Thinking about buying a 928, could use some advice!

mhpd31 · 05-10-2010, 04:46 AM

Hello, I am looking at a 1988 928S4 5 speed option 220 car with 130000 miles on it for $8,000.00. It seems to be in fair condition, not a show car, but not a junker either. No service records though.

Before I ask my questions though, I better give a little background to make sure it is what I am looking for. I have always been a 944 guy, my last being a 1987 turbo. That I modified (did all the work myself) quite a bit with lindsey performance products. I loved the "951" because it was so simple to work on myself and the amount of speed I got out of it for the relatively small price of performance parts was amazing, but sadly I lost that car as it was sitting in the garage when my house burned down.

I then decided I was going to replace that car with a 911, did the research and decided I was going to buy one, until I tried to drive one, at 6 foot 7 280 lbs, I am to big to drive one, my 951 was a "tight" fit, but the 911 was impossible.

I have always loved the beautiful lines of the 928, but have been concerned that the naturally aspirated engine would not have enough kick in the pants for that kind of weight. The reason I gave the background before the questions, is that I do not want to offend anyone with my ignorance on the 928 before asking the questions. I live in rural Arkansas so unless it says Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, my chances for a test drive before I buy are very limited

So my questions are: Will I be able to fit comfortably in this car?
Is it as easy to work on as my 951 was?
Are performance parts as easy to find as they were for my 951?
Can I make it as fast or faster than a modified 951, and if so at what cost?(I did read about the incredible twin turbo setups they have for them, but thats a little out of my price range).
Is there a company like Lindsey for the 928's?
Does this car sound like a good deal or should I be looking for something different (its gotta be a stick though) I am not an automatic fan.

I know this is a long post guys, but it has been over a year now since I have had a sports car, and I am going a little crazy trying to find my new love. I already know that the guys on Pelican are the best, so any advice would be very appreciated.

OHHH guess I better include budget, for my 951 I paid $8,000.00 for the car, and put $6,000.00 in upgrades, I told my wife that I would not top that budget!

firefighter7128 · firefighter7128's Garage

I live in Springdale, Ark and switched from the 944 to the 928. Im happy. You are welcome to come try it on for size. My 84 most likley isnt as quick as the one your looking at, but you may be suprised.
Im 6' 4", 290 and there is ALOT of room . LEO?- Matt

harborman · harborman's Garage

I am 6'3" and have plenty of leg room but I have an automatic not stick so no clutch peddle to deal with. I can stretch my left leg all the way out when in the car. I do have to kind of slide into the car getting in and out however. If you fit in a 944 you should have no problems in a 928.

The 928 is fuel injected and you can get all sorts of turbo chargers and performance parts for them. I am keeping mine pretty much stock as it has plenty of power and very good handling especially in turns and at high speed.

A car with 130K is going to need attention, so find someone who knows the 928 and read this forum, it will tell you a lot you need to know!

RKDinOKC · RKDinOKC's Garage

After I got my GTS a local porsche club member made the comment—"Ah, so I see you got the slowest feeling Porsche they make." Having been a 951 owner I understand the comment very well. The 951 has that turbo kick ie., the torque curve/acceleration increases as the rpms increase. That makes the car feel really fast. The 928 on the other hand has one of the flattest torque curves I've seen for a car. That means the rate of acceleration stays the same as rpms increase and it feels a lot slower than it really is. As an example my stock 951S and 928GT had exactly the same 0-60 times, but the 928 felt much slower.

The other differences are the 928 has such a flat torque curve there is enough torque in the lower rpm range that you don't really need to downshift to pass. The 928 is a smidge heavier and feels a LOT heavier because it takes more effort to operate the steering, and pedals. This is so the 928 has a much less twitchy feel at high speeds making it much more comfortable to drive at high speeds, but also makes it a bit more of a chore to drive at residential/ parking lot speeds. Overall the 951 feels more nimble but that doesn't mean it is. I currently am faster than all the 951s at my local PCA autocross events in my GTS, even some really hopped up ones.

You definately need to drive one before you commit.

Dean_Fuller · 05-10-2010, 10:05 AM

After r&r the seats in mine and my son's I have learned that there are extra holes in the rails so one CAN relocate the seat rails about 1 1/2" farther back if needed for additional leg room.

Danglerb · 05-11-2010, 01:55 AM

928 is one of the best for a tall person cars ever made, but the sun roof takes a serious 2" out of the head room.

XLR8928 · XLR8928's Garage

There's a reason that 928's were more expensive than most other Porsches. It's a more sophistcated (better) automobile. Just my opinion...besides, with the right exhaust system they sound so sweet.
-Kerry

MPDano · MPDano's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by XLR8928

...besides, with the right exhaust system they sound so sweet.
-Kerry

Heck yeah!!! Speaking of exhaust notes. Not for all, but it's for me

mhpd31 · 05-21-2010, 03:17 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, I passed on the one I was looking at, but am definately keping my eyes out for one, and plan to take firefighter up on his offer to take his for a test drive.

BTW MPDano, your exhaust does sound VERY good!!

m21sniper · 05:57 AM

Performance parts for a 928 are extremely expensive. Extremely.

I have kicked the snot out of some 944 Turbos with my 928, but my 928 is far from stock. (300rwhp@2900lbs)

928's are not easy to work on, but then what Porsche is?

Dano your Shark sounds great- i recall you leaving me comments on my YouTube video about the exhaust note of mine too.

(Link to in car video of my 928 in my signature below)

I also like your black phonedials. I just put a set of Turbo Cup 16x8" phonedials on mine.

My 928 is in the shop right now getting a full paint job. Can't wait to get it back!