Early (72) Targa Without a Strut Brace

[daepp]

I just got the best alignment my car has ever had in the 12 years I've owned it. It has never tracked this straight or this easy.

The guy who did it is small time, but his father-in-law back in the 60's figured out how to make the "new" German imports handle crowned roads, even though they came across the ocean set up for flat roads.

Anyways, he told me the camber was in tolerance but that there was no more adjustment. In that the struts were replaced (I think) by the prior owner, and considering the low mileage since, he theorized that in the last 45 years the car had probably "settled" a little and that the tops of the struts towers were probably a little closer to one another than when they'd left the factory.

I know everyne has a position on whether strut braces help a street-only car, but his comment - and the "cowl shake" I experience when I enter a driveway at a diagonal - has made me wonder if the loss of trunk space,and the cost, are worth giving up in favor of the brace.

Thoughts?

[tobluforu]

If you like where your car is right now, leave it be. Mines been on for so long now that I forgot what its like without.

[gestalt1]

I would think that being a targa a strut brace will just move the chassis deflection from the strut area to the middle of the chassis. Also, The 911 is unique because the chassis design has sheetmetal bridging the space between the strut towers. Looking at a typical front engine car there is a big hole with support only from the firewall and the crossmember under the engine.

[Mark Salvetti]

Well, not we're not all that much better, since we have a big hole for the gas tank. But I understand your point, there is quite a bit of steel between the tank and the firewall.

I installed a triangular strut brace in my Targa, and I thought there was an obvious difference in how tight the front felt. Could have been wishful thinking, but if you do try a strut brace, I do think the triangular ones are the way to go.

Mark

[75 911s]

If you're worried about mid body flex on the Targa there's a gentleman on the board that makes Targa braces that fit behind the driver. I'd say go for it and how much luggage do you really put up n the frunk?

[group911@aol.co]

If his theory that the body has somehow sagged at the strut tower is true, you would see it in your hood to fender gaps. No harm in stiffening it up but not likely the cause.

[shoooo32]

I bought an Elephant brace from our host over winter and yes, it did tighten up the front end a bit on my SC targa. Most notably over uneven pavement and potholes, of which we have plenty of in Wisconsin. Not a bad upgrade for the money and time invested, and the targa top fits under the bar when folded.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

+1 on Elephant braces: 1972 Porsche 911 T Coupe/Targa - Suspension Strut Braces. Really great quality and you have a few different options to go with. If you have questions please let me know.