As my list of parts that need replacing has continued to grow, I’ve been wrestling to create some guidelines for what type of parts to pursue. There are more choices than one would think:
- Original (refurbished or not)
- from the original car or a donor
- New Old Stock (NOS)
- Porsche Factory new
- Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
- Faithful design and marking or not
- Reproductions of varying correctness and quality
Each comes with its own consideration regarding price, availability, correctness, and effort to make work. Surprisingly overwhelming! I’ve fallen victim to analysis paralysis and just don’t buy parts. I need to settle on strategy so I don’t drive myself nuts.
My car has the original engine, transmission, etc. It think it’s fair to say it’s desirable with an S90 engine. That said, it’s far from a preservation class Speedster. Some things are missing (e.g. front seats), and it needs major work just to be safely on the road.
I like the idea of originality, and have become obsessed with the subtleties of what’s unique about T5 seats and the correct color of grey for the fan shroud. But In some cases I don’t see I have a choice. The front floors are Fred Flinstone style (i.e. not there). The interior is all but gone as well. In these instances I think the only option is to buy reproduction. I may have a choice of vendors / quality. Once you start down this slope, do you just say “screw it”. I’ve started buying reproduction and stick with it?
The other side of the coin is engine components. For example, I need a crank pulley, oil breather, flapper boxes. I could buy original used and refurb them. I could also go the other extreme and just ring up Stoddard and get a shiny new one. I’m sure there’s some reliability considerations I’m not aware of too. I guess it is nice to be spoiled for choice?
I plan to clean and fix the existing parts I have to the extent that it’s possible. There are a lot of things where that are just gone or are beyond repair.
