tv

Do 1 project at a time and be disciplined. I pulled my engine, had to, and cleaned the engine bay and engine spotless, sanded and repainted the support bar. Took the oil pan off and looked inside, everything looked good so I put on the new gasket correctly and then new motor mounts and put it back together. I didn't search for new trouble, like the steering rack, it looked good and worked fine. Some other day that can be rebuilt, when its required.

Why new lifters if they were working fine?

Do 1 job at a time get it done and then drive. Then save money, buy parts, and when you have them all sitting there do the next job , like replacing the suspension. But don't just tear into 5 different unnecessary jobs at once. too easy to become overwhelmed. Also prioritize, why bother with headlight washers that are never used, wasted money, do brakes or something inside first. my .02

timbuktoo

Matt- I'm a bit younger than you, and I have the same perfectionist mentality for most things. my 86 S is right now in need of some work also, and I have told my self that I will be limiting myself to pulling only the intake, injector rails, spark plugs, and doing the tb/wp. hopefully I don't spiral out of control also...

Edrozzy

So I am not a DIY guy but considering an 88 "928 S4" with 110,000. Claimed to be clean and maintained. worried about oil leaks, and need to tear down engine and trans for dried out gaskets etc. also gremlins in the electrical system. perhaps just too old a ride for someone who just wants to drive. Thoughts?

OTR18WHEELER

Just walk away...., you can't afford a 928.

fossberry

As someone famously wrote a while ago - No DIY skills = needing a well endowed wallet. Owning one of these beasties is like having a retired supermodel as a girlfriend, who has a drug addiction....and knows your credit card PIN. But hey...I love my S4 and love fussing over her, doing the stuff within my ability and leaving the complex stuff to my trusted mechanic. But what I love more is turning the key, hearing that 5L V8 growl as you head for the hills with a big **** eating grin on your face

dr bob

Welcome to the group! Start a new thread about the car and your intentions, as your questions are tangent at best to the thread subject here.

In the meanwhile, spend time reading through the "new visitors" thread at the top. It has a lot of info and shared experiences from many who have walked the path before you.

928NOOBIE

Not only does she have your PIN, she's holding your grandchildren for ransom. Keeping them running and going is one thing but once you cross the line into upgrades...well..it's pretty much all over with except the crying..

Captain_Slow

I don't have this problem. I have done more than I ever thought I would do...and still feel like I'm just getting started. Owning a 928 is kinda like trying to comprehend the Universe - there is no "edge" (end) of what needs to be done. So you prioritize and pay attention to the next two or three most important things to do next. One hopes to eventually reach the point where the ongoing tasks are scheduled maintenance.

ltoolio

After close to 2 years in on ownership, I've found that my WYAIT projects grow exponentially with almost everything I start. While I'm removing one thing, another thing that needs some maintenance becomes easier to do. So I start tackling that, too.

Example - the desk pads for my side mirrors were broken, so I ordered new ones. Once I got in, I saw that the wiring on it was a bit sub-optimal. Since I had to open the door panel to fix the wiring, I figured "Hey, door panel is off, I really should fix the window motor/mechanics".

I don't regret all of the work that I've done and still have yet to do, but it's caused me to develop a much greater sense of patience....the end result will be worth the wait & the work, and like Captain_Slow mentioned - I hope to get to the point of *mostly* only needing to do regular maintenance.