I just picked up a 1983 930. Normally I wouldn't go for a grey market car, (and in fact, was holding out for a post-86 US model for all the upgrades) but the price was very good. The last 930 I drove was a 1986 US spec model and I have a few questions:

1. I read somewhere that in 1986 Porsche lowered the seat rails in the 911s. Now exactly how much lower and would it be worth it to change over? It's been a while since I sat in the '86, so I can't tell, but I like to sit as low as possible.

2. Any suspension changes from '83 to '86? I heard that the '86 cars handled better because the suspensions were upgraded in '86.

3. How difficult is it to change out the lower dash? I was looking for a later car, specifically for the larger interior vents, (I live in TX and it gets HOT), but the price was too good on this one. Where's the best place to get a later dash and how hard is it to install? The upper dash has already been upgraded.

4. I am going to order the kardex for the car to find out about this, but were the rear fender cuts from the slopenose a factory option? The car has the cuts, but without the strakes and they appear to be factory, same size, shape, perfect paint and no body filler. The owner said it was an option, but I've never seen it on non-slopenose cars.

5. I know the hydraulic tensioners came out in '84. I forgot to ask about these, though it was probably upgraded. Did the 930 get these before the 3.2 Carerra, or along with it? This might need to be done.

I apologize for all the questions. I was holding out for a later car because I wanted the better interior, suspension, etc., but when a deal comes, a deal comes.

Thanks for all the help!