Possibly buying an '81 928

MBAtarga · 12-19-2009, 03:45 PM

Possibly buying an '81 928 and that's about all I know about it.

I've had an 83 911 SC Targa for 8+ years and service it myself, so I am pretty familiar with all of the 911 issues and know the model year differences fairly well.

The 928 is a different "shark" so to speak - what do I need to look for? I've searched on the web for forums that have high traffic, but couldn't find anything that helped too much. Is there a decent 928 Model FAQ somewhere that would help? From my research, seems that this car would have a 16 valve V8. Not sure what transmissions were available for this model - auto - 3 sp? - stick - 4sp? 5sp?

I'm told this specific car has some transmission "issues" - needs new gaskets as it has a "significant" leak. I'm told it is drivable, but the current owner doesn't drive it much from concern of the leak.

If it's in decent cosmetic/mechanical shape - what's a fair price?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Mrmerlin · 12-19-2009, 04:04 PM

here is a good place to start
NEW VISITOR? Read This Forum Guideline FAQ *BEFORE YOUR FIRST POST* - Rennlist Discussion Forums
Read this stuff first , and of you have any pictures that will assist in a diagnosis, good luck

XLR8928 · XLR8928's Garage

A 928 probably has more in common with a Corvette, than a 911. As most in this forum will tell you, you get what you pay for. On an inexpensive "fixer upper" you usually find a panopoly of deferred and shoddy maintenance. But,.. once the car is "right" you'll have a sweet ride.
Just remember ...theres no such thing as an inexpensive Porsche

Caveat Emptor
-Kerry

Danglerb · 12-19-2009, 09:07 PM

Its essential to have any 928 inspected by someone expert in the 928 specifically, a good mechanic, even a good Porsche mechanic could miss $10k worth of trouble waiting in a decent cosmetic / mechanical shape 928.

Other than that, know what you want, buy the best you can, and do shop around since in the real world you almost never get what you pay for, sometimes much less, sometimes much more.

DanielDudley · 12-20-2009, 01:26 AM

I would recomend an 85 or newer. My 80 had tranny issues, and I had to go through several rebuilds. Also tranny issues can start with the multi plate clutch, but even though a slight drag may cause shifting issues, it will quickly turn into syncro issues.

An 80 has a good bit going for it however. Non interference engine, lightest 928, they are pretty straight forward cars. However, you will sometimes see really good ones pass hands for not a lot of money. Get a good one, unless you want to spend time in the garage with your new girl. It will always be cheaper. You also want to be running a 225/245 combo on your tires. The 15 inch rims don't really cut it, and you want 7s and 8s minimum.

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Danglerb · 12-20-2009, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MPDano

If you say so, here you go.

XLR8928 · XLR8928's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danglerb

If you say so, here you go.

Mike,
Where did you get that picture of my ex-mother in law, and her sister?

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Damn, I had some of them this morning for Breakfast.

harborman · harborman's Garage

I just bought a 1986 928S. It has 37,600 original miles on it and I have all documentation, all manuals, service manuals, service records, original warranty card, etc. The car is about as clean as you can find. I got one hell of a deal and got it for $4,500 from the original owner's son. I doubt you can find one like this at the price I paid, let alone with the low mileage. The car was in heated storage for a long time. They just had it serviced for $1,100 and I drove it about 400 miles before the snow hit here. I am now going to have the timing belt and water pump changed because of age. I have been quoted $1,200 and $2,200 by two shops for this job. I was really lucky to get this car believe me. I hope you find a good one! When I show people my 928S they think it is brand new!! It even smells new!!!

SolReaver · 12:14 PM

MBATarga: There is a lot to look for as far as "gotchas" are concerned. I concur that it would be an excellent idea to have a 928 experienced person help you look at it and even then there is an excellent chance that you will miss something.

You are talking about an OB, so the FI will be Kjet and the motor will be the 4.5. If the previous sentence makes no sense at all...run away...you are not worthy. Find out how long it has been sitting and if you have any docs to look at. Pictures would be nice to help us understand what you are dealing with, but the final decision is up to you and you prob want to pay as little as possible for it while keeping in mind that you get what you pay for. Guesstimate what it will take to get it to the shape you want, double (or triple) that figure, secure garage space, tools, camera, band aids, beer (or whatever) and make the call. It would be nice to know what you expect out of the car and what you intend to put into it to get it.

These cars can absorb an incredible amount of time and money and you have to be a little crazy to own them. (not pointing fingers folks, you all know it is true and I am not about to cast any stones) FWIW, IMHO, If you are not mechanically inclined, don't have tools, and a place to work on it....save yourself before it is too late.

Dang: cute pic.

Good luck fellow traveler...

Danglerb · 12-30-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harborman

I just bought a 1986 928S. It has 37,600 original miles on it and I have all documentation, all manuals, service manuals, service records, original warranty card, etc. The car is about as clean as you can find. I got one hell of a deal and got it for $4,500 from the original owner's son. I doubt you can find one like this at the price I paid, let alone with the low mileage. The car was in heated storage for a long time. They just had it serviced for $1,100 and I drove it about 400 miles before the snow hit here. I am now going to have the timing belt and water pump changed because of age. I have been quoted $1,200 and $2,200 by two shops for this job. I was really lucky to get this car believe me. I hope you find a good one! When I show people my 928S they think it is brand new!! It even smells new!!!

Welcome to the group and congrats on the car.

It is essential that you find a mechanic with a LOT of experience not on Porsche's, but on the 928 specifically. The first task for this mechanic should be a full end to end inspection of the car including all the safety and trouble issues old 928's have.

harborman · harborman's Garage

Fine. Actually, the people I bought the car from just had it in a local shop here. The owner of the shop drives a 928. I also located another shop near by that say they know the 928. The car was checked out and I have driven it about 400 miles until the snow hit. Wish I was in SoCal!!! I am somewhat mechanical, have rebuilt motors, know electrical systems. In fact, I just fixed the fog lights, found a stuck relay in that circuit. I will have the shop do the timing belt and pump but I can do a lot myself. This is not my everyday transportation, but a fun car to drive in summer here up along Lake Michigan. I am going to replace the radio as the FM is out and the newer radios have many features. I am close to Tire Rack, so getting two new fronts as back tires are brand new. Will go with Goodyears as on the rear. These sites provide a lot of good information.

Danglerb · 12-30-2009, 04:52 PM

Hook up with some other local owners and do the TB yourself, not a bad way at all to get to know the car.

This guide is very nice too if you decide to go solo.

928 S4 Service - Timing Belt

harborman · harborman's Garage

I was considering doing the timing belt but there are no other owners near by who have done it that I have found yet. I may just let the shop do it since I got the car so cheap. I have a few months to work on it before winter ends here. I don't have the special tools either. I am sure there are more owners of the 928 over in Chicago which is 75 miles from here.

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by harborman

I was considering doing the timing belt but there are no other owners near by who have done it that I have found yet. I may just let the shop do it since I got the car so cheap. I have a few months to work on it before winter ends here. I don't have the special tools either. I am sure there are more owners of the 928 over in Chicago which is 75 miles from here.

No special tools except a kempf and flywheel lock which should cost you about $100. The rest of the tools you should already have. If you need technical help, that's why we are here.

jim ross · jim ross's Garage

BEAUTIFUL CAR HARBORMAN...YOU GOT LUCKY! LOOKS EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN. TAKE IT FROM ME..HAVE THE TIMING AND WATER PUMP DONE BY A PRO...NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPERIENCED..BUT IF THEY RUN INTO BROKEN BOLTS..ROLLERS..TENSIONER

S..THEY CAN FIX IT ALL INSTEAD OF YOU RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO FIND PARTS. IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER DRIVE IT EVERYDAY! 928'S ARE KNOWN TO RUN BETTER WHEN DRIVEN DAILY, AND THEY CAN GET GOOD MILEAGE IF YOU LAY OFF DA GAS! LIKE 25-26 HWY! GOOD LUCK!-j

harborman · harborman's Garage

Thanks, It is a beautiful car I must say. When I go in the garage and see it, I can't believe it's mine! I lucked out on this car. I actually gave it a few days thought before I bought it, if you can believe that! It is so clean, so untouched, just a few minor imperfections. There are no dents, scratches in the body or paint. Like it just rolled off the assembly line. The latches, bolts, under hood, is just unbelievably clean. The hood insulator pad is bad just above the manifold, but I already have a new replacement to put on when I get help to remove the hood so I can install the new pad.

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim ross

BEAUTIFUL CAR HARBORMAN...YOU GOT LUCKY! LOOKS EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN. TAKE IT FROM ME..HAVE THE TIMING AND WATER PUMP DONE BY A PRO...NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPERIENCED..BUT IF THEY RUN INTO BROKEN BOLTS..ROLLERS..TENSIONER

S..THEY CAN FIX IT ALL INSTEAD OF YOU RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO FIND PARTS. IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER DRIVE IT EVERYDAY! 928'S ARE KNOWN TO RUN BETTER WHEN DRIVEN DAILY, AND THEY CAN GET GOOD MILEAGE IF YOU LAY OFF DA GAS! LIKE 25-26 HWY! GOOD LUCK!-j

Learning about how to work on your own car is the fun and rewarding part. Having deep pockets is another and not so rewarding IMHO.

Labor is expensive on these cars. Also, these cars have the normal things that just break and you've already named them.

Also, "ALL CAPS" means your yelling at us. Unless, this is what you are trying to do.

harborman · harborman's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim ross

BEAUTIFUL CAR HARBORMAN...YOU GOT LUCKY! LOOKS EXCEPTIONALLY CLEAN. TAKE IT FROM ME..HAVE THE TIMING AND WATER PUMP DONE BY A PRO...NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPERIENCED..BUT IF THEY RUN INTO BROKEN BOLTS..ROLLERS..TENSIONER

S..THEY CAN FIX IT ALL INSTEAD OF YOU RUNNING AROUND TRYING TO FIND PARTS. IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER DRIVE IT EVERYDAY! 928'S ARE KNOWN TO RUN BETTER WHEN DRIVEN DAILY, AND THEY CAN GET GOOD MILEAGE IF YOU LAY OFF DA GAS! LIKE 25-26 HWY! GOOD LUCK!-j

I just took a few more pics for you guys to see.

The car came with all original manuals, tire pump (I doubt ever used) and even the cargo net!

It has the 4 speed auto, leather interior, AC. I am not bragging, I just want you guys to see this remarkable car. I love it so far..........can't wait for nice weather. I will not drive it here in ice and snow!

PS. I am not selling it, I want to drive it and enjoy this fine car and take real good care of it too.