I used to operate several GT games, and would like to clear up some of the confusion about the GT boards,
Red boards are the newer version - the difference - the power supply no longer goes through the Jamma harness. To switch to a red board in a normal jamma cabinet you would need to also switch the power supply, wheras with a green board you would be good to go.
The Green boards are perfectly usable and play exactly like the Red boards. To the player there is no differnce. For the operator, the Red boards are more reliable for commercial day in/day out use, but in home use you will not notice a differnce.
As for updating, I would be very carefull about buying any kit that you load onto your own board. The original kits can only be used once and had to dial to IT to finalize the update. I don't think the IT line is working any longer even if you could find a kit that hadn't been used. BE VERY CAREFULL (read: you can't upgrade without getting a PCB and Drive)
OK so we've got that out of the way. What are your upgrade options? You have a 2004 PCB and Drive. (Actually that is a good year). It will be easier to stay with the same color PCB series so you don't have power supply issues. Obviously as metioned you could get the 05 or even the Complete and be done with it, but don't forget you could also get the 03 or 02 or even the first GT fore - 01. The older years are just as fun as the newer ones - just stay in the Fore series. Each of the individual years can be found fairly cheaply. $100 to 200 for PCB and Drive. The 05 can be found also as 05extra with 2 extra courses.
-----begin shameless plug----
In case anyone is interested, I have a Golden Tee 2005 Red board and drive for $150.
or a Golden Tee 2005 Extra Red board and drive for $200.
or a Golden Tee Complete Green board and drive for $500.
All prices include shipping, marquee, PCB, disk drive and drive cable.
