Show me your early car modern conveniences!

rennch · rennch's Garage

I think it would be cool to have a thread where people have retrofitted modern conveniences in their pre-1989 911's. For example, keyless entry, Bluetooth, alarm systems, navigation systems, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, you name it.

Please include the manufacturer or website of what you have installed, as well as approximate cost if you can.

I would start the thread with mine, but I don't have any. :-) I will say, however, that the iPhone 6 fits perfectly into the open ashtray of an early 911. It makes a perfect little navigation unit.

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stevej37 · 03:54 PM

A tip-up cupholder is the most I have in either car. Just doesn't feel right (to me) with any new elect in them.

faverymi · 02-11-2017, 03:57 PM

I have very nice and modern RE11 tires.

rennch · rennch's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by faverymi

I have very nice and modern RE11 tires.

Lol, I'm not sure that's in the spirit of the post.

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JohnJL · 02-11-2017, 04:29 PM

Doubling the power/ weight ratio is my first mod.

And heat inserts in the seats

blucille · 02-11-2017, 04:48 PM

Twin plug ignition? That sounds very convenient.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 02-11-2017, 04:49 PM

cupholder

Rawknees'Turbo · 05:33 PM

This qualifies as convenient to have here in swamp-ass, Norf TexAss (was mid 90s and high humidity at the time).

1987 Turbo

Home-built and serviced system composed of components from Zims, Rennaire, General Motors, and Autozone . . . Robinair service set and vac pump. Lots of tech assistance from members of the forum (including Griff, even though I've never bought anything from him since I had not even heard of Griffiths until after most of my mods were done or well under way).

I got to this point after 5 years or so replacing a component or two at a time.

I've done a lot of mods over the years (turbocharger, exhaust, fueling, etc.), but building the T-Rex a/c was the most useful and rewarding by far (wouldn't be such a big deal to me if I didn't live in a hot & humid climate, enjoyed driving around soaked in sweat and subjecting passengers to the same, or didn't use the car very often, buttofcourse).

rennch · rennch's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

cupholder

Dude! I have the same cupholder! Great minds...

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rennch · rennch's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rawknees'Turbo

This qualifies as convenient to have here in swamp-ass, Norf TexAss (was mid 90s and high humidity at the time).

1987 Turbo

Home-built and serviced system composed of components from Zims, Rennaire, General Motors, and Autozone . . . Robinair service set and vac pump. Lots of tech assistance from members of the forum (including Griff, even though I've never bought anything from him since I had not even heard of Griffiths until after most of my mods were done or well under way).

I got to this point after 5 years or so replacing a component or two at a time.

I've done a lot of mods over the years (turbocharger, exhaust, fueling, etc.), but building the T-Rex a/c was the most useful and rewarding by far (wouldn't be such a big deal to me if I didn't live in a hot & humid climate, enjoyed driving around soaked in sweat and subjecting passengers to the same, or didn't use the car very often, buttofcourse).

That is cool. What are the controls like?

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911tracker85 · 02-12-2017, 05:47 AM

Quote:

I think it would be cool to have a thread where people have retrofitted modern conveniences in their pre-1989 911's.

Why? it is because of the complete lack of such items that I LOVE these cars so much.

and when I need good AC I drive the 928.

if you want modern conveniences get a newer car......

DaveE · 02-12-2017, 05:55 AM

I like the heated seat idea since... headers. Also, I've used my SC as a work travel car frequently and change into steel toe boots when I arrive but they make excellent cup holders during the trip.

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88911coupe · 02-12-2017, 06:06 AM

Added satellite radio to an already upgraded stereo system, which has been awesome, also upgraded a/c and still working to get it up to its potential. I don't consider crappy sound and lame ass air conditioning as positive characteristics...LOL.

SCadaddle · 06:36 AM

It's the lack of "modern conveniences" that I enjoy most about my vintage 911.

I can kick the tires with my foot to monitor them. No need for the car to send up a message via satellite to the manufacturer to have them email me about a potential low tire due to a change in the weather.
I don't need a chime telling me to fasten my seat belt before doing so.
Not that I listen to the radio while driving, no need to have the radio self mute when I get a phone call from a solicitor that I wouldn't answer anyway.
The oil level gauge in MY dash is dead nuts accurate. But I got a dipstick also.
IF I leave the cell phone at home when I go for a drive, nobody can keep up with my whereabouts.
Airbags? Gives me more reason to be a careful defensive driver. And when you drive the speed limit in a vintage 911 it REALLY pisses off the Honda Civic and monster truck drivers around you.
And lastly, good luck finding the "black box" for those potential last few seconds of my life. I like keeping the old school Investigators employed.

It's not just driving, it's motoring.

MrBonus · 02-12-2017, 06:33 AM

Bluetooth-enabled Continental head unit that looks period-correct.

peter leinberge · 02-12-2017, 07:56 AM

fanaudical · fanaudical's Garage

Here's my brief list of "modern convenience upgrades" on my '75:

- Replaced mechanical speed with electronic speedo
- Replaced marker/brake light bulbs with LED's (lessens electrical load and are brighter)
- Replaced stock headlamps with H4's
- Replaced original seats with later Boxster seats (with electric recline)
- New head unit with USB input (for when there's no radio reception) and decent speakers

That's it. I stripped the AC and back-dated the heat to "add lightness".

Rawknees'Turbo · 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911tracker85

Why? it is because of the complete lack of such items that I LOVE these cars so much.

and when I need good AC I drive the 928.

if you want modern conveniences get a newer car......

I disagree, ol' man (

) - it's a lot of fun to build these things into something that is both old school and has some modern running gear/convenience. Why limit the machine to only one or the other?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

And when you drive the speed limit in a vintage 911 it REALLY pisses off the Honda Civic and monster truck drivers around you.

. . . It's not just driving, it's motoring.

Why even have the vintage 911 if you want to drive slower than Civics and monster trucks?!?!

BTW - That's called motoring like a blue hair!!!

hoss4659 · 02-12-2017, 10:20 AM

I bought my '88 Carrera with the intent of adding and/or changing stuff that would make it a comfortable and reliable touring car. Also modifications to suit my aesthetic. To date: 1) added Griffith's full desert grade AC (I live in Southern AZ and good AC is a must). 2) Installed Sal Carceller's MAF FI conversion. This got involved as the top end needed work. 3) Recently added the EPAS electric power steering. For an old guy with chewed up rotator cuffs and worn shoulder joints this made the car much easier and less painful to park. It is speed and torque sensitive so it is only there when needed. 4) Installed the fuse panel with the flag fuses and headlight relays.

Next on the list is to do something to improve ride quality over our lousy roads. Probably coilovers. Eibach springs' "tender-main" spring combos are appealing.

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Added an inflatable lumbar support. Makes a world of difference on long drives for older backs.

The purists with bad backs can ignore this and just dig the pain.