79 sc targa- what would u recommend?

[Guest]

i have just recently sold a 944 s2 cabriolet and purchased a 79 sc targa.
if you were in my shoes, starting with a car in standard form, what would you do to improve it? i want improved driving, not just straight line speed, but also reliability. my last porsche was used as everyday transport and this one will be as well. (lets face it, why not arive at work with a grin on your face?)
i would be interested in rough costs and also if these improvements would be easily perfomed by myself. i am willing to consider lightening the car but would probably not be willing to go as far as driving in only my underpants in order to save weight. is wearing shorts in winter acceptable?

 

[AirCooledExcellence]

Hi Craig,

If your car is in it's original condition I would do:

1. Replace the exhaust system with SSI heat exchangers and Dansk silencer. This costs about £1000 and will add up to 25 BHP
2. Replace all the old CIS vacumn hoses, cracked hoses are one of the most common reasons for poor running (£30).
3. Dunno what sort of shocks you have, but upgrading to Bilstein's is worthwhile, £400 - £1000 (depending on the struts on your car)
4. Lower the car.

Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Tim.

 

[bones]

Welcome here and congrat's on your purchase. There should be no problem with the reliability of you SC (remember to check the oil regularly) and the sky is the limit with mods and weight saving. To improve the 'drive' if you mean handling I would fit 7.5"17" and 9"x17"rims to make use of the newer tyre technology that will give you access to and completely renovate the suspension front and rear including new Bilstein 'Sport' shocks. AS has been mentioned lower it about an inch front and rear a month after you have fitted the shocks they should be siting at the correct 'bedded in' height then. Then have a specialist align it for you.
If you don't mind cutting a hole in the othere side of your rear valance then fit a 2in2 out Triad exhaust to complement the SSIs or early heat exchangers, these exhausts give the biggest bang for your bucks , see the dyno tests here TriadWest
As for lightening well you really need to think about changing panels for lighter ones and if you do that you may destroy the stock look but that's your personal choice.