Buying a 928 - Is a 5 speed a must?

[Spede]

I've been following the 928 market for a little while now and it seems that almost 90% of the cars are automatics. While having my heart set on a 5 speed, I've started to reconsider my requirements.

So my question is, should I hold out for that perfect 5 speed shark? Or would I be just as happy with an automatic one?

I would primarily use the car as a daily driver and was interested in a manual transmission because I think I would get bored with an automatic. My commute to work is outside traffic hours so bumper to bumper conditions aren't my concern.

[woodsrider]

If you're set on a 5 sp, I would hold out for a 5 sp. They are out there, so no problem finding one, just the right one for your budget. I've always been a manual tranny guy, but just bought an '85 with an auto tranny and love it. But I do drive in traffic a lot. I use it as my daily driver and its a lot of fun.

However, when I'm not in traffic I'm always thinking how much more fun the car would be with the 5 sp.

When I bought my car, I was new to 928's and found one in excellent shape, especially considering my budget, so bought it thinking if I was unhappy with the auto I could sell it no problem. Now that I have it I love it.

Just deciding whether to buy a 5 sp now, or convert mine to a 5 sp. I'd really like to have one of each though, just can't afford that right now.

Ed

[vancity944]

Hey Ed im just across the 90 in Kent. I have a 82 5spd and I love and hate it.
Daily driver commuter in my area(Vancouver) I would rather have a auto but in less stresssssssssssssssful commute I'd go stick.

[woodsrider]

I hear you. I sold my '83 944 that I had only a few months so I could get the 928. I miss the 944 from time to time, saw a sweet 86 today on the side of the road for sale up near Bellingham. Got me thinking about getting one again one of these days.

Are you on the PacNW 928 list on yahoo? Good bunch, and every once in a while we get the 928's together. You should check it out if you're not already on there.

http://www.pacnw928.com/

Ed

[1980-928]

Also remember all 5 speeds are not the same. Please correct me if Im wrong, early years have weaker syncro's and a double plate clutch that can have problems. Ive been told 87 and newer are the best for 5 speeds.
Dave

[1981 Shark]

As many will tell you, it boils down to personal preference and use. When I bought mine, I considered an automatic and wouldn't necessarily have passed on one, had it been in good condition, properly maintained, etc., but I'm extremely happy with a 5-speed. That being said, I don't use mine as a daily driver and when I do drive it, I'm not worrying about rush hour traffic, talking on a cell phone (which is difficult unless you've got a hand's free option) and trying to choke down a cup of coffee. Earlier 928's seem to be more plentiful in 5-speeds and I certainly wouldn't pass up a 87+ Auto. Also, pre-83 autos are 3 vs. 4 speed, another consideration. Good luck!

[Rixter]

the solution is easy.... get 1 of each!!
seriously though, if you want a 5spd go with an 85 up to get the berg syncros, if you go auto get an 83 up for the 4spd..
you can't really go wrong either way

[JandeVries]

Like 1980-928 I had a 5-speed and automatic and both have their positives and negatives.
On the early 928 5-speeds the most annoying part is probably the synchro's from 3 to 2 and the strenght of your left foot.
(I liked the opinion those days that this was not a woman's car because of all the power was needed to move the clutch-pedal)
Automatic is fine when in normal condition, it's a MB part (ZF), and fairly, you can drive 190 km/h in second gear with a 3 speed when shifting up to 3rd, how about that! The bad thing was that I had almost no reverse gear, took 2 minutes to actually move back.
After that I had 4-speed units and they where fine, besides one which had a bearing shot (Loud whining noise when driving).
My personal opinion after driving about 6 928's is that the 928 with an automatic gives me more pleasure over time when driving more than 30 km's a day or for longer trips, but it's my personal opinion.

[m21sniper]

I like my automatic just fine, but it's been performance prepped. If you're at all in this for performance, i'd stay away from the earlier 3spd autos though.

The 4 speed autos have much more closely spaced ratios, and therefore, are much quicker wrt acceleration.

[rhjames]

Why would you buy a high-end sports car without a stick?

Slushboxes are for taking your honey to dinner.

My shark has a 5-speed, couldn't imagine it without. Large Car has an 18 speed.

(If I could figure out how to get the 600 horses in the shark, it would be great. Too bad the 600 weighs as much as the shark does..... )

Happy hunting----ebay, ebay, ebay!!!

RJames

[m21sniper]

For 1/4 mile/drag racing automatics are typically faster than 5 speeds.

[Rixter]

you should drive both before making a decision..
I've been a manual type for 25 yrs and to be honest I enjoy the S4 auto more than any of my cars, I can go "manual" when I want some fun or just kick back and not have to bother when I'm in traffic or have to go for a sip of the drink or change the radio

[vancity944]

I added myself to the pac list Ed. Im considering selling my 82 and upgrading to a 88. Hopefully come spring I will have something to join in on some runs

[..P]

Hi guys, another 5-speed freak here.


I love the fact that it's a real bear to drive, much like a 1960s musclecar, and far from anything silky smooth like some other cars I've had in the past. It's industrial grade all the way. The first to second shift is awkward, and certainly not what Porsche intended for stoplight racing, something the 928 was never intended for anyway. Many times I take off in second, as the dual plate clutch is brutally strong and there's plenty of torque.

I have an aftermarket exhaust, and you can play the car like a musical instrument. However, there are times when I'm tired and on the way home, that I'd love the big rubber band slingshot of the 928 auto. Its not a normal auto, its one engineered for the flagship of the Porsche line, and it's a good one (actually sourced from Mercedes and adapted into a Porsche transaxle).



The one thing I can say with certainty about my 83, it's not a smooth or lightweight shift, its almost like driving a truck.

Want to see what it takes to rebuild a 5-speed, well it's not all that bad, check out this link http://www.network54.com/Forum/message?forumid=426130&messageid=1121972820

It could be a LOT worse, you could be spending that cash on a Toyota.

Regards, P

[ddann]

I just picked up a 5 speed 87S4. Packed with V-8 goodness. HIGHLY recommend the manual!