oldfrat

From reading this board in the nearly 6 months since I bought my 928, I've learned of a number of very interesting upgrades that are available. Better lighting for the dash. More powerful headlamps. Self-dimming mirrors with compass and temperature sensor. Maybe a second "cigarette lighter" outlet. Things like that. Thus far, the only thing I've had upgraded is the sound system head unit, because the one it came with was dead on arrival.

I'm curious to hear what you folks think about further upgrades/updates. Should I do them or keep the car as original as possible?

I have zero interest in this car as an investment. I won't sell it and it will just be part of my estate. I bought it to enjoy driving it, not as a collector and not to win shows. I kind of feel an obligation to be a good caretaker of it, and not do any radical upgrades that can't be easily reversed. But some of these upgrades are attractive.

What think? Thanks!

Brad

dwight45

If you don't plan on selling it make it your own style and add what you want. I always have had a soft spot for those cars. Fast cruise in luxury.

docmirror

The most important factor with your car is 'reversable'. Now that this is out of the way, lets talk about some of your ideas. Better headlights. This is a safety thing as well and I can't see you going wrong with that as long as you save everything that comes off. Will need to do something about the fuses involved as well most likely. Dash lighting is something that Sean will do for you. I went with red LED because I like it medium bright but still not obtrusive to outside viewing. not a problem, the lamps for the job are easy to find, and fairly easy to reverse. Other convenience stuff, sure - whatever you like. Just keep the old stuff. You can buy a 3-to-1 DC outlet adapter at Walmart, and that's what i would do there.

If you are thinking some kind of body kit, or drop in a Chebby engine/trans, or cut out the fenders and put some gumbo mudder tires on, then I will come shoot you myself, let your estate manage the car. j/k

Landseer

If you are already talking "estates", well, use a miles-of-smiles maximization approach.

If a change, like adding H4 headlights, stretches your smile wider, do it.

Meanwhile, log the hell out of the odometer, on whatever roads you want to experience.

Use the car to the max.

The Forgotten On

Upgrading the AC is a great addition for those of us in warmer climates.

Also, change over to H4's and never look back, they are a huge upgrade over the pitiful sealed beams in these cars.

Adk46

Last summer, my car-buying motivations split into two paths: I'd always been intrigued with 928s, but owning a 911 was on my bucket list. I'd settled on the last "raw experience" sort of 911, a 1987-89 G5-transmission 911 (no stability management, etc.).

They cost twice as much as a 928. I may still sell my Cayman to buy one. But the point is that you can figure that half the cost of this 911 is in its value as a collectible. So, messing one up with "upgrades" is obviously a big mistake.

The 928 is headed that way, perhaps, but slowly. In the meantime, 1) we have more license to do upgrades that enhance it as a driver, 2) we should pay more for a 928 with a vintage-rescue box of parts, and 3) don't sell your car to a WRX owner with a plywood hood scoop.

By the way, I need an original radio to put in my box. Anyone?

hacker-pschorr

As doc said, do these mods permanently change the car? If not, don't worry about it.

atb

There are times, which are becoming exceedingly more frequent, that I wish I could go back to 1999 when I bought my S4 and tell THAT guy, "don't mess with it, just drive it".
I agree with the comments above. For your '81, reversible upgrades is great advice.

the flyin' scotsman

Brad.....your car is a fantastic example that's been unmolested.

Its been said before and is worth remembering; bring the car back to full factory new spec with changes to more modern material (think brake pads as example; lights also) then drive the car a lot to evaluate what you may want to add for your pleasure.

martinss

Upgrades only take a car to some of the features then current. If you have ever seen a 70's or 80's car that was 'upgraded' in the '90s, you'll find it now looks very sad - fashions change.

For me upgrades can never make an old car current - there are just too many things you'd have to change.

I have mostly settled for enjoying a car as an example of what was current at a given time - enjoy it for what it represents as they 'will never make them like that again.'

That said, once you have a perfect restoration, you start to get itchy to do something else - so then it is either time to get a new project car, or do safety or period correct modifications...

XS29L9B

If mods are reversible, go for it.

I am past the "permanent" mod phase though on most cars.

docmirror

Which one? Reno?

JEC_31

Reversible (or not visible) worthwhile upgrades:
- headlights
- sound-deadening
- radiator
- hard suspension (but not if you have bad roads... North Texas hint hint)
- aftermarket shifter bushings (5-spd)
- stereo (may not be easily reversible if too many interior panels get new holes)
- larger injectors & fuel-air-timing tuning
- performance exhaust (RMB, headers, etc)

IMO, "maintenance" complete replacement of wear items such as suspension and steering bushings, fuel & air filters, with new factory-spec can make a world of difference for smiles-per-mile also.

~~~~~~~~

Oldfrat, did you ever get the bodywork done? Where?

- Josh

rnixon

I'd do whatever mods improve the car for you. If you think that it makes the car better, then that's being a good caretaker, and even includes non-reversible upgrades IMO.

bureau13

I agree with rnixon above. It's your car, and you're not planning on selling it, so whatever makes it more enjoyable for you.