The biggest problem with converting from R-12 is the compatibility with the new refrigerant. If you completely evacuate the system and replace the accumulator/drier and o-rings, you should have no problems. If you don't, you'll need to make sure the new refrigerant is compatible with the old R-12. If it isn't, the lubricates can mix with the new refrigerant and leave the compressor parts unprotected, leaving your compressor open to damage.

Interdynamics seems to be the leader in R-12 compatibility. Many people have used their retrofitting kit with success. Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed and there's always a chance of a problem.

Gauges are usually easy to hook up, but finding a place to put them can tough. Simply screwing gauges to the dashboard can be an eye sore and would drop the value of the car if you decide to sell it. The best way to add gauges is to add a gauge pod to the a-pillar... but good luck finding one that fits.

Radar detectors detect signals from police radar guns and alert you of speed traps. The idea behind this is to allow you to drive faster then the posted speed limit and then to slow down when you approach a police speed trap. Many radar detectors also act as a warning to alert you of approaching emergency vehicles.

Unfortunately, if these gadgets worked as good as they were advertised to, they'd be more popular then a car radio. Police radar is constantly being updated, which makes radar detectors obsolete usually before you get your money's worth from them. They work decently against speed traps that use a radar device that constantly sends out signals, since the detector can pick up radar signals when they're not directly aimed at your vehicle. They don't, however, work well when the radar gun is hand held by the police officer and is only activated after it's aimed at a vehicle. This way, by the time your radar detector detects a signal, you're already caught.

Radar detectors also don't protect you from pacing... which is when a police officer will speed up to match your speed, then simply check his speedometer to see how fast your moving. Radar detectors only improve your odds slightly against speeding tickets, they won't protect you from them.

Remote starters are devices that allow you to remotely start your vehicle. This can be useful during the summer, when your air conditioner needs to run a few minutes before it can begin to cool your car, and can be very useful during the winter, when your car needs to warm up. Remote starters can be used in conjunction with an aftermarket alarm system, or can be installed by itself.

Most remote starters incorporate security systems that will shut the car off if anyone attempts to drive it away without using the key. This way you don't need to worry about leaving your car running unattended.

Unfortunately, for obvious clutch-related reasons, only cars with automatic transaxles can be started using remote starters.

These seats will also end up improving performance as well. The stock seats weight between 40 and 60 pounds each, depending on if they're powered or not. Racing seats usually weigh between 20 and 30 pounds each, which could be a drop in as much as 80 pounds when replacing the two front seats. For every 15 pounds you drop off the weight of the car, you'll free about 1 horsepower. This could translate into 5 extra horsepower.

Extra horsepower and better cornering support may seem like a great reason to go out and buy a set, but you need to first be aware of the downsides. First, you'd be loosing a lot of width space and cushioning. This could make the seats a lot less comfortable then the stock seats. This is very important is you travel frequently or you have a long drive to work. Second, although most people won't care, is matching to the interior. Having a tan interior and putting in red seats would look ridiculous. The best seats would match the rest of your interior perfectly, where they didn't stand out.

Lastly on the list of cons is the tackiness of them. Racing seats in a supercharged and fully upgraded '97 GT would look good (if the colors matched properly) and would be appropriate, but would look extremely tacky in a bone stock base or GL.

Many security systems also offer many convenience features. Not only can you activate and deactivate a security system with a remote control, but you can also unlock the doors, open the windows, and even start the engine.

The toughest part of security systems is the installation procedure, which, when possible, should be left up to a professional if you're not very fluent with the car's electrical system.

Installation of these usually are a quick, direct fit set up.

Although Probes have a more then adequate amount of trunk space, luggage space can be drastically increased with the addition of a trailer. RVs, snow mobiles, and jet skis can also be easily towed, but in order to tow them legally, a trailer hitch must be fixed to the rear chassis. Probes have a towing capacity of 1500 lbs., however Ford recommends that the first generation GT should not be used to tow anything due to its turbocharger. The GT can handle light towing not exceeding two or three hundred pounds.

Adding a trailer hitch is a necessary evil when towing is required. You can't properly tow anything without one and with one you add a bit of an eye sore to your car. The more weight you tow, the more stress is put on the transaxle. Regular towing should be followed up with more frequent tune-ups and transaxle filter changes then normal. Installation can also be difficult since drilling is required.

Hitches can also be a minor horsepower drain. Approximately 1 horsepower is lost for every 10 to 15 lbs. added to the weight of the car. The weight of hitches can range from 15 to 30 lbs., which would be a loss of 1 to 3 horsepower.

The only problem with synthetic oils can occur in very new or very old engines. Engines with less then 5,000 miles should not use synthetics since they protect so well that the engine can't properly break in. You should also use caution if you plan to switch to synthetics with an engine that has over 80,000 miles on it. The synthetic compound can absorb into worn gaskets and flex them under high temperatures. Also, since synthetics are so thin, leaks can occur on worn gaskets where standard oils were too thick to seep out.

Although leaving the engine running as you leave your most prized possession may seem somewhat unappealing, many turbo timers incorporate security features. GReddy, for instance, has a turbo timer which can be connected to the speedometer and/or parking brake. When the parking brake is release or the vehicle begins to move, the timer will shut down the engine.

All Probes come in several interior styles and colors, including the option for leather (front seats only) in many of the models. Although there's not a large number of companies out there that offer interior options, the few that do can make a considerable impact on the interior look of your Probe.

Upholstery upgrades are usually very expensive, but very worthwhile when looking to personalize your Probe. Usually the easiest option would be to check your yellow pages for a local shop that specializes in this type of work. They could make up a custom design, color scheme, or even logos that'll personalize your car, as well as offer you a variety of materials to choose from.

Katzkin is a company that offers leather interiors without the custom work. After you pick out the color scheme you want, they'll make it up for you and either ship it directly to you, or to an authorized installer near you for installation. It includes both front and rear seats. Katzkin interiors are available for second generation Probes only.

If you're planning on purchasing upholstery that's a different color from your current interior, you could match up the rest of your interior a bit better with new carpeting. Although there's usually a local shop that'll install new carpeting in your Probe, if you're willing to do the work yourself, you could save a bundle of cash. 1A Automotive specializes in pre-cut carpeting that you can install on your own, for about $100. They have a wide variety of colors and also offer a matching set of floor mats.

The biggest concern of getting a custom interior, besides cost, is quality. If you opt for a local shop to design and install the interior for you, make sure that there's a warranty attached. Also, as always, I recommend against choosing the shop based on price... if you can't afford anything above the cheapest price, you may save yourself a major headache by forgetting the idea completely.

Finally, a big plus by getting a custom interior would be an increase in your car's value. As long as you choose a color scheme that's not loud or gaudy, it should add to the resale value... considering, of course, you ever decide to sell it.

The easiest way to keep the weight off is at the fuel tank. Each gallon of gas weighs about 6 pounds, so a full tank of gas would weigh about 90 pounds. Filling up only half way would save 45 pounds, or about 3 horsepower.

If you don't plan on using your car for everyday purposes, additional weight can be removed by pulling out unused parts. Rear seats, passenger side seat, insulation, and entertainment systems can be removed, shaving off as much as 100 pounds. Of course, this is something you may not want to do if you use your car to get to work every day. Additional weight can be saved by removing airbag systems and the spare tire.