alkemyst

Hi everyone.

When I first joined I was looking for a nice 952 that I later decided to go with a 240SX instead (1998 with low miles and totally stock/mint). My career quickly took off and I upgraded to a 2006 M3 Comp Pack car with only 25k on the clock.

Divorce hit so I sold the M3 off and kept the 2012 Mazda 3 GT I had as a daily driver and I have a baby on the way in Feb.

However; I am preparing for my next car (this is probably two years out, but as a project I need more planning and saving than just looking for something to buy outright. I want to make sure I have a reserved budget assuming I get into it and the worse happens) and I am focused on a 928, esp the 1991 GT and more than likely a LSx swap and T56 6 speed replacement. I am hoping to do a Z06 type of build...not sure if I want to go dry sump or just stick conventional oiling. I have built up a lot of cars in my life.

One of the biggest advantages I see of starting with the swap is I know all the deferred maintenance, at least under the hood is taken care of. I can rebuild brake calipers all day long The purists may hate me, but I drive my cars hard and that requires maintenance. I have never been a "Chevy" guy, but the simplicity of a push-rod V8 that can turn nearly 30mpg on the highway and put out 400+ HP at the wheels plus be able to be repaired with "Auto Zone" parts is pretty impressive in my book. Plus I love the T56 tranny.

Back then I wanted a smaller more nimble car, today a GT is more my speed. I am over jarring metal bushing suspensions, droning on the inside of the cabin and all that.

My questions are:

1) Does anyone know the exact interior changes between the GTS and the GT? I can't find a site that lists them all. I really don't like the rear bumper on the GTS, I do like the flares. I will be searching for 'dead' GTS's when I look. I am not going to pay a premium for a running GTS. I'd really like the pollen filter option, but I have lived without one until recently.

2) Is there a really good site on doing the LSx and T56 swap specifically on the 928 and various engine options? I have been bitten by timing belts (well helping my friends fix the damage) and really don't want to deal with that.

3) If I have to settle for a S4 automatic, I read an article on swapping from auto to manual; but has anyone done this here and can give me some hidden snafu advice. It looks very straightforward except that one firewall bracket that has to be rewelded in place (getting it aligned perfectly).

4) What does it take with PSD to get a larger (higher numerical) rear end gear or is there a total rear end replacement that still works as well? I don't need to hit 170+ mph. The fastest I have ever been was 155mph and that's really moving (I was younger then, my highest speeding ticket was 127mph back in those days).

Also if I am looking for a nice 1991 GT, what is the ballpark figure today and is it creeping up or is that still just GTS territory still. It's sad and also great the 928 has been relatively ignored by the car scene. I just hope by the time I do my project prices have not climbed.

Anyways, Happy Holidays to everyone and I am glad Rennlist is still going strong.

Å

soontobered84

You seem like a nice enough guy, but it really sounds to me that what you want is a Corvette. I hope the rising market values price you out of bastardizing ANY GT or GTS. There just aren't that many around.

alkemyst

I want something unique.

If I end up with a running example, I am not going to swap it out. I am planning on a restoration though. I tend to replace all the little pieces on my cars when they even show a little wear.

Looking to find a nice interior/body with mechanical issues that the owner is not willing to pay to fix under the hood.

I love the corvette behind the wheel. I just don't like seeing my car EVERYWHERE, even the new Sting Rays down here are all over the place (S. Florida).

I get the purist crowd. I just want the car for me.

Also if with my plans a slightly older version makes more sense I am open to that. I do want the digital dash though. The better soundproofing and the like I can probably do myself.

Bertrand Daoust

If you want a '91 GT (or GTS), get a nice one a leave it like it was when it came out of the factory.
That's what these car are all about.

I would never change anything - well almost anything - on these great cars!

But that's me...

And if you want to get one, better do it sooner than later.
Price are going up for sure on these two and the early model... For now.

Good luck in your search and welcome to Rennlist.

alkemyst

Thanks. I really don't care what is powering my car as long as it looks nice under the hood.

I am really trying to find one broken that I can do a full restore on reasonably (<$40k)

uncre8tv

You can buy a low miles, no restoration needed, perfect GT for under $60k from Willhoit. Project cars are generally not GTs, they were kept in good running order and it seems like the "cheap" ones are still in the mid-teens. There are a few cosmetically rough S4s out there that are easy in 4 figures. And then the OB cars will vary greatly. From a few grand for a running but ugly toy to high teens for a very clean and well sorted example.

So in bullet point form
- S4 is way more likely than GT for a "fix 'er upper"
- Most won't need an engine transplant - electrical and cosmetic issues abound out there, but it's not like there's "non runners" all over the place. The perception of the 928 powerplant as unreliable is just wrong.
- Starting points in the GT body style (S4, GT, GTS) can be found for $5k to $10k

Finally I will join in the chorus (what did you expect here) that swapping out the Porsche motor for an LS is ugly. The 928 V8 was a beautiful 90 degree engine with a wonderful noise and great power/torque. Power adders (FI, tuning, etc) are on the market and not too much more expensive than their LS equivalents. The block can take a LOT of hp. Just learn to change a timing belt, get used to buying a few more quarts for an oil change, and you'll find that maintenance costs are negligably different than any other motor you'd tinker with. If you want to set it and forget it, but a 'Vette. No venom in that - it's just easier on you and on the stock of original cars out there.

Richard S

Hook up with Larry...he has already done a similar project on a 91 GT, although built as a track car.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...rack-pics.html

Rich

alkemyst

I do know the original engine was a good one...however; deferred maintenance has ended some.

I know Willhoit's site, I bought my 2006 BMW from EAG at a premium. With a new baby, I don't want to pay premiums. Maybe I can show the kids (I inherited a 12 and 16 year old two years ago) how to work on cars like my dad did for me at 16. I had to pay the $3600 price of my 1966 Mustang GT and my dad then instructed me to restore it (he footed the bill), I had to remove every screw, bolt and nut. If they couldn't be restored I had to replace them.

Buying a great 91 GT and adding $13k for either a supercharger or dual turbo pushes my limits.

SteveG

Pardon me?

(But you don't want to meet anyone else in the same car, ginning around town.) Putting a Chevy in there will set you apart.

Well, that is raw meat here. Seriously, a little searching here will show you that you can do almost anything you want. It's just money. Have at it.

A friend who has a Testarossa said he is amused by people that buy a car and immediately start changing it. They must not have bought the right car in the first place. If you want a tourer, buy that. If you want a rocket, buy a Viper or similar. If you want a 5-speed, buy a 5-speed, I think you will spend more changing it. But I do understand that part of the joy is making it your own. Understand that the more unique you make it, the smaller the market should you ever want to sell.

I understand you are doing research here by asking the questions you have asked. I would also hook up with some local owners and get a ride in as many various MY as you are interested in.

alkemyst

Not really, but thanks.

SeanR

Quick and easy.

Don't fvck up a Gt or GTS with what you are wanting to do.

Grab an S4 and have at it.

JWise

+928(GT)

Calgary Ole

An S4 would be my opinion as well.

Chuck Schreiber

Agree!!

worf928

What everybody else said.

If you're going to throw away the drivetrain there is NO point whatsoever in starting with a GT as it is the GT-specific engine and transaxle that set them apart (mostly). Get an '87 (non-squirter block) or '88 and have at it.

You might as well get a pre-S4 if you're going to throw away the S4 motor.

Now, if you find one - any 928 - as a non-runner then have at it.