If you could update your 911 to modern spec...what would you change?
 

This is a hypothetical. Meaning, try to answer the question, and not respond with "the 911 is the perfect car and nothing should change....".

If you could update something on your 911 to "modern" spec, what would you change? Examples would be modern wiring and connections (including a modern fuse panel), warning lights/buzzers, comfort items like keyless entry, etc.

Assume the "upgrade" would be done to factory spec, and was engineered like Porsche would have done it. Chip Foose does these kinds of things to his hot rods with modern suspension, switches, AC, etc...

Just curious what minor issues you have with your car that you wish were more like your daily.

Maybe central locking, but that's about it. I own a '72 911 because I DON'T want all the modern stuff. Doesn't mean that I don't think some of that might make it 'better' or more user-friendly, but I don't want that. I can drive a modern car for that. I own an early 911 because I like the early-car experience.

Maybe a bit less road noise. Mind you, minimal everything - like sound proofing, makes our cars light and fast.

A bit more modern electronics. Every time I need to swap out a window switch, I wish there was a multiconnector for the wires. A modern fuse panel would be another nice feature.

a cup holder.

Hear hear on that one...

A fully modern, engine management system (dynamic ignition timing control, knock sensing, AFR and airflow monitoring with compensation adjustments done automatically and on the fly, fly by wire throttle control, ignition enabled clutchless upshifts, etc.) - all the ancient, caveman stuff on these machines is cute, but that's about it. :)

Also on my list would be a sequential gearbox.

HVAC. Which I plan to do soon with the electric AC system. Otherwise, the car is perfect for what I use it for.

Highly recommend that AC system.

Rear view mirror which doesn't shake like Shakira.

A drop in replacement for that clunker would be sweet.

Lol!

Indicator switch. I dread those moments I have to manually turn of my indicators.

But that´s about it. I have all the modern stuff in my family car.

What is it with you guys and cup holders? I've been hangin' around these parts for ten years and 'cup holders' seems to be the most talked about performance mod on the board! This is either inside humor I don't get or some kinda fetish! Are we driving these cars? Or taking tea in them? :D

????????
 

Where do you hold your beer while driving? :D

Mine would be self dimming rear view mirror - but I plan to add it.

Not embarrassed to say that I’d replace my 915 with a G50...:/

Aside from that, I’ve had the pleasure of driving a “loaner” 993 the last few weeks and I am in love with how it drives. I’d love to have an impact car with that feel... :)

Mine would be "headlights off" when I turn off the ignition.

My first add would be electronic fuel injection. I know it’s available, but installation and tuning still seem a bit above my pay grade.

If we’re allowed to venture into unrealistic upgrades, I think I’d add air bags.

I think about power steering every time I park the '88.

My daily driver is a 2018 BMW m550i. More than a 5 series but not quite an m5 with all the modern features of a car to choke on plus xdrive which was not available on the outgoing m5 . I added a Khule AC system and that's the only system in the 911 I felt needed a bit of help (particularly since it was missing). I like how efficient the 911 was designed, even the quirky HVAC control systems. If I could, I would absolutely drive it daily and part ways with the BMW and all of its modern junk.

Blade fuse panel upgrade and AC

ding-ding-ding! the joke was even old 10 years ago...

OK, I like this list, on my car there will be:

6 Speed G50 with Quaife Limited Slip
Motec engine management (3.4 litre, twin plug, ITB's)
Replacement electrics including blade fuses
More relays in various spots (headlights, brake lights etc etc)
964 A/C with Griffith upgrades
ASP rear suspension and most of the Elephant upgrades
Recaro's....the real ones, not imitation
17 inch Fuchsfelge (so I can get real rubber)
Rear seat delete with built in cup-holders.....

Check my thread out if you want, it is still under construction

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/185692-fitting-6-speed-g50-89-carrera-new-post.html

Dennis

Air conditioning that works. Basically the only thing that will keep me from driving the 911 is hot temperatures. I suppose solutions are out there now but all cost $$.

Ventilated seats, liked modern cars have, would be nice for the same reasons.

Brighter headlights. I've got a set of LEDs on the way, hopefully a big improvement over the H4s.

Affordable high quality headers for 3.2+ engines with heat exchangers would be nice.

Better selection of performance 15 and 16 inch tires.

I think Singer nailed it with their approach; classic styling, REAL modern upgrades to HVAC, sound system, electrical, etc....

I would LOVE an upgraded "easy to install" wiring and electrical system, for my 912. I did the alternator install and I feel more comfortable having it in the car over the generator. I'd like to have an electrical upgrade to handle modern demands of charging cell phones, stereo, etc...

A modern gearbox...

Even when I had my first 1975 Porsche in high-school (1986), the gearbox did not feel good, notchy and all....

It’s already modern enough.

I would like some sort of hard to disable vehicle tracking system. These cars can disappear too easily....

Thanks, I feel better!

If you could update your 911 to modern spec...what would you change?
 

I upgraded my AC to 4 condensers, and it blows cold air and it is wonderful.

My dream would be a light power assist steering in under 5 mph speeds, and none after 6 mph. And maybe ASB for the brakes for the rainy days.

Total dream is a 6 speed transmission.

The AC made my car drivable all summer. Just today my wife rode with me on a PCA fun run over to a great restaurant and some interesting roads. It was humid, and high 80s and she asked me to turn the temp up because she was cold.

One change: antilock brakes

Everyone rags on cup holders but even the closest backroads are a good cup of coffee away for most people. Lots of driving is going along smooth flowing roads to get where you want. Nothing wrong with a water bottle or coffee.

Having said that the duct tape roll on the floor works a treat.

I would want ABS, AC and a force field around the car to protect it from idiots, all kinds of idiots on the road.

AC, cup holder, a steering wheel that does not look like it came out of an 85 Chev Impala! Hood and engine lid shocks you can get to . Easier access to the air filter.

If you could update your 911 to modern spec...what would you change?
 

AC is easy to fix now. It can be great and blow lots of cold air. Mine is blows cold!

The cup holder is silly. I do bring a water bottle, but I screw the cap on, and put in a door pocket.

ABS is as likely as a 6 speed. Theoretically possible, but not at a reasonable cost. Still it would be nice if it was practical.

Interesting comparison.

Ignoring the cost side (won't be cheap for either!), ABS looks very practical relative to a tranny swap given there's plenty of space in the frunk to add a control/ECU unit with easy access to power. Wheel sensor wiring can be routed to the front, I don't see any practical problem there. However, I can see the liabillity part of any such system as a problem.

Anti-theft GPS tracking and full wiring harness kits with easy connectors.

I feel like most other modern upgrades are available.

Nothing.

Its the adventure and the risk and the annoyance of owning a time machine that I paid too much for. It's perfect because of its flaws.

Agree with a lot of this. It isn’t just modern AC and/or heat, it’s ventilation, defrost, mostly vent locations and air movement

But for me, the biggie is modern sealing, windows, ease of rolling up and down, proper sealing for no wind noise, stuff like that.

ABS yes, a big problem as the suspension geometry is all wrong.

In terms of 6 speed, my project car has a 6 speed fitted into a standard '89 (pre-964) without issue. Only thing I have lost is the dual mass flywheel option, but for me, that is not an issue.

Dennis

If I wanted a great running, high performance, reliable, durable, comfortable, practical, performance car I would have bought a Vette. ;P

ABS would need wheel speed sensors and calibration. I wonder if bits from an old Benz might work. You’d want to adapt a system that didn’t have the abs incorporated into everything else and was somewhat standalone. Or maybe just 944/968/964 units would work.