Questions on a Targa

[georgeinhere]

I am thinking of picking up an 87 Targa and I have a couple of questions:

1. The car has a tail and I am not a big fan, do I need to buy an entire lid and have it repainted or can the actual tail part come off? I don't want to mess with the car too much, it is very original and that's important to me.

2. If I remove the tail, do I need to remove the front spoiler?

3. Did Porsche stick the options sticker under the hood back then?

Thank you for your help.

[bklyn]

George, I have a 1987 Targa in Guards red, I just purchased a tail from a fellow Pelican. The top holes of the lid grille are used but you will have 5 bottom holes into the lid itself. So i purchase one that came with a lid and save the orig. just if my mood changes.

[TroyN]

It's ok to run w/ just a front spoiler but not w/ just a rear spoiler.

[group911@aol.co]

You can use a front spoiler without the rear but not the rear without the front.
No idea on the option sticker in 87?

[TroyN]

I have an options sticker on the hood of my 930 (an '87) so would assume they did the same w/ the Carrera.

[the]

Originally Posted by georgeinhere

I am thinking of picking up an 87 Targa and I have a couple of questions:

1. The car has a tail and I am not a big fan, do I need to buy an entire lid and have it repainted or can the actual tail part come off? I don't want to mess with the car too much, it is very original and that's important to me.

2. If I remove the tail, do I need to remove the front spoiler?

3. Did Porsche stick the options sticker under the hood back then?

Thank you for your help.

1. You don't have to, but it would be a lot easier to get a new decklid. Otherwise you have to weld up the holes that the removed tail will leave behind.

2. No.

3. Yes.

[Racerbvd]

If you decide you don't want the tail, let me know, I have a non-drilled Carrera lid that I could work a trade with

[BeyGon]

When I bought my 89 Targa I wasn't looking for one with the tail but found a really nice car with one. I thought I would, like you are thinking, sell it and put a plain deck lid on it. In a few weeks I grew to like the tail and wouldn't switch now. At speed you can feel the car squat. Feels good.

[the]

Originally Posted by BeyGon

At speed you can feel the car squat. Feels good.

That is only in your mind, not in real life.

The tail exerts no positive downforce (i.e., does not make the car "squat"), even at 150 mph.

[georgeinhere]

Thank you so much for all of the responses...this website is amazing and look forward to participating. I am not new to Porsche but I am certainly new to actually doing anything pass putting gas and checking the oil stick.

[georgeinhere]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

If you decide you don't want the tail, let me know, I have a non-drilled Carrera lid that I could work a trade with

I am going to keep all of the stock "stuff"...but would be willing to listen if you'd like to sell it.

[efhughes3]

If originality is important to you, why not leave it on?

I'd give it a month or two and see what you think then. Also know that if you are prone to spirited driving, the car will get light with no tail and front spoiler at 90-100mph and up.

[thaxtela]

My 1986 Targa has an option sticker on the inside of the front hood.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by the

That is only in your mind, not in real life.

The tail exerts no positive downforce (i.e., does not make the car "squat"), even at 150 mph.

Well, I am more than willing to take you on a test run, as I noticed a big change when big trucks pass me with a tail than without, and I have & drive cars with both.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by the

That is only in your mind, not in real life.

The tail exerts no positive downforce (i.e., does not make the car "squat"), even at 150 mph.

Ooh, we've got a scientist here now! It's not the "positive downforce"; it's negating the lift at the rear, and hindering airflow under the car at the front.

Like Byron, I've driven both. In fact, on my car, I've had it three ways: no tail, Carrera tail and Duck-all of them were different feelings. I'll take the tail, please.

[TroyN]

The tail does make a significant difference - in reducing lift. There is still lift (I don't remember the exact number, but I think somewhere around 68 pounds) at the rear with the tail, though; i.e. no downforce.

[TroyN]

Hey Ed! Looks like we clicked at the same time.

[efhughes3]

Originally Posted by TroyN

Hey Ed! Looks like we clicked at the same time.

Nah, I beat you by a millisecond.