blazing928

Hi All,

need help from those in the know as to whether the plusses and extra complexity of a 90 model are worth the extra money compared to a 87/88 S4?

1/ Is the PSD much use on the track and how reliable is it?

2/ Do the GT heads and intake make a difference in "real" performance? EG: less torque or more torque, better at high speeds etc.

3/ The digital dash, much real info or prone to failure?

Any assistance will be much appreciated

Nigel
Melbourne Australia

Cameron

I have a '91 GT. I had a '90 S4. The PSD is very active on the track in DE's and on the street. I had the PSD serviced one time in each car and no issues. I never drove a non PSD car on the track, so I can't give you a comparison there. The GT heads, exhaust and electronics do make a big difference in my opinion. Once you tick over 4k rpm the GT motor really screams. Most dynos show that there is more the advertised 10 hp difference in stock config. Also, the GT motor is really nice on the track since you have a nice wide area to work with (4000 - 6775 rpm). That, combined with a well spaced 5 speed, mean that you are always in the engines sweet spot (except you *** up the 3 - 2 downshift in the breaking zone preparing for those really tight corners so you leave it in third instead - which I have been known to do on occassion).

Almost 6 years of digital dash ownership between the two cars and no issues for me there.

Since my S4 was a '90, by definition it was an auto. I have not driven a 5 speed S4. The engine tweeks and the final drive ratio in the GT brought the 0-60 time down by about 3/10 sec compared to S4 according to Porsche.

blazing928

Thanks Cameron
great info.
[Only looking at autos, my wife can't drive a manual ! and will use mostly in the city.]
I used to rtace an Alfa quite a lot, so I like the idea of a LSD of sorts. Better to go sideways_____!
regards
Nigel

John Veninger

There are no GT auto's , so the power will be the same from 87-91.
I've never had a problem with my PSD or dash....yet

blazing928

John
on the Australian < www.landsharkoz.com > site [ http://www.landsharkoz.com/evolution.htm ], the evolution page says that model year 90, vin 92LS84 has the same heads and intake as the GT - which of course is a manual.
I am assuming[! yikes - dangerous I know] that as GTs are mentioned seperately that the autos got the GT heads as well.
Nigel

John Veninger

Not the same cams or electronics

Cameron

I think rear end went from about a 2.20 to a 2.54 in '89 or '90 giving a bit better jump off the line in the later auto box cars. I don't recall the exact year of the change or the improvement in terms of a stat like a 0-60 time. Details should be available on 928gt.com.

blazing928

John
thanks, enligtnenment is joy!

Has anyone chipped a 90 auto? Is it worth it?

On another topic I once read that a GTS with GT cams [or maybe Clubsport cams] would have been faster than the Turbo but Porsche couldn't have the GTS faster than the Turbo so as not to **** off the air butts!
Nigel

John Veninger

Cameron,
You are correct, for the US
The Euro model had the 2:54 in 87-91
Niel is in Australia, so I think there is no difference for him.

Chris

One interesting thing in the US (no idea whether Australia is the same way) is that the 90S4's seem to be a little unloved .... prices are generally lower than other MY's. You get more car for your money.

Chris

blazing928

Chris
same here. 90S4's around AUD$30,000 and some 87's at AUD$38,000 down to $25,000. [all asking prices not sellling prices]
There never seems to be rhyme or reason . I can only think that some feel the extra electrical complexity with 89s and above may be the reason. Sellers here try to push 87s as "simple" with nothing to go wrong compared to later more complex cars.
One reason why I troll the forum trying to seperate fact from fiction.
Nigel

Chris

Interesting, some things are global ... who would have guessed. If you are going to do your own wrenching and prefer a more refined ride i'd go for the 90, if you can find one that has been well looked after that is. A 928 nail is a nail not matter what the year.

Chris

John Veninger

Just another FYI- The 89+ has a thicker head casting by the head bolt holes to prevent cracking. Doesn't happen often, but enough that the factor made a casting change.

hans14914

My vote is an 89. When i was shopping for my car, that was the only year i looked at. First, i love the digitial dash layout, and i would like to note, i have never had any problems with it either. Second, it doesnt have airbags, and i hate the airbag wheel. Also, as i understand (could be wrong, i am no expert) the 89 was the last year the 928 was produced on its own line. Starting in 90, the 928 was on the same line as the rest of the cars, and the original 928 specific build crew was dispersed throught the plant.
Hans

Peter F

I have a -90GT with no airbags and no sunroof.
I love it

Cheers/Peter