"Upgrading" from an 1986 to a 1989: questions...

[Marlon Targa 86]

I want to start using the p-car as a daily driver. So, I'm selling my 1986 Targa Black int/ext, 49K miles, everything works except the AC, original, great condition paint, great tranny, no leaks, runs and drives awesome.

I WAS going to buy an 997 2005. But then I started thinking about how much I would miss driving an 911. Especially now I learned how to work on the car, bought all the tools, etc.

So I'm looking for a low miles 1989 911 Coupe Wide Body (or wider Fuchs/tires). I'm don't want to drive my Targa in the rain and want a G50 for "trafficy" driving. My question is: is there a difference between a 1988 or 1989 mechanically speaking. Are there specific things unique to a 1988-89 car I should look out for? Any weaknesses?

Thanks!

Marlon

[Wil Ferch]

The infamous clutch shaft support bearings issues that ALL G50 cars will suffer ( sooner ot later),....wasn't addressed by Porsche until about April, '89 production. Pretty late in this 87-89 series. Either get a late '89 or make sure that (either) the factory fix kit or aftermarket fix kits were installed in the pre-89 G50 cars you may be looking at.

My personal opinion is that there is not a big difference in a 86 or 89 Carrera.....the G50 notwithstanding. A nicely set up 915 is very fine indeed....and the G50, for all its improved shift actions....is still not as good as my worn-out Corolla clunker with 252K miles......

[KNS]

The only real difference is about 10 horsepower and the transmission. If it were me I would take an 86 with a nicely sorted 915 tranny any day over the 87-89.

[Marlon Targa 86]

I forgot to mention that I prefer the look better of a wide Coupe. But that's subjective.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by KNS

The only real difference is about 10 horsepower and the transmission. If it were me I would take an 86 with a nicely sorted 915 tranny any day over the 87-89.

Put in an -87-89 factory chip, or better yet, a Steve Wong chip, and you've got the 10 hp too! Marlon, I wouldn't even consider what you are thinking. You've got a mint 911, sorted out and it isn't significantly different from an '87-89 at all. I wouldn't want to drive mine in "traficy" day-to-day, city driving either...in fact, the previous owner sold me my '88 for exactly that reason (at 46K miles). Keep what ya got and enjoy it for what it is imo...

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Marlon Targa 86

I forgot to mention that I prefer the look better of a wide Coupe. But that's subjective.

Well, that's altogether different then

[Wil Ferch]

And you can get 915 trans wide bodies too.....again....a different question.

[Marlon Targa 86]

I should really test drive a G50 911 and feel the difference. Maybe after driving it, I might change my mind Although I'm still hesitant driving a Targa top in the rain. But since I live in SoCal, I might be fine.

Marlon

[jackb911]

I'm a big fan of the widebody coupes as well. I recently sold my '89 M491 cabriolet which I dearly loved, except that I just don't care for the looks of a cab, top up or down...sorry

I recently reacquired the '87 Carrera coupe that I bought 10 years ago but subsequently sold to my brother. He and I did a widebody conversion on it last year with OEM 930 parts and I am a very happy guy now.

Regarding trannys, I've had 901's, 915's and G50's and I much prefer the shifting feel and robustness of the G50. Opinions vary greatly on this but that is mine, FWIW.

Best wishes on your search. This place deals in nice M491 cars at realistic prices:Memory Motorsports, LLC.

A gratuitous pic of my widebody coupe:

[KFC911]

Drool....that's beautiful Jack. Nicely done!

[masraum]

I daily drove an '88 for about 4 years. It was great. The g50 is a great tranny, but I've driven some great 915s too. Vie also driven some stinker 915s.

The '88 and '89 are virtually the same.

If I was you, I'd consider getting the ac fixed on your targa. My '88 was a targa and was ok in the rain. I'd also drive a boxster and a 964 just to be sure. Don't limit yourself. Check out all of the Porsche options in your price range. You may decide you really like something that you hadn't considered.

[Marlon Targa 86]

Well, another option would be to go wide body on my Targa and fix the AC and drive that. My 915 shifts great. It's just working the clutch that's a little hard. So I'd like to try a G50, see how much easier it is.

Marlon

[nesslar]

Originally Posted by Marlon Targa 86

I should really test drive a G50 911 and feel the difference. Maybe after driving it, I might change my mind Although I'm still hesitant driving a Targa top in the rain. But since I live in SoCal, I might be fine.

Marlon

My '86 doesn't leak even when I wash it, hosing it down real good! Where is your car listed for sale, or is it?

[Marlon Targa 86]

Originally Posted by nesslar

My '86 doesn't leak even when I wash it, hosing it down real good! Where is your car listed for sale, or is it?

Not yet. Before I put it up, I want to think through all the options. I hate to sell my Targa which running great on all fronts, and then regret it.

After reading all the comments I'm leaning more to getting my Targa the way I really want it: wider Fuchs, working AC and a ducktail.

Marlon

PS:If you are interested in buying the Targa I can keep in touch with you?

[nesslar]

Certainly. Someone offered me a "can't turn THAT down" price for mine; I would then need another one!! 'course, I don't know what will transpire.................

[craigyirush]

Originally Posted by Marlon Targa 86

I should really test drive a G50 911 and feel the difference. Maybe after driving it, I might change my mind Although I'm still hesitant driving a Targa top in the rain. But since I live in SoCal, I might be fine.

Marlon

Why? If the top is in good condition, it shouldn't leak. Plus, you live in SoCal where it rarely rains.

I use my 86 Targa on the LA freeways almost daily. The only problem is wind noise from the top at speed, but I am working on that.

[nesslar]

Yep, it's all a matter of adjustments (especially at the big side seals at the window (glass) tops), and a proper front seal, too. I don't mind freeway noise even with the top off!

[darrin]

If you're having issues with the effort on your clutch, you may need to have the "omega" helper spring replaced. The freshly-adjusted clutch on my '86 targa is EASY to push down -- almost too easy in fact. When the spring fails (or a portion of it fails, the clutch pedal does become a LOT harder to engage).

Agree with others on the targa top -- when properly set up, it shouldn't leak or be very noisy. I use my '86 targa as my daily driver in Denver (139k miles and counting).

I also would be concerned that if your targa is already in good shape/sorted out, selling it could well expose you to a host of new "issues" on your replacement car.

[nesslar]

"I also would be concerned that if your targa is already in good shape/sorted out, selling it could well expose you to a host of new "issues" on your replacement car."
Then again, if I should want his Targa in the future, you shouldn't be writing this stuff..........

[Marlon Targa 86]

Originally Posted by darrin

If you're having issues with the effort on your clutch, you may need to have the "omega" helper spring replaced.

I'll look into the Omega spring...