'83 911 SC Targa - Need direction with upgrades

[MrNvgtr]

Hello. I've been soaking up all I can on this board over the last several weeks of 911 ownership. I have (or rather my wife has, hehe) a relatively nice looking '83 911 SC (pictured below). I need help figuring out what direction I'm going to take with a series of upgrades. I'm not the type of person to just "lower and add clears" with disregard toward the rest of the car. Though it'll eventually be basically another hot-rodded 911, I'd like to pursue a certain "look".

As cool as they are, I don't want to be another long hood back-dater. I want to embrace the late 70's and 80's with this one. With that said, what were the hot SC variants of the era, if any did exist? If not, what's the most appropriate transformation for an SC in your opinion.

Thanks ahead for any advice/direction you can give.

[Peter Zimmermann]

Leave it alone, in another three years you won't be able to find another one like it. If you do anything, put in a set of 3.2 liter Max Moritz pistons/cylinders (and Carrera Tensioners if you don't have them), and if you don't have bi-annual smog inspections (or if the car is exempt) a set of SSI heat exchangers with a nice, two in/one out muffler. Bilstein HD shocks will complete the picture; all that you have to do is drive it, wax it, enjoy looking at it, and sit back as it appreciates.

[Oh Haha]

An SC/RS would be cool. Obviously, your would be a Targa but that would set it apart.

Here's a thread with some Targa ideas.




Show me your hot rod Targa.

[BK911]

Originally Posted by Peter Zimmermann

Leave it alone, in another three years you won't be able to find another one like it.

What he said.

Spend your money on track time. Sebring is only an hour or so from you. THen get the other set of track wheels/tires and brake pads. Then seats and harness. Then suspension. Then engine upgrades. Real quick way to spend your money.

[tcar]

It's beautiful... don't mess it up.

If you want to do big mods to an SC, sell this one and get one that's not so good looking.

[Neel]

Pete Z. is correct IMHO.......

[MrNvgtr]

I can definitely appreciate the responses to keep it relatively original with a few nice yet returnable upgrades. This is not my first classic and not my last. I know too many of them are ruined due to someone's half-assed attempt at creating something cool.

Having said that, I'm on the fence at this early stage. Either keep it relatively tasteful like this. I'd still want to upgrade the motor in the end. I like the 2 into 1 idea too.









Or go balls out insane, yet somewhat period correct (you can still tell it's an SC or Carrera) with something like this:





Anyway, I'm just posting my thoughts. No need to get up in arms about right/wrong/sanity level. I've walked this path before in the BMW world. Just going through the newbie motions, yet having learned from past mistakes, I want to think this out and go into it with a plan from the beginning.

[Poor-sche Lover]

Pretty sure that's Ed Hughes's targa in your top example. I've ALWAYS loved the look of it. It's very subtle, but very cool!

[MrNvgtr]

I'm amazed nobody pointed me in this direction, but luckily I just stumbled upon it. The RUF Yellowbird front and rear bumper. That's what I'm going for.

Yellowbird bumper thread: Let's see your yellowbird front bumpers!







I'm going to first address suspension and every bushing worth replacing. Then this. Finally, the motor. This just gives me a visual goal to keep motivated about.

[sobamaflyer]

If you want to say "80's" get a white sport jacket to go over your t-shirt, turn up the collar and blast some Flock of Seagulls. This would be best done in S. Beach IMO for full effect (short, enjoyable drive for you)

Seriously, the sage advice above is probably the most logical, but most of us want our new-to-us personalized to taste. I'd say get a tail of your choosing, Duck, Carrera, Tea-Tray, keeping your current lid so it's an easy swap back. Get another set of wheels (I too dig the RUF's!). I like the Yellowbird bumpers as well but that's the next level.....

Point is it's important to keep it relatively easy to change back to stock because you do have a beautiful car and you too someday might want it returned to original.

[AFCuk]

Mine looked clean from a distance............



But Jacks car BBII.....A true inspiration... But a Targa, something different for you

[mercman]

Here's my new to me 1983SC Targa.

[BReyes]

Mr. NvGtr.

Nice ride.

Ditto to stock at Euro ride height with SSI, fat soft Pirelli (or similar) tires. But most important remembr one thing (if not already said above), "Reverse throttle oversteer". Sunday mornings are best. Never ride with top (unless begins to rain ofcourse [it rains more and more each year] ) Let us know how (front) suspension does once you learn to not lift.

I'm taking mine, but 87 (She called it "Cherry red") out, not planning on doing I95 was thinking doing the Turnpike. We're first going to ft. Wilderness.

Regards,




p.s. I see you have Beemers. Now its more top end higher shift points, and just remember "if in doubt, punch it".

[brads911sc]

Great car!

There are alot of things you can do to really change the way it drives and rides without altering its original look. Look at mine. Looks mostly stock except for the Euro ride height. The ext and int are an 8.5/10 and i didnt want to toss that out the window, but like any 25 year old car had many worn out parts...so its got a complete elephant street perf suspension kit, SSI's. 2 in 1 out Stainless Dansk Sport, PMO ITBs, EFI, recurved Dizzy, etc. I assure you it rides nothing like the 100% bone stock car that I bought... but I could return it to stock pretty easily (if I hadnt sold all of the old parts)... when i sit in the car the only upgrade in the interior is the Momo Shift knob and Momo prototipo. I like the feel and smell of the old interior. Point is that you can spend 20k+ on "upgrades" (ask me how I know), change its drive characteristics completely, and not alter the basic look and feel to such a beautiful example...

[Glenntpr]

I have a 1983 Black 911 SC and just got in today my RUF "yellowbird" front/back bumpers and added 993 mirriows. The kit weights less than 40 pounds and it looks amazing on an SC body. I got the kit from betterbodies motor sports out of San Diego. I cant wait to install the kit and will post pictures once I finish the project.