Turbo tail on a Carrera- is this uncool?

tdorsey835 · 09-07-2003, 07:49 AM

Does anyone know if the turbo tail (tea tray- not the Carrera tail) was offered as an option on the 84-89 Carreras? I've been wanting to add a tail to my 89 and may have the option of adding a used factory turbo tail, but I dont want to ruin or rice my car. Is this considered blasphemy?

If the turbo tail was a factory option, i would be more inclined to add one since it would be 'period correct'. I don't want to be a 930 wannabe either. Any thoughts? How about a picture of your Carrera fitted with a Turbo tail. Thanks.

stomachmonkey · 09-07-2003, 08:09 AM

You are going to get answers on both sides of the fence and some in the middle.

I say, do what you want, it's your car.

The right thing to do is whatever puts a smile on your face.

Scott

350HP930 · 09-07-2003, 08:23 AM

I'm with SoCal911SC that a turbo tail looks a little strange on anything but a wide body.

1980SC · 09-07-2003, 08:29 AM

Here is the rear view of the factory 'tea tray' on my narrow SC. I don't think it looks strange.

-Rob
1980sc

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Go for what you like. But I agree, they simply just dont look right. Its the first thing I notice when I see one 'out of place'. The tails on the early turbos (76<, the ones with the two grilles) were called tea trays, the one in the picture is called 'turbo tail'.

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

Stay with the Carrera tail, unless you are going to do the
Complete wide body look.

Keith Epperly 87 slant nose cabriolet turbo look "Carrera"

89911 · 09-07-2003, 09:11 AM

My friend has a euro SC narrow body that came from the factory with a turbo tail. He has the cardex to prove it. I think it looks fine.

tdorsey835 · 09-07-2003, 09:29 AM

I was leaning toward the Carrera tail anyway and I think you guys may have made my mind up. Brian- Any suggestions on where to look for one other than Ebay? Ive checked with all the dismantlers and no one had any. They say they sell them as soon as they get them. Also, I'd prefer to avoid an aftermarket one if I can, and want to spend less than $500 not including painting. Thanks for the replies.

kepperly · kepperly's Garage

Troy, I have had good luck with Ebay and they have the most
parts available.

Keith

tiorio · 09-07-2003, 09:41 AM

Ifin you can get the turbo tail at a great price you can always pick it up and sell it and then spend the $ on a Carrera tail...

89911 · 09-07-2003, 09:52 AM

My brother sold his tail and decklid last spring. It was in perfect shape and he got $900 for it.

350HP930 · 09-07-2003, 10:11 AM

Factory tails pop up on e-bay quite often.

If you are not in any hurry to get one you should be able to find a good carerra tail in a month or so.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Add another vote to the "doesn't look right" column. It isn't as bad on a SC/Carrera flared car as a mid year narrow-butt car, or (God-forbid) a long-hood.

I bought a perfect used Carrera tail with lid for $500.

I found mine by searching local PCA region web pages (start here), many have a classified section. You can also keep an eye on the for sale ads here and on Rennlist.

Tom

beepbeep · 09-07-2003, 11:07 AM

Well it will reduce lift and you'll have added benefit of having lot's of aditional space to install intercooler later on :-)

We are adding fiberglass D/P 930 tail on our SC, mainly just to be able to fit aninge/intercoolers etc.

Kurt B · 09-07-2003, 11:35 AM

My g/f just saw a turbo tail on a narrow body and the first thing she said about the car is "Uh, I don't like that tail. It's too big"
I told her they go on turbos and showed her a pic of a turbo. It looks good there, she agreed.
Also note, the wide speedsters without the turbos tails look weird. Definitely. It's all about proportionality one way or another. Too much either way and it doesn't work.
Some say even the Carrera tail is a bit too big. I hear this now after I have a ducktail from people who saw the car with a Carrera tail. Something to keep in mind.

911Seattle · 09-07-2003, 11:59 AM

I had a similar question and a great thread developed. Do a search for thread topic called:

"Pictures of different tails/wings"

Jesse

twin plugged targa · twin plugged targa's Garage

One point that has not come up yet is-
If you descide to put a turbo or Carrera tail, it is a general opinion that a rubber lip spoiler should be installed on the front valence to balance the car.
Also I believe that the Turbo and Carrera reduce lift but the major effect of the Ducktail is to reduce drag!.

As for my opinion I think all of the tails look good!

But a Porsche without any front spoiler does not quite look right (unless on a pre impact bumper Porsche!)

rgds`Ben

ipapilot · 09-07-2003, 02:19 PM

Have you considered adding an aftermarket fiberglass tail? I would think you could come up with an all glass carrera replica or RS America tail for about the kind of money you are talking about. Might save a little weight by losing the rubber lip, also, if that matters to you.

brawlins · 09-07-2003, 02:47 PM

I've got a Turbo Tail on my SC and I get a lot of compliments on it. I do not like the Carrera Tail - A matter of preference.

tdorsey835 · 09-07-2003, 03:13 PM

I was hoping to keep it as factory as possible, although the weight issue is an interesting point. Also, I'm not sure how the non-factory tail would look. Anyone have any pictures of an fiberglass RS America tail installed? Is this a direct replica of the OE RS America tail. Definitely would add the front chin spoiler before or during adding the tail. Thanks for the replies guys.