Need advice on upgrades for a 1981 911

[CF104]

Hey Guys, just did a 3 day trip from Boston to Phoenix with car and am looking to get some advice on what to upgrade on a 1981 911.
The trip details are here if interested.

Even Cars deserve to retire in warmer climates

Here are the items I would like to upgrade but am not sure which to get.
If there are any other items I should also consider feel free to recommend.

1. Living in Phoenix I will need an AC system. The original AC system was removed by the previous owner and I have it in boxes. I heard some folks talk about RetroAir and Griffiths. So which one of these is best for the 115F to 120F summer temps in Phoenix.
2. In getting an AC to run during the summer months it will pull power from the engine. How do you compensate for that loss. Do you get a sport exhaust or something else.
3. Floor boards for the pedals. I've seen drilled aluminum ones, black ones, etc. Which ones make sense for this car.
4. Shifter. I've the WEVO shifter and it looks nice. In changing to this type will it also reduce the amount of play from the original shifter.
5. Steering wheel. Nardi, or Momo.
6. The lights in the instrument dials is not that bright. Has anyone ever replaced or upgraded these? If yes what did you get.
7. The drivers seat stitching has come apart, so I was thinking of perhaps having hounds tooth inserts. Who specializes in that sort of work.

Thank you fro taking the time to read this.
Cheers

[Bill Douglas]

I'd do the sport exhaust - SSIs dansk, and forget about the other stuff.

[Mark Salvetti]

Here is a thread on adding LED bulbs for the instruments:
Post here your experience with the new Gauge BA7s LED

On the steering wheel and floor boards, I'm thinking of buying the Momo Prototipo with aluminum spokes for my car, and then add the Rennline drilled aluminum floor boards to go with it.

Mark

[tirwin]

1. I have an black '83 coupe with black interior and I live in Atlanta. I drove the North Georgia mountains yesterday. Driving the twisties in the early morning it was cool and shady. Driving home it was in the 80s and I was driving due south on the interstate. Normally I would've been sweltering. I installed Griffith's complete dual Kuehl system (adds front and rear wheel well condensers for a total of 4). It adds a huge amount of enjoyment to the car.

2. It's not going to rob that much power, especially if you upgrade the AC compressor over the factory one as part of an AC overhaul. Still there are plenty of good exhaust options. Does AZ require emissions? That will be a factor in your exhaust choices. If you are exempt, the most common solution is to 'backdate' the heat and go with a pair of SSIs and some type of 2in sport exhaust.

3. Rennline makes plenty of options. I'm sure there are others.

4. It should. There is also a shift coupler located in the tunnel access panel behind the front seats. Those bushings are usually 80% of the problem. You can order Delrin replacements if needed from our host. There are also aftermarket solutions that are more spendy. The other bushings that can affect shifting feeling are the ball cup and shift tunnel bushings right below the shifter itself.

5. I'm a MOMO Prototipo guy but that is personal preference.

6.There are two Pelicans that sell LED replacements. I got mine from a guy named Engelbert. Great product and support. Do a search and you'll find him.

7. Autobahn interiors in CA has a great reputation. I have only bought a headliner from them so no first hand experience.

Going through your list there you've got some simple things and some that could be expensive.

My advice is to focus on safety items first and foremost. Then talk to Charlie Griffith about your AC needs because no AC in your climate will reduce your ability to enjoy the car. Then worry about the cosmetic things.

There is no limit to the things you could spend money on. Drive it for a while, get to know it more and prioritize your spending to maximize safety and pleasure.

[CF104]

Thanks for the sound advice.

[aoncurly]

If your car has the original rubber suspension bushings, they should all be replaced. The strut inserts and rear shocks should also be replaced, if they haven't already. This will make a tremendous difference in the driving experience.

[patz]

Suspension, learn to drive it. AX and driver's schools. LEAVE your road tires on. Only dipschitz swap tires. YOU ARE THERE to learn.

AC, RetroAire and others are good. Take your time on engine mods. Do the search and kick back. It is a slippery slope.

[OsoMoore]

I love my 930S steering wheel. I've never held a better wheel and I don't think one exists.

[bhmkv]

Start with safety items. Make sure the valves are adjusted properly. Get an alignment. Change all the fluids. I like a prototipo for steering wheel. I got used to the long throw of the shifter.

[Gaspassin]

Look into getting later carrera radiator style oil cooler and Fan.
If you run this car in the summer with A/C in PHX then you will need one.
Several recently for sale used in parts. Get a guarantee or pressure tested cooler.
Elephant racing makes a nice "wide mouth" cooler, but it is my understanding that the thermostat is the restrictive point for flow in the coolers. Maybe I someone can clarify.

[Jdub]

What I have learned in 15 years of ownership is to baseline the car. Get all your receipts in chrono. order and lay them into an Excel sheet - date and mileage esp. important. With that information, consider what you need to do first.

Must agree on the cooler upgrade - that is a must-have with a numbered temp. gauge and proper sensor.

In my case, the most satisfying upgrades were those done for chump change and sweat equity. For example, pull and clean the distributor, strip the doors and clean and re-grease the regulators (plus replace all the broken plastic bits), rebuild calipers and new pads and rotors...

It is a slippery slope!

OsoMoore: Is that a Burmese?