cars
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131652809.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131670890.jpg

My targa is great on the track. Strut tower bar and BK harness bar installed.

Don't "EVER" take your targa on the track! :D

My first:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131672433.jpg

And my second (pbs911's car re-bastardized with a 3.2L):

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131672603.jpg

The black targa has a roll bar, strut brace, and upgraded torsion bars. It's worlds different than the stock suspension '72T

Quote:

Actually it is true even if both (Coupe and Targa) cars are stock. If they are both setup for the track then the difference might be even more noticeable I suppose.

The Targa tops actually do buckle. Just jack up a Targa on one side and look at the roof. Some more than others.

Here's a page from Car and Driver circa 1969 where Donahue compares 911 models for that year. His favorite out of the bunch is the 911T Targa. Yep, he chose it over the 69' 911S Coupe for it's handling and overall drivability.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/ultimate...ds/Test4-s.jpg

I agree with some of the above: Don't track your Targa. I hate taking mine around the circuits....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1131673913.jpg

Quote:

Originally posted by Bobboloo
Actually it is true even if both (Coupe and Targa) cars are stock. If they are both setup for the track then the difference might be even more noticeable I suppose.

Well, who am I to argue with Donohue, but this does suprise me. stock suspension is Soft! and the later targas at least don't seem to flex many degrees torsionally in the center.

Quote:

Originally posted by Bobboloo
The Targa tops actually do buckle. Just jack up a Targa on one side and look at the roof. Some more than others.

well, I was thinking in terms of soda-can buckling.

Great thread.

I am always amused when people state that Targas are not really track worthy. Maybe, MAYBE, a professional race driver would actually be marginally slower in an identically prepared Targa VS a Coupe.

The real issue is, however, that very few of us are any where near that skill level. You may think you are, but you are not. Moreover, if you were, you would be driving a Targa anyway just to frustrate all the "badass" Coupe drivers out there as you blow by them.

Mike