85 Carrera, things to do.

[GH85Carrera]

My car currently has 129,000 miles. The car is in excellent shape overall. I have been putting together a list of things that need replacement or refurbishment on my 85 Carrera. I have owned it for 13 years. I have searched through the site and done a lot of reading.

I have recently replaced the O2 sensor, & the head temp sensor, rear wheel bearings, CV joints, clutch cable & the helper spring.

I do NOT want to get radical with suspension or performance upgrades. The entire car is 100% factory original except the A/C system.

Here is my current list of maintenance and upgrades.

For the engine, new distributor cap, rotor, coil, fuel pump and engine position sensors.

For the suspension, new Bilistien HD shocks, turbo Tie Rods, ball joints, sway bar bushings, 21/27 mm torsion bars, and replace the suspension bushings with new OEM rubber. Refurbish the steering rack and pedal cluster.

Are there any special tools I will need. I have a good collection of tools but I don't have any suspension tools. I plan to do all the work myself. Are there any "while I am in there" upgrades or replacements I should look at? I am guessing the parts alone will be over 3 grand. It will take several weekends in the garage.

In the future a SW chip will be in order. I just don't want to spend the money for a SW chip on top of the money I am about to spend.

Any suggestions?

[Zeke]

Top 10 Carrera upgrade suggestions

[burgermeister]

You might want to do the 2-wire cylinder head temp sensor while you're at it.

Why replace the position sensors? If you're careful removing them and wrap the brittle insulation with some self fusing silicone tape, they ought to be fine.

[deshetlr]

I'm a big H4 fan. Really cleans up the front end.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by deshetlr

I'm a big H4 fan. Really cleans up the front end.

To each his own. I like my OEM sugar scoops.

The head temp sensor was updated to the 2 wire last spring.

I have fuses on the blowers, fans and the headlights. I have fuses on the instrument lights. All the easy fixes have been done.

[steely]

I've been toying with doing a pre-emptive strike (refurb) of the alternator myself.
Have you considered replacing the vacuum lines?

[kuehl]

Glen,
If you are going for the rack I'd look at the bushing on steering shaft.
And, you could always use a Kuehl Wirbelsturm evap motor; keep the garage cool on those
toasty days and nights.

Griff

[3.2Carrera]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

To each his own. I like my OEM sugar scoops.

I am right their with you Glen!!!

[old man neri]

Headlight relays if you don't have them already.
Caliper rebuild with brake system flush maybe.
Cat bypass pipe maybe? If you have your factory cat it may be getting clogged.

[Nine9six]

Oh, and don't forget a new set of plug wires and a fuel filter while you're in there....

[janz]

New rotors and brake pads are always a good thing, and check calipers and rebuild if needed. Everyone always wants to go faster, I like to be able to stop. Pretty inexpensive maintainence not to do.

[teamfee3]

turbo/sport motor and tranny mounts?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by old man neri

Headlight relays if you don't have them already.
Caliper rebuild with brake system flush maybe.
Cat bypass pipe maybe? If you have your factory cat it may be getting clogged.

Headlight relays are done, I flush the brake fluid every spring. Pads are new calipers are fine. I replaced the plugs & wires last spring.

I appreciate all the suggestions on all the other things, but I was looking for things to do during the suspension changes. Invariably I finish a project and someone says "you should have changed the flummox capacitor to the new and improved type." Or "it is really easy to do that with this tool, but the way you did it is a real pain"

[old man neri]

How about your fuel lines in the rear? What do they look like?

[GH85Carrera]

The fuel lines look nice and solid, no hint of wetness. They will be addressed next year when I plan an engine drop. I have a few minor oil leaks and I want to clean up the engine & the compartment. One project at a time!