Upgrade vs originality?

[greensimonc]

Hi all,

Having only bought my E-type last year I'm about to give it a full service so that I can be confident of when any particular item was last done. I also want to upgrade the front brakes - both Coopercraft and SNG Barratt are around £400 - I favour Coopercraft as it seems to be a popular choice - am I right?

I also noticed in SNGB a spin-on oil conversion kit which is around £90 vs £3.60 for a new filter!

However, thinking about both of these set me wondering if upgrading things like this has any bearing on future value - not that I'm thinking of selling, but would it be wiser to keep the car as original as possible?

Cheers, Simon.

[Geordie]

Hi Simon,

I bought mine just before Xmas the previous owner had changed the oil filter for a spin on and since I have upgraded the brakes to Coopercraft and fitted a SU electronic fuel pump - (which still ticks). Vehicle valued for £8k more than I bought it for, so in answer to your question sympathetic upgrades for everyday driving are always appreciated by the (new) owner

[stuarthardy]

I agree with Geordie.

My car, when its finished (3.8 FHC), will have a T5 5 speed gearbox, Series 2 rear brakes, Watjag front brake/geometry conversion, Aston Martin wheels and the biggest conversion of all - LHD to RHD. Oh and external and internal colour changes too.

Apart from the cosmetic changes, which can be viewed as for vanity purposes, these are sympathetic upgrades intended to enhance the driving experience. I don't imagine any adverse effect on value but I am retaining all the original parts so that the car can be set back to original if a subsequent owner decides they want to.

Its your car and you can do whatever you want to it. Apart from the wheels my car will look perfectly standard and that's how I want it.

I do have reservations about the spin on filter conversions though. I understand that they don't filter as much oil as the standard set up and I will be leaving mine alone here.

Regards

[sean]

I agree with both upgrades but I would always keep the old parts as some may want total originality

[PhilBell]

My approach is to upgrade where there are deficiencies in the original design but otherwise to try to retain as much of the original feel and cosmetic appeal as possible.

When i bought my 1962 coupe two years ago it already had Coopercraft front brakes and an aluminium radiator with Kenlowe, both of which work well.

It also had a tubular exhaust manifold and half-in wider wire wheels, which do look good although I would have kept these standard if it were my restoration, particularly the wheels so I could have run original width tyres to retain the period steering feel and more progressive grip brakeaway.

Mine still has the original oil filter design which I don't find too much of a fiddle. I'd read that the adaptor plate for spin-on conversions restricts oil flow so I'm not inclined to upgrade.

Whatever upgrades you do, I'd recommend keeping the old parts in case you have a change of heart in the future.

[XjRestorations]

These all sound like very sensible upgrades to make the car more practicle to enjoy.
You will get better filtration with a spin on filter - so that is an instant plus. The Coopercraft brakes are a great addition that can be changed back to standard if required.
The mods you are talking about are pretty much expected nowadays. Its not as if you are talking about installing a V8 and 24" rear wheels
Theya re great UPGRADES

Cheers,
Keith

[greensimonc]

Hi - thanks, very interesting comments. I've had the Coopercraft brakes and spin on oil filter done - if no-one wants the old bits I shall do as suggested and tuck them away in a corner of my garage! Stainless steel exhaust is next on the list.....

Cheers, Simon.