911 Targa; to track or not to track

[911Twnb]

I just got a PPI done on an '83 Targa. I mentioned to the mech that it will be a daily driver but I will do some DE. He said that the Targa was not stable enough for the track and that I should be looking for a Coupe instead. Anyone agree with him?
I should mention that he is selling his '83 Coupe.

[pbs911]

He's right don't take it to the track. It's too addictive and will be way too much fun!

Nothing wrong with tracking a Targa. Tyson tracks Scruffy, an early cab conversion and eats up the big boys in their "coupe." I doubt an average driver would notice any difference in lap times between a coupe and a Targa.

[surflvr911sc]

I knew Paul would jump on that quick. Here is Paul's Targa at Willow Springs before the extra 100 horses. Looks like a Targa does pretty well to me.

[Noel]

He is refering to the fact the bodies of coupes being more rigid. IE less flexible than Targa's. However, if you don't plan to turn it into a track car with sticky tires, I would worry about it.

Noel

[Eric Coffey]

Data point:

I believe the legendary Mark Donahue once said that he preferred the handling characteristics of the Targa chassis (over the coupe).

[89911]

My region doesn't let Targa's on the track. They are afraid that the deafening windnoise will distract from concentrating on the track.

[s2per]

I've said it before, but my Targa is the best balanced of the three 911s that I've owned at the track. I've done the normal DE-oriented upgrades--carbon pads, Cool brakes, Bilsteins, seats/belts, Weltmeister, Kumho track rubber, etc. and it's a ball. Ultimately is a coupe stiffer? Sure. Will you notice on the track? Maybe, as your driving levels improve, but we're talking tenths of second here and there.

But does the top come off a coupe on a warm day? Buy the Targa. Enjoy it! Just like at Turn 1 at Sebring....

[911Twnb]

Thanks y'all. I'm go to go for that Targa.

[mm86911]

I track my targa every chance I get!

[MMARSH]

One of the fastest Cars in the V3/R5 class in the POC was a Targa. I started out tracking a Targa and loved it. If a Targa is what you want go for it.

[avi8torny]

I'm all over the coupe's at the track...don't listen to him.

[LeeH]

TRACK! I'm in the blue '81.



Lot's of soft tops shown in this thread:
Show us your track pics

[pu911]

The only time the coupes are superior are if you get upside down. I saw a good friend roll his targa at Grattan, his next track car was coupe.
Phil

[84CAB]

while searching the archives I ran across this old thread from a few years ago. With the ongoing targa - vs- coupe - vs- cab. I thought I might stir the pot a little.

[450knotOffice]

Where's the link?

[VaSteve]

See my signature....

[FrayAdjacent911]

Maybe someday Stinky will see a track... got a lot of work to do, but the tub is VERY solid. I'm swapping the 15x7s and sway bars from my rusty coupe, and the vented rotors and brakes... then I'll have to chase down all the oil leaks...

[SLO-BOB]

A reason to get a Targa for the track-more headroom for helmet clearance.

Lots of targas at DEs lapping me in my coupe.

[kqw]

I recommend installing a strut tower brace and you can also install a body brace.

Otherwise it's fine on the track.

[450knotOffice]

Man...you guys are motivating me to get a roll bar for my Cab! I've already rebuilt my suspension, put the Bilstein sports on all four corners, put the strut brace on, lowered it, and have the S-03's on it. I am itching to get out there!!

As for body flex, I agree with those who say that most of us wouldn't notice any difference in our track times with a coupe, targa or cab. Most of us just are not good enough, nor will we ever be, to exploit a slightly stiffer body.