Back in the Game -- with a Middie!!

[cubby911T]

Adios Carrera Coupe, hola Midyear Targa!

Why?

Well, partly because I missed my old SC Targa....partly because I've never owned a Middie and wanted to live the experience.....and mostly because there wasn't anything left to do to the Carrera and I was getting bored. That shouldn't be a problem anymore, as there is plenty that can be done to this car. I plan to drive it "as is" for a while and evaluate things, but I have lots of potential ideas and the benefit of surplus $$$ from the sale of the Carrera.

Okay, about the car: it's a '77 Targa with a somewhat recently rebuilt 2.7 engine but otherwise pretty much dead stock. Original GP (?) White paint with more than its share of dings and road rash. Interior is Cork (blech, but at least the seats have been nicely reupholstered in leather). Runs pretty well, although after enjoying a chipped 3.2, I am not impressed with stock 2.7 power. Engine runs hot (around 215-220 on only a 70 degree day) even with the 11-blade fan, so oil pressure gets weak. 915 Tranny actually shifts pretty well - even on the 1st-to-2nd throw. The car was owned by a former co-worker of mine whom I know has taken good care of the car for the 8 years he has owned it.

Some of my potential ideas include:

Backdating (but retaining the narrow body)
Color Change
Interior refurb
Engine conversion (3.2 likely)
Wheels? maybe some Superlites?

I can't be sure that I want to do ALL of these things until I get some time in the car to see exactly how I feel about it. My budget probably isn't big enough to do all of these things anyway. But I will say this - I'm not concerned with keeping the car original. Instead, my goal is to make it into exactly what I want it to be - or as close to that as possible. I knew I wanted a narrow bodied, galvanized platform to start with - and a targa. From there, we'll see where it goes .

Until then, here she is.....

[Embraer]

I like it!

[Hautions11]

Matt, congrats on the new ride. It looks pretty solid. I am still waiting for the auction to run out on the 78SC with 3.2 conversion near you. If I come up to look, I'll drop you a note too look at your ride in person. i am in NY this week and plan on going to look at an 82 wide body conversion tomorrow. 3.2 also. Great job on the new car.

[calling911]

Let me know if you want to sell that interior.. looks to be in good shape.. I have a 76 with cork that needs something nicer.

Nice car! have fun!

[oregonmon]

quote "Interior is Cork (blech, but at least the seats have been nicely reupholstered in leather). "

BITE YOUR TONGUE!

[Doug&Julie]

Originally Posted by oregonmon

BITE YOUR TONGUE!

I've been trying to convince him that cork is perfectly good interior color for a while now...I just don't think we're going to win him over!

Way to go Matt! I think we need to get together for a Midwest Middie Meeting! I just need to convince Julie that a bouncy 911 is perfectly fine for a five hour drive.

Now, let me just drop this photo here again for a little inspiration...

[Winter]

Nice! And now I know what color my interior is - cork! I thought it was tan or brown but didn't know what Porsche considered it to be. I'm in the process of swapping it out to mostly black, as the wallet and part availability allows. So, I guess I'd vote for a interior color change. After, of course, you put that 3.2 engine in.

---

Tom

[ljowdy]

I think a good external oil cooler will help with the engine oil temp.

[cubby911T]

thanks guys .

Doug: Yeah, I'm pretty anti-Cork for the moment, but maybe I'll get used to it.....a little

ljowdy: I agree with the oil cooler suggestion....if I go to a 3.2 I'll need one for sure.

JP: It might be a little while, but I'll let you know if that interior is available

[4flyboy]

You're gonna need a black interior that Cork has got to go! Coming from a guy who has a Blue interior. Yeach

[ljowdy]

When I installed a 3.2 in my 1973, I also installed the Carrera oil cooler to replace the trombone cooler. In addition, I installed a BMW temperature sender in the cooler that turns the fan on sooner than the stock Porsche unit which I believe is set for 250 degree's. The BMW cooler turns the fan on at 210 but so far, the fan hasn't come on but temperatures have been relatively mild. This summer with AC and the heat will be the test

With the engine and cooler upgrade, my 3.2 runs much cooler than the 2.4

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Pretty car - nice job!

[PorschePilot]

I also have a mid year (74) Targa and love it. I have always like the look of the narrow bodies. My 74 has the short geared 915 so it is quick off the line and easily run and sometimes out run a 3.0. Of course the my very healthy 2.7 helps.

My car came with the cork interior, so I replaced it when I painted it.

Here are some pictures:

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Doug&Julie

I've been trying to convince him that cork is a perfectly good interior color for a while now...I just don't think we're going to win him over!

Try showing him this, maybe his opinion will soften. Here's my "Cork" interior redone by a cheap local shop. Obviously, I got a surprise when I went to pick it up, it was "off" on the color... but as it turned out, I liked it better! I don't even mind that the dash top and door tops are darker. I kinda like it. YMMV.

P.S. The blue plastic mats were temporary, they are outta the car now... thank God

[snbush67]

Nice score......I think I like the cork look.

[Paulporsche]

What's wrong w/ cork? Sheesh.

Anyway, for your overheating, make sure your oil cooler is working. Does it get hot?

Check to see if your timing isn't too far advanced.

And make sure you are not running too lean.

[cubby911T]

Originally Posted by Paulporsche

What's wrong w/ cork? Sheesh.

Anyway, for your overheating, make sure your oil cooler is working. Does it get hot?

Check to see if your timing isn't too far advanced.

And make sure you are not running too lean.

Thanks for the suggestions! Between the running hot, the somewhat fickle CIS in this car, and the general lack of power I may choose to do an engine conversion sooner rather later.