STA76

I posted recently re. whether or not to "upgrade" from an 82 SC to an 84 or newer 911. Based in part on the feedback received from this forum, I have decided to instead upgrade my car a bit. I participate in an occasional autoX, and am wondering about modifications that will improve handling, power, etc. The car is stock with the exception of aftermarket seats and steering wheel. Any suggestions on what to do first, or what modifications provide the most "bang" for the buck would be appreciated. Also, anyone wanting to address the age old question "if the Porsche engineers didn't think it was good, why add it" . . . and/or . . . Should I just leave the car alone, and spend the money on driving lessons? Thanks.

stuttgart46

I would start with the suspension. That 3.0 is a great motor especially coupled with a nice suspension. I would reccomend Charlie Bars, 22MM Torsion Bar in front and 28 in the rear, Bilsteins, New Bushings, Tower strut bar, etc.
Maybe your brakes could use some freshening as well. I like the Zimmerman cross drilled rotors with Pagid pads.
As far as Auto-X goes, you may want to look into some comp tires. I haven't Auto-X'ed in years so I'm not much help on what tires are good these days.
Good luck. I hope you keep us updated.

JCP911S

Not much you can do to the engine. SSI/Free Flow exhaust is good for 10-15 HP, but will run you around $1500. Carbs are good for anoother 15hp or so at a cost of $3K...

Suspension upgrades will really improve handling, but be careful if you street drive the car as this can really make the car loud and hard-riding..... I would stick with either stock bushings or Elephant Racing polybronze bearings.... poly bushings suck IMHO....the stock set-up is really pretty good compromise for street and some "fun" performance work, if budget is an issue.

Good adjustable sways are about $1500 installed.... the Weltmeisers are a couple hundred cheaper, but are not very strong... I would swallow hard and swing for the race quality stuff. Torsion bars F/R will run another $1200 or so.... if you can, do it all at once...its cheper and will give better results. Shocks need to be matched to the new componenets... if you deal with somebody like Smart Racing, they can make recommendations for a total package

Cheap stuff you should consider:

Tires are probably the best "bang for the buck"... a set of good performance tires will really imrove the car. Also if you do track, racing brake fluid and performance pads are a must...

My favorite "handling" mod is a smaller diameter thicker steering wheel.... surprisingly it really changes the feel and quickness of the steering.... but it does increase steering effort, so driving gloves are a big help.... you can get a basic MOMO for about $150 plus $50 for the hub adapter.

Set up the throttle for Heel and Toe... I just tape a block of wood on it, but you can get fancy drilled aluminum pedals or just attach another pedal on top if that suits you.... really helps drive the car properly.

Turbo tie rod ends are another must.... they are cheap and really improce steering...especially if the car is lowered.

A good alignment is a must.... if you do alot of performance driving, dialing is some more negative camber can help...

Lightening the car is a cheap way to improve performance.... removing sound deadening, doing an "RS" interior, taking out useless A/C, and if you like, going to fiberglass bumpers you can easily get 200 lbs out of the car without sacrificing looks or function... thats like 15 "free" HP, plus it imporves handling and braking also...

have fun

SandyI

A set of track tires. You'll be happily surprised at the radical time reduction at your next auto-X.

Noel

I like my setup for good combo Autox/ Track duty. See below. The revalved shocks are the key to comfort!

Bill Gregory

If you haven't already, you may want to read the 911SC FAQ, especially the last chapter. It's on tech.rennlist.com

mdbickell

As everyone has already stated, suspension is the way to go. My car had excessive body roll due to old shocks and sway bars so this is where I started. Over the last 24 months I've done the following suspension work on 81SC:

polyeurethane bushings all around
turbo tie rods
smart racing products adjustable sway bars
new torsion bars - 22 front / 28 rear
billstein sport shocks
sport motor and trans mounts (not really a suspension mod, but it's nice)
shock tower brace

This combo has made an immense difference in the way my car handles and has significantly reduced my lap times. I didn't start using r-compound tires until I performed all these changes. The r-compounds are great, but I don't think I would have gotten much out of the better tires w/ the saggy / soggy / soft old suspension.

Please keep in mind that my car is now mostly a track / race car. It's still very streetable given the changes listed above as I drive it to the track and occasionally to work.

If you decide to go the suspension improvement route download the catalog from Smart Racing Products. You can also give them a call... they are very customer service-oriented and will tell you exactly how to set your car up.

racer

There has been some great upgrades advice already given. Before doing the upgrades I would ask if any of the cars suspension components have been "refreshed" already. SC's are 22-27 years old. At the very least, all the original rubber components need replacement. Many believe if you are going to "open things up" you may as well upgrade at the same time. Valid point.

But.. 911's are great cars in original condition. I would start with:
1) Renew all rubber bushings
2) Lower the car to the "euro" ride height
3) Shocks - if old, replace with good shocks (bilstein or Koni's)
4) Corner balance and alignment
5) New tires - not necessarily "R" compounds, but good, new tires
6) DRIVE the car. Seat time is more important than the upgrades.

Also consider, for your autocross adventures, how the changes you make effect the class you run in. Some clubs give a large space for "improvements" and still run in the "stock" class. Others will penalize you heavily. Always consult a rulebook before going "crazy".

I drove my SC stock for 2 years (and I mean "original" kind of stock). It was like driving a boat. But I really learned how to control the beast. Now, Trailing throttle oversteer is laughable! HA! Besides, it was only after that time that I really new what I wanted to do to the car and now.. well... now it's phenomenal

2002M3Drew

Agree on comments on a properly set-up SC. I did the upgrades on my 83 SC this year, and had a phenomenal season with the car. In autox, I won my class against a group of E36 M3s, BMW M Coupes, C4 Corvettes, and some other assorted cars that I had no right beating! On the track, the car went from being downright scary last year pre-upgrade, to being a confidence inspiring learning platform this year, one capable of running with just about everything out there in the club. A good friend of mine, and my usual co-driver for SCCA events in his GT3, codrove my 911 on a lark a few weeks ago and fell in love with my car. When a driver of a modified GT3 is impressed with the handling and overall driving experience of a 23 year old 911, you know you have something good!

My advice is similar to those above:

22mm front torsions/28mm rear - Sanders Engineering hollow bars
Smart Racing products sways - 23mm (I have weltmeisters now...AVOID like the plague!)
Elephant racing polybronze bushings, front and rear
930 spec tie rods
Refreshed ball joints, wheel bearings
Bilstein HDs in front, Sports in rear
Strut brace in front (any)
alignment and corner balance

I'd strongly recommend buying from Steve Weiner at Rennsport. GREAT service, always gives advice, troubleshoting and set-up tips, and prices are more than fair.