Ben Lovejoy

Thanks, Hoffman, for scanning the article, and Phil for granting permission.

For ultimate grip, it seems that the whale-tail is the one to go for, but for street use it really comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I like all three looks - no tail, duck and whale. I wouldn't change any of them for any other. The car I bought happened to have the sportpack option, which included the whale-tail, so I've kept it.

So, for track use, go for a whale. For street use, go with whichever you most like the look of - or keep what it has if, like me, you like the look of 'em all. :-)

Ben

Jay Gratton

Matt,
I have a 1985 911 that I also track and I am going to be adding a tail as well. I find then when you are going through long sweepers that the car's rear end begins to dance a little. Not the most confident feeling in the world. I am sure you know by now that the ducktail was not on models from the factory in 1981. They had whale tails on 1981 SC's so I would try to find one of those for your car. I am sure you will notice a big difference. However, I agree with you that the 911 does look "cleaner" without one at all. Best wishes - Jay Gratton

Ottosvenice.com

Here is Matt's New Motor.This is why he is thinking about a tail. Steve

JackOlsen

Only if you want half the fun. Far more effective on the track is the 3.8 RSR tail with a wing:

UberScheitzer

Geeeezous!
hahaha
lovin` it jack!

TaylorSea4

Dude, I'd do some illicit things to that car, Jack. Keep it away from me though it were a 19 year old hottie. BAD things, man...

Seriously, methinks I could find salvation in that car.

JackOlsen

Thanks. It is a lot of fun.

And here's some of the fun the previous incarnation of the same car provided.

86Carrera

Would like to swap 1986 factory spoiler (still on car) for non-spoiler lid.

I prefer the classic lines without, and unfortunatley not enough track time.

Robert Anderson

E-mail for pics

Chris Picklo

I had this discussion (with several who have posted on this topic), and other club racers, and here's what I gather:

Many club racers swap tails for different tracks. For example, at road atlanta I know someone who uses a ducktail due to the long straights (better coef), and uses a 3.3 turbo tail for Sebring (long sweeping bends).

What I would recommend is the 3.3 tail compared to the early turbo tail or carrera tail. Very similar in drag coef, yet the 3.3 provides less lift at speeds over 70 mph. Check out the chart on the first page, you will see a good example there.

So, if you use your 911 to drive to work and back it really doesn't matter. If you are cruising into the carosel at Sebring at 110 mph, you may want to think it over.

Doug H

Dang, Jack. I bet that was unsettling coming around that dust cloud. Close.

JackOlsen

I assume you mean the end of the video clip from the OTC? If so, that's actually the only clip in the piece that's not from my car. It's from another participant in the OTC (a guy who happens to have the same last name as me) who got the Miata coming out of the dust cloud on his in-car camera. It was such a scary moment, that I tacked it onto the piece.

It's a good reminder of how quickly stuff can go wrong.

Doug H

Yeah, that was it. Scarey.

A930Rocket

After watching Jack's video, what's it like driving on those tracks that just have dirt on the runoff areas? What happens after it rains? Seems like it would slicker than owl $hit if you went off. At least you seem to have plenty of run off area or so it looks like it from here.

On the right coast, seems everything has armco or concrete (Road Atlanta) with some grass in between. And there isn't enough grass when your on track. Especially when it's wet.

JackOlsen

I think we're lucky to have so much run-off on our tracks. Here's a clip of what happens when you go off at high speed.

And if you're chasing Italians all day, things can lead to a little slip like this.

(Unfortunately, I've got lots of 'em. )

markwemple

There are so many 911 tails out there. Believe it or not my reading (and this comes from Paul Frere) is that the duck tail eith the extensions that went into the rear fenders (like on the late '73 RSRs) were the best. Porsche went to the "whale tail" for ease of use. I like them better asthetically. The later RSs have the ability to ad an extra wing for much better down force. THis could go on forever. I guess that the best combination is the Carerra tail with the rubber chin spoiler (don't forget that one as it is necessary for aero ballance) would be the best choice. Period correct and tried and true. Remember that our beloved 911s don't have much in the way of stability over 130 that's the reason POrsche started using spoilers in the first place.