Hello.
Im pretty new to the forum and have been contemplating modifying my 951. I just have chips and a boost enhancer. Before I start down a path to upgrade oblivion, I ask this simple question: Is it possible to find tru happiness in 951 hp upgrades or is modifying 951's just an endless cycle of purchasing expensive stuff and wanting more hp, only to have the latest "fix" providing only fleeting satisfaction, breaking something else in the process, requiring an even greater level of money, rebuild effort and committment?
For example, would the lindsey racing 340rwhp kit bring me happiness or just leave me with a blown stock headgasket and clutch ?(and then wanting a 2.8 upgrade and more lindsey stuff to boot). And exactly what date,time,boost,and hp will my head gasket fail anyways? I live in the mountains and can have the boost on for extended periods of time. Or is the path to happiness fiberglass bodyparts and a lightweight rear hatch?maybe a MAF and a ricer exhaust that makes me sound like a fast and furious wannabee. This is just a roadcar, but the chips and boost enhancer's allure have already shown signs of wearing off.

Have you guys found a good stopping point? Or should I just walk away. What would you do differently (951wise) if you had to do it all over again?

Just curious. Thanks,
R

 

No.

 

just depends on your level of satisfaction and your wallet.

 

Clutch yes. upgrade it. other than that. you're always going to want more hp. I am already planning a reliable 500hp motor.

 

From my experience, I was in your shoes. I've had my car for twelve years now. It was a decent example. 86,000 miles. Bought for $6,750. It was nickel and diming me to death with little but expensive things here and there, all the time. I wanted to upgrade too. I went to Powerhaus and got a MAF, chip, and exhaust. A screw somehow ended up in the motor and it blew on the dyno. Powerhaus gave me free labor on a new motor build. I pay for parts. I bought all their parts and they built me a race 2.5 liter. I've since gone on and that's another story. Now I have a 3 liter and I just had my car appraised at $60,000.

The point is, if you're going to buy parts, it will make every other part that's 20+ years old instantly fail. Go the whole way with a rebuild and don't go with a tuner. Go with a builder. Very, very important. I had no issues with my car after having my motor built. I just got in and drove. I read here how everyone else has issues and I'm not surprised when some end up giving up and selling their cars. If it's nickel and diming you now, it'll break down worse with upgrades.
If you just go upgrades, tackle all the obvious plastic hoses, gaskets, etc, that will definitely fail after you go for the upgrades.

 

If I knew what I know now when I got my car, I would have done an ls2 v8 conversion right from the getgo. I'm still considering it.

 

Let me offer another perspective as a relative newbie (have had my car less than a year) with a relatively stock car. It all boils down to what you want from the car. In its current form, my car is plenty quick and fast enough for almost any kind of driving. I do not need any more hp (I am guessing that it is somewhere around 225 rwhp), the questions are do I want more hp and if so why? What will it provide and can I use it? Am I willing to invest the dollars to get more hp and incur the ongoing maintenance of a more highly tuned engine in a 20+ year old car.

I honestly do not know the answers right now for myself, but at the end of the day, my interpretation of those who seek more hp is not because of the performance increases in the car, but rather the fun of getting there. Owning a car like the 951 is a hobby which includes not only the bliss of supercar like performance and handling, but also the joy (and frustration) of being able to maintain it and develop (mechanically and cosmetically) to the levels that only you can choose.

 

Contemplating either going back to stock or a new turbo and MAF. Mods are a slippery slope they are.

 

+2

 

R,
I too have asked this question about upgrades...with varying results. More and more I am leaning to the LS-1 upgrade. For the cost of any of the vendors stage "3" kits you can drop in a LS-1. Definitely more reliable and the modifications are endless AND inexpensive. Just my opinion though....

 

.....erghhhhh......

 

Threads like this make me want to sell my car for 9k to a guy down the street and put down on a decent 996.

 

thanks for the info.

Is there a site on LS1 conversion info?

Better yet, is there an archive section on this website so I dont have to bother you guys with repeat newbie questions? I briefly looked, but found none.

I may post a laundry list of questions anyway and have a contest to see who can provide the most infinite wisdom in a "battle royal" of modification experience. be prepared!

Thanks again..
Ron

 

Ron,
Check this link:

http://www.renegadehybrids.com/

 

nevermind....I just got back from driving the s#$%t out of it...I would not change a thing.