daily driving an 89 targa, noise concerns?

tmblackflag · 03-09-2012, 07:53 PM

Hello,

I'm looking to get a 3.2 to daily drive. Assuming the targa top is properly maintained, how noisy are these cars on the highway? Is it something that would drive me insane on an LA to SF trip or is it not that bad?

Also, I live in Los Angeles where we don't get much rain. On the rare day that we would, can I drive the car while getting little to no water inside the cabin? This once again assumes the targa is properly maintained.

porwolf · 03-09-2012, 08:02 PM

I had Targas in Los Angeles since 1974. They were daily drivers. Never had a leak, even when driving in the occasional monsunal rain storms here. Never noticed more road noise that in the coupes I had before the Targas. My Targa tops were always in pristine conditions though.

KNS · 08:07 PM

If you've been driving anything built in the last twenty years you'll be disappointed in the noise levels of the older 911s. Targas even more so. With stock exhaust they are not really that bad.

They can be made quieter with some insulation in the right places (adding a bit of weight in the process), it all depends on what you'll put up with.

porwolf · 03-09-2012, 08:14 PM

Kurt is right. If you are used to the lack of any outside noise inside modern cars with windows closed you will be disappointed with the classic Porsche driving experience.

Skip1 · Skip1's Garage

I've had an 84 Targa for about two years and use it as a daily driver as well throughout 3 of 4 seasons. I have a new targa roof but my windows aren't properly aligned yet (soon to come) and I am having the seals replaced in a couple of weeks. Even with these aspects, I still find it acceptable. For the most part I find the motor louder than the roof, but that's the joy of a 30 year old 911 - sweet.... All depends on what you're looking for as all have said.

5String43 · 03-10-2012, 11:14 AM

I use my '82 as a daily driver. As the others have said, the noise level is relatively high, but at least with the top off, its much more serene. I wouldn't trade it, top on or top off.

Dave Colangelo · Dave Colangelo's Garage

I have a 78 Targa that I DD over the summer. The top is usually off and I dont mine, I do have a seal issues where the door meets the top and the wind noise can get to me when the top is on. If every thing seals as it should, you wont have an issue. There is nothing like a Porsche and I say go for it. As said above they are not as quiet as modern cars but they are not as loud as my '31 Ford. If the seller will let you, take it out for a spin on the highway and see what you think. If they wont, find a local pelican with one and im sure they will be glad to take you out.

Regards
Dave

masraum · 03-10-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmblackflag

Hello,

I'm looking to get a 3.2 to daily drive. Assuming the targa top is properly maintained, how noisy are these cars on the highway? Is it something that would drive me insane on an LA to SF trip or is it not that bad?

Also, I live in Los Angeles where we don't get much rain. On the rare day that we would, can I drive the car while getting little to no water inside the cabin? This once again assumes the targa is properly maintained.

I daily drove an '88 911 targa for about 50k miles. When the top is in good shape, the car should be relatively quiet. Not as quiet as a coupe, but more than a cab.

DRACO A5OG · DRACO A5OG's Garage

Mine is a DD, with the Targa Body Brace and proper OEM style engine sound pad, I can actually speak to my passenger with out yelling

With the top off that is another story, turbulence is allot but that is why I got a Targa

but under 65 MPH is quite nice :ccol:

masraum · 03-10-2012, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Mine is a DD, with the Targa Body Brace and proper OEM style engine sound pad, I can actually speak to my passenger with out yelling

With the top off that is another story, turbulence is allot but that is why I got a Targa

but under 65 MPH is quite nice :ccol:

You should try 145 with the top off. The sound is LOUD and a bit frightening. I was afraid the rear window was going to blow out.

porwolf · 03-10-2012, 04:01 PM

I have done 128 with the top off. No problem! Did not notice any more noise than at 60 and the wind was not worse either. Don't remember though whether I had the windows up or not, that could make a difference.

masraum · 03-10-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by porwolf

I have done 128 with the top off. No problem! Did not notice any more noise than at 60 and the wind was not worse either. Don't remember though whether I had the windows up or not, that could make a difference.

I believe I put the windows up, but I'm not certain. It was many years ago.

Paul K · Paul K's Garage

My '89 targa was noisy, which is one of the reasons I sold it. (the other two reasons were crappy A/C and no AWD, so I went to a 993 C4). However, resident guru Dan Petchel can rebuild a targa top so the car is dang near as quiet as a coupe. And the A/C can be upgraded too, if needed. Even with the windows up, conversation is tough at freeway speeds, but that doesn't matter if you're the only person in the car!