sunroof....

[lateapex911]

I know this will really upset some of the members here, but I have to ask anyway.

Here's the deal. I race with the SCCA, and my race car is my "Absolute car". No compromises, all performance.

I also have a 73 911E. I brought it back fro the brink of rust decomposition, but it was my first restoration, so, it's not perfect, and it's seen 15 years of driving all over America since then. A driver in other words. Now, it's got the Wevo rear suspension bits, Smart bars, and a new susp front and rear wth lots of Elephant parts, and the engine is a neat 2.7 with solex cams and webers,...so it's a fun driver.

But it's a coupe, and while I love the lines of the coupe, I miss the light and air of a sunroof.

So.......I know everyone cuts their sunroof out or off and replaces them with a thin skinned lightweight coupe roof for performance, but I am wondering if I really care about the performance loss in exchange for the driving enjoyment. (I know, the 911 sunroof is like a mailslot, unlike my soon to be sold 944S2's huge hole)

What are the specific differences, in numbers and other issues, that going to a sunroof version willl create? (I'm thinking of a simple saw off/weld on deal)

How much more does it actually weigh? Actual issues with handling? is it a known leaker?

Is it reasonable to think that somewhere out there somebody doing a 911 track car has a sunroof version and they're just dying to swap with a guy like me?

Thanks for the chance to ask the crew!

[RSBob]

My car, a 73 S came as a sunroof coupe. I don't race it, but enjoy fast drives in the country, some AX, and DEs. LIke you, I really enjoy having it open on nice days. If having a sunroof is a sign of not being hard-core, than I can live with that just fine. I am sure a skilled welder could install a complete roof for you. But they would have to be skilled. Then there is the matter of adding drain tubes. This would be no small undertaking. the tubes run down through the A pillars (don't know how you would do that) and then there is a set in back. As far as weight, yes there is a penalty of what? 35-40 lbs. I am guessing. This includes the motor all the internal framing, etc. How does it affect cornering etc? It just depends how well you have your car set up. Some people will pay 4 grand for a trick suspension that on a targa or cabrio will out corner just about anything. Yes, if you have 2 identical cars with 2 identical set-ups the non-sunroof car will outperform, because of a lower center of gravity. Remember you are adding weight where you want it the least - up high. I lowered my car, added a custom suspension which is the envy of a few, and I can hang right in there with the non-sunroof cars. See driver skill also can overcome a sunroof weight penalty. I would recommend having someone knowledgeable think of the logistics of the drain tubes, mounting the motor, reinforcing the roof, etc before you begin. It will be quite a project and cost you I would guess a couple grand to do it right (this includes body work, paint work, materials, professional labor etc.) If you want a sunroof car, have the money to do it right, go for it. BUT I sure wouldn't do it unless you can do it 100% correct. And no, mine never leaks.

[lateapex911]

Great points, thanks!

I was hoping for less than 40 pounds extra though!

Where does the motor mount? In the roof or lower?

Off the top of my head I'd think that cutting the roof somewhere in the pillars would be a way to go, then adding some internal reinforcemnts (while you're there) might be smart, and of course, with the pillars open, snaking the tubes in at that point.

Certainly not a project for a hack, but, with propper jigging, and planning, it's should be pretty straightforward, unless I'm missing something!

[group911@aol.co]

The motor, transmission and everything else is self contained in the top assy. The rear drain tubes come out in the drip rail for the engine lid. The fronts come out in the door jamb area.