Favorite Mods List Thread

[aenglish87]

As a long-time DeLorean fan and relatively new D owner I have addressed any mechanical maintenance and repair issues and have her running great and take her out and enjoy her consistently once or twice a week and now I am turning my attention to trying to determining a list of mods and upgrades I want to do (aesthetics, functionality, performance, etc) and prioritizing them for time and budget.

Some are purists who believe it is sacrilegious to do anything at all to a sock D (an opinion I fully respect) and there are those who feel DeLorean ownership is about "doing it in style" your way whatever level of customization that may mean to you (also respected). I fall somewhere in the middle... I am aiming for some balance of some modern touches and aesthetics while maintaining the stock aspects of the car that many of us would say make it so "timeless".

To that end, I am starting this thread to get feedback and opinion from everyone on what mods you have done or would like to do that you think are the best out there. Best exterior aesthetic mods?... Best interior mods?... Best performance mods?... Best functionality and preventitve mods?... What mods offer the best bang for the buck in D ownership experience?

My current personal list of potential upgrade/mods interest include:
-aftermarket wheels in a tasteful larger stagger set-up (17/18 or 18/19) in a multi-spoke wheel in the same "family" look as the stock wheels.
-lowering springs (already done on mine)
-DMC body skirt kit (love the way it looks and would love any feedback from anyone who has installed one)
-I saw some cool halo 4x6 direct headlight bulb replacements on the forum today
-Remote Auto opening doors
-exhaust upgrade

So...
What mods and upgrades have you done that you love and would recommend?
What have you done/tried and hated or felt was a waste of money?
What mods are on your "wish list" for your D?

[thirdmanj]

Oh man. :( I thought this was gonna be a discussion about who our favorite forum moderators were and why!

[refugeefromcalif]

Oh man. :( I thought this was gonna be a discussion about who our favorite forum moderators were and why!

That thread subject is just waiting for you too start it... :devil:

George

[andy blackmon]

Body skirt kit-- the side pieces look great, the back piece is nice but the piece for the front is a wasted of time, i kept dragging it off , so i removed it. Yes I like the kit. The very best mod on my car was stage 2 upgrade, the added power and new sound is outstanding. I have well over a dozen upgrade on my car and love them all. The wings-a -loft system is great in fact I have not put an upgrade on that I do not like. Heck after counting i can remember over 2 dozen upgrades and i am sure there are some I do not remember. My car is a really nice car and runs great every time, but i have put a great deal of money into it and do not regret one dime of it, heck I am sure there is more money going into it . I am just waiting for someone to come up with more modern looking tail lights and head lights system.
Andy B 03513

[DeLorean03]

Footwell lighting to where they turn on when you open the doors. That to me is one of those things that brings the car to modern standards.

22587


SS grilles in the lower engine cover look pretty sharp too. Center brace for the louvres with the DMC logo that catches the stay of the lower engine cover.

22586

Anything WingsALoft - especially remote lock/unlock and remote trunk unlock - those really bring the car to "today's standards".

[Silverbullet]

Ok ... Mine... Auto Doors Wings aloft... and Stainless Steel Hedders Exhaust.. by far the best...

Craig

[RammJaeger]

Center brace for the louvres with the DMC logo that catches the latch of the lower engine cover.


My car has this, and so far I was the only one I knew who had it (it was on the car when I got it). It looks like latching the lower engine cover like that caused my lower engine cover to break pretty significantly. So I wouldn't recommend latching it like that.

[DeLorean03]

My car has this, and so far I was the only one I knew who had it (it was on the car when I got it). It looks like latching the lower engine cover like that caused my lower engine cover to break pretty significantly. So I wouldn't recommend latching it like that.

If you install the SS grilles (which weigh collectively a good 3-5 pounds), you nearly have to do it that way. The strain that the original engine cover triangular stay puts on the engine cover is crazy - it looks like someone is bending the lower engine cover in half like a twig over their knee.

For fun, I searched on this, and here Dave Swingle says:


Make sure that the brackets on the sunshade are not backwards (i.e. reversed left to right).

We install quite a few of these braces and once in a while have to make the slot for the hook slightly larger. Most of the time they work fine with the normal struts.

There is quite a bit of variation from car to car, and you can also adjust the louver hook on the engine cover to fit the slot better (if your louver latch isn't working anyway and it doesn't bother you.

Came from this thread:

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?6472-Longer-Louvre-Struts-for-DMC-Louvre-Reinforcement-Brace&p=93977&viewfull=1#post93977

[aenglish87]

Body skirt kit-- the side pieces look great, the back piece is nice but the piece for the front is a wasted of time, i kept dragging it off , so i removed it. Yes I like the kit. The very best mod on my car was stage 2 upgrade, the added power and new sound is outstanding. I have well over a dozen upgrade on my car and love them all. The wings-a -loft system is great in fact I have not put an upgrade on that I do not like. Heck after counting i can remember over 2 dozen upgrades and i am sure there are some I do not remember. My car is a really nice car and runs great every time, but i have put a great deal of money into it and do not regret one dime of it, heck I am sure there is more money going into it . I am just waiting for someone to come up with more modern looking tail lights and head lights system.
Andy B 03513

Thanks for the Body skirt kit feedback Andy. If you don't mind, I would LOVE to see the list of the couple dozen upgrades you have done. I am trying to gather ideas for my own mod wish list and your "menu" would be a great help if you don't mind posting them on here. Of course any quick notes or comments you may have on any/all of them (like your note on the body skirt kit) would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks Andy!

Edit: Andy, in addition to begging you to list out your complete list of mods, do you have any pics posted anywhere that I could check out your D and all the mods? Or could you post some along with your list? Sorry for all the requests. I appreciate it.

[aenglish87]

Footwell lighting to where they turn on when you open the doors. That to me is one of those things that brings the car to modern standards.

22587


SS grilles in the lower engine cover look pretty sharp too. Center brace for the louvres with the DMC logo that catches the stay of the lower engine cover.

22586

Anything WingsALoft - especially remote lock/unlock and remote trunk unlock - those really bring the car to "today's standards".

Thanks for the feedback and the pics! I love the footwell lighting and the SS grilles! I didn't know about either one. Is your footwell lighting a "homemade" mod or is there some kit that can be purchased? Are the SS grilles a DMC part? Any other ideas for me? Do you have a list of all the mods you have done?

[aenglish87]

My car has this, and so far I was the only one I knew who had it (it was on the car when I got it). It looks like latching the lower engine cover like that caused my lower engine cover to break pretty significantly. So I wouldn't recommend latching it like that.

Is this center brace an aesthetics thing or strictly for some added functionality and support for the louvered lid? I am a little confused about this one. Does anyone have a pic?

[Ozzie]

"What mods and upgrades have you done that you love and would recommend? "
Solid State RPM relay - a modern reliable replacement to this crucial part.
Horns - replaced with modern louder horns - safety reasons
Third brake light - safety reasons
Put a newer tire on spare wheel - just in case.
Aftermarket exhaust (I did only option at the time, Stage 1). Not cheap, but looks, and sounds better, with a blip of almost noticeable extra performance.
(nearly) 100% LED conversion - lower draw on battery, longer life on bulbs, good way to check/clean all sockets.
Dome light dimmer for LEDs.
Silverstar headlights - brighter
Cooling Fans - lighter and more reliable
R134 conversion - cheaper to maintain, cool enough for our small volume cabins
Adjustable alternator belt tensioner. for a much easier (when the day comes) belt replacement.
Shift link bushings. ..suppose this is more of PM than a mod or upgrade.
Battery disconnect wheel at battery - quick and easy disconnect when required.

"What have you done/tried and hated or felt was a waste of money?"
Gated shift plate - <meh> neither "hated" nor a "waste", but went back to stock after a few years.

[ALEXAKOS]

Oh man. :( I thought this was gonna be a discussion about who our favorite forum moderators were and why!


:bootyshake::bootyshake::bootyshake:
Me too.

[DeLorean03]

Thanks for the feedback and the pics! I love the footwell lighting and the SS grilles! I didn't know about either one. Is your footwell lighting a "homemade" mod or is there some kit that can be purchased? Are the SS grilles a DMC part? Any other ideas for me? Do you have a list of all the mods you have done?

Thank you for such kind words :D.

The SS grilles come from a gentleman named Bandit over at the DeLorean UK Eurotec Club forums. His thread is here:

http://www.deloreaneurotec.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=102&t=432&hilit=grilles

Cost converted with shipping if I recall correctly is about $185 total. The finished look, for me, justified the cost. It's one of those luxury upgrades, but it looks very sharp.

The footwell lighting is a homemade job. I purchased a pair of SMD LED strips off eBay like this (12 inches long with 18 LEDs):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-light-strip-5050-SMD-60-m-18-ft-waterproof-adhesive-backing-lead-wire-/261079856781?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=560145055453&hash=item3cc992768d

I then wires it up like this:

22600

As far as a list of mods, let me think things over today. I have done a decent number of things, but I need to sit and think about them all so I can a solid list for you. Ill try to get back this topic later tonight.


Is this center brace an aesthetics thing or strictly for some added functionality and support for the louvered lid? I am a little confused about this one. Does anyone have a pic?

Sorry, I just remembered to address this. There's really two answers:

1. It's an aesthetics thing for the most part. An owner up here has a car with about 16k on his car - a stayed-in-the-family-since-1981 car. His stock T-shaped engine cover stay was flexing the lower engine cover intensely. You could tell it would start to crack the lower engine cover on the edge closest to the engine cover stay. That's when he purchased the center louvre brace, and his installation as well as others up in this area convinced me to make the purchase and installation.

Please keep in mind, his situation seemed to be an exception.

2. The same owner decided to install the SS grilles (after he had already installed the center brace). I saw the strain just the stock lower engine cover applied to the car; I can't begin to imagine what another 3-5 lbs would do. Basically, if you install the SS grilles, you have to install the center louvre brace, or find some other alternative to propping the lower engine cover up.

So, yeah, two answers - depending on which way you go.

[andy blackmon]

I will let this reply deal only with the interior
Open the door and the blue carpet will shock you
blue head liners
blue DMC on the floor mats
blue DMC on the seat head rests
blue LED lights in ac panel and dash
new blue LED clock
stainless steel shift knob
blue and back shift boot
new radio with cd and of course blue lights
new windows switches with blue arrows
new door sills with blue light up DMC
headlight saver switch from Toby
Wings a loft remote opening and alarm
every new solid state relay that David M has to offer
new steering wheel
and I am sure there are one or two i dont recall right now
You will notice every thing is blue, one day after a DCS I was tired of my car looking like everyone else. I love the color teal blue the Carolina Panthers foot ball team uses, sent off for the color code to make everything match (or get close). This in just the interior upgrades (or changes depending on what you think) Tomorrow I will send the exterior changes and than the running gear changes, yep there is going to be more than two dozen.
Andy B 03513

[DeLorean03]

Ok, so I thought about the mods on my car.

My list is mods - not engine restoration or work done to the car. My list is mostly a plug and play or installation of a nearly stand alone product. This is not all-inclusive of what is on my car; these are the ones I feel stand out the most. In no particular order:

1. BitSyncMasters solid state RPM relay. Anything solid state always triumphs over analog. Less heat and more efficient.

Photo courtesy of Ozzie's blog:

22602

2. John Hervey's 2 gauge ground cable. What's not to like? These cables are very beefy, and many people have experienced and reported excellent charging and faster start-ups since installation.

Photo courtesy of John Hervey:

22603

3. LEDs throughout the entire car. Back in 2004, there was a lot of "owah owah - you're ricing up a DeLorean with fad lights" bull crap. Funny how we're still doing it nearly 10 years later. This is a massive help to the electrical system - specifically the headlight switch which controls 20 lights (5 dash, 4 sidemarker, 4 running, 4 A/C lamps [if you've done that mod], hazard lamps switch light, headlight switch light, 2 license plate lamps), the A/C faceplate keeping it from warping due to the incads, and the alternator charging more efficiently. It also just gives the car a modern look/feel. Ozzie has done an outstanding article showing the benefits of LEDs.

Blog post courtesy of Ozzie:

http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2011/07/going-100-leds-on-your-car-is-good-idea.html


4. Pancake-style cooling fans. Without a doubt, this is THE way to help your cooling system and electrical system in one swoop. First, the stock fans are believed to demand as much as 22A of current. To put it bluntly, that is nuts. John Hervey and Toby Peterson's new fans not only draw way less power (11A or so), but they also provide more air flow with faster RPMs of the blades turning. There are a lot of band-aids to help the cooling system; this is a permanent solution.

Photos courtesy of John Hervey and Toby Peterson:

22605

22606

5. The auto-bleeder kits. Both made by John and Toby again. Basically, these are kits that you install on the waterpump thermostat housing nipple (and in Toby's case, to the radiator as well), and they auto-bleed your cooling system for you. No more need to do it - it does it for you. Some say this is a "band aid" that masks a real problem. My opinion: 10 years with 0 issues.

Toby's pictures are rather tiny, so I'll post a links for these items:

John's kit: http://specialtauto.com/delorean-parts/images/air-bleeder.jpg

Toby's kit: http://www.delorean-parts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=9475

6. Updated door actuators (replaces the 32 year old door locking solenoids). These are simply amazing. They weigh probably 1 lbs versus the stock 5 lbs door solenoids. The solenoids were prone to locking up, causing them to malfunction and fail, as well as locking you in the car (which is not a fun experience if you're new to owning one of these cars, and believe me, it will ALWAYS happen when you're showing the car off to people). When those solenoids malfunction - you aren't getting out of the car - you'll break the door handle first. The new ones are well worth their price of admission in terms of being lightweight, reliable, and a very simple installation - provided the rest of your door locking system is up to snuff. Toby's instructions are solid with great color photos and clear circuit schematics. Read them over a couple times before you start the install, and most all will go smoothly!

* - Note, if you ever do get locked in your car, you can always disconnect the door lock module and manually open your doors. Don't let anyone scare-tactic you into believing you "cannot get out" with old solenoids.

Link: Click here. (http://www.delorean-parts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DPNW&Product_Code=K2500DP-CD&Category_Code=9401)

7. DMCH's newer (2006) Door Lock Module. A simple plug and play of a fully digital, solid-state door lock module. Comes with 5 LED lights that give off light patterns, indicating what the problem is if the door lock module "gets stuck" while attempting to lock or unlock the doors. Excellent design, not one issue with mine since 2006. Comes with wires ready for remote lock/unlock if desired down the road.

22608

8. Cooling Fan Override Switch. Some of us have installed an override switch - just in case the otterstat ever fails. That way if you're in stop and go traffic and you can't just simply pull over and cool off, your car is safe until you get home. Ask or PM me if you want details/pictures on how to do it.

9. WingsALoft remote door opening system. Definitely the "bling" factor here; I would call this a "luxury mod". It is a thorough installation - not for the faint of heart. It is doable - no BSEE required - just patience and an understanding of what you're doing. First benefit: the system comes with remote lock/unlock out of the gate - giving you a touch of the modern world. Then you get the show-stopper - the remote door launchers. People love seeing this in action - especially when they don't expect it. Worth its $200 price of admission - handsdown.

OOOOOOOOOOOO.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! (http://www.delorean-parts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DPNW&Product_Code=K2100DP-D&Category_Code=9402)

10. Remote trunk release system. Perfect complement to the door launchers. Basically exactly what it says: the kit remotely "pops" the trunk for you. It does not launch the trunk lid fully into the air; it simply unlatches the trunk. No more opening the door, reaching and pulling the handle or even worse - pulling the handle AND lifting the lid. Nope - those days are over. You must have a microcontroller to wire up to for this to work - the $40 kit does NOT come with it. If you have WAL door launchers, the microcontroller it comes with is perfect.

Click here. (http://www.delorean-parts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DPNW&Product_Code=K2905DP-B&Category_Code=9402)

11. Aftermarket console clock(s). For nearly 30 years, we have had no real solutions to a console clock. It was quite the unicorn for a while. Either you paid $200+ for one if it even appeared on eBay, or you found one from a stash. 1981 Lotus Esprits are known to have the same clock - once again - good luck. But lately we have had not one but two gentlemen step up and deliver a beautiful alternative(s).

11A. Maurice: Custom-designed a full scale reproduction of the clock electronics. Beautifully designed PCB board with many modern standards. Must have your clock housing for it as you are paying for just the "guts". Once installed, it looks 100% original. Link courtesy of Ozzie: Ozzie's writeup of Maurice's clock (http://delorean2109.blogspot.com/2012/06/dmc-12s-digital-clock-its-alive.html).

11B. Mark: Mark came up with a clock that has a new PCB board installed in a all-new acrylic casing that comes apart almost like Jenga blocks - very reminiscent of puzzle blocks. At first, he offered units that had massive digits (at least double the size of the originals), and now he's got it to where the digits are the same size as the stock clock. Link here on the forums: Mark's clock (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7164-New-LED-Clock&highlight=clock)

And to be fair since Maurice's clock got some praise: Praise for Mark (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?7530-Flux3d-s-LED-CLock&highlight=clock)

12. We already covered the center louvre brace and SS grilles.

That is pretty much my list. Hope that helped. All of these (or one of the two options such as the cooling fans) are installed on my car and search their purpose very well.

There are all sorts of other mods for the interior (stereo/sound system, SS shifting knob, SS gated shifter, SS auto trans quadrant). Those to me are more subjective so I didn't touch on those. For inquiring minds, my sound system is beefed up with a 1200W Alpine amp and all aftermarket components (Blaupunkt speakers/ Pioneer head unit with Pandora streaming from iPod and bluetooth capabilities), cables, and wiring. I also have the SS auto quadrant.

[Jonathan]

...trying to determining a list of mods and upgrades I want to do (aesthetics, functionality, performance, etc)

Functionality and preventitve mods?

- Fuse and relay upgrade kit (including RPM relay)
- SS coolant bottle (aesthetic also)
- Wings-B-Cool autobleeder
- LEDs in door lights and HVAC panel (aesthetic and functional as it won't kill your battery when the doors are open at shows, and your HVAC panel won't get so hot)
- Horns (upgrade or just OEM, but ensure they are good and loud)
- Headlight switch (upgrade from original design which was prone to melting)
- Tail light board upgrade (either Radio Shack nuts and bolts fix or Grady boards)
- Muffler heatshield (upgrade in the sense that many cars that sat won't have one left)
- Back-up bonnet latch release cable
- Auto trans shift computer upgrade/rebuild (n/a if you have a manual trans)
- Fuel accumulator replacement (inevitable, do it when you dictate the schedule of it's demise, not the other way around)
- Oil pressure sender gauge replacement (new replacements are calibrated to not peg the needle and actually fluctuate with engine RPM)
- JoeCool or likewise fan sequencer
- Side marker light/turn signal wiring mod
- 3rd brake light install

Performance mods?

- Cold air intake duct (removes three way valve)
- Shock tower strut bar (front)

Exterior aesthetic mods?

- SS fuel tank closing plate (possibly by necessity rather than cosmetic)
- SS deice shield
- SS rear bumper letters
- SS negative door sill outline (interior/exterior)
- side stripes (wide or narrow, was dealer option)
- could probably mention luggage rack here although it isn't really aesthetic, maybe functional?
- replacing a crooked rear fascia support bracket and fasteners if your bumper symmetry is not straight along those 8 rectangular holes
- seat belt hole covers (on the sides, below the door). These same covers can be used on the top of the shock tower bolts, if you don't have a strut bar installed.

Interior mods?

- LED lit window switches
- up to date, DIN stereo, including iPod connector in glovebox
- speakers upgraded
- cupholders
- floor mats (were a dealer option)

[Dangermouse]

Jeremiah types definitive list.

Nice job. Just need to add tick boxes next to each item for us all to use :aniclap:

[DeLorean03]

Nice job. Just need to add tick boxes next to each item for us all to use :aniclap:

LOL. You're too kind :D. There were others I missed after I typed that out. Figured: nah, let someone else hit them. Then there were ones I don't have on my car so I couldn't comment - like Toby's sway bar bushing kit or DMCEU LCA support brackets - ones I know I'm interested in, but with no experience I'd be blowing smoke and wind.

[Mark D]

LOL. You're too kind :D. There were others I missed after I typed that out. Figured: nah, let someone else hit them. Then there were ones I don't have on my car so I couldn't comment - like Toby's sway bar bushing kit or DMCEU LCA support brackets - ones I know I'm interested in, but with no experience I'd be blowing smoke and wind.

I have Toby's sway bar bushing kit and I also have the DMCEU LCA support brackets. It's hard to comment on each one individually since they both got installed on my car at the same time. I can say the combination of both results in a much improved feel in the suspension and steering response. The car feels much more controlled under hard braking as well.

I'd also have to say that the Eibach lowering springs and SPAX shocks are at the top of my list when it comes to mods. The stock ride height on the front of the car was one of my major gripes and now that it's lowered to a more reasonable position not only does the car drive much nicer it looks nicer too with the more agressive stance.

[DeLorean03]

I'd also have to say that the Eibach lowering springs and SPAX shocks are at the top of my list when it comes to mods. The stock ride height on the front of the car was one of my major gripes and now that it's lowered to a more reasonable position not only does the car drive much nicer it looks nicer too with the more agressive stance.

Eddie is installing the Eibach shock/spring kit on mine while the VR6 turbo job gets done. Needless to say, I cannot wait to see the aggressive look (I agree with you) and the much more smooth ride/handling that will occur!

[aenglish87]

Great lists guys. Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated I am combing through and I am sure I will have questions to come.

[ALEXAKOS]

Hmm, nobody mentioned "bttf replica pack" or "flux capacitor":dead:

[thirdmanj]

Hmm, nobody mentioned "bttf replica pack" or "flux capacitor":dead:

Ahem. Alexakos? Are you trying to rival my position as "1st Troll" on this forum?
I think it's time we had words in PM... ;)

[ALEXAKOS]

Ahem. Alexakos? Are you trying to rival my position as "1st Troll" on this forum?
I think it's time we had words in PM... ;)
Your days are over buster. Make room for a new, better, smarter, taller, prettier, chicks adoring, beer drinking, Delorean restoring Troll.
ME!:elmo3:

[thirdmanj]

Your days are over buster. Make room for a new, better, smarter, taller, prettier, chicks adoring, beer drinking, Delorean restoring Troll.
ME!:elmo3:

...you have the technology!

[djdogbone]

I've had my car only a few months so I'm jest getting started:

Alternator upgrade
Adjustable alternator belt tensioner
New bearings in AC pullies (both on them)
AC conversion to 134 with new compressor and DMCH kit (evaporator, dryer etc)

Planned (already have the parts in the garage)
Hervey's Double Ground cable
AC blow motor (mine squeaks)
LEDs for door lights
Upgraded door actuators and keyless entry

Future upgrades in mind:
Upgraded Relays from the Bitsyncmaster
New cooling fans
New steering rack
New discs and pads
Plain ol' tune up

[Tomcio]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the outside mirrors. Please forgive me for posting my own upgrade as my favorite but in my opinion this was the best safety improvement I did on my car. I feel much safer because people can't hide in my blind spot anymore because there is no blind spot.

[DMC5180]

I can't think of any Mods that I regret doing, So It goes without saying they are ALL MY FAVORITE! :biggrin: I keep an Active up-datable list in my SIGNATURE. So whoever reads this post will see my Current List which consists of NON-Stock Mods or Upgraded Parts Only. (replacing a fuse box, which I highly recommend doing, is not a MOD)

[Ozzie]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the outside mirrors. Please forgive me for posting my own upgrade as my favorite but in my opinion this was the best safety improvement I did on my car. I feel much safer because people can't hide in my blind spot anymore because there is no blind spot.

Agreed. That...
a) I forgot to mention it. :)
b) It was a significant mod/upgrade.

I also forgot to mention:
Modern clock upgrade :blush: as a 'wow' mod for me, but Jeremiah covered it well enough.
Coolant bleeder hoses (rear and front).
Slave bleeder extension.
Temperature gauge coolant bottle cap.

[sdg3205]

One of my favorite mods was adding the late style hood emblem to the bottom right corner of the passenger knee pad. Big fan.

[ALEXAKOS]

:biggrin: I keep an Active up-datable list in my SIGNATURE.
I find this an excellent idea for a signature in a forum like this. Was a big fan and followed your great example.
I can't really say which my fav mods are yet.. A my D ain't rolling yet and I can't give a thumbs up to the effect of a mod. From the looks of it though I love the MOMO evop look with the DMOCO shifter and the iphone base where the digi clock used to be. (as depicted also on the DMC-ev model

http://delorean.com/content/news/electric/3.jpg

Dono about the permanent big screen yet, cause I NEED the vents on that console!!! Hot climate here! May just put in an extending screen audio.

[Nicholas R]

Aside from the most obvious of my favorite mods, I'd have to say the front lower control arm braces, shock tower strut bar, cruise control, and LED upgrades.

[delornut]

I've always thought this would be a great mod for the DeLorean. Lot's of similarity between the early Esprit and the DeLorean.

www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-blog/?p=6378

Bruce Benson

[aenglish87]

I can't think of any Mods that I regret doing, So It goes without saying they are ALL MY FAVORITE! :biggrin: I keep an Active up-datable list in my SIGNATURE. So whoever reads this post will see my Current List which consists of NON-Stock Mods or Upgraded Parts Only. (replacing a fuse box, which I highly recommend doing, is not a MOD)

Would you mind giving some more detail on a few of these mods in your signature?...

-Mid-State Club Adj. Rear LCA's, DMCEU LCA Stabilizer link kit
-DMCMW illuminated Door sills (Pics? link? price? can't find it)
-Illuminated SS Shifter plate (pics? link? price?)

[Tillsy]

DMCMW illuminated Door sills (Pics? link? price? can't find it)

They are a MidWest exclusive - they don't have a website or catalogue unfortunately so word of mouth only. They are friggen fantastic, here's a picky of my install:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=15608&d=1356155746

I don't have any shots I have specifically taken of them in the dark but here are two shots I quickly found of my baby where they happen to show up:
http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=22708&d=1382757121

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=22709&d=1382757125

[DeLorean03]

I wanted the illuminated DMC door sills, but two things held me back:

1. $400

2. Once installed, they look so good they bring out everything else that's wrong with your door sill area.

Real shame cause I love them - they look super sharp, but yeah, my car is no trailer queen :P.

[refugeefromcalif]

Are the illuminated DMC door sills still available from DMCMW?

George

[anywhen]

I have not done this to-date, but I think that the rear tail lights of the DeLorean are a work-of-art worthy to be hung on the wall of my living room. They may even be museum worthy one day. I want to light up more of the rear-red night running lights.

[anywhen]

How about the little spring set up that makes the front hood pop-up and easeir to open.

[anywhen]

How about the little spring set up that makes the front hood pop-up and easier to open.

[sdg3205]

How about the little spring set up that makes the front hood pop-up and easier to open.

Your hood should "pop" to a certain extent. My hood initially didnt, and I'd have to pull the release lever and lift at the same time, or when i released the lever it would lock the trunk again! I lubricated everything and it's much better. IIRC, some people have replaced the spring for OEM results.

[anywhen]

I do not remember where I got the kit from, but it made it a lot easier to put gas in my car.

How about the stainless steel DeLorean letters for the rear bumper. On my first trip to Gettysburg, other cars were pulling up behind me way to close. At the rally, someone told me that they were trying to see what kind of car I was driving. The stainless letters identifies the car better.

Also at the rally there was a young man that appeared to have special needs that was really into DeLoreans. I saw him again in Lexington and in the food line I was talking to him. He made a joke about Las Vegas nickname being Loss Wages. I had never heard that before. I asked him if he had ever driven a DeLorean and he had not. That next day when I saw him, I ask if he was ready to drive my car. He said yes and I said lets go. The thrill on his face still makes me smile to this day. This is the best part of being a DeLorean owner to me. It does get old at times but no other car in the world gets attention like a DeLorean will.

23642236432364423645

Also girls seem to get off on DeLoreans. Make you have to ask the question, is it me or the car?

[Lou and "Boo"]

I will let this reply deal only with the interior
Open the door and the blue carpet will shock you
blue head liners
blue DMC on the floor mats
blue DMC on the seat head rests
blue LED lights in ac panel and dash
new blue LED clock
stainless steel shift knob
blue and back shift boot
new radio with cd and of course blue lights
new windows switches with blue arrows
new door sills with blue light up DMC
headlight saver switch from Toby
Wings a loft remote opening and alarm
every new solid state relay that David M has to offer
new steering wheel
and I am sure there are one or two i dont recall right now
You will notice every thing is blue, one day after a DCS I was tired of my car looking like everyone else. I love the color teal blue the Carolina Panthers foot ball team uses, sent off for the color code to make everything match (or get close). This in just the interior upgrades (or changes depending on what you think) Tomorrow I will send the exterior changes and than the running gear changes, yep there is going to be more than two dozen.
Andy B 03513

Andy, can u please post pics of your "blued out" D ?
Thanks

[andy blackmon]

23652236532365423655Note the blue stripe on the outside,I inserted blue plastic inside the door sill pieces to give it a blue light, one of the pictures is how I redid my relay cover

[andy blackmon]

Since these picture were made I replaced the blue shift know with stainless and the shift boot with a blue/black one. I put the door light back to red and amber, I thought that i had went a little over on the blue. I have Daves new window switch in place with blue arrows and the new new blue led clock. All of my dash light are blue as are the ac panel. There is alway a fine line in between customizing and pimping ---I tried not to cross it but if you like blue you would love my car. The blue stripe on the outside is really nice DMCH made this for me, I have changed the blue Delorean on the ground skirt to a silver , this much better. I had Houston do an upgrade on this car in 07 I put over $40,000 back into it. I now have one of the best running and dependable Delorean around, hope you like it, but hey if you dont all that matter is that I do.

[Lou and "Boo"]

Very nice!

[dmfan2012]

Love the blue, especially the blue side stripe and rear carpet!

[Jonathan]

23655...one of the pictures is how I redid my relay cover

Looks tidy Andy. What did you use on that?

[DeLorean03]

As there's been requests for this thread lately, I am sticking this thread as it contains a solid amount of information.

All mods are fair game - whether they be home-brewed or vendor bought. Things like Stephen's limited fiberglass binnacle run come to mind, LED foot-well lighting, or something easy to purchase like the SS coolant bottles.

Enjoy!

[Starglider]

Here is my mod list : I applied pretty much every mod I saw online or could think of that seemed like a good idea and fit the car's theme.

Engine / Drivetrain
* Block has been chrome-effect powder coated
* Dual IHI turbos / wastegates with custom manifolds based on Legend Industries original prototypes (currently approx 12 lbs boost)
* Kronenbrug electronic fuel injection with coil pack
* PRV turbo 'fast-road' cams (lowered compression)
* Metering air manifold (Renault Z7U) in draw-through configuration (cheap DMC-12 turbo kits tend to be blow-through, limiting boost)
* Rear cold air scoops based on the ITAL Design concept for production turbo DeLorean
* Twin intercoolers with electric active cooling fans (thermostat controlled)
* Stainless / ceramic custom dual exhaust with compact cat/mufflers and custom three-square tips
* All-forged internals replacing original cast pistons.
* Machined lightweight flywheel
* Initial dyno 240 hp / 180 KW at rear wheels (still being tuned though)
* Rebuilt gearbox with strengthened parts and modified ratios (based on Lotus Esprit V8 factory retrofit kit)
* Quaife torque-sensing limited-slip differential
* 140 MPH speedometer (Wooler Hodec style)
* Cruise control

Body / Mechanical
* Power Steering (electric, torque sensing, from DMC Europe)
* Reinforced lower control arms (Byrne Heninger) with DMC Europe 'wishbone-style' LCA bracing
* Lowered (euro-spec) Eibach springs, upgraded Spax shocks
* All rubber bushings replaced by polyeurathene
* Rear stabiliser / anti-roll bar (DMC-12 only has front as standard)
* Strengthened trailing arm bolts
* Front shock tower brace strut
* Stainless mesh screen in all air intakes (heater / cold air / misc)
* Numerous mild steel hinges, brackets, covers etc replaced with stainless
* Automatic air bleeders on the coolant + clutch lines.
* Soft-lift gas struts all around with stainless mounting reinforcement plates
* All cooling/brake/clutch/fuel hoses sillicone and/or with stainless braided covers (as applicable).
* 'UK style' separate rear fog lights in custom stainless enclosures, made from spare tail light lenses for 'stock' look.
* LED front fog lights hidden inside radiator air intake.
* Third brake light integrated into rear spoiler.
* Removable towing hitch with 13-pin towing electrics socket
* Stainless rear spoiler integrated into rear fascia
* Stainless 'DeLorean' letters on rear plus custom 'Turbo' moulding and letters in same style.
* LED lighting for front grill logo, electroluminescent wire around rear 'DeLorean' and 'Turbo' letters
* 'UK factory style' machined aluminium rear number plate surround
* Retractable / motorised stainless front number plate holder (retracts into air intake area)
* Front & rear fascias are fibreglass instead of plastic (don't warp and droop like originals)
* Redesigned front indicators with sidelight strips on each side (instead of prototype 'Lada style' or later 'in-headlight' UK-legal sidelights)
* Stainless intercooler covers with 'INTERCOOLER' badging from Volvo 740 turbo
* Lots of other stainless bits : engine cover grills, rock screen, coolant tank, throttle cover, throttle cover, warning & information plates etc
* 'Twin Turbo' hood badge (under 'DeLorean' logo'), vinyl stickers in rear quarter glass, misc other badging 'e.g. Handling by Lotus'
* Chrome wheel nuts, DMC logo tire valve caps.
* Wide-view curved wing mirrors (for towing and general visibility) with de-ice heating coils
* Somewhat modernised air-con system with integrated pressure meter

Electrical / Electronics
* 140 amp alternator
* All exterior / instrument / cabin lights replaced with LEDs (mostly SuperBrightLEDs, some custom Tomico units)
* PWM digital dimmers for courtesty and instrument panel lights
* Remote door / trunk release and remote engine start ('Wings-a-loft')
* Modern spec immobiliser & alarm
* Electronic replacements for fan/fan fail/RPM relays
* Optionally the US-style side markers can work as indicator repeaters (UK-style)
* Relays on the sidelights and horn circuits, to switch wear
* General electrical improvements e.g. better grounding, battery isolator switch, light-up fuses
* Car Computer in trunk : quad-core Intel Haswell, 16 GB RAM, blu-ray etc with GPS pick-up for sat nav & 3G for in-car internet
* Powered USB3 hubs integrated into glovebox and center console coin tray : 4 ports each
* Back-up camera (in license plate holder) with dedicated screen integrated into rear-view mirror
* Bluetooth hands-free integrated into audio system
* Additional wireless back-up camera (on channel 2) for use when towing.
* Front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors (4 channels each)
* Eight external speakers concealed around the car (Fusion marine spec speakers) with dedicated amp
* Upgraded the original weak horns to decent-sounding Bosch units
* Widget to make Back to the Future style door opening and engine start noises
* Twin boost pressure sensors, twin exhaust gas temperature sensors
* Digital speedo, external temp display (in aluminium instrument pods attached with hidden magnets in dash pod)
* Center console switches replaced with light-up ones, both dummy switches replaced with working ones (fogs + aux lighting)
* Engine bay LED uplighting
* Original annoying warning buzzer replaced by Pontiac chime module, with silencer switch

Interior
* LED-lit VGA 7" motorised / flip-up touch-screen monitor in dash w/integrated radio
* Dash vents and radio slot swapped around (to allow pop-up screen without blocking vents)
* Two-tone grey seat covers with custom 'Legend Industries' embroidery
* 'Twin Turbo' seatbelt covers
* Two-level seat heating
* DMC logo steering wheel center patch
* Cabin speakers upgraded from early 80s junk to Infinity 329CF fronts + Infinity 529I rears
* Audiobahn subwoofer with dedicated amp
* Custom milled aluminium shifter knob
* Stainless gated shifter plate with white LED illuminated DMC logo
* Stainless DMC logo sill plates with white electroluminescent lighting
* Matching EL/stainless DMC logo plates in headliners, with grey velvet-style covering
* Improved cargo area sound insulation + sound insulation in wheel arches (Thinsulate)
* Black / stainless 'DeLorean' tax disc holder
* Pair of first-gen MX5 courtesy lights installed as footwell lighting (with LEDs)

Other;
* Custom trailer that is essentially a TARDIS replica with DeLorean wheels and lights attached.

Planned but not yet done;
* Modified side trim
* Slightly bigger (1" more diam, 3" more width at rear) but still stock-appearing wheels.
* Radically upgraded spots brakes with 50/50 brake balance
* Might integrate a 240v inverter for convenience
* Quick install/remove BTTF prop pack

[dmc6960]

The new IR windshield from DMC and custom cooled (and heated) seats are a good combo.

[robvanderveer]

Your hood should "pop" to a certain extent. My hood initially didnt, and I'd have to pull the release lever and lift at the same time, or when i released the lever it would lock the trunk again! I lubricated everything and it's much better. IIRC, some people have replaced the spring for OEM results.

i'm installing a keyless entry and i will be using the trunk release for the bonnet. I *could* use it for the door launchers but i chose for a more practical way to open the hood.

[Timebender]

Here is my mod list : I applied pretty much every mod I saw online or could think of that seemed like a good idea and fit the car's theme.

Engine / Drivetrain
* Block has been chrome-effect powder coated
* Dual IHI turbos / wastegates with custom manifolds based on Legend Industries original prototypes (currently approx 12 lbs boost)
* Kronenbrug electronic fuel injection with coil pack
* PRV turbo 'fast-road' cams (lowered compression)
* Metering air manifold (Renault Z7U) in draw-through configuration (cheap DMC-12 turbo kits tend to be blow-through, limiting boost)
* Rear cold air scoops based on the ITAL Design concept for production turbo DeLorean
* Twin intercoolers with electric active cooling fans (thermostat controlled)
* Stainless / ceramic custom dual exhaust with compact cat/mufflers and custom three-square tips
* All-forged internals replacing original cast pistons.
* Machined lightweight flywheel
* Initial dyno 240 hp / 180 KW at rear wheels (still being tuned though)
* Rebuilt gearbox with strengthened parts and modified ratios (based on Lotus Esprit V8 factory retrofit kit)
* Quaife torque-sensing limited-slip differential
* 140 MPH speedometer (Wooler Hodec style)
* Cruise control

Body / Mechanical
* Power Steering (electric, torque sensing, from DMC Europe)
* Reinforced lower control arms (Byrne Heninger) with DMC Europe 'wishbone-style' LCA bracing
* Lowered (euro-spec) Eibach springs, upgraded Spax shocks
* All rubber bushings replaced by polyeurathene
* Rear stabiliser / anti-roll bar (DMC-12 only has front as standard)
* Strengthened trailing arm bolts
* Front shock tower brace strut
* Stainless mesh screen in all air intakes (heater / cold air / misc)
* Numerous mild steel hinges, brackets, covers etc replaced with stainless
* Automatic air bleeders on the coolant + clutch lines.
* Soft-lift gas struts all around with stainless mounting reinforcement plates
* All cooling/brake/clutch/fuel hoses sillicone and/or with stainless braided covers (as applicable).
* 'UK style' separate rear fog lights in custom stainless enclosures, made from spare tail light lenses for 'stock' look.
* LED front fog lights hidden inside radiator air intake.
* Third brake light integrated into rear spoiler.
* Removable towing hitch with 13-pin towing electrics socket
* Stainless rear spoiler integrated into rear fascia
* Stainless 'DeLorean' letters on rear plus custom 'Turbo' moulding and letters in same style.
* LED lighting for front grill logo, electroluminescent wire around rear 'DeLorean' and 'Turbo' letters
* 'UK factory style' machined aluminium rear number plate surround
* Retractable / motorised stainless front number plate holder (retracts into air intake area)
* Front & rear fascias are fibreglass instead of plastic (don't warp and droop like originals)
* Redesigned front indicators with sidelight strips on each side (instead of prototype 'Lada style' or later 'in-headlight' UK-legal sidelights)
* Stainless intercooler covers with 'INTERCOOLER' badging from Volvo 740 turbo
* Lots of other stainless bits : engine cover grills, rock screen, coolant tank, throttle cover, throttle cover, warning & information plates etc
* 'Twin Turbo' hood badge (under 'DeLorean' logo'), vinyl stickers in rear quarter glass, misc other badging 'e.g. Handling by Lotus'
* Chrome wheel nuts, DMC logo tire valve caps.
* Wide-view curved wing mirrors (for towing and general visibility) with de-ice heating coils
* Somewhat modernised air-con system with integrated pressure meter

Electrical / Electronics
* 140 amp alternator
* All exterior / instrument / cabin lights replaced with LEDs (mostly SuperBrightLEDs, some custom Tomico units)
* PWM digital dimmers for courtesty and instrument panel lights
* Remote door / trunk release and remote engine start ('Wings-a-loft')
* Modern spec immobiliser & alarm
* Electronic replacements for fan/fan fail/RPM relays
* Optionally the US-style side markers can work as indicator repeaters (UK-style)
* Relays on the sidelights and horn circuits, to switch wear
* General electrical improvements e.g. better grounding, battery isolator switch, light-up fuses
* Car Computer in trunk : quad-core Intel Haswell, 16 GB RAM, blu-ray etc with GPS pick-up for sat nav & 3G for in-car internet
* Powered USB3 hubs integrated into glovebox and center console coin tray : 4 ports each
* Back-up camera (in license plate holder) with dedicated screen integrated into rear-view mirror
* Bluetooth hands-free integrated into audio system
* Additional wireless back-up camera (on channel 2) for use when towing.
* Front and rear ultrasonic parking sensors (4 channels each)
* Eight external speakers concealed around the car (Fusion marine spec speakers) with dedicated amp
* Upgraded the original weak horns to decent-sounding Bosch units
* Widget to make Back to the Future style door opening and engine start noises
* Twin boost pressure sensors, twin exhaust gas temperature sensors
* Digital speedo, external temp display (in aluminium instrument pods attached with hidden magnets in dash pod)
* Center console switches replaced with light-up ones, both dummy switches replaced with working ones (fogs + aux lighting)
* Engine bay LED uplighting
* Original annoying warning buzzer replaced by Pontiac chime module, with silencer switch

Interior
* LED-lit VGA 7" motorised / flip-up touch-screen monitor in dash w/integrated radio
* Dash vents and radio slot swapped around (to allow pop-up screen without blocking vents)
* Two-tone grey seat covers with custom 'Legend Industries' embroidery
* 'Twin Turbo' seatbelt covers
* Two-level seat heating
* DMC logo steering wheel center patch
* Cabin speakers upgraded from early 80s junk to Infinity 329CF fronts + Infinity 529I rears
* Audiobahn subwoofer with dedicated amp
* Custom milled aluminium shifter knob
* Stainless gated shifter plate with white LED illuminated DMC logo
* Stainless DMC logo sill plates with white electroluminescent lighting
* Matching EL/stainless DMC logo plates in headliners, with grey velvet-style covering
* Improved cargo area sound insulation + sound insulation in wheel arches (Thinsulate)
* Black / stainless 'DeLorean' tax disc holder
* Pair of first-gen MX5 courtesy lights installed as footwell lighting (with LEDs)

Other;
* Custom trailer that is essentially a TARDIS replica with DeLorean wheels and lights attached.

Planned but not yet done;
* Modified side trim
* Slightly bigger (1" more diam, 3" more width at rear) but still stock-appearing wheels.
* Radically upgraded spots brakes with 50/50 brake balance
* Might integrate a 240v inverter for convenience
* Quick install/remove BTTF prop pack

Do you have pics and or videos of all these cool bits and bobs? (that's me trying to sound British)

[Starglider]

Do you have pics and or videos of all these cool bits and bobs? (that's me trying to sound British)

There are some pics in my build thread (http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?5606-Fantasy-1984-RHD-Twin-Turbo-DeLorean) but mostly it will have to wait until the car is complete.

[Farrar]

My favorite mod is Accipiter!

Oh, wait.....

OK, I'll have to say the remote door opener is my favorite mod. It's something I have been desperate to do but have to work all the other bugs through first, and I'm afraid that by the time I get around to it, the kits won't be available anymore. LOL Plus there is the fact that your doors have to open and close perfectly for the mod to work properly...

[Starglider]

OK, I'll have to say the remote door opener is my favorite mod. It's something I have been desperate to do but have to work all the other bugs through first, and I'm afraid that by the time I get around to it, the kits won't be available anymore.

It wouldn't be hard to improvise from a central locking controller and standard automotive solenoids, so that would just be a little more work.

[DMCSPRINT]

Hello was wondering if anyone had a recommendation of a fog light kit to add in your Delorean? I am getting switch installed in the console area and was looking at adding small fog lights into the front lower valence panel to make them look like something from the factory. Was just curious if anyone has any experience with a certain size/ brand of fog lights that look good? Appreciate any help you can offer.

[DMCMW Dave]

Hello was wondering if anyone had a recommendation of a fog light kit to add in your Delorean? I am getting switch installed in the console area and was looking at adding small fog lights into the front lower valence panel to make them look like something from the factory. Was just curious if anyone has any experience with a certain size/ brand of fog lights that look good? Appreciate any help you can offer.

We put a set of these on a car last year, with a hole thru the spoiler. Unfortunately I can't find an installed photo at the moment. This is actually a spare set, call the shop and ask for Mike as he'd probably love to sell them off.

41282

[Patrick C]

We put a set of these on a car last year, with a hole thru the spoiler. Unfortunately I can't find an installed photo at the moment. This is actually a spare set, call the shop and ask for Mike as he'd probably love to sell them off.

41282

I helped Mike source those lights, as the owner wanted to replicate what I did to my car. Installed photos on my car here:

[DMCSPRINT]

We put a set of these on a car last year, with a hole thru the spoiler. Unfortunately I can't find an installed photo at the moment. This is actually a spare set, call the shop and ask for Mike as he'd probably love to sell them off.

41282

Thank you

[Timebender]

I helped Mike source those lights, as the owner wanted to replicate what I did to my car. Installed photos on my car here:

Where can we get those? Those are really nice.

[Gregadeth]

I helped Mike source those lights, as the owner wanted to replicate what I did to my car. Installed photos on my car here:What kind of headlights are those? H4?

[Patrick C]

Where can we get those? Those are really nice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-Glass-Metal-universal-H3-xenon-HID-projector-Fog-lights-projector-lens-lamps-/231356619658?hash=item35ddeddb8a:g:KRgAAOSwY45UN5T R&vxp=mtr

Note: Once you have cut the holes in the front spoiler to mount them, they are not able to be aimed after that. Consider them more for aesthetics than for actual fog use. Your headlights are far more important for visibility.

[Patrick C]

What kind of headlights are those? H4?

I did have H4s in there until I bit the bullet, ran 50' of new wiring, and installed true HIDs.

[Andrew]

Front End:

Vibration reducing steering joint.
Upgraded LCA's.
LCA triangulation / wishbone braces.


Engine:

Carburation (I prefer a Peugeot 604 system with dual Solex carbs).
Mechanical fuel pump.
HEI Ignition.
Headers.
Cold air intake tube.
Coolant system self-bleeder.

Electrical:

Delco Alternator.

Interior:

Single piece headliner.
Cruise control (using speedometer pulse generator in place of Lambda counter).

These are just the upgrades / mods that I have had good results with. :-)