adam...

I was wondering about drawbacks to the 911 factory wide body option. Besides aerodynamics and added weight are there any other issues to think about before deciding on a porsche like this? Also, wouldn't the larger tires in the back reduce the tendancy for overstear (a benefit)?

Thanks,
Adam

By the way, how much weight is added with the wide body option?

Bill Gregory

On the 3.2l Carrera, the "Turbo-look" model added 110 lbs, and the increased frontal area contributed to a 12 mph top speed reduction.

Martin S.

Pal Frere in his wook The 911 Story says that the widebody Carrera cars were more of a marketing ploy than anything else. His point, why would anyone buy a car with a higher co-efficient of drag (less performance) compared to a car with a lower CD, higher performance.

Believe it or not, even with a "Turbo" body, the car came with standard 911 Carrera tie rod ends. Replace these with Turbo tie rod ends when you get your car.

As Bill has mentioned, not only does the car have a higher CD, but it is heavier, and will be a bit slower.

On the up side, with the rear deck up, because there is no intercooler to block your view, you'll actually be able to see that beautiful Carrera motor. You can put a "Turbo look" muffler on the car if you want to create the impression of a Turbo.

If the truth be known, I really like the Turbo look cars. You get the bad *** wide body look, the car comes with spacers so the wheels fill out the wheel wells, and you get the Turbo brakes. In addition, the "Market" says they are worth more money...better re-sale. Bottom line, if you like the car's look, wide body compared to narrow, get the car. The performance "drawbacks" will be imperceptible to all but the most experienced drivers. Good luck with the project.

Ed Bighi

One more thing to add. Since turbo-looks already have turbo brakes, hubs, body, tail, rear trailing arms, etc (though I don't know about the 26mm rear torsion bars), they are quite easy to convert to turbo. One can buy one of these, drive them while enjoying ultimate reliability with bad-*** looks. And then if one happens gets bored with the performance, a turbo engine can be easily swapped in an afternoon at worst for maybe even less than 7K. Good luck trying to find a stock 3.3 turbo engine though.

poorsche

Yes there are a few problems with these cars. First, The widder flares allow you to put much widder rims and tires for better grip and look. Second, The greatly improved brakes (good enough for the 917) allow you to break deeper into turns with less fade and look cool too. Also with their design much easier to change pads back and forth (street/track). Third, The suspension with different (better) geometry allows for built in anti-dive. Fourth, it looks meeaann! almost as mean as '73 RSR.

Good things about car. First, Turbo-tie rods are only ~$150 plus one hour labour. Second, extra weight makes you find skinnier girlfriend. Third, 10 mph difference at top end (if you ever use it) might save your life when some son of a b**** decides to cut you off at that speed. Oh, but you have those much stronger brakes to save you, sorry.

Hold out for one. You won't be disappointed.