top basic mods?

[yalcin]

Suppose you have a pretty stock 1980 with FI, and you want to make it better. What are the things you'd fix/change first? It seems like there are lots of ways you can improve things... I am wondering if there is any rough consensus on what mods people would go to first, to add the most value. So I thought I would throw this out there, what comes to mind as, say, the top 3 or so upgrades that give you the most overall bang for your buck?

I am not talking about really dramatic expensive things like a complete engine overhaul, rather just basic changes/upgrades. Like in the sub-1K range. For example, I just did the 95A alternator upgrade, and I wish I knew about that earlier. I'm wondering if there is other low hanging fruit like that I'm missing but which I should consider.

[RRoller123]

Headlights being put on relays is a good easy one, as is converting side markers to act as turn signals.

[azruss]

add a rear sway bar

[narfire]

If you are budgeting around a $1000.00 look at the handling and suspension. Perhaps re-do the bushings if they are tired. Change out the shocks and replace with Koni's. Aftermarket springs from one of the vendors is nice. I added a 1" front sway bar and with the Koni's love the improvement. Braided steel brake lines....
I also have the 15 inch wheels with 205 tires that help but that is a bit more than $1000.00

Love spending other people's money.... and no I'm not a politician
Chris

[Tobi]

Remove the bumpers and get rid of the cat if you can.

[yalcin]

Great ideas, thanks. Got the headlight relays already actually, agree that's a good one. Would love to improve handling/suspension so thanks for the suggestions on that. Feel like it could use the shocks changed out or something.

Sway bars -- one enough, or is two worth it? If one, front or rear? Seems like rear is the more common idea, though maybe there is debate about that?

[azruss]

124s are classic for plowing in the corners. you can solve this with a rear sway bar. I never felt the need to go to a 1" front bar and have read the some have had trouble with a bar that stiff tearing out of the unibody. I just installed Mark's rear sway bar kit. I wont test it until the car is aligned this week.
Overall, the biggest single improvement is tires. The modern 50s series tire performs like the racing tires of yesteryear.

[Kevin1]

First / best money spent is to make sure the car is in good tune, FI working properly, clean injectors, and ignition system up to snuff. if you are doing the work yourself http://www.hiperformancestore.com/ used to have a very good tutorial on how to service / tune-up the l-jet system. I have a copy and can email it if you like. Send a pm if interested. Only costs are tune up parts and your time, figure around $100 - $200 depending upon what parts you need.

95A alt is ok, but to complete the job add relays for starter solenoid, headlights, wipers, and radio. They will all work better (even with the new alternator) and relays take the load off of your ignition switch. Don't skimp. Buy good relays (Bosch), solder all of the connections, and they will last. Budget another $100 - $125.

While you are playing with wires clean up every ground connection you can find in the car including under the hood, under the dash, and inside the trunk. This alone will eliminate most electrical gremlins. A free improvement.

Cheap handling improvement: If money is tight a good shock improvement is the KYB gr2, and the addition of an Addco rear sway bar. This gives the car a much better balance of grip front to rear. If money is available go with Koni shocks. Stock configuration is oil filled dampers and a front bar only. KYB's $130, Addco rear bar $170, Koni's $450.

14/15" wheels and modern tires OR new bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints. If the bushings, balljoints and rod ends are all good go for the wheels and tires. No sense adding grippy tires if the suspension is worn out, though. The reason I say OR is that either one added to the above suggestions will pretty much eat up your $1,000 budget. If you can afford both, you will swear you are driving a different car.

If you do go even this far with the car don't kid yourself that you are done - it is so easy to find just one more thing to do.....

[steve8462]

how would one change front running lights into blinkers as well. i gave myself the palm slap to the forehead when i read the above thread. i have been pondering how to have turn signals in the front without taking away from the beauty of the Ferrari looking grill and the no- bumper look

[profcucchi]

Umm... What wold the benefit be to adding the headlights to relays?

[juvius]

Umm... What wold the benefit be to adding the headlights to relays?

result would be brighter lights. The wire that powers the headlights also powers other components. putting a relay on would send more power to the lights. the headlight wire would go to the relay, then another power wire from your battery or from the starter will be switched on and power the headlights. i know i'm not that great at explaining, but i could draw you a diagram of how the relay would be wired if you want one.

another benefit is now the other components sharing the headlights power will now have more power available... lessens the load