> 1. Updating engine - DMC Houston can take care of that...but any other > ideas? There is the Cadillac Northstar conversion for a mere $20K. Bob Brandys used a Rover engine. I've seen people use Buick engines and another guy is in the process of doing a 3 rotor Mazda engine with a Porsche 6 speed tranny. I have mixed feelings about the Houston upgrade because it seems like making a silk purse from a sows ear. But then that is a conversion that will probably not lower the car's value like putting something completely different in there. > 2. Suspension - lowering the car is nice...any recommendations on shock and > struts (or any other improved suspension components??? Lowering the front is a must if you want it to look right and handle better. It is sufficient to only replace the front springs, but if you are extreme you can buy a complete 4 spring set from Houston. I'm happy with just replacing the fronts with PJ Grady springs. There are several issues with shock absorbers that have been beaten to death on the DML. Check the archives. In summary: PJ Grady nitrogen charged/adjustable shocks rule if you want to spend the money. Marty Maier has a great inexpensive alternative as does Byrne Henninger (who sells it through John Hervey's web site.) I'm not sure what Houston offers. Can anyone say? If you replace the front springs, I suggest replacing the lower control arms with something new or substantially reinforcing the OEM ones while you have them off. There are issues with the trailing arm bolts in the rear suspension, but if you are serious about customizing, a new stainless steel frame will make trailing arm bolts a moot point. > 3. Brakes - any ideas here??? Larger cross-drilled rotors? Any sizes or > brands? Larger is probably not an option unless you are a good machinist. Cross-drilled was an option, but probably no longer is. Again, this is covered in the archives. In summary, there might be front rotors still available but the rears are gone. These were made by Powerstop/Auto Specialities. They are noisy too. I don't recommend trying to cross-drill rotors on your own unless you are a metallurgist. Marty Maier offers stainless braded brake lines which is worth getting in my opinion. > 4. Electrical updates - aside from the Zillas, any ideas for improving the > Lucas design? In the spirit of your customization theme, I suggest an LED 3rd brake light, (or all LED lights if you can figure it out. Someone will do that eventually.) Sylvania Xenarc HID headlights (I'm getting ready to install that myself) and an electrochromatic rear view mirror (which I am getting ready to do at the same time I do the headlights since the temperature sensor for the 'on screen' thermometer mounts under the front grille.) There are other fun things like remote door launchers. > 5. Exhaust - IMPORTANT!!! Any idea of a borla or performace set up??? If you do the Houston upgrade, this comes with an improved exhaust system. > 6. Air Intake - any K&N filters or cool-flo intakes??? Marty Maier sells an adapter kit to hold a K&N filter. Cameron Putch sells a custom stainless steel air box. I have one but haven't had time to put it on yet (or even eat anything today yet.) Maybe someday. > 7. Wheels - I want larger wheels and tires (especially in the front) 17inch > wheels??? and wider tires. Has anyone tackled this one??? I want greater > roadability and looks!!! Be real careful with this one. Again read the archives. In summary, putting wider rims on the front may interfere with your steering. It does on mine. What happens is that the wheels hit the sway bar. Even the OEM wheels can do this. I'm in the process of having new sway bars made that will allow for wider front tires & better handling in general. That should be finished in a few months -- hopefully in time for the Memphis show. The problem is that it is very hard to find aftermarket rims that have the correct bolt pattern and match both the front & rear. The OEM front rims are 6" but most (if not all) aftermarket choices only go as narrow as 7". > 8. The question you will all hate - is there a method for painting a > DeLorean??? Doesn't it involve acid etching or prep??? if anyone has done > this let me know. I've seen photos of creative things done with large decals. I think they are still posted in the Yahoo Groups DML photo area. I'm going to try to upload photos of my low profile rims there if I can figure it out. > 9. Cooling system - any low temp switches or thermostats available??? HD > radiators??? KEEP THAT ENGINE COOL!!! Running an engine too cool is not a good thing. It increases emissions & decreases fuel economy. If you do this anyway you may have moisture problems in your crank case if it never gets hot enough to boil the condensation out. PJ Grady offers a heavy duty all brass radiator which is a smart thing to use if you install a better engine. More horsepower means more heat which means bigger radiator. > I am very interested in sharing info on any ideas for making the DeLorean > "better". Obviously, it is already a great car...I just want to update it > more and make it more like the sports car it wants to be!!! Let me know if > any of you have ideas and / or are interested in discussing ideas!!! Thanks > a lot and it is good to be back!!! Cool, I'm obsessed with that idea myself. If I had more time & were buying a DeLorean over again, I would buy one with a rust bucket frame & replace it with a stainless steel one. With the money you save on buying a car with a rusted frame you could put toward a stainless one. Besides, if you are into horsepower you should consider such a frame built to handle it. (As you may have already guessed, I'm having one made for my car.) Also, if you are serious about horsepower, don't start with a DeLorean with an automatic transmission. They are durable & reliable as long as you don't drive aggressively with them. My first stage is to get my car running on the stainless steel frame. Then I'm planning on swapping out my automatic transmission for a Porsche 4 speed tiptronic automatic. I would rather not do an engine swap until I have these basics debugged. Walt Tampa, FL