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and I dont think I would do it any other way. The conversion gives you a big opportunity to go through the chassis, paint the engine bay, replace a lot of items that usually need replacing as well as upgrading, you also get the 4.08:1 NA differential, and if you use a slicktop or 2+2 chassis, it will be a little more unique. You also dont have to deal with eliminating the HICAS, which a lot of people tend to do as it can become problematic and expensive to repair/replace, and NA chassis usually tend to have less wear on them per mile. NAs also tend to be treated a little better too as their respective previous owners obviously didn't buy them to rape them (well, for the larger percentage of that group). There are also some benefits with insuring them (at least for the immediate short-term, if it gets wrecked you wont get the $$$$ for it being a turbo, so it is a little bit of a gamble there). NA' also dont come with a spoiler, so if you aren't keen on the OEM units, you wont have holes to fill in the hatch when you install your preferred spoiler, however, that's a double-edge sword - if you want an OEM spoiler, you have to drill holes and mount them. These being most of the obvious advantages pointed out, there are also some drawbacks. If you like HICAS, putting one in an NA will require a good bit of additional items to be replaced with TT parts. The TT also has adjustable shock absorbers and some other nice features. But, all things considered, I'm fond of the conversion - I find that more people end up changing their TT parts out with setups comparable to the NA (4.10 gears, hicas elimination). However, the biggest advantage of the conversion would have to be the experience and knowledge gained through the process if you DIY. You will learn loads of information about how things are put together which will ultimately help you out in the long run by being able to identify problems and fix them quicker. These vehicles are expensive to have work done on them and doing it yourself will save you loads of cash. The biggest caveat to the conversion would have to be the fact it is a big undertaking and it will take a good deal of time, effort, workspace, as well as a decent collection of tools at your disposal. If you have little patience, aren't very mechanically inclined, able to comprehend diagrams and instructions within the service manual, or lack any of the above items, this probably isn't going to be a good idea to DIY. It will end up being more of a headache and possibly a failed conversion that costs you a ton of money to get someone in to do it right. FWIW, my first conversion laid down 411RWHP on stock turbos at some 430ft/lbs TQ, 450RWHP with T28s, 500RWHP with Stage2s, and then its life was ended by a drunk driver in a rear-end collision. I think I put around 70,000 miles on the car after the conversion, of which were all a blast. My current conversion is just going to be sick and I'm sooo looking forward to it. :)
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[ agpowers@bellsouth.net ] Enthusiasts soon understand each other. --W. Irving.
Are you an enthusiast? If you are out to describe the truth, leave elegance to the tailor.
Albert Einstein
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