Whale tail question

[Skytrooper]

would one from a 72-73 911 fit a 76 911S targa ?

Being new to the 911 scene, I am bound to have a ton of questions. I have been lurking in the 924/944 forums for some time and just purchased a very nice guards red 911S Targa.

[David]

Only '78 and later 911 turbos (930) had whaletails, but the engine lid from a 72 should fit a 76.

[Scooter]

It will fit, but it won't exactly be period correct. That said...who cares.

[Richard Burns]

If you fit a whale tail make sure that you also fit the front spoiler as well. Without it you can get wandering steering during spirited driving say 60mph into a headwind.
Richard.

[80-911SC]

the question i have is he is asking about a "whale tail" from a 72-73 , do you mean a duck or are you asking about an actual "whale "that you are looking to purchase that is currently residing on a 72-73.

Please look at the photo posts and find the tail type you are asking about.

He did say he was new he could be crossing a duck with a whale with a tea or a turbo , if really confused a c2/4 or an RS America.
could be confusing ?? I've done worse... .

[Hayabusa]

The "Whale Tail" was available on the 197(4)6-1977 Turbo's and then went to what was called the "Tea Tray" housing the factory inter-cooler from 1978 to 1989. A similar whale tail which started out in longer race form on the IROC and 934 cars were used in different variations on 1974-1976 Carrera's and then the closed or flat vent "Whale Tail" was also used on Carrera's 1984-1989,, also RS America's.

[80-911SC]

Dude you must have looked that up ...

but i am right there was not a "whale tail " on a 73 correct ?

so it still is a ? of what the hell is he looking at a duck or a "whale" currently residing on the a-s of a 73 ?????? I still don't know ?

but Chris i do know a lot more about the evolution of the whale tail ,
thanks(not being facetious either) ... Steve.

[Hayabusa]

Originally Posted by 80-911SC

Dude you must have looked that up ...

but i am right there was not a "whale tail " on a 73 correct ?

so it still is a ? of what the hell is he looking at a duck or a "whale" currently residing on the a-s of a 73 ?????? I still don't know ?

but Chris i do know a lot more about the evolution of the whale tail ,
thanks(not being facetious either) ... Steve.

No,, that was all from my head! I tried shaking it out once,,, once!

Correct to your second. No whale tail on 73.

Hey, Steve! A lot of times what happens is that guys (gals) will put improper tails on cars,, because they like the way it makes THEM feel,, or they like the way it looked on another car and think that "it" will make their car look that way. For instance, even though the tea tray was made for the turbo's wide body haunches,, and it was available as an option for placement on Carerra's,, it just never looks correct!

Look at the Turbo's wheels arches as opposed to the Carrera's. The wheel arches on the Turbo's are full and round when viewed from a profile. So viewing also from the side, the Carerra has squared off wheel arches,,, SooOOOoo,, the tea tray looks bulky and awkward.

Now,, this is where is could be interesting; if a Carrera guy (gal) were to place a whale tail on a Carrera of any year,, because a similar option made the 75-77 turbo be correct with its "Whale Tail,, then all will be good on the eyeballs. Savvy?

[80-911SC]

i agree with the "improper" on the other my SC has a BB C2/4 kit front/rear and rockers , it had when i bought it the BB C 2/4 RS America style tail , wasn't sure about it at first and pulled it off placed back the grill and now not sure about that either , debating either putting it back on , getting a duck, leaving the cleaner grill alone look or a 964 deck lid (basically i have no ***** idea at the present time)

But i do know i love the car , enjoy driving it, wrenching on it and just looking and thinking at how much better it makes my garage look with it in it...

Steve.

[longhornchris04]

Originally Posted by Richard Burns

If you fit a whale tail make sure that you also fit the front spoiler as well. Without it you can get wandering steering during spirited driving say 60mph into a headwind.
Richard.

Seconded. When I bought my 911, the PO had removed the front spoiler... probably due to a serious curb-check since the ground clearance was small. Anyway, I could feel the nose get light as I got faster. Very unnerving on a concrete-slab highway where every gap makes the nose bounce.

Also, realize that said front spoiler will reduce your front-end clearance. IMHO its worth it, but only if you drive places that don't have sharp ramps into parking lots.

[Skytrooper]

It is exactly like this one.

[longhornchris04]

That's the same style as my '75 Targa. From what I've read, its the "early Carrera" tail, which came right after the duck tail.

The later tails have the flat vent, as compared to the inclined vent. The turbo tails have the "fence" all around.

As to it fitting, well mine fits and looks good. To each his own, but I like the tail and flared fender look (like the car you posted) on a Targa.

[Hayabusa]

Originally Posted by longhornchris04

Seconded. When I bought my 911, the PO had removed the front spoiler... probably due to a serious curb-check since the ground clearance was small. Anyway, I could feel the nose get light as I got faster. Very unnerving on a concrete-slab highway where every gap makes the nose bounce.

Also, realize that said front spoiler will reduce your front-end clearance. IMHO its worth it, but only if you drive places that don't have sharp ramps into parking lots.

Moreover, the addition of a rear spoiler without the front and/or elimination or removal of the front whilst wearing a rear tail can cause high speed oscillations potentially leading to loss of front or worse rear wheel traction ending in catastrophe.

My 930 was lowered a tad below Euro specs. Getting in and out of driveways was always something that you had to gauge. Challenge more than problem for me! - It was either, "go or no go"! And then if committed, it was always in at an angle, slow and sure. I honestly feel that if you aren't ready at a moments notice to set the parking brake and jump out, you simply shouldn't own a 930. Just my thoughts. I hate scraps on my chin spoiler. That's enough to make me nauseous all day long.

[Skytrooper]

Chin spoiler is already installed

[Hayabusa]

Toss some pics up, ya slacker!