Advice on 928 purchase

[356six]

Not being too familiar with the 928's (always played with 911's), I was hoping to get some feedback on what to look for (rust issues, engine problems, etc.). There are (3) for sale locally that I plan on looking at over the next week:

1) 87 9289S4 - tourist import (I assume that's a euro model), 5-speed 130K miles. $12.5K, complete documented engine rebuild 5-years ago.

2) 80 - auto, 100K, excellent condition $10.5K

3) 80 - 5 speed with 50K, 9.5K

Updated recommendations?

-timing belts,
-water pump
-steering rack....

I plan on a PPI once I narrow it down, but any other thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

[Iggy]

Go with the '87 S4.

Timing belt needs to be done every 4 years or 45K miles. The water pump should be replaced with each new timing belt.

The steering rack isn't a problem unless it's leaking or making noise. Even then, it could just be a leaking hose. You'll have to find out more about the rack during the PPI.

ALSO: It is becoming more widely-known that automatic models, especially the '87 and up models, can experience something known as THRUST BEARING FAILURE. Simply put, the torque tube exerts pressure on the flex plate and thrust bearing. If that pressure isn't released (by removed the cover plater, loosing and re-tightening the pinch collar on the forward end of the torque tube), the thrust bearing inside the engine can fail, destroying the engine. I've seen it happen to a friend. You should relieve the tension and measure how much the torque tube moves. If it's more than about 7mm, pass on the car as it may already have problems with the thrust bearing.

Hope that helps.

[s928s]

Definatly the 87 928s, 12.5 is a fair price, baring the interior is not trashed. Go over the records throughly. Always a PPI by a person who knows 928's.

[Thaddeus_928]

The rule of thumb for all Porsches applies to 928's: always buy the newest, best one you can afford. The S4 is going to handle and accelerate so much better than the 80, it will be like night and day. I also think the S4 is one of the most beautiful cars ever built (I own an 86, preS4).

The timing belt is not too hard to do yourself... I just did mine on the 86. It took me about 20 hours, but I went slow, cleaned everything, replaced everything, and did a lot of side jobs as well. I replaced the water pump, tension rollers, belt, rebuilt the tensioner, etc., in that time. If you take your time, label everything, and have consumables on hand like antiseize and threadlocker, it goes pretty smoothly. You should buy a couple of specialty tools (assuming you already have sockets and a good torque wrench), like the transmission flywheel lock, and the belt tensioner. You will also need a large socket and breaker bar to get the crankshaft bolt out.

The caution about the thrust bearing is well taken. I am not sure it applies to my 86; in any event, I am dealing with it by not thinking about it, since it's too late for a PPI.

Get a PPI.

cheers, good luck,

T

[Britwrench]

Tourist delivery means the car was delivered to the customer at the factory. It does not mean the car is ROW spec. All US cars have a sticker on the door jamb with the VIN and production date. ROW cars don't.

[928GT]

12.5 for a 130k car is steep. There are ways you can check for TBF. Neither of the 3 jump out at me as great deals unless the S4 is in real good shape and the documented re-build is by a known 928 mechanic. This would 'exclude' 99% of Porsche dealers. If you have patience, take your time and shop around and find a very nice 928 for under 15k.
Cheers

[928GT]

[i]

The caution about the thrust bearing is well taken. I am not sure it applies to my 86; in any event, I am dealing with it by not thinking about it, since it's too late for a PPI.
[/B]

Thad,

You need to get under there and check if there is movemement, if there is release and retighten. This isn't one you want to ignore.

[Thaddeus_928]

Thanks. Got an online howto? Google is broken... web worms...