opinions on performance and look upgrades

[htbetz]

Just got my 1974 911 back on the road after a complete engine rebuild and would like opinions as to what modifications would be worthwhile. Some I've thought about are a whale tale, larger wheels(I have 15" Fuchs), SSC exhaust. It's pretty much stock except for Recaro's and Fuch's. Thanks for your opinions.

[bonedaddy]

Probably the single most significant appearance change would be a whaletail. They're not for everybody, but I love 'em. I put a Carrera style tail on my '75, and am very pleased with the appearance. I didn't mess with my wheels because I liked the original cookie cutters. Whatever you choose--Good luck!

[Markus30]

If it hasn't been done already, lowering the car to Euro specs is a worthwhile appearance and performance mod, IMHO.

Regards,
Markus

[Don Plumley]

I agree with lowering - and while you are doing that consider wheel spacers to fill out the arches. Here's a link to some before and after shots on my '87: Spacer Photos

Lowering should come with a corner balance as well.

Remember, spoilers in pairs: If you put on a whale tail, you need the chin spoiler as well for aerodynamic balance.

An inexpensive, fun appearance trick is to paint the calipers. Link to my caliper photos: Projects

Have fun!

Don

[targa88]

The decision is two fold: A)performance B)esthetics. Not necessarily in that order. Whether you decide to do either I would recommend planning, to make sure that all modifications fit together (symbioticallly).
For example larger wheels, equate to greater unsprung weight - but potentially a larger choice of rubber/tires. Wheel spacers, will fill out the wheel wells, but tend to put stress on other parts of the car.
Esthetics is a personal choice; given the age/design of your car - I suspect that a "ducktail" would be more appropriate than a whale tail(too big for narrow cars) - at best a Carrera tail. Along with esthetics, you might want to stay loyal to the "era/period" of you car.
If you intend to track your car, then your tendency will be toward performance. There is no be all end all for this equation; rather incremental changes - a number of threads already exist along those lines. Search and ye shall find.....

[RoninLB]

IMO,,I would/I do mechanical stuff first. Then you have a personalized 911. It will then be worthy of some agressive beauty. IMHO, it's a carb eat carb fuel world.

[TimB]

'74? Dude you gotta go for the Carrera ducktail look! Read through this thread and check out the white and orange cars.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54673&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

[ChrisBennet]

Just some data points:
- Your '74 has narrow fenders so your wheel widths will be limited. (And spacers out of the question.)
- Tires selection is better in the 16" sizes. The Yoko AVS Intermedidate comes in 15" sizes, a great tire.
- SSI's are a stainless replica of your '74 headers so no performance increase would be had by switching to SSI's
- Ducktail spoilers are cool

-Chris