Cheap/Quality Upgrades?

[Carlito]

I'm looking for some low dollar or quality upgrades I can do to my car, which is a 1974 with a 3.0 liter 1978c engine and a 964 bodykit, kinda a monstrosity aesthetically. Some photos are below. I'm very technically and mechanically inclined, coming from a family of racers.

So far I've done SS brake lines, Rebuilt alternator and light polish, fluid changes, new bushings for shifter, shifter adjuster, adjusted valves etc. I'm a college student and don't have a lot of money so low dollar high elbow grease stuff is best.

[heimtun]

Door cards.

[DaddyGlenn]

Suspension rubber

[eimkeith]

reverse-park wipers.

[74-911]

Not knowing how many miles are on the car and what was previously done, As DaddyGlenn stated, the suspension is a good place to start.

Caliper rebuild kits are relatively inexpensive and are certainly a worthwhile project. If you have "S" calipers on the front I would definitely check the condition of the pistons as they are prone to corrode/rust if neglected.

Check the condition of the sway bar bushings and replace if necessary, repack the front wheel bearings if needed, etc.

Rebuilding the front and rear suspensions is a slippery slope as you might imagine.

[sugarwood]

Nice looking car.
What about restoring the seats? Too high dollar?

[toddadale]

I bought seat covers on eBay - Porsche 911 Carrera 993 1995 1998 Leather Seat Covers Replacement | eBay

They look great and the price was very good

[faverymi]

Get it lowered, aligned and put decent rubber.

That will make you smile!!!

[sc_rufctr]

Cheap?

Start cleaning ever nook and cranny. It really is a great way to get your car looking good.
Make a list of things that need fixing. Be fussy and focus on safety first.

And it's better to fix what you have rather than buy brand new parts.

Avoid "upgrades" for now. I've found they are often not as good as the OEM solution. Things like sporty suspension can ruin a car IMO.

[Trackrash]

You could learn to do upholstery. Not too hard, but time consuming.
You could also do your own carpets. All you need is a sewing machine and lots of patience and time.

[Charles Freeborn]

As already said, suspension consumables, shocks, turbo tie-rods, but REALLY important if you've got a bigger engine - make sure it has a front fender oil cooler. Swap out the old trombone for a Carrera type. Also, Carrera cam chain tensioners are cheap insurance.
-C

[Ayles]

You could do new motor and Trans mounts. Lots of cleaning and scrubbing (wheel wells, frunk etc...) Maybe hit it with a clay bar and nice wax.

[74-911]

Originally Posted by Ayles

You could do new motor and Trans mounts. ....

Along with new motor and transmission mounts, rebuild the pedal cluster, replace the bushings in the throttle linkage at the transmission and in the engine compartment, new ground strap from the transmission to the body. Not much cash outlay to do this but you will eliminate a lot of potential issues.

[Carlito]

Originally Posted by 74-911

Not knowing how many miles are on the car and what was previously done, As DaddyGlenn stated, the suspension is a good place to start.

Caliper rebuild kits are relatively inexpensive and are certainly a worthwhile project. If you have "S" calipers on the front I would definitely check the condition of the pistons as they are prone to corrode/rust if neglected.

Check the condition of the sway bar bushings and replace if necessary, repack the front wheel bearings if needed, etc.

Rebuilding the front and rear suspensions is a slippery slope as you might imagine.

Thanks. I definitely need to get around to checking that. Are the brakes supposed to be pressed pretty hard to get it to stop? It seems to be a little harder to stop than most other manual brakes I've driven.

[Carlito]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looking forward to learning more about these cars. I'm going to put new suspension rubber, swayer bushings, and some mounts (most are cracked) and check the brakes, new ground strap, bronze bushings for pedal cluster...any suggestions on decent brake pads?

[DRACO A5OG]

Lose Weight, wait I am not saying your are fat

Removing weight will gain HP at the wheels for FREE and if you sell the items you can make a little pocket change.

Ask the Track/DE/AX guys, they will tell yeah.

[Carlito]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Lose Weight, wait I am not saying your are fat

Removing weight will gain HP at the wheels for FREE and if you sell the items you can make a little pocket change.

Ask the Track/DE/AX guys, they will tell yeah.

I removed all the crappy aftermarket stereo. It didn't come with exhaust aka a heater or a compressor, where else would you recommend I remove weight?

[RSBob]

Remove weight by pulling the useless back seat backs, center console, and heater blower in the engine compartment.

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Lose Weight, wait I am not saying your are fat

Removing weight will gain HP at the wheels for FREE and if you sell the items you can make a little pocket change.

Ask the Track/DE/AX guys, they will tell yeah.

I funded the first big purchase of parts with stuff I didn't want from the car. I think in hindsight I was probably a little aggressive since I wasn't familiar with the cars at all. I straight up threw a bunch of stuff out that I probably should have held on to or sold.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

You could learn to do upholstery. Not too hard, but time consuming.
You could also do your own carpets. All you need is a sewing machine and lots of patience and time.

That is a great thought.

My driver's bottom seat had the separation of threads. About four inches long. Was repaired but my seat innards were squished by time and my husky rear end.

Carlito's foam/bolsters looks pretty decent so rather than "spool" up to become an upholstery whiz, why not take the seat bottom in and drop the $150 to have it re-sewn and have the threads/wires(?) that attach those seams to the bottom of the seat (helps keep the shape) re-done.

Originally Posted by Ayles

Maybe hit it with a clay bar and nice wax.

Agree. Maybe one of those orbital polishers and a fine polish after claying to cut just a tiny bit of oxidation. Would make a nice difference.

Carlito, your car may be a Frankenstein, but it sure looks like a normal looking 911.

Best of luck.