Burt W

Just purchased my first 911, 1984 Targa with ~100K miles. The car has not been driven much in the last 5 years and one of the tires has a bubble and I have concerns about the other 3. Any suggestions on tires. Most of the driving will be open road but have and will be on the track 3 to 4 times a year doing drivers training, so want something pleasing for semi-racing conditions.

Also, one of the wheels, happens to be the same wheel with the bubbled tire, has a bent rim. Thinking tring to strieghtening the rim. Looks like stock rims. Sound like a good idea or should I start looking for a replacement.

Thanks

earlyapex

Definately replace all four tires.

Some tires to consider include:
BFG KD
Bridgestone S03
Goodyear F1 GS-D3
Kumho Exsta MX
Yokohama AVS ES-100

References:
http://www.wheelenhancement.com/index.php?t=Tires
http://www.tirerack.com/

Your choice will depend on your wheel size, budget, and availability. You will do fine with these aggressive street tires. Do not buy a DOT-R compound tire at this time.

Have your wheels inspected for damage buy a good wheel shop.

The rest of the car urgently needs to be inspected if you want to drive it regularly and especially if you want to risk your life in it on the race track.

Burt W

Eric:

Friend of mine is an instructor at Drvier's Edge, a Texas based drivers school, and I was required to have a full inspection before my first event. Now I'm hooked. My 84 is a blast. My current plans are to participate future driving schools and drive the car casually during the week (good weather or low traffic periods). I've not decided if this will be my track car or if I should look for another 911.

Thanks for the advice on the tires, any other comments or recommendations are welcome. I have the service manuel for my car but would appreciate any other recommendations on reading material (service or otherwise).

Thanks, enjoy the day.

Burt

Conekiller

I have the falken azenis 615's on my car and like them alot, they one of the fastest street tires

craiglwakefield

Please post pictures of your Carrera.

Must have Porsche books:
Bentley Service Manual
101 Projects for your Porsche 911
www.velocebooks.com
Porsche 911 performance handbook
How to Rebuild and Modify Porsche 911 1965-1989

dsmith

Falken 615 doesn't come in 16" sizes. SO-3's are discontinued.
Also try:
Hankook Ventus RS2, comes in 205, 225, 245
Bridgestone RE-01R, comes in 205, 225.

Of course, if you don't drive the car much, you could go for Toyo RA-1.
David

earlyapex

I would not base a future track car on a targa. A coupe with its stiffer chassis is the way to go. That said, building a track car can be very expensive. How much money you spend depends on your target. A casual DE car can cost thousands in parts and labor. Competition prepared cars cost more. A good way to keep the costs in check is to do some of your own work. You can also buy a prepared car, saving at least 50% on the cost of the build up. What you buy depends on where you want to end up and it is too early to decide this yet. Better to spend some time at the track to gain valuable experience. Your targa will do fine for this. Enjoy the ride and don't be in a hury. You don't want to spend money twice.

Burt W

Thanks to all of you for the advice on the tires and reading. I'll load pictures as soon as possible. You are correct about the targa as a track car, keep forgeting that. I do plan to spend more time on the track before making a decision.

I have a long way to go. Less talent than fear but strong desire.

john d 81SC

Burt,

Congrats with the new car, and remember - "keep the shiny side up!" RE: tires, I've just put Toyo Proxes on my 88 Carrera, and very pleased. I typically will do 10-12 track days a year, and the rest of the time on the street. This tire seems like a good compromise at a good price.

Conekiller

according to falken's website the 615's come in 16's
http://www.falkentire.com/rt615_sizes.html

Porsche Newbie

I put Yokohama's on mine.. (street only) and prior to that I thought I was gonna hafta rebuild the suspension! World of diff. on new tires..

dsmith

according to falken's site, they don't have 205/55/16 or 245/45/16. i guess if you want to run 225/50/16 at both ends then that's a possibility.
david

Burt W

Thanks for all the advice. Ordered the Kumho Exsta MX from Tire Rack last night. I'll let you know how they work.

Any recommendations for online parts?

Burt

HarryD

Hi Burt,

Looks like oyu are on your way to having some fun. If you have a need to compete, try Autocross as a way to sharpen up your skills. Lots of fun.

For on-line parts, some places to try are Pelican Parts (www.pelicanparts.com), Zims (http://www.allzim.com), and Performance Products (http://www.performanceproducts.com).

You should consider joining PCA (and your local chapter) as a way to meet local perople and have places to drive and show your car.

earlyapex

I second Pelican Parts. The web site is also very active.