GSL-SEX2

Hello everyone.

I'm considering purchasing an early 928 (pre-'85). Trying to snag a Euro 5-speed model.

What should I be expecting?

My previous "performance" cars were a '85 RX-7 GSL-SE. This 2600 pound car had awesome handling. Followed by a '95 Cobra convertible. Heavy, 235 HP, bad suspension. I thought it needed at least another hundred horsepower. My current car is a '90 Mustang GT vert. It needs another 100 HP, has a ridiculously flimsy chassis, and has a bad suspension design. Fit and finish on the Fords is pretty poor, along with excessive noise/harshness/vibration.

Good thing about Stangs is they are easy to modify. What are some options for the 928 as far as increased performance? I don't want to get smoked by a Mustang or Camaro (or especially a ricer) in a PORSCHE.

Thanks guys,
IJ

Sharkbait

If you don't get a near-perfect example, you can expect what I got..a $7,000 repair bill on top of the purchase price.

hacker-pschorr

Sharkbait, you made the mistake of buying one of those overly expensive 32 valve cars.

Jessa

The 310hp 16v Euro S cars were, I think available up to '86. The are power upgrade options, with the biggest gains being from stokers and superchargers. Either way you go, expect to spend a lot to get there.

The early cars are at least 20 years old. Finding something pristine will be difficult, and the price will reflect it. An early 928 in moderate to poor cosmetic condition will be fairly cheap to buy. No matter how pretty it is, count on spending a few thousand on catch-up and preventitive maintainence once you take it home.

Getting a Euro car in the US has some special considerations. Most have been modified in some way in order to federalized. Thing like cat or extra side markers slapped on. Sometimes people find "interesting" electrical hacks that were made as a result. Check on the car's history. In California, it is either very difficult or impossible to import a Euro 928 from out of state at this point. Check your state's laws to be sure you can register the car.

Searching the archives here is great for researching a specific question. The "new visitors" thread has links to some good 928 websites and vendors.

rixter

ditto what the others have said, also if you're buying this to keep up with the local muscle cars going stoplight to stoplight you may find this is not what you're looking for, while a 928 is very fast it is a touring car and is best high speed highway for long stretches and not necessarily a "drag" car
not trying to turn you away from the 928 but more of an fyi, btdt

SharkSkin

If you get a 78 or 79 US model or up to(I think) 84 Euro, these cars have a much simpler CIS fuel injection system. Later cars have a lot more complex engine management; more of a PITA to troubleshoot and maintain, but you get another ~100hp+ in return. Watch out for Aluminum ball joint carriers on the early cars... they are prone to fail without warning. They can be upgraded to steel relatively easlily though... just more $ on top of whatever obvious, immediate issues need attention.

bcdavis

The early cars are not much of a drag-racer. So if you want that kind of power, you will need to look into a supercharger kit. Which is not cheap. Maybe you can try driving the car, and see what you think about the power, and comfort, and handling. Then if you love it, and want more power, you can save up for a supercharger kit. But stock, they are not that fast off the line, but probably not too much slower than your past cars. But once if gets going, it will haul *** at higher speeds. It is just not geared as a drag racer. But it has more horsepower than your other cars. It just comes into play at higher RPM, etc. The other thing, is that an early car may not be as perfect on the interior, exterior. If you want a really nice 928, you may have to look at the newer ones. One thing to consider, is that with the extra $ you will spend fixing an older 928, maybe redoing some of the interior, or maybe having to deal with old paint, you can get a newer one, and save all that money, and have a car that is newer, nicer, and has a bit more power. So I'd drive a newer 928s4, just to compare them.

Joe F

[QUOTE=GSL-SEX2]Hello everyone.

I'm considering purchasing an early 928 (pre-'85). Trying to snag a Euro 5-speed model.

What should I be expecting?"

Big FUN Bring $$$.

Probably will need trans rebuilt because synchros are weak design and usually are in bad shape either from wear and tear, or the twin disc clutch being out of adjustment at some point in thier life.

You don't say where you are located, but passing emission tests can be a challenge. Do your homework on how difficult it is to register a euro car in your area.

"Good thing about Stangs is they are easy to modify. What are some options for the 928 as far as increased performance?"

Others have said strokers and superchargers, but that is big $$ for either. Easiest mods would be headers and better flowing, lighter exhaust. But, keep in mind the emissions question when looking at changing exhaust systems.


"I don't want to get smoked by a Mustang or Camaro (or especially a ricer) in a PORSCHE."


I'm not sure what constitutes "getting smoked" by Mustang means, but stoplight drag racing is not the forte of early Euro S. The weak synchros make for poor off-the-line performance. Now from 40mph to ???, I think you will be pleased. The early euros had 2.73 gears vs. the 2.20 gears in the US models. This makes them feel peppier (sp?) but probably limit their top end a bit.

I like my Euro, but I would recommend you drive a 5speed S4 as a comparison before you buy. The more knowledgeable you are about the differences, the better decision you will make.

Good Luck

FlyingDog

How can you tell which are in the car?

ViribusUnits

Magnet. A magnet won't stick to the lower ball joint carriers, but it will stick really well to the steel carriers.

Btw, I've got an early car for sale. I don't know if your looking for a project or not, but if you are we can cut a deal.

Simon Jester

Ditti what everyone else has said so far.

Mine was a track car and was mechanically better than most early models. What I saved on drivetrain stuff, I spent putting in the interior. Not to mention the air conditioning system. (Cutting out the roll cage was somewhat unpleasant too.)

Still....

The initial bill on top of the purchase price will be a couple of grand minimum. For me it was steel ball-joint carriers, synchros, revamp of the oil cooling system and replacement of some noisy lifters.

I love the early cars, they're simpler. I got one with no sunroof.

This is without question the finest Sport Grand Touring car I've ever driven.

Green Goblin

Don't be in a hurry to get one. Take your time and when one comes around make sure you have it
checked out. When I purchased my 83 Euro I shure learnd alot after I bought it. Check the history,
my timing belt had 10,000 miles on it but it was 10 years old, soI did the timing belt, water pump,
seals, pulley upgrade. I also did tune up, filters, hoses, belts. It was alot more expensive than what
I thought. I almost sold the car. Then the ball joint issue. But after all that money and time it sure
is worth it. I also was concerned about emitions, but if the car is running right it should be no prob.
These cars were so ahead of there time it is not even funny. It makes you feel real good when
people driving 100,000 twin turbo's give me the thumbs up. Be patient when the right one comes along have someone on this sight or a reputable shop check it out! It is worth every penny for that inspection because I would rather lose 200 or 300 buck then thousands on a bad 928. Alot of owners didnt take care of one of the most expensive cars of it era. Have alot of fun, dont get scared away, these cars are the best. GET A 5 SPEED!


Andy 83 Euro