88 Vert - Pimp it or OEM restoration?
 

I just picked up an 88 Vert n/a for my winter project. The problem is this.......

what do I do to it? Any cool ideas out there?

I was thinking a body kit, new rims, paint, custom interior, a few mods etc., but then I thought perhaps I should restore it to OEM instead.

Which way would you go with it?

Clean turbo II swap.. eliminate emissions and other crap, but keep it stock except for the exhaust etc. Then pimp it ;)

Yeah you are gonna end up wanting more power. But i wouldnt OEM it, definetly go for the pimp, not enough pimp'd fc's kicking round

I've also got a vert for a winter project. It's a 1990 white auto. My idea is 5-speed swap with clutch and flywheel upgrade, widen the stock bbs wheels, some springs and adjustable shocks to lower the car. An inch or two would be nice, and strut braces. Interior accents like wooden Nardi steering wheel and shift knob to match.

Here's my to-do list so far.....(not in any specific order)

replace the badly torn top
compression test the motor to identify the motor problem (shudders when accellerating - could just be TPS or seals)
fix or re-build the motor until I can afford TII swap
replace carpet & Seats
clean and grease window tracks
while door panels are off replace door speakers and pimp out the panels with custom trim
no cracks or fading on the dash or panels so fit door trims to match
add body kit (not a single rust spot or dent in body (Kikazz!)
fresh paint (currently red but might go with transition effect since I have to paint it anyhow)
spend some time in my sign shop and create some nice graphics for it. (not sure yet on vinyl or paint mask but I'll figure it out by spring)
Leave the current exhaust - 3" Cat Back exhaust system added by the previous owner this summer - just add chrome tips.
new wheels and tires
upgrade the suspension
Address any other annoying cosmetics as I go

What am I forgetting? I'm sure there are a few things.......

A pimped vert in good condition is only worth about $3000 but a stock one in great condition can get $6,000. I say it depends on which way is cheaper to go. If it already has some mods or you plan to keep it a long time then pimp it.

FIRST make it run right. Do a full tune up with all belts, hoses, fluids, oem rad cap, oem thermostat. Don't spend a dime until you determine what the problems are with daily running.

Then develop a budget. These cars can be shockingly expensive to restore to functionality. You will either pay huge prices to the dealer or spend lots of time developing a relationship with the community on this forum so you can swap, buy used etc.

I bought my 90 vert for 1100 bux. I have about $4000 total in it. I have done everything myself, except the exhaust. LOTS of reading and labor and learning.

I am in the middle of paint right now. All this is merely to restore to oem, ie everything works and it doesn't look like shit. The only aftermarket performance parts are a set of Eibach springs and a short shifter.

I haven't spent a dime on pimpin'. Imagine that I spent a couple of thousand on wheels and tires and stereo and body kits and engine mods?

Do your homework. Don't jump out an buy a bunch of parts. Take it in stages.

Good luck!

hydros! big screen tv on pass seat with cage to mount ur amps a giant spoiler and 22"s, no 24"s. high gloss metalic green or purple....

LOL not quite what I was thinking when I said "pimp" but I guess it would make for good TV (If MTV even knows what that is anymore LOL)

...Speaking of which, why doesn't MTV (used to stand for MUSIC Television) play music anymore? All they have now are weak comedy and "reality" TV. Cribs, Punk'd, road rules, jackass etc.

Very, very good advice. Kind of like my '86 base. Picked it up for $750, about $4000 into it. The difference is I didn't go about it the smartest way at first.

My first priority these days is making it safe and reliable. It sounds lame but running through and replacing all the stuff that gets worn out and fails on these cars will keep you plenty busy. Stuff like transmission mounts, suspension bushings, the smaller coolant hoses, oil cooler lines, etc. This is coming from a guy that spent more money total on a new exhaust system than the car itself back when I didn't really put much thought into what parts of the car I put the money into. Now that I have a good engine in it again I'm going through and doing exactly what I just described, except I'm removing all emissions stuff and I actually need new tires too. Then It's massive suspension overhaul time. I want to make sure the car is solid before I concern myself with any more power mods and certainly before how it looks. Only when it drives the way I want it to and I have no doubts there's not some stupid little thing that should have been replaced 10 years ago waiting to break at the worst possible moment will I begin to concern myself with how it looks. My car is keyed pretty bad, my front bumper is a different shade of red, and half my red interior has faded to green. When (if) it does get repainted it's going to be the factory color. It's all about priorities really.

I'm not saying do a total OEM restoration, but a general overhaul with some upgrades where it would be advantageous over OEM parts might be something to consider for now. You can always make it run and drive good now and "pimp it" later. It's totally up to you and your priorities but I guarantee you will be happier in the long run if you have a solid platform to work on before the "pimping" proecess begins.

-Darren

TII swap and anything else you like. If it turns out all ricey then we'll let you know.

^tii

Most 'pimped' out cars end up looking 'gay' and just plain WRONG.

If you want a cooler car put a turbo engine on it but keep an OEM-ish look. Subtle tweaks are best. I think verts with BBS style rims, stock sport spoiler (rubbery kind), window tint and Mazdaspeed lip look awesome in black :)