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I did this write-up per BaT's request - they never posted it - I guess it wasn't inspiring enough...
I was following BaT daily in search of a vintage project car (one I could get to know intimately, wrench on, road trip in and take to the local shows), when I narrowed my quest to my adolescent dream car – the Porsche 928. I was looking for a clean, driver quality car in need of some mechanical freshening; one with solid bones that I could rejuvenate. At the time, it seemed BaT was offering two to three 928s each week with lots of choices, from low mileage, collector-grade examples to those in need of some work. I bid on one early in the spring, but it was not to be.
Appearing the week we were at the beach on vacation were a black 5-speed out of Michigan and a No Reserve GP white automatic at a dealership in nearby Pa. The black one was quickly bid up to above my budget, so my focus turned to the white one, which was also getting up there in price, but stalled halfway through the auction. On auction day, with two minutes to go I placed a bid, thoroughly expecting others to jump in, but as the timer ticked down… crickets. No other bids. It was a No Reserve, and I won! “Hey Honey, guess what? I just bought a 928!”
Arrangements with the selling dealer were seamless, and plans were made for my wife and me to drive the two hours, take delivery, and drive my new acquisition home. The 928 appeared as presented in the auction, but had several additional minor flaws beyond what was disclosed – acceptable, as it was offered at No Reserve. A brief test drive around the block left me a bit underwhelmed. Is this how a 32 year old 928 is supposed to drive? I don’t know, I never drove one before. However, being one who meets my obligations, I closed the deal, and we headed out.
The ride home was a bit unnerving. Would it make the 100 mile drive in the heat of the summer, A/C blasting? Old Timing Belt? Outdated tires? I soon identified a drivability issue, where the automatic transmission would not always shift into top gear on the highway. I figured out how to circumvent the problem, and we made it home fine after driving through an unexpected mid-summer deluge. My first impression after a few hours of seat time was that the car felt very heavy, planted on the road. The steering is heavy, the throttle is heavy – very strange in comparison to modern cars. It makes you work to get a result! It is a feeling that took me a bit of time to embrace, but I now relish it.
Once home, I evaluated what I had, made a list of needs, rated them in severity, and began the process of researching parts and methods. I also did a thorough cleaning and detailing, catching areas missed by the seller’s detailer, and cleaning and degreasing the chassis, suspension and under-hood. I began bringing it to local shows, where it did get a good deal of attention – when was the last time you saw a 928 on the road?
Over the last several months, I’ve completed the most intrusive maintenance projects I’ve ever attempted on a car, courtesy of this 928, and I have enjoyed almost every minute. I’ve learned a lot about the car, tackling projects like the timing belt/water pump/tensioner, engine mounts, shocks, hoses, fluids and scores of smaller tasks. With the addition of a new set of factory spec tires, it was now mechanically sound and running strong. My attention then turned to the interior, where I just completed a new carpet set installation – all 26 pieces! Looking and running great, my 928 is now ready for the upcoming driving season and has certainly fulfilled the goals I set forth in my vintage car quest. Now, I have to get another one…
I’d like to thank the previous owner of ~30 years, a gentlemen out of Texas, for being such a good steward of this 928S4; with maintenance records dating back to when it was still under factory warrantee, a lot of good work kept this baby running long enough for it to make it to its next stage in life.
Thought I would continue to add info to this post as I complete projects.
I purchased a used manifold and cam covers and started refinishing them in Dec. '19. I refinished them at home primarily using POR15 products. Hopefully, they hold up. Along with a myriad of sensors, gaskets, seals, hoses, check valves, etc. procured from our outstanding suppliers, I sent the injectors out to RC for cleaning and testing. Based on the test report, what I sent them was a pathetic pile of garbage, and what they returned are like new.
Almost complete with the intake, et. al. refresh
Finally buttoned everything up - fired her up, now it runs like I always thought it should. Looking forward to putting miles on this season. (air filter on wrong, but that's the way the car came and it was brand new, so, until I replace it....)
Last edited by Geza; 03-18-2020 at 09:17 AM.
Reason: Added new information
Would you be willing to share where you got the underbody cleaned? My 944, which I won on BaT, looks to have had years of a leaking RMS, with the accompanying oil and sludge build up all over the bottom of the car. Even here in what should be a pretty car-happy part of PA I'm having trouble finding a place that will steam clean the underbody. I get that it's a protective layer, at this point, but it's also the case that my P cars are not going to be driven in the winter, so salt is not a concern for the future.
That's a good looking S4. I'm still getting the basics sorted on my own (transmission mounts are up next) to see about making sure I get the car to how it "should" drive. It's different than all my other cars, for sure, and I love the rumble.
Would you be willing to share where you got the underbody cleaned?
In my garage, with a lot of latex gloves, paper towels, WD-40 and elbow grease. I call it therapy. With a leaking sump gasket, my entire front end was filthy with grime. And a leaky trans did the same to the rear. Now, it's pretty clean underneath.
Good work!
What year?
How did you resolve the tranny failing to get into 4th?
How many miles on the odo?
Make up a signature with some basic info about the car.
Thanks, Bill. It's a '87 with 130K miles, 3K of which I added over the last 15 months - this is a lot of miles for me to add to a single car these days (I work from home and have a few others which also require exercise).
On the trip home, I got it to shift to 4th on the highway by nailing the throttle for a second or 2 then abruptly lifting off, which caused the trans to shift up. Once home, it started to behave properly once I changed the fluid and properly adjusted the level, and started driving it somewhat regularly. I also fiddled with the Bowden cable (tightened it up a bit). Now it works fine - it will actually start in 1st if I nail it from a stop. Now, I'm trying to troubleshoot an engine vibration issue. https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ce-sought.html and plan on a top engine refinish/refresh over the winter.
Great story and beautiful car! I believe we met and talked at Hershey this year. I remember the full size spare (Boxster spare, right?) and cover distinctly.
11-01-2019, 02:08 PM
My never posted BaT Success Story
