968 vs SC Targa

[Westy]

Someone here had asked for my opinion on the difference between these two cars. First off, it really is an apples and oranges thing, so a shootout comparison really is unfair. I love my Targa. It gorgeous and runs like a top. It shifts smoothly (most of the time), and gets lots of oohs and aaaahs! But it's older, requires more attention, and I just can't bend down and crawl around to work on it anymore. Although I'll sell it, probably in the spring, I will always miss it. It's the finest looking and coolest sounding car I have ever owned.

But my new 968 Cab was delivered today. It looks better than in the pictures. It was 109 degrees this afternoon, and even though it has GREAT AC, I didn't feel it was worth it to drive a lot and heat it up that much. The motor mounts, belts, water pump, PS rebuild, and oil were all done by the PO. That's a huge plus. Bdy is 99% straight, and paint shines nicely.

I don't fit real well in the Sport Seats, but my annual fall weight loss program should take care of that. Stereo is nice, I'm learning all the buttons and switches, and got a thumbs up on the way home. Blatantly stated, it out accelerates the SC. On a few on and off ramps, it out handles the SC. It gets better mileage than the SC. It doesn't stink (my wife's words, not mine), and it has things like an alarm, airbags, better balancing, etc.

I don't like the sluggishness from a stop, but once she starts rolling it's all go. I wish the exhaust sounded sweeter, but it is what it is. The shifting pattern sucks for folks that have driven standard stick patterns their whole life, and I already ground a little off reverse when I thought I was going into first!!!!! The engine ticking is a little annoying, but injectors tick. It's only noticeable when I'm outside the car.

Haven't had the top down yet, and being my first Cab, I'm really looking forward to it. It will be considerably cooler next week. I will keep this car stock, so the little things like seals and trim will be my first task. It's nice having a trunk. Just ask any elephant!! The car is cool. That's the best way to describe it. I'm pretty sure I'll be real happy with it. Just hoping the maintenance will be down the road, and not real soon.

I will NEVER bad mouth the older air cooled cars...they are sweet. But sometimes it's just time to move on into a vehicle with the creature comforts that us old(er) farts require. I'm glad I made this purchase, and look forward to driving the machine. I think my wife is already planning lunch at Tahoe!!

[saxen]

I love my sc- like give up a lot of cool life things kind of love ($50 grand in two years love) but man I do really like a 968. I am tempted to sell my dd and pick up a nice 968.- fun, huge back trunk area and just the overall look- I love it.
Both options are a must!!

[thomasryan]

Keep the SC. You would miss its attributes.

[jeff968]

Brian, I'm glad to hear your initial impressions are positive. As you familiarize yourself with the car that shift pattern issue will disappear. Enjoy the 968 cab. They are great cars.

BTW, those sport seats are worth some good bucks if you decide a change will be needed. The standard seats are easy to find. I would suggest you try a set out (in someone else's car) and see if you like them that much better. I have both and prefer the sport.

Happy drives!
Jeff

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by Westy

I will NEVER bad mouth the older air cooled cars...they are sweet.

I will. I occasionally see an older gentleman DD'ing his 90-91 Carrera 2. From the outside, it's seems brutal, sounds awful (needs a valve adjustment), and it's flat out ugly.

I love the air cooled cars, but I'd never own one of those.

[Westy]

Went and filled the tank up today, then me n the wife went for a country road cruise in cooler weather with the top down. These cars really are that nice. It's funny when folks look at it. They have no idea what they're looking at!

I've noticed a few noises. There is a low level squeak in the right rear seat area. Might be the top itself. And at idle it kinda sounds like a bearing wobble. The sound you get from a water pump bearing or pulley bearing. Interesting as these were all done about 150 miles ago. Maybe it's a figment of my very imaginative mind. Maybe that's the way the motor sounds at idle. There's a little vibration in the stick if you lug a gear,,,,,,,,usually a result of driver putting stick into wrong gear position!!!!

But overall it was a nice drive and there appear to be no major mechanical issues. I have some trim and other parts to be replaced down the road, and I gotta get me some more keys. One ignition key ain't gonna cut it!!

[thomasryan]

Do pop off the valve cover and scope your chain pads...it's quick and easy to lay the fuel lines aside and remove the vanity cover. You'll need a 1/4" drive torque wrench for the valve cover bolts.

Can you give the belts the twist test and check the balance shaft alignment?

[Westy]

Thomas. There's nothin' I can't do to my Camaro, but this vehicle is a whole new breed to me. Vanity cover is the very top piece on the head? Release pressure on fuel system B4 removing fuel rail? Don't have 1/4" torque wrench. Have a couple 3/8s I can put a reducer and extension on. What am I scoping? Stethoscope on some pads? Ya see................. I need to find out what book or manual to get so I can understand these things and do the work myself. What is the recommended shop manual? I don't even understand this whole DME thing, but I know I need a spare!!

[djnolan]

Originally Posted by Westy

What is the recommended shop manual?

Here are a few leads for you. I have an S and the cam chain pad is similar and a quick fix...

S2 Timing Chain Top Plastic Guide Replacement Procedure - Rennlist Discussion Forums

Clark's Garage Home Page is the best online resource...

[thomasryan]

A picture thread here on the cam pads. By 'scoping', I meant inspect for deep scoring or discoloration. The vario motor is slightly more entailed to change them but they should be inspected at your given mileage.

Fuel pressure will subside overnight without much dribble.

You will need a small torque wrench for the valve cover bolts. The vanity cover needs to be removed to access the valve cover.

It is a bonding thing.

[Westy]

These are good starts, thanx. Is it OK to assume my motor is the exact same on as the S2? Or are there little changes that might alter these procedures. Lastly, it appears the DME is the larger component (looks like an ECU for other vehicles) and the DME relay is the plug and play module that often gets moisture in it and fails. Is this correct?

I told ya'll I'd have lots of questions, and I've only had the car 3 days!!

[flash968]

the procedure for the 968 belt job is actually a bit more complicated. the cams have to be timed, which involves activating the variocam, using a special tool, and then setting them using dial indicators. the procedure is in the workshop manual.

the DME relay (not to be confused with the DME) is similar to others, and in fact the one from one of the 993s works better than the one for the 968.

i sent you a PM with some valuable information

[911tracker85]

so why pick? keep both.

totally different creatures. I love both. my '85 911 targa was my first Porsche and the one my wife says I am not allowed to ever sell. there is just something about all the air cooled 911s, but my favorite is the Carerra 3.2. looks, sound, feel and smell. that full leather interior smell the same as when I got it.

I am really enjoying the 951, but being built for DE/street will not be as comfortable as a DD as your 968. but got the AC reinstalled and will get it charged tomorrow.

for a great DD, my 928S can't be beat. but it is for sale, as I need to let something go for garage space and $$ for parts for the 930.

now just cannot wait until I get the 930 done, but expect that to be a 1-2 yr project.

[Westy]

I now have three 'Toys' and an offroad SXS. The 911 has no AC and is worth the most money. It's time to thin the herd. Plus that will give me some cash flow to finish up the little things on the Camaro, buy a few parts for the 968, and pad the bank account. I've had my fun....it's time for a younger person to enjoy the air cooled world and that cramped engine compartment!

[flash968]

to drive, the 968 is a superior car to the sc in every way, especially if you upgrade it. it will always out handle and outcorner the sc, and be easier to drive while doing it. it will have more creature comforts, be quieter, and have the uniqueness that the very common sc will never have.

with now over 340 street legal hp, and all of the upgrades i've made to make it like a modern car, i'd keep mine, except that i just know that i will never drive it, once the new targa GTS gets here.

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by flash968

with now over 340 street legal hp, and all of the upgrades i've made to make it like a modern car, i'd keep mine, except that i just know that i will never drive it, once the new targa GTS gets here.

We are still working on the excessive body flex and leaky roof you desire in the targa.

Regards,

Porsche.

[flash968]

lol - with the braces installed, i have almost no body flex whatsoever in the 968. in fact, it is so stiff that i can easily put 3 wheels in the air with one jack, and continually put one rear in the air when backing out of my driveway. i did did not feel any flex in the new targa the multiple times i drove it before buying it either. it is actually stiffer than a hardtop 968.

also, my roof does not leak, and never has. probably the only good thing i can say about the design of that top. as far as i know, the new targa shows no signs of leaking either.

i still can't believe that i am going to be driving a 911. i have always hated 911s. but, after 60 years of building them, i think they finally got it right.

[Flynt]

Hey Brian, glad you're happy with the purchase!
Agreed on looking better in person - I'm no photog and it's such striking color in the sun.

[Westy]

Thanx Matt. And the alignment has seemed to work itself out. Very little drift. I'll keep an eye on it, but for now, no problem.

PS. You have a DME relay layin around down there??? hehehehe