New Owner of a '86

[tomy51]

I'm really happy to say that I am now the proud owner of a '86 S4. Since I was 20 I have always wanted a Porsche and had my eyes on a 911 BUT once I got the 928 it's true love (and I'm a few years past 20 now).

I picked it up for $2500 from a doctor who had it for 12 years but let it sit up for 5. he paid the shipping, New Jersy to Florida. Got it checked out by EuroSpec, fixed a few things and she runs great.

She needs minor interior work and and a complete exterior job. And she's getting a big brake overhaul.






Sorry all I have on my phone is exterior shots but I'll post some more later.

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate all the advice ya'll give here.

Tomy

[porken]

Originally Posted by tomy51

I'm really happy to say that I am now the proud owner of a '86 S4.

Looks more like a '86.5 S3.

[SanDiego928]

If an 86.5 that is really cool.

[harborman]

There is a whole list of things you will need to do and check. Wonder if you have any history on the car? Good luck with it.

[AirtekHVAC]

Sweet deal! Enjoy it....do not defer the fuel line replacement and other necessary deeds...

[stepson]

While you are doing the brakes and since you are already there, I highly recommend replacing the original brakes lines with SS brake lines. It makes the braking more positive and "crisp" and is relatively inexpensive to do.

Do not wait too long to replace the fuel lines and catch up on the deferred maintenance items but I just thought I would give you a heads up WYAIT.

[tomy51]

The PO gave me the paperwork showing that the timing belt and water pump had just been replaced. Also, when I opened the door, all these spare parts fell out - dashtop cover, fuel filters, relays, etc.

How do I tell if is is a 86.5?

And I do know that I have to replace the oil pan gasket. EuroSpec says it $600 to do that

Where can I find the SS brake lines? I will certainly will do that. The calipers are getting painted blue as is the back of the rims.

I have to admit I did run it up to 110 the other day and it felt like I was running 45. SMOOTH!

[AirtekHVAC]

Fuel lines.....

[stepson]

Pelican probably has stainless steel brake lines. 928sRus sells them as well as 928Intl.

Oh, and don't forget to do those fuel lines!

[dtool242]

Originally Posted by tomy51

How do I tell if is is a 86.5?

By the VIN. If the last 4 numbers are 0999 or less it's an 86. If 1000 or greater then it's an 86.5

[Pete R]

Originally Posted by tomy51

How do I tell if is is a 86.5?

by your 4 piston Brembos/S4 suspension .. it is. Unless it's been upgraded.. which in that case it still doesn't matter, it's the reason you want an 86.5 anyhow

[porken]

It is a '86.5.

Besides the brakes, the '86.5 rear jack point is just barely visible in the first photo, above.


As mentioned:
- VIN
- 4 piston calipers


Also:

- true dual, L&R, exhaust, with larger diameter piping, 2 (huge) resonators

- removable rear muffler (= RMB)

- aluminum rear toe arm mounts

- rectangular, lower hanging jack points

- front suspension changes

- different ABS system

- different LH/fuel computer (yellow motherboard)

[tomy51]

WHOO HOO! It is a '86.5, the last 4 of the VIN are 1404.

Does anyone know how to remove the piller post upholstery? It came with a dashtop cover (dash is in bad shape from sitting out in the sun for 5 years) and it is a bear to get in w/o removing the piller coverings. Just don't want to tear them up.

Fuel lines will be replaced soon.

[dcrasta]

S3 is the best S..

I like that concrete pad work space. Looking good so far.

[lfausty]

did a manual fall out that door. dash cover/flimsy cheap$ cheap plastic one in a bag, non quality, you be better off with no dash at all. point isnt it wont survive install,thin plastic breaks its after installing the weather will warp it immediately. -- dashmat carpet kind -- or do repair to cracks with colored epoxy fill -- best method removing and reupholster at some time.

check for water - damage pass footwell under carpet under, back wood? wall piece. the most important electricals , panel and brains box. clean all fuses/relays. clean pcars all ground points.

fuel lines!

is it? auto trans or stick.

ground diagram post in first thread, most common fixes or website dr.porsche official site. pull up diagram of inside interior for pillar removal . should be small screws at pillar ends/headliner and some careful prying on plastic clips when coming into them.

[tomy51]

The manual was stuck up under the seat, all the pages were stuck together and pretty much destroyed, looks like water damage.

More info - it is an auto (wish it were a 5 sp), I have cleaned and replaced all the fuses and cleaned the grounds and replaced all the vacuumn lines, things I read about in this forum.

A few nuances to go - the big red light comes on where I turn on the headlights and goes off when they are turned off, figure a wire is pinched some where.

The radio worked when I got it but doesn't now. Once when the passenger door was openr/closed it came on for a while but stopped when the door was opened/closed again.

A few gauges don't work but I'm not ready to tear into that.

Got to find a seat motor for the passenger side, doesn't go forward or back.

I'll post some interior pic this weekend.

[lfausty]

your luck doesnt seem to end thats the highly desired manual. lol

seat motor still may be salvageable, if it didnt on going struggle through crud and burn out. you take the seat out flip it clean out crud and spidey webs, put a bat charger leads on each three motors wd40,grease it all. itll be going 100mph up and down those tracks,lol. if the switch unplug under the seat and mmeter test for 12v. does seat manually move , handle or a hole for it under front edge for when auto power inop.

headlight,door,radio. that could all relate to a alarm system install/uninstall, gremlins if not sep issues.

[tomy51]

As promised, here some interior pictures.

We are having monsoon rains here and the seats keep getting mildew on them.





Checkout the SS door handle. The first day I got it my wife went to get out and the door handle broke off in her hand. My neighbor has a metal shop, took the pieces and made this. He's going to make a passenger side one and says that's it - too many hours to make them.







And she came with new brake lines .



The infamous red light that comes on whenever I turn on the headlights. Goes right out when they are turned off.



Thanks for all the advice. Getting ready to order the last pieces and parts to finish the brakes.

[riber.bentsen]

See the place where it says "tail" on the upper left? Means one of your tail light bulb are out, hence the "!" lamp

[Dean_Fuller]

Are the carpets staying wet? Might be why the seats are moldy. Check hatch, doors and sunroof for leaks and seal up if you can. The interior looks great especially for a Florida car. The sun and heat usually gets those first.