Non-factory parts that are still period correct - acceptable

[sacoffee]

I am being careful about renewing my 88' M491 cab with a mind to keeping the stock appearance as much as possible.

I've upgraded the stereo but the workings are hidden and can be easily removed, besides this a generally accepted mod. Other than this all the other updates are correct - headlights, trim, interior trim, cab refurb, engine trim, etc

But I hate the aftermarket turbo twist the PO installed (he sold the Fuchs) and I want to replace them plus a few more things like the steering wheel, carpet, seat covers, door panels, etc. But OEM replacement in kind is cost prohibitive, until I get some kids out of college.

So I am looking into other options for rims and steering wheels and close to stock fabrics.

Leads me to a general question about modifying an older Porsche but keeping it as period correct or acceptable as a mod that would have been done at the time ... mods that wouldn't affect value?

Maybe some of you "seasoned" Porsche enthusiasts can educate a newbie

Examples? Like BBS rims, Momo wheels, Renline floor boards, pedals, shift knobs, boots, etc or anything I may have missed as a common mod

Please post pics for me and others wondering.

[McLovin]

Well, what's "acceptable" to one person may not be to another.

And some things that were fairly widely accepted in the 80s are completely "unacceptable" by any standard today. For ex., "updating" a pre 74 car to look like a big-bumper 74 and up car, that was done quite a bit in the 80s, but I doubt there's a single person on earth doing that today.

I can tell you, for your car, all stock is going to give your car the highest value.

As far as changes, though, as long as it's reversible, I guess it's no harm no foul. But none of the things you mention will add any value to your car, and would in fact detract from the value and make it harder to sell down the road.

Things like aftermarket pedals, shift knobs and boots, BBS wheels etc. will cost you $$ and make your car less valuable and less appealing to most enthusiasts (note I didn't say all).

If I were you, I wouldn't waste my money on ANY aftermarket parts for that beautiful car. As far as value, there are no aftermarket parts that will increase your car's value.

If you have some already on it and you want to make changes, I'd focus on combing the classifieds to find OEM parts to put it back to as stock configuration as possible. If you don't have the $ for stock pieces, I'd not waste money buying other aftermarket stuff. Just leave it as it is and save up to do it once and do it right.

Starting with the wheels.

[proffighter]

So you better not look at my car then

3 decades mix and even parts from Peugeot, Volvo, etc...

[wayner]

People in all camps seem to like SSI heat exchangers.

That at leat one non OEM item for the list

[Chuck.H]

McLovin is 100% correct... AND has Homer in his avatar! But only correct if you care about resale value -- which some do, I don't knock that. But for me, having a built-up accelerator pedal and removing the goofy stock console are two mods that increase my enjoyment every day, which for me, IS the value!

All my miles are 'original miles' so how could they hurt the value!?! :-)

BTW Steve, I have a set of 17" CCW rims that I use for track tires - they were reasonably priced, and have the black center... just a thought, may want to look them up. IMHO you don't want the original Fuchs for anything but resale anyway - 17x9 and 17x11 rims work way better on the turbo looks.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga (M491) 362k miles

[Smoove1010]

Are there not some mods that are both period-correct and universally desirable, like a 930s steering wheel or factory-wide Fuchs rims?

Isn't it also true that the more unusual and desirable the car (like a factory M491 Cab) the more important it is to the resale value to "tread lightly?"

BTW - McLovin's avatar isn't Homer, it's Mr. Sparkle!
Mr. Sparkle TV commercial - YouTube

This is an interesting topic, and that's a beautiful car. I kinda like the twist rims, FWIW.

GK

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by wayner

People in all camps seem to like SSI heat exchangers.

That at leat one non OEM item for the list

Not all camps. For example people in camps in California aren't going to want them. That's a huge camp.

[wayner]

I stand corrected

[docrodg]

Frankly, it is mostly up to you. There are a few groups out there, and it depends on which you belong to or wish to sell the car to later. The concours group insists on all original but few drive their cars much (they are split between "Trailer queens and occasional drivers). The daily driver but mostly stock group will look for some aftermarket parts and maybe a few mods to make driving more comfortable/enjoyable/reliable/safe. The final group is a whatever goes group that looks for whatever they deem to be desirable and goes with that.

All enjoy their car they way they have it. It is up to you what you want. I prefer mostly stock, but not trailer queen. If it is not the factory color who cares... I like it. A purist may frown on it but I don't care, I like it. Of course, I do not plan on selling mine so I don't have to worry too much about that.

Decide what you want and establish a game plan from that. If you plan on modifications that include safety upgrades then put those at the top of the list, then reliability, then other. That way you get to enjoy your car more as you work on it.

[86 ssinit]

I think no problem with everything on your list. Change as u can afford just save the old stuff u can add to the sale or reinstall when you want to sell. Just enjoy it make yours and save the parts. Buy the Fuchs sell the turbos.

[burtm5]

How about engine changes. I have a lowly 71 T. Stock appearance but with 915 and 2.7 with 9.5, SSI, E cams, webers. I would hope that 90 hp would be worth something.

[T77911S]

a 3.0 would be more acceptable, but you still have a nice motor.

[RWebb]

what parts from Peugeot, Volvo, etc. did you use?

[proffighter]

Originally Posted by RWebb

what parts from Peugeot, Volvo, etc. did you use?

Door handles are from Peugeot (105 from 90's) and washer tank/pump from Volvo compact excavator ECR 88 (I work for swiss dealer)





And so on. Check my rust combat thread where I show, what I use for built from time to time...

[sacoffee]

I can see both sides, I've been through the heavy mod thing twice and I won't do it again unless I am building a race spec car from a roller. Will never convert a perfectly good car again.

But with my Porsche I want to update some things but keep as acceptable as possible.

Back in the 60's folks removed the 62 Vette's split window, but now an unmolested split window can fetch over $200k ... So I know what we did then ain't good now.

But, for example, is there any harm, or loss of respect if I put on some period correct non stock rims that even Porsche would admire?

[Cairo94507]

That was the '63 split window- first year of the Stingray.

[sacoffee]

Originally Posted by Cairo94507

That was the '63 split window- first year of the Stingray.

Oops

[megerian]

I would ditch those wheels first thing - and as you say, it can can expensive.. BUT, you watch this board closely for a decent set of 16 inch Fuchs, and you'll be able to defray the cost by selling the turbo twists. Anyway, that's what I'd do .

[Roger 911]

Originally Posted by sacoffee

Back in the 60's folks removed the 62 Vette's split window, but now an unmolested split window can fetch over $200k ... So I know what we did then ain't good now.

Certainly not if your goal then was to maximize resale value 50 years in the future

[amberdfjt]

There are a few groups out there, and it depends on which you belong to or wish to sell the car to later.