I wanted to post this in the pro touring section rather than the what's it worth section to see what the pro touring crowd has to say - what's the monetary return on a pro touring suspension? So we've spent hours on the phone with SC&C and even more sharing resourcefulness on this cite. Our bank accounts are empty and we have our dream car in some sort of intermediate stage of completion (are they ever really finished). But now the lure of the "next project" starts (I am not quite there, yet, but I am a car guy so it is inevitable). I can get an idea on the value of EFI, AC, overdrive, big wheels, and nice handling, but what about the value of a real quality suspension - AFX, SPC, Varishock, Hellwig, Currie, Lee, Fays2, Spohn (did I forget anyone) plus whatever fabricated ingenuity we can come up with - what's that worth on the open market nowadays?

Any thoughts?

Just like any other high-performance part, I'd figure it to be around 1/2...

My opinion is they are worth more right now because the "Pro-Touring" and the "Restomod"s are controlling the market. I have made more money on these cars in the past 3 years than on numbers matching cars. This too, will change in the future as collectors will eventually return to the "numbers" cars, but in the meantime, have fun with what you have and make a few bucks on it. Chris

Just like any other high-performance part, I'd figure it to be around 1/2...

I'd generally agree for used or older stuff, but for parts-only (much is bolt-on anyway). You will probably eat any install labor. The problem for a seller, is that there are lots of choices to fit all budgets, and lots of new/"updated" stuff coming out all the time. Even if its the latest/greatest pieces...

While "Pro-touring" is hot, there are still many people that are going to go for the "look", and not necessarily the brand or real handling benefits... The guys looking for more hardcore pieces, might be more inclined to piece togwther their own system, or buy the latest stuff...

If its a total car, and incomplete, you'll always find most people looking for a bargain... If the car is mostly complete, then the overall package (especially the look) will dictate the value.

I think the hardcore enthusiast, the one thats really going to put in the receach to know what works best, is still a small segment of the overall group, and most of them seem to be people that WANT to pick there own parts...

The time is worth less than nothing, are the parts aren't worth too much more. Considering how many internet vendors and sales there are there is no reason for anyone to pay that much for what basically amount to used parts (that may or may not be installed right). Lots of people like and want to put the stuff on there, and especially when it comes to fabbed things it's hard to trust some random Joe's work. That's just my take though and I could be wrong.

My cars are built for me.
Not for return on investment or for equity.

I am 100% guilty of dropping coil on SC&C parts.
not cause of value, or some monetary concern.

But because I need:
-G-forces in all directions
-Lower A-arms that the Ball joint wont rip out
-brakes that stop faster than say the avarage Toyota on the steet
-to feel secure with my wife driving to work in a 60's car
-hydroboost that is not vacuum dependent as is over kill for a 3500lb car
-the stock parts in a box in the attic
-to win trophies at the autocross
-to see the strange look on the ducati riders face when I pass him on the cloverleaf

For me I do it for the Fun and the Love of it.

Main justification
frame rail car that can out stop turn and brake 99% of what on the road
is a huge advantage in accident avoidance

Now I need a hoop and 3-or more point belts!

half or less unfortunately. An awesome build, built 90% or more yourself (meaning a low outlay of cash for labor), could probably get a 140% return on investment. That drops to Id say a 30% loss if its built for you.

This is exactly why I tell people to build the car for themselves and plan to drive and/or enjoy it for a while. Paying someone to build a car to flip is rarely successful unless you find a super rare car for peanuts and can turn it for a mint. Do further drive a nail into all of our hearts, most modified muscle cars lose a ton of value unless its very subdued and unoticeable which in turn doesnt raise value since its unseen and unappreciated.

If you plan to flip a car use the cheapest parts that get the job done and not a penny more. Blowing away 100 bills on double adjustable shocks when a non adjustable will work ok is one example. Dont do like myself and narrow your frame, build a 3 link or anything that isnt 100% bolt on. Time costs whether its your time or not.

Overall if you can break even or make a few extra bucks, most times the experience of building the car is payoff in return. It wont pay your mortgage though unless youre running a shop and doing it for other people lol.

I think this post has to do with the item(s) you have for sale. I paid less than 600 for my ats spindles almost 2 years ago. if you were selling 8-10 months ago you would have gotten top dollar and them some. It doesn't help that you are a bit lower than buying dirrect. Speed tech is not shipping at the higher cost yet. You will be lucky if you loose 200-300 for what you paid not what is currently listed. It also help spliting the items up. Times are hard and trying to sell a hole set up may be a bit hard but selling of components is a bit easier on the wallet. You can also trade for what you do need.

No, I was asking about complete cars, not parts or works in progress. I play with cars with two other guys. My car is for me (I am the low budget one), but the other two guys are always building, buying, trading, and selling. Every time something new rolls in, the question is always what to do with it and how far to go. They are more about looks (which does sell). I am more about function, which after AC and EFI, I wasn't sure whether the market appreciated it or not.