Would this be an 86.5?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

In my continued efforts to live a life in a world of hurt, I have found another Run Forrest Run 928.

Seller gave me VIN wpojbo92xgs862997 and he thinks the build date is 7/86.

Is this an S3?

Car needs a motor and computers. From the description, sounds like they dismantled the motor and then it sat. Car has block and heads, but "they need to be rebuilt."

I have friend with a fresh S3 motor and computers that was a tech training motor.

Thanks for your help.

[rhjames]

an 86.5 would be 32V engine with 4 piston Brembo brakes and a few other minor details of which I can't remember, but those are the basics--





--Russ

[gattaca]

Going by your VIN, yes it's a 1986.5

#2997 - (1000 or greater)
Build Date: July 1986 - (Nov. '85 and later)

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks Russ. Just got more info: timing belt broke, every valve bent. that's why it was dismantled. Apparently owner abandoned project at a shop, they hold the title, and want it gone. I get the sense that it's not a Porsche-specific shop.

Have a PM to my friend to see if his motor is still available.


thanks gattaca. What else on these cars is important to look for? It's been sitting for 2 years.

[gattaca]

Here are the details I know of about S3's:

Production started Nov. 1985 for 1986.5 so if your VIN's last 4-digits are 1000 or greater, then you have an 1986.5
'86.5 or "S3" as some might call it, was the last year of the "older body" (OB) style w/ the "S" front & rear spoilers (spoiler delete option was available) before the newer S4 style was introduced.
The '86.5 has the same floor pan, suspension, brakes & ABS, and dual exhaust as the S4 with indentations in the rear hatch for attachment of an S4 spoiler if the S3 owner desired.


The S3 differed from the S4 in the following ways:

1. Less rated HP: 288hp vs. 316hp (but some have gotten over 300hp with proper tuning -at least Porken did)

2. Less curb weight: (3,439 lbs. auto/3,351 lbs. manual) vs. (3,549 lbs auto/ 3,505 manual)

3. S3 has more aggressive cams but has smaller valves than the S4. GT's have the same cam specs as the S3 (85-86.5) but with a smaller lobe separation angle. GT cams are near identical to S3 cams. (Some have noticed that the '85 cams seem to have a HP peak slightly higher than the GT cams due to 8 degrees advanced intake timing. But it doesn't seem to have any wider HP range and it didn't show any difference in idling characteristics -other's opinion).

4. S3's had no knock sensors like the S4 (so the factory chips were tuned very conservatively -accepted opinion).

5. The early '86 engines were essentially identical to the late '86 engines except the early '86 engines' have the small metal vapor recovery valve at the fender instead of on the fender brace located over the engine as on the later '86 model.

As for what to look out for, other's more mechanically inclined will elaborate, but generally the consensus is to replace/check all the following:

1. Timing Belt
2. Water Pump
3. Fuel Lines (Roger at 928sRus sells the kit)
4. All fluids and associated filters (including fuel)
5. Check flex plate tension if an automatic
6. Motor mounts
7. Check brakes & pads
8. Check ignition wires & replace plugs (regular Bosch copper is preferred by many)
9. Check injectors (rebuild or replace if necessary)
10. Cam shaft seals, cam gaskets, oil pan gasket
11. Vacuum lines
12. Check & clean ground points and check battery, alternator
13. Check fuses & relays

[SolReaver]

Hoses rot and when and if you power the puppy up, bad things can happen so replace or at least inspect all the rubber (prob better to replace.)

No compys?valves bent, Please tell me it is at least cheap. Remember we don't want to break the lower end of the market by paying a LOT for rollers. It is really cool that you have a friend with the motor and compys you need.

If you have any FI bits left over, let me know.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Quick question then: what should I pay assuming the rest of the car is run of the mill, basic, mild care and upkeep... nothing special, but not trashed.

[Danglerb]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Quick question then: what should I pay assuming the rest of the car is run of the mill, basic, mild care and upkeep... nothing special, but not trashed.

I would not assume anything, inspect the car and find out.

Keep in mind the person who knows the most about it, wants it gone and has no plans to put a single dime into it.

Could be its been a parts donor for the last two years and everything good has been removed.

[Stan.Shaw]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Quick question then: what should I pay assuming the rest of the car is run of the mill, basic, mild care and upkeep... nothing special, but not trashed.

You can't test anything, so presume the worst, could have a bad trans. etc. So max $2k unless you have to have it...

P.S. if you decide to pass on it, please let me know more. I am in MA and might find a use for it

[m21sniper]

Yeah, you should go into this expecting it to need $10,000 in work to 'get it right.'

If it doesn't, good for you.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

I have found a 67 911 Normal motor and transmission in Jersey, so that's where my budget is going. That and I thought the motor my friend has would be a lot less than he needs to get out of it. It's essentially a brand new motor, so I can't begrudge him. I thought it was a used motor that techs practiced on, but it's grade A prime apparently.

Stan, I'll send you the info. Car is not local though.

Sniper, too bad Philly is way out of my way picking up the motor, would be good to meet up and get a cheesesteak. another time.

[Danglerb]

Those ex tech school motors are a roll of the dice. I've heard of items being "like new" or assembled from reject parts and incomplete (do your really need all 8 pistons to learn?) Without a complete disassembly and inspection you can never be sure. How precious does your friend think the motor is? $1k, $2k, $3k, ?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

$3,600 + shipping.

[Landseer]

Shaun, your description, run-forest-run, hits pretty close to home!

Good luck with your projects!

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Landseer

Shaun, your description, run-forest-run, hits pretty close to home!

Good luck with your projects!

Thanks. Yeah, I don't know what my damage is that I have to have a project 928. it's like a disease and gnaws at me. Here's the E and the build room. Have enough going on without trying to resurrect something like a 928. Fairly certain I need a lobotomy to get this out of my system, just as long the 911 stuff is left in, I'd be OK with that.