Maybe...

[pfarah]

Hello everyone. I'm pretty regular over at the 944 forum (own an 84 NA) but wanted to say hello for the following reason: I was approached by a guy today that wants to sell me three 928's in varying condition levels. Two have been in accidents (parts cars) and an 1984 that runs ( owner states). I plan on inspecting the package this weekend and will post pics. These cars have always been my favorite of Porsches although I'm not sure if I'm going to bite... The price is negotiable as this is what I know thus far: The current owners purchased the 84 in 1997; fuel lines have been replaced; new fuel pump, interior needs attention and the timing belt was never changed.

Since owning the 944, I've performed the vast majority of work myself including WP, timing belts and rollers; front suspension work; interior refurbishment; and enough other projects that would have sent me to the poor house if I hired a professional. I'm not too intimidated but may be asking some general questions if I do move forward. Thanks!

Patrick

[Xlot]

Originally Posted by pfarah

Hello everyone. I'm pretty regular over at the 944 forum (own an 84 NA) but wanted to say hello for the following reason: I was approached by a guy today that wants to sell me three 928's in varying condition levels. Two have been in accidents (parts cars) and an 1984 that runs ( owner states). I plan on inspecting the package this weekend and will post pics.

Sounds like a world of hurt! That fact that this guy ended up with 2 parts cars is a massive warning sign - usually the sign of someone trying to fix it cheaply, and biting off more than they can chew.

If you want a 928, hang out here, learn more about them and the differences between each model year, as well as the likely catch-up maintenance.

Personally I'd also avoid 80-84 US models. The pick of the early style is either 78/79 really early cars, or 85/86 (which can be chipped and x-pipe up to 300rwhp).

[tmpusfugit]

I would not preclude 83-84 models. They have the most developed (US) 16v engines, 4 speed auto box, don't generally trash the engine if they break a timing belt, are a bit cheaper to drive over time than is a 32v engined car, and they can generally be bought for reasonable money. True, they don't have the upside to greater HP via chip tuning and the like. What I don't like about them is the rear spoiler, but that is all a matter of taste. From a pure styling perspective I like the '78/79 best....what I would like to buy would be an '85 Euro with no rub strips, no sunroof, and the 16v dual distributor engine..with a 5 speed......

[lfausty]

three one 84 learn the yrs he has and what you need to have for parts to keep the 84 going

example if hes got three he may have thought plenty parts interchange and found to be not the case. example the obv if auto / 5spd no good . example the fuel distrib if cis / inj no interchangeables . example euro vs usa intake smidge bigger not same. ex fender have extra side light, ...

can things get modded sure you can euro a fender lighthole closed to throw on usa .

vice versa things...

you don't want three that will never run cause you cant get any parts together, that's sad,lol

if you totally commit/long haul one two... and go parting to fund everyone needs the same few parts and youll be deep carnage no reversing to fix parted car.

parts cars parting keeping ... regardless some parts have to be new running/safety factor hoses vac/fuel, belts, waterpump, fluids, brakes, shocks/c arm bushings, filters/pumps......

you definitely seem to get it with little guidance, right questions to post to push you through a job, learn different yrs so you know the commitment and $ .

post pics of three and ask away anything everything as you go.

[Danglerb]

Parts cars need space, depending on whats good or bad on each they may or may not be good donors, beware if they are already picked over.

I like the 84 as a nice cheap option, don't like the 78/79 so much due to CI$, do like Euro S, do like 85/86, but don't expect them to be cheap.

[pfarah]

Thanks for the insight guys! The 928 has always been a dream car for me but..., I have much to learn. I do plan on looking at them this weekend and will post pics. I'm still on the fence.

[Danglerb]

If you buy them you won't remain on the fence long, it tends to be love or hate, or more generally some twisted combo.

[924CarreraGTP]

I particularly like the '83 and '84 U.S. cars. The early cars don't have the spoilers and the later 32 valve cars have interference engines. I know other Porsche mechanics that have the beliefs that the '84 928S is one of the best years. So opinions are like butt holes. Everybody has one. The mid 80's 928 and 944 are similar in a way. I can honestly say the 928 is more refined and maybe even more reliable. That's just my experience though. When you've had enough 944's with erratic idle and/or starting problems you begin to appreciate the 928 that much more.

[SanDiego928]

Originally Posted by Danglerb

If you buy them you won't remain on the fence long, it tends to be love or hate, or more generally some twisted combo.

Yes I am in the twisted combo group. I loved driving my car in to work this morning but will hate this afternoon sitting in traffic with no AC.

A person must have bad days to appreciate the good ones.

[pfarah]

924CarreraGTP,

I understand your statement completely when it comes to the 944 erratic idle and hard start. It took me several months of diagnosing, repairing, replacing, screaming, threatening, etc. to remedy my ailing 84. At @100k miles and substantial neglect from previous owners, I've had to replace the DME, idle control valve, air flow meter, plus a host of sensors, vacuum hoses, etc. This doesn't even include the TB, WP, suspension work, interior refurbishment. She purrs quite nicely now but boy am I exhausted (not really) although I could have a nice 928 with all the money and effort I've put into her. Performing some quick research, it does sound like the 84 would be a nice, first 928 to own. I don't beat on any vehicle but enjoy a spirited run through both the countryside and open highway, when warranted. The seller hasn't contacted me yet to schedule an appointment but I'm not really concerned. Until then, my 944 will be just fine...

[924CarreraGTP]

My first 944 was a white 1987 944S. Its had issues with the lights, blinkers, the A/C compressor seized. The alternator smoked and almost caught fire one night. The heater blew 150 degree air onto my feet in the hot summer. It was not a good car, but I loved it none the less. It ran and got me from point A to B fast and in style (with burning feet).
My second 944 was an early 85 944 NA. It ran good for a while but then I started having trouble with hot starts. The car would start and run when cold, but then wouldn't start up when left somewhere for 15 minutes or so. I changed out the fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump check valve, crank sensor, DME, etc never to figure out why the car did what it did. I dumped it to another mechanic and at least got my money out of it. I'm not sure that he has fixed it either.
I now own an '86 944 NA with erratic idle fluctuations, and the other day I cranked on it more than once for it to start. It felt like deja vu from my previous 944. I believe it to also have a battery draw that I'm going to have to figure out.
I've owned other 924s and 944's too, but they were all pretty much the same problems with a different car. Engine mounts, torn seats, and no starts.
Honestly, if the 944 wasn't such a bad a$$ in the corners, I wouldn't own one. It's just a superb handling car. It's light enough that you can push it without fear and know exactly where it's going. The 928 is almost there too, but it can get scary at the point where it breaks loose from a balance between it's own weight and power. I like to drive 928's more than 944's, but I can't afford to fix the 928's as easily when I break stuff. So I often keep a 944 around as my daily driver.

[curtisr]

Originally Posted by Danglerb

If you buy them you won't remain on the fence long, it tends to be love or hate, or more generally some twisted combo.

Especially when you turn the key and the headlamps decide to go up and down like the wipers. Ask me how I know.

The moral? Take care of the electricals...

[924CarreraGTP]

Originally Posted by curtisr

Especially when you turn the key and the headlamps decide to go up and down like the wipers. Ask me how I know.

The moral? Take care of the electricals...

That's your headlight relay in the fuse box. Been there and done that.

[pfarah]

Unfortunately, I haven't heard from the guy yet and my work week ends on Thursdays. Oh well, I'll rely on some patience. BTW: I had the 944 detailed today; with all the dings, rock chips, etc., she still came out quite nice.

[pfarah]

I received a message from the guy this morning unfortunately, I'm going out of town this weekend so next weekend it is...