1985 928 engine upgrade...Please help

[Bubbason]

I am looking into installing a later model motor in my 1985 928 5.0 4 cam........can anyone tell me what newer years will work without any major modifications.......the reason i am asking is i have found newer s4 complete engines for a reasonable price.....your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

[stepson]

What's wrong with your '85 engine? It can be woken up with some relatively small modifications (none of which can't be undone) ie. X-pipe, Porken chips, etc.

[Danglerb]

Originally Posted by Bubbason

I am looking into installing a later model motor in my 1985 928 5.0 4 cam........can anyone tell me what newer years will work without any major modifications.......the reason i am asking is i have found newer s4 complete engines for a reasonable price.....your input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Zero, 85 to 87+ is the most labor intensive swap, going from 25 pin brains to 35 pin brains, and for essentially zero improvements in power, but some in more advanced engine control with knock detection.

If you have found a cheap good S4 far better to sell it and buy a good 85/86 motor, or repair yours depending on what it needs and long term ownership plans.

[Pete R]

If he doesn't use the engine management, couldn't he do a relatively easy long block swap with any s4 motor?

[Bubbason]

Thanks for the info.........does anyone know where i can purchase a running 85-86 32v........i purchased this car with the motor disassembled.....I do not have the time to overhaul it due to my schedule.........therefore i am parting it. i live in the houston texas area.......does anyone have any leads on a good motor........

a friend of mine almost had me convinced to put a ls1 in it.....but i want to keep it Porsche !!! your input is appreciated......and thanks

[Danglerb]

LS1 is expensive, but easier than doing the S4.

S4 longblock and 85 brains (wiring harnesses, injectors, can't use intake) messy, no gains, big drop in value, maybe some nagging issues, but might run.

I have no idea what is where in TX, Roger is in Double Oaks, another group is around Austin.

Put your location in your "USER CP" link is top left of page and start getting in touch with the locals.

Is there anything "wrong" with the 85 motor? Personally I would recommend taking anything you buy used apart and cleaning, checking it over and resealing. Old motors frequently have bad or poor head gaskets that may not show issues until driven a few hundred miles after a long storage.

[Pete R]

I know a guy with an 86.5. only like 65k on it. needs a weld on motor mount area. it came out of a crash the ac compressor was hit and cracked the arm coming out of the block. I know he's looking to sell it but we are in nh/ma area. If your willing to go through the hassle of freight, I could look into it more. The car was in nice shape when hit.. I bought all the suspension and brakes out of it.

[pcar928fan]

There are a bunch of folks in the Houston area. Some really good wrenches too. If you join the 928 Owners Club (928 Owners Club - Porsche 928 Car Club - Advocates of the Porsche 928) we can hook you up with all those folks down there.

85/86 motors are pretty awesome when tuned correctly and make big power. Often more than the S4 motors believe it or not. Some say the 85/86 cams are better... YMMV

[stepson]

Blackshark (on RL) is out of town (DFW area) at the moment, but I seem to remember that he has an '85 engine. I could be wrong. PM him on RL.