Flott Leben

I know this will likely be expensive, but does anyone have any knowledge of what is involved to retrofit a Porsche airbag system to an '87 S4?. Does anyone have a schematic of the system, ie., the airbags, computer, sensors, etc?

Let's say you took the system from a GT or GTS and wanted to install it in the S4. What would be the parts and labor costs? Does anyone know of a shop that would handle such a project? Thanks.

MikeN

In my opinion this is not even feasible. You are looking at an all new dash if you want a passengers airbag, new steering wheel, bags, sensors, wiring, well you already said it. Not an easy retro by any means.....

You would be much better off finding a '90 or above........

tuk_928

I think I saw a thread on this a while back...expensive is the key word. Why not buy a newer shark instead? The difference in price between selling your 87 s4 5spd and a newer shark with airbag would probably be equal to the cost of installing the SRS (supplemental restraint system). Not worth your money...IMHO.

Flott Leben

I know, I know, I know. It will be expensive.


I just want to see if it is possible and if someone will do it.

Let's say we cut costs a little - say you were just installing the driver's airbag. Any thoughts on this setup and procedure?

Thanks to all!

Jim bailey - 928 International

Flott ...I doubt that any shop would do such a job the potential liability far far outweighs what they could possibly ever think they might make . If it failed to work they are at risk BUT if it goes off at the wrong time the explosive charge in an airbag is dangerous . The airbag cars use a different size steering column , different instrument cluster with the dimmer swith and intermittent wiper moved AWAY from the steering column so stray electrons are less likely to burst the bubble . All of the electrical parts in the system (sensors brain )according to Porsche must be NEW ............. If you wish to be "safe" install a 5 point racing harness and use it .

borland

You can do it. The biggest problem is the dash would need to be replaced to accomodate the passenger air bag. Pod is different too, but you could use your old cluster. The airbag controller wouldn't be able to send a warning signal to the instrument cluster. You'll need:

Airbag controller
left and right impact sensors
wiring harness
steering wheel
dash
pod
knee protector
upper steering column w/ later model steering wheel tilt mechanism
turn signal mechanism with clockspring

hacker-pschorr

I guess it's up to me to ask: Why would you want to? I like Jim's 5-point idea better. With a 5-point on, you wouldn't even hit the air bag.

low miler

Just leave it the way it is and don't get in any accidents!

PorKen

"I like Jim's 5-point idea better. With a 5-point on, you wouldn't even hit the air bag."

Don't forget your HANS device!

Lizard928

I vote for a 6 point harness

heinrich

It can be done and I am the kind of guy that would do it just because. I replaced my entire interior, and if I wanted airbags I would do it. No problem. If it all works in one car it will work in another car too. The important thing to remember is to buy good parts. As Jim says you wouldn't want anything to go off as you're exiting the freeway at say 120mph ...... or on a track at 100, hitting high G's ..... or on the freeway at 160 ...... etc etc.

borland

Also the center console is different (only the upper right corner); so that would be required too.

Dave H.

yes you are.
sorry, i disagree. you're installing a very complex system (even for 89) in a car that didn't have it at all and you can't garantee that it will work when needed or won't go off unintentionally, causing an accident...

doing this would be a complete waste of money and asking for serious trouble (injury and liability -wise). buying a car with factory installed airbags is the ONLY way to know they'll work as advertised...

heinrich

What is the extra ingredient that you would add that would cause problems? Incompetence is the only possible one. Because if you take two 928's that are exactly the same and you swap engine or airbag or ABS or gearbox ... it is no different in its new home.

Dave H.

willing to risk your or Marrisa's life on it?