Notices
928 Forum 1978-1995
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: 928 Specialists

VIN decoder

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 01:23 PM
  #1  
aircooler's Avatar
aircooler
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 46
From: Carlisle, Ontario, Canada
Default VIN decoder

Hello all,

I have just finished a V.I.N. section on my web site. It is all of the 928 VIN information that I could find. I am still lacking two pieces of information. They are:

1) In the VDS code section (digits 4 - 6), I cannot find any references to the 928 body code (digit 4). All that I have seen is "J". I have found information on other Porsche body codes like those for the 911 (cab, targa, etc...), but nothing for the 928. Does anyone have any reference info on this 928 body code?

2) The model sub-type (digit 13). I don't have much info on this either. Anyone have some data?

Please have a look. Any input would be appreciated.

Here is the link



Cheers,
Mike
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 01:38 PM
  #2  
tuk_928's Avatar
tuk_928
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
From: North Central Florida (Gainesville) USA
Default

Mike,
I love it!!! I think your site is a very fine contribution to the 928 community....an excellent resource for common modifications like the analog clock upgrade and other worthwhile / tasteful mods.
Keep up the great work!!!
Best regards,
Tim
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 01:46 PM
  #3  
GlenL's Avatar
GlenL
Nordschleife Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,742
Likes: 78
From: Minneapolis
Default

Mike,

Nice and easy to use. I did think one digit carried the engine code. Maybe just in the old style VIN?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 02:17 PM
  #4  
Jim V's Avatar
Jim V
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 2
Default

Mike,

Some input; the VIN stamping on the chassis was located on the inner fender or "skirt" on the earlier cars, behind where the ingnition box is mounted. Not sure what year they moved it up to the top with the cut-out fenders.

Digit 13:

0 = '80-'82 ROW 928
1 = '80 USA 928
2 = "81-'82 USA 928
4 = ('80)-'84 ROW 928 "S"
6 = "82-84 USA 928 "S"

I only have this thru '84 but I think the "4" and "6" are used up to the S4.
No actual info on the '80 ROW "S" model, but assume it's the same as the "81+.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 02:23 PM
  #5  
Jim V's Avatar
Jim V
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 2
Default

Small mistake; for the '80 MY digit 13 would actually be in position 6, typical VIN: 92AO81xxxx.

Glen, if you get a moment perhaps you could fill in the missing # for the 6th position on the '80 Euro S?
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 05:28 PM
  #6  
tuk_928's Avatar
tuk_928
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
From: North Central Florida (Gainesville) USA
Default

Is there any information available for decoding the ENGINE #s? Just curious...newbie question, I know.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 05:35 PM
  #7  
Rez's Avatar
Rez
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 0
From: The Vacation State
Default

Mike,

Great resource. I'll take a picture of the VIN on MY 80' and post it tonight for kicks.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 10:00 PM
  #8  
GlenL's Avatar
GlenL
Nordschleife Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,742
Likes: 78
From: Minneapolis
Default

Originally posted by Jim V
Glen, if you get a moment perhaps you could fill in the missing # for the 6th position on the '80 Euro S?
A "2" in the sixth spot indicates the "S" engine.

Now where's my tech spec booklet?
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

One-Off Porsche 911 S/T Takes Inspiration From Famous '70s Race Car

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 10:27 PM
  #9  
Jim V's Avatar
Jim V
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 2
Default

Thanks Glen, I'll jot that down for future reference.
Oddly, the little white book that I have covers the '80 "S" but the VIN info is absent for that MY.
Reply
Old Feb 19, 2004 | 10:45 PM
  #10  
aircooler's Avatar
aircooler
Thread Starter
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 46
From: Carlisle, Ontario, Canada
Default

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Glen L, I have been focusing on the S4 and later V.I.N.'s, so I don't know too much about pre S4 and Euro models. It would be great to get some good info on the earlier 928 though. The only digit that I could find that references engine is the 2nd digit of the VDS code (or digit 5 of 17). From my research I have only found this digit to be either A (engine for Canada) or B (engine for the US). I don't think that there is any reference to engine or transmission in the V.I.N., at least not the for the later cars.

Glen you also wrote "A 2 in the sixth spot indicates the S engine." From what I have found when digit #6 is a 2, it signifies "Manual seat belts, with drivers and passenger side airbag". Is this difference due to earlier vs. later model year V.I.N.s?

Jim V, this is what I am looking for. The only thing is my 88 S4 has a 6 as digit 13. Is your "digit 13" data up to a particular year. I would love to see digit 13 info for later model cars.

Thanks for the tip on the earlier cars having a different chassis stamp location. Could you elaborate on this location? I can't really picture it in my mind.

Tim, I will send you some engine data.

Thanks Rez, I would love to see the MY 80 V.I.N.

Cheers,
Mike
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2004 | 12:02 AM
  #11  
Jim V's Avatar
Jim V
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 2
Default

Mike,

The info I have only covers up to MY '84 and is taken from the little white "Models Dimensions Tolerances" books. There is also some VIN info in the back of the "Parts & Technical Reference Catalog" for water cooled models 1977-1988.

I can scan and send any of this if you like.

The 78-80 928 (and '80 "S") used a 10 digit VIN code with the 78-9 being one format, and the '80 being unique to that year. The engine designation appears as the 5th digit for '78-9, and as the 6th digit for '80.

Going from old unconfirmed info for the 3 digit VDS code I remember it being explained as only on North American deliveries(all others use XXX), 1st digit was the car model (928,911..), 2nd was country (Canada, USA, (Mexico??)), 3rd was body type ( coupe, cabrio...). I might have 1st and 3rd backwards. Does that seem to fit?

The chassis VIN on the early cars is on the same panel as the later cars, except that it's far forward and on the verticle plane. It has to be read from the engine bay, several inches behind the radiator and s few inches down from the fender mount lip. The square aluminum ignition box thats used on the early models is mounted right across the top of the location (probably why it was moved)
Reply




All times are GMT -3. The time now is 09:25 PM.

story-0
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

Slideshow: Porsche's wildest paint colors aren't just shades-they're full-blown personalities on four wheels.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:38:13


VIEW MORE
story-2
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

Slideshow: The last of the Speedsters doesn't just close a chapter, it makes quite the bold, air-cooled statement.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:55:04


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

Slideshow: Going to a Porsche dealership may not be the dream experience you expect it to be and these are the reasons why.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 13:54:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

Slideshow: Porsche just proved-again-that precision engineering can outrun brute force at the Nürburgring.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-18 20:27:02


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

Slideshow: Six reasons why you will love the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C and 1 reason you will hate it.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 10:21:39


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

Slideshow: Some of the most desirable Porsche models are those that were sold to the public solely for homologation purposes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:54:26


VIEW MORE
story-7
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

Slideshow: The lone BTR III-spec Targa features rare RUF engineering with a 430-hp turbo flat-six and fewer than 30 miles since its rebuild.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-06 20:03:25


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

Slideshow: If you want to start a debate with a Porsche friend, these 10 opinions are a great way to get started.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-02 16:53:02


VIEW MORE
story-9
One-Off Porsche 911 S/T Takes Inspiration From Famous '70s Race Car

Slideshow: A one-off Porsche 911 S/T created through the Sonderwunsch program pays tribute to a little-known 1970s race car from the Camel GT Challenge.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-30 19:44:11


VIEW MORE