When it comes to resale, which is better? Upgraded parts or stock?

I would say originality will always trump "superior" aftermarket components with respect to Ferraris. I have a '91 Porsche 911. While mostly original, it does have some "superior" aftermarket parts on it. They help make a better driving experience, and more reliable in some cases. I do not think that these "improvements" negatively effect the value on this particular car. I do have all of the original parts for a future owner if I decide to sell. However, IMO, Ferraris are most desirable when original (Vintage and even more "modern" examples included).

 

What I (would) do is keep original parts when performing upgrades.

Best of both worlds. Yes, you may incur some labor costs in returning the car to stock (if people insist) but you also get the option of:
A) sell car as-is, noting that if someone wants original parts extra $$ (and if not, you can then sell them off)
B) sell car as-is, and throw in all the originals
C) sell car as-is, and if buyer insists, have it returned to stock

Some of the upgrades are non-reversible. If really concerned, have a look to see what price to buy those parts on the market. Then you can either buy the parts, powdercoat those (for example) and keep your originals, or modify the originals, knowing you can purchase authentic parts on the market.

 

The enthusiasts I talk to want all original - even the awful radio and weak horn.

I have upgraded exhaust and am getting cameras and radar detector installed this week, but people don't tend to view those as damaging the core product like they do replacing the radio. And really, I drive the car to hear the car (hence the exhaust upgrade), so the radio doesn't really matter.

 

I like OE all the way but I'm glad that the spark plug wires are durable. In years past the leads on my TR8 and Fiero GT failed miserably and needed replacement regularly.

 

Stock

Your view of better and improved is your view, not theirs.

 

In the collectibles world, items like OEM exhausts and radios are often valuable on their own.

I'd go stock whenever possible.

For normal wear items, probably not a big deal. I've never had a concours penalty for modern tires on original wheels, for example.

I think prices are due to fall a bit on modern-ish Ferraris, but regardless I'd still go OEM, because it's a Ferrari and most buyers will want the original experience/appearance.

 

Yellow zinc is readily available. I keep yellow, silver and black all in stock in all popular sizes. To many, small details like that are the difference between a great car and a who knows car. I am very turned off by cars with helter skelter hardware and assume whoever worked on it didn't care. I won't let a client buy one. Good mechanics, pros or do it yourselfers care about details. If I can see details no one cared about I have to assume the ones out of sight are worse still. I am rarely wrong on that one.

Nothing says shade tree more than funky Pep Boys clamps. I use Norma or Zebra which is a higher quality clone.

SRI hoses are great but one in 10 buyers will give you a dime more for them. I use them in places where I need that durability on clients cars and I use them on my own car but on a car being sold, no point. Good quality black rubber is fine. Colors should be avoided like the plague.



If you are looking to sell, you need to please them and their mechanic, not yourself.

 

^^^ great advice and very true

Overall, the "original vs. upgraded" is an interesting dilemma.

For me, when I bought my 355, I wanted it TOTALLY original - other than I wanted the exhaust taken care of (Tubi) and the interior de-stickied (I'll call that "restoration"). To me, those are "wise" upgrades. Then again, while the 355 market may be getting stronger, I don't think my car will be crossing the block at Pebble anytime soon.

My goal is to keep my low-mileage, perfect, original car and make into a high-mileage, perfect, as original-as-sane car.