928 on the brain

[hbueno]

I currently own a 1979 911 Targa. Lately I've been thinking about expanding the "collection" and buying a 928. After reading the forums here and doing other research on the web, I understand the 928 is a diffferent animal.

One of the questions that comes to mind is the availability of a competent local mechanic. I'm handy, but would like the comfort of knowing I can depend on somebody local who knows 928's. So here's my question, does anybody know of 928 savvy mechanics in Bergen County, NJ or perhaps Rockland County, NY?

[SolReaver]

If you can't work on it yourself. Run away while you still can. TOTALLY different animal. A few years of owning ( and repairing) a 944 or something similar would give you a fighting chance, but, 911 isn't even close.

[hbueno]

That's not terribly comforting :-)

Although I have to admit, when I got the 911 12 years ago, I was surprised at how simple a car it was (and is).

[SolReaver]

Yea, well sorry if it came out as negative. I am more into Truth than comforting words. If you want to dive in. I won't stop you. Please have a Garage, tools, manuals, and a warchest of good size before you begin looking. In the meantime, familiarize yourself with the diff models and kinds of 928's out there and the PM rituals. See if you can locate local 928 folk and get a feel for the cars. They are not 911s, they are more like aircraft.

[Danglerb]

Most 928 owners have somebody else fix their cars, its just that the online people tend towards DIY types looking for answers, so you will get a lot of you must learn to fix it comments. You don't, but you will need to find a good specifically 928 mechanic, and it will be Porsche expensive using them, but not dealer expensive.

Here is an old mechanics list, but I would also ask on Rennlist.
Porsche 928 Mechanics Reference Page

[SolReaver]

Other people....Working on my car? Really?
But...how?...you mean,,,,I would drop off my car and someone else would fix it?

Where is the fun in that?
Yes. +1 for an experienced 928 mechanic. Either from the list or referenced by a 928 person. Dang: when was that list last updated?

[harborman]

Originally Posted by SolReaver

Other people....Working on my car? Really?
But...how?...you mean,,,,I would drop off my car and someone else would fix it?

Where is the fun in that?
Yes. +1 for an experienced 928 mechanic. Either from the list or referenced by a 928 person. Dang: when was that list last updated?

A Porsche is a rich mans car. When bought new, they take it to the dealer! You can find good mechanics if you do some research in your area and meet other Porsche owners. The car is no more complicated than some of the new cars out these days. It does have a lot of electronics however, but do some of my newer cars. The guys here do know a lot on the 928 and most of your answers can be found here.

There was one listed here a month or so ago for about $30K with 6K miles....now I would go look at that one!!! Cheap, when you consider the 928 sold for over $53K in 1986......like $200K in Obama money today!!!!

[Landseer]

There's an expert MB auto transmission shop(s) owner located in that area, Steve Cattaneo, and he can be hunted-down via rennlist. He's also a 928 owner and should know of all relevant shops in that area. There are some there that know the 928. (BTW, the 928 autos have an MB trans and this guy has provided much input to us over the years.)

[hbueno]

I appreciate everyone's feedback.

[redrider044]

The nearest & only one I kow of is in Rockaway NJ, Power Tec (973) 586-3210. They do great work & only work on Porsche. I've used them, they are good but like all specialty shops sometimes not to cheap. Hope this info helps.

[SolReaver]

Fix a mans car and he drives for a day. Teach him to fix his car and he drives for a lifetime.

[Maleficio]

Fix a mans car and he drives for a day. Teach him to fix his car and he drives for a lifetime.

salute

[SolReaver]

Originally Posted by Maleficio

salute

Vielen Danke

[tisilrad]

Yeah I am a ASE certified master tech and I have trouble sometimes, When people ask about possibly owning or buying one I tell them to forget about it if they cannot work on the car themselves...HOWEVER..given the proper tools and INFORMATION(i.e. workshop manuals, wiring diagrams) I think most people with thechnical savy could fix the mostly minor problems(driveline removal etc not included.

[SolReaver]

I concur Tis, and even if one does choose to have the servicing done by others, at least they will have an understanding of the scope of work involved. IMHO the PM on this model is a little high, but that is to be expected of a 20 something year old flagship porsche that delivers this level of performance and handling. It is just the nature of the beast that it will need parts replaced and systems rebuilt. Parts can be expensive and time is money. The level of difficulty is....above average to high. However, properly equipped and informed MOST technically minded folk will be able to manage. It would be wonderful if I had the resources to sub out some of the work, but if I didn't experience these things for myself I might be skeptical if a mechanic told me that a car that seems to run fine needs thousands of dollars worth of work. Besides, as one mechanic to another....I have done too many pick ups from supposedly good and reputable shops. If I am putting myself on the line with a 20 year old sports car, I want to be sure the job is done right. That does mean that it seems to take forever ( I would starve if I had to work on these things for flat rate and be wealthy if I got hourly) and there is some down time.