Differences between an 1984 and 1985-86

[euro1984]

Ok so I know the 1984 weighs a little less and is faster but does anyone know the specific differences between it and the later 3.2's before the
G50?

So far I have:

Seats (design and manual only), probably save 20lbs

Steering wheel,

Dash vents,

Manual door locks,

Rubber shift boot,

Antenna mounted to body (on windshield after 85)

Oil cooler,

Torsion bars,

Different CV's,

Gearing?

[equality72521]

I believe they went H5 headlights in 1987. Could be off a year maybe.

[yelcab1]

I am told they chained the climate control vents in 86.

[LJ851]

85.5 and later use larger 108mm CV joints

[Shaun @ Tru6]

86 has the factory short shift kit as standard, 86 has the newer style dash

[ClickClickBoom]

My '84 has:
Manual seats
Different dash and vents
100MM CVs
Sugar Scoop headlights

[euro1984]

Will update the initial posting as people reply. Thanks all.

[Arne2]

'84 has power antenna, '85> got a windshield antenna.

[canamfan]

Cosmetically from approx. 85' & up radio antenna is embedded in windshield, upper fresh air vent slider went to 2 sep. sliders, windshield washer nozzles updated, (& I think, not sure but on most 85' & up coupes & targas I've seen the intro. of seat belt keepers in rear sides just behind shoulder area & below rear 1/4 windows, again my exposure), 86' & up larger HVAC vents (dash centre & sides, upper defog.) Others mght know of some more details

[euro1984]

Good catch on the antenna. Also I notice some have the antennas on the drivers side (non power) others on the passenger side.

[eolson]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

86 has the factory short shift kit as standard

Is this true? I've never heard this before, is it '86 only? Cool for me either way.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by eolson

Is this true? I've never heard this before, is it '86 only? Cool for me either way.

A few years ago I found what I considered an authoritative thread here on Pelican on shifters and this info was in there, including that 85 was an attempt at a short shift and 86 became the factory short shift kit with the shortest shift. Combined with my personal experience with an 84 and 2 86s, I think it's true. The 86 PET also has unique part #s for 86, 85 and 84 shift levers, guide plates, etc.

I have an 86 shifter in my 73 with brass shifter bushings and it's fantastic.

[911oclock]

Pretty sure the radio antenna location was an option from the factory, my 86 has it on the drivers side fender

[dyusem]

Wasn't '85 the first year of the 3rd brake light which I believe was mounted on the lower portion of the rear glass???

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by dyusem

Wasn't '85 the first year of the 3rd brake light which I believe was mounted on the lower portion of the rear glass???

I think that was '86.

[PCA7GGR]

Dash "up-shift" light on '84.

[javadog]

The two short shifters you guys are talking about are different. When they changed the seats in 1985, they changed the shifter throw by about 10%. That shifter was the new standard shifter. The optional short shifter reduced the throw by another 10%.

The radio antenna location was traditionally on the left side for manual antennas and the right side for power antennas. After the windshield antenna became standard, the fender antenna locations were not used. An '86 should have had the windshield antenna; both of mine did.

JR

[theclaw]

The later '86s had Boge struts in the front. It takes a Boge insert instead of the Bilsteins.

[McLaren-TAG]

Because of the new style dash, the 86 doesn't require removal of the windshield to remove the dash.

[WIL84911]

My book says 84 weighed more at 2728 vs 2670 for the 85 & 86 models. Also targa & cabrio widebodies started in 85.