Are All 911's With Factory Targa Tops Noisy?

coollx · 09-19-2008, 03:46 AM

I went for a nice two hour drive yesterday with my top on because it was pretty cool out and was reminded how much wind noise there is. The top is in good condition and seals pretty well except where the tops of the windows meet the weatherstrip which has a small gap.

My conclusion is that my car is much quieter with the top off at 40-70 mph than with it on! Is this what most people experience with a Targa?

Thanks

silverc4s · silverc4s's Garage

Obviously, you need a sport exhaust

coollx · 09-19-2008, 04:12 AM

I do have one which helps.

javadog · 09-19-2008, 04:13 AM

I'd say that the average targa is noisier with the top on. There are quite a few adjustments you can do to the top and windows, so it's likely that you could make yours better.

It will never be really quiet.

JR

robert walsh · 09-19-2008, 04:24 AM

I do not own one but have driven them, all the ones I drove were quite noisey as highyway speeds and unfortunatly also leaked during washing and rain storms. I now own an '83 cab, although it is actually kinda quiet at highyway speeds the other 2 problems still exist. I went from wanting a targa, then decieded a sunroof coupe would be ideal and ended up with a cabriolet. Go figure!

Shadetree930 · 09-19-2008, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert walsh

I do not own one but have driven them, all the ones I drove were quite noisey as highyway speeds and unfortunatly also leaked during washing and rain storms.

I owned a Targa. I had my top reconditioned by Dan at Carsinc. Once that was done all the above problems went away. It was like driving a coupe with the option to go open top whenever the urge struck.

My opinion, Targas get a bad reputation on the basis of 'tired' tops.

javadog · 09-19-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prials

My opinion, Targas get a bad reputation on the basis of 'tired' tops.

True, but they weren't great even when new. Some were better than others but I'd say a cab is less noisy than a targa, on average.

It's funny how so many magazine test reports of coupes complained about wind noise. Targa owners should be so lucky.

JR

robert walsh · 09-19-2008, 05:49 AM

IMHO, all three types of open air porsches have their fair share problems, specific to type, sunroof, targa or convertible. leaking, rattles, air noise, all things that have to be endured in order to get the driving experience that you "ultimately desire" being some form of open air experience. To solve these problems let's all drive trailer queens and never venture out in any form of inclimate weather, and beteer yet through the tops away. A 25 year old open air vehicle of any type being a reliable, enjoyable experience is somewhat of a miracle in itself.

mike monde · 09-19-2008, 06:32 AM

It is rare that I drive my car with its top on, but when I do the wind noise isn't that bad. My top is in pretty good shape so it isn't that bad.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Following a large truck even 60 feet back does a lot to lower the wind noise on the highway.

Try a leather jacket with collar up, gloves and a hat with the top off. I don't have heat and do this until first snow fall.

cubby911T · cubby911T's Garage

I don't mind the wind noise from my targa so much as the creaking-squeaking-rattling. My seals seem to be in pretty good shape and the fit seems okay. What have some of you done to reduce these other annoying sounds?

BReyes · BReyes's Garage

I get used to it. The sound adds to the experience.

Getting used to arriving somewhere with windblown hair is the biggest issue. Doesn't matter if you are in a suit with big hair you have to giggle.

No complaints on the targa. Aside from the direction of my hair blowing more forward over my eyes (whereas in my SC cab it was more up out of my eyes), the targa with top on is enjoyable, quieter if have R&R seals, top, et. al.. I would say replace the top seals -have an expert do it if no prior experience with seals.

BTW at 40-70 you haven't started hearing the good sounds.

Regards,

javadog · 09-19-2008, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby911T

I don't mind the wind noise from my targa so much as the creaking-squeaking-rattling. My seals seem to be in pretty good shape and the fit seems okay. What have some of you done to reduce these other annoying sounds?

Lubed the rubber with a good lubricant, such as Gummi Pflege, or Wurth Rubber Care.

Found the source of the rattles and eliminated the looseness/play that caused them, one at a time.

JR

c019740 · 09-19-2008, 07:01 AM

With my top on its a lot louder than without.... I have no leeks which is good but I do get a whistling noise depending outside wind angles. I have a small lip in the front which I believe is the culprit. Once I gt a chance to take a look at it or have it repaired I think that will help significantly.

GothingNC · 09-19-2008, 07:50 AM

Mine is actually pretty quiet cruising at 75 to 85 MPH with the windows closed, just a little wind noise out of the front left corner.

Seals are in decent shape and it does not leak in the rain

Try driving a VW Thing at 70 MPH with the top up and the windows in for 300 Miles.
Zero sound insulation and rattles galore.
According to R&T the decibel rating inside the the Thing is 95 at 65 MPH.

ChkbookMechanic · ChkbookMechanic's Garage

I thought everyone knew Targa in German means "leaks air and water" *ducks*.

coollx · 09-19-2008, 07:56 AM

My top has so much wind noise when its on I can't hear whether its creaking-squeaking-rattling!

Don't get me wrong, I love driving the car there's just a lot of wind noise with the top on.

Just another idiosyncrasy to go with the way the 915 shifts.

Thanks for everyones comments.

mossguy · 09-19-2008, 10:09 AM

I have had my '71 Targa since 1976. I have noticed that over the years, it has become noisier at highway speeds. It has not yet begun to leak. It still has all the original seals and rubber. If it begins to bother me enough, I will look into replacing some/all of the seals.

Tom

Jay Laifman · 09-19-2008, 01:00 PM

With all this talk of seals, I just couldn't resist:

So a penguin is driving her car in the desert, when it breaks down. Luckily, she's able to coast into a gas station. She asks the mechanic to take a look and find the problem. Mechanic tells her to come back in 30 minutes. So the penguin is getting hot being in the desert and all, and decides to find something to cool her off. She goes in the convenience store and buys some vanilla ice cream. She eats the ice cream and makes a big mess on her face. Finally she goes back to the mechanic to find out the problem. Mechanic says," Looks like you blew a seal." To which the penguin replies, "No, no. It's just a little ice cream."

rllevin · 09-19-2008, 03:28 PM

Had mine redone by Dan at CarsInc also. Wind noise is way better. No significant leaks when washing the car though I don't plan on driving in the rain on purpose. I do get some creaking from the rear seal--haven't conditioned the seal since the beginning of the summer so I'll try that. Overall much, much quieter on the highway.