Pedro356C

Dear Porsche nuts...I'm planning on buying a 911 Carrera Targa as a daily driver for the rainy and "hot as hell" South Florida days...the 356 is my passion and winter driver (sometimes summer nights as well) but I really miss the AC from June to August...Anyway, I'm looking for a Targa from 1987 to 1989 as they have the updated G50 tranny...I'd love to hear from anybody with experience on these cars. Thanks a lot in advance...

g-50cab

Not sure the AC is up to Florida Standards - figure another $2000 to $2500 to bring the AC to Florida snuff. 86 on up has the larger dash vents. Of course compared to your 356 a 1987-1989 will feel like a luxo barge.

JCP911S

I use my 84 as a daily driver and love it. The car is "involving" as in requires some effort to drive, but that makes it more fun. Ditto above on the A/C. It is pretty pathetic, but at least you won't have to worry about heat in the winter.

If you are doing alot of stop and go driving in heavy traffic, the clutch can get pretty heavy after a while. Also, you may get a bit of leakage around the top seals in heavy rain if the weather seals are worn... they are a bit finnicky about this.

Other than those minor quibbles, these are robust and fun cars

Pedro356C

Hi...thanks for the fast replies...I'd love to get more specific info regarding this AC issue...is there a kit in the market to upgrade the system...how bad is the stock system to cool such a small interior?

PS. The AC unit in the 356 is called "vent windows"! : )

Tom 993tt

I had the AC on my 89 Targa recently refurbished (replaced a lot of parts) and it works quite nicely here in California (summer days get up to about 100 on occasion).

My 89 is also for sale! But, I might be on the wrong coast for you.

Pedro356C

Hi Tom...I sent you a PM...thanks...

Curt911

I think I would go for a 964 if A/C is what your after...

Pedro356C

Thanks for your feedback...I drove a couple of 964s...coupes and one cab as well...nice cars but I'm a vintage kind of guy...I'm not getting into the 90s in my quest for a "cooler environment"...actually, AC I already have in my X5 (leasing)...what I'm looking for is a lot of fun and some cool or maybe just fresh air for the August days...
Take care...

mjmoran

Pedro,
I have had an 89 Targa since....well 1988. Although I live now in northeast WA and drive the car a lot less, I did live in So Cal and used her as a daily driver for years. It has always seemed to me that the AC was decent for me -- not quite there if you expect it to be like a big American rig of the same vintage though. I have never really driven her with the top on, and with the top down the Targa is much more enjoyable than either a coupe or a cab IMHO. Top down, windows up and AC blasting keeps me comfortable in our hoter 100+F days here as well. As JCP911S mentioned there are a few seals that need care, I have had the dealer replace these and also, as in cabs, the door window mechanism needs adjustment periodically to stay correct. Not a big deal as it is usually checked at the 15K services. With well cared for seals and correctly set door/windows the car is quiet at speeds past 100mph. Good luck and

Pedro356C

Thanks Michael...thanks to all you guys...I'm starting to read all the books and "surfing" the web to get more knowledge on these cars...I'm also in the market for one...Carrera Targa (no tail) from 1987 to 1989...if you hear about a good one, mainly from another enthusiast, I'd love to receive the lead...mechanically I heard the two weak points are:
Fuel lines, as Porsche had a bad supplier back there, and the hydraulic clutch that most of the cars had it updated along the way...so I better look for a car with replaced fuel lines and updated clutch...
Thanks again for all the kind answers...

NOH20

The A/C in these cars prior to the 993 IMHO is worthless. I dismantled the A/C from my '86. If the only reason your buying a 911 is for the A/C I would recommend a 993 and possibly a 964 but, Porsche really did not start supplying a good A/C system until the 993.

J. Brinkley

I don't know where surfside is but I'm south of I-10 in louisiana. It's africa hot here all the time. Here's my take.
my car is black, if I keave the house with the AC on the car still remains cool for howerver long I drive. If I park and go eat or something, and come back a little while later after it's all hot inside, the AC doesn't really have the *** to cool things down, It will everntually, but it would take forever. My Ac is stock, converted to 134 a couple years ago. it's good for 80 or 90 degree days, but 100 or 110 and I really don't drive unless I'm forced.
People are talking of an aftermarket evaporator, that's on my list next. If that doesn't cut it I will get an underbelly condensor and go the whole nine yards so I can drive through the desert.. wait, I mean stinking humid hot Louisiana

mjmoran

Jerry,

Good point on the dark interior. I think if someone is looking to stay cool in their car a lighter interior is very helpful. Also, the open topped cars, top down and AC on seem to be much better than the coupes.

Brad,

My 993 has no better AC than the Carrera 3,2...so if you want ice cold AC to cool you off quick and stay uber comfy on your drive, get a Lincoln.

Cheers,

g-50cab

I'll agree on the lighter color interior - had tan in my 1990 C2 Targa - now dark blue in my 1987 Carrera Cabriolet. You can get the AC cold in the 1986 - 1989 Carreras - it will just cost you some money to do it. Also - yes fuel line is good to replace - main negative on the Carreras is the valve guides. 1987 to mid 1988 clutch fork release. Good luck in your search. the 1987 are the best year - before Porsche started loading the cars with options and still have the G-50.

Pedro356C

Thanks guys...great advice regarding the fuel lines Jeremy...I heard that before...never heard about the valve guides though! I'm aware now...thanks...as far as the AC...not a big deal...anything will be cooler than my 356's vent windows! : )