Looking at '84 928, need some advice

[bet]

Hi all,

Looking at an '84 928, 5 spd, exterior and interior are in great shape, but I noticed a burning oil smell after test drive, and found that the starter, as well as the surrounding area was wet, and that oil had also dripped on the exhaust as well (hence the burning smell). Any guesses where this might be coming from, or what it might cost to fix?

Also, the car had a miss at highway speeds when I got into the throttle - I am thinking something simple like needing plugs/rotor checked out? Thanks!

[Danglerb]

Oil bottom of a 928 isn't unusual, could be from any combination of several places, you really have to chase the oil all the way to the source.

Rarely does a 928 ever need a "tune up" outside the imagination of a seller. It needs inspection and repair, hard to say what.

[bet]

Danglerb,

Thanks for the positive affirmation, I guessed that I was on the right track, but after hearing all the horror stories about repair costs, I was afraid I might be talking myself out of a good car.
It was the oil leak that caught my attention, but the more I think about it, the less I like the miss in the engine, especially under load. At this point I have asked the owner if he would be willing to take the car to Rennwerke here in Westchester for a PPI, can't see doing a deal any other way.

[Danglerb]

PPI is the only Porsche investment I know that pays off.