Thaddeus

I did my timing belt, water pump, rollers, other belts, miscellaneous extra stuff, for a tenth of the figure you quoted and about 15 hours of OCD work (checking, checking, check everything again).

These cars are just... cars. Nothing to get that worked up over.

If you care about what you're doing and not just punching a clock, anybody can maintain one. It's the mechanics who are timeservers, who don't know the 928, and don't care enough to figure them out, that cause the problems.

Flint

Several Fezzers have the timing belt on the inside requiring engine removal for replacement.

I'd add money to that list too. Replacement parts aren't all that expensive, but if you're into a big job, you may find a lot of things you'll want to fix "while you are in there." And go quality on the tools, preferrably a big breaker bar with a 3/4 inch socket connector and some BIG sockets, like in excess of 19mm; if something hasn't been turned in a while, it may take some muscle, which can be compensated for by leverage. If you have all the tools up front, it'll save you some trips to the store while covered with grease.

heinrich

I don't know your mechanic (or maybe I do, i guess i know all of them locally) ... but if he owns THREE and does not WORK on them, I would be VERY surprised. The 928 is not an expensive car for someone like you. For a kid with no money it is too much but then so is anything.

Jon B.

Now I wouldn't say EASILY out accelerates the GTS including the top end. Considering the Turbo of that model year had a quoted top speed of 174mph and the GTS had a quoted top end of 171. Doesn't seem like much of a difference now does it. Now, I don't know about the differences between the regular Turbo and the Turbo 3.6, but I would imagine one would be a bit faster than the other. I'm also pretty sure that the 964 Turbo was the only version of the 911 Turbo to come close to the top speed of a 928 in ANY model year. If i'm wrong, i'll shut up. Let's not forget the Holbet car went 171 and it was an S4.

Jon

cobalt

Actually in stock form the 94 turbo easily out accelerates the GTS from 30mph on up. It will also reach speeds of up to 140 with much less effort than the GTS. Haven't tested top speed as it is clearly too unsafe for the local roads even with the big brakes. The 3.3's were a bit slower than the 3.6l turbo. Basing acceleration times on stock figures the 3.3l 964 turbo did 0-100 in 11.5 seconds the 3.6 liter in just over 9 seconds. My GTS is stock and 1/4 mile time was clocked at something like 13.2 seconds 102mph which is about correct. (although I know it has a bit more speed in it, that test was on a slight uphill grade) In current configuration and only bolt on mods my 3.6l is much faster than stock, down right scary is the best way to describe it. With my wife driving the GTS (she has become rather proficient) The turbo will leave the GTS quite a ways back in the rear view mirror from a dead stop to 100mph and about the same if accelerating from 60-120. The turbo is as fast or faster than the modified C6 Z06 vettes, vipers and 993TT's I have come across. I know I would have my tail handed to me if I were to take the GTS up against any of these cars.

Don't get me wrong the GTS is a very fast car and pulls very strong but it is not a speed machine as much as it is a cruising machine. If I were on the autobahn looking to cruise at high speeds all day long the GTS would be the only way to fly. Although the turbo has a high top speed it is not were it shines best. The turbo is most fun on twisting back roads and preferably as high in the rpms as possible. The GTS although capable on back roads is no were near as much fun or as stable. That being said the GTS can be driven comfortably at any speed, any rpm, any road. Both cars are tremendous machines and I like each for different reasons. I find I drive the 928 more often because it is an easier car to drive. For pure insanity however there is no rush like the feeling of a single turbo 911. The only other car that I have driven that came close to the feeling was a Ferrari 288 GTO. (Although it comes close I still like the 94 turbo better )

Acceleration wise I find the GTS to be about the same as the Cayenne TT. Although, I think depending on the circumstances the TT may inch out ahead of the GTS. I will say I have taken the TT against the new 997S from 60-130 and the TT is slightly faster. Although the GTS has a much higher top end, I don't think I would think of driving a brick like the Cayenne much over 130 even on the autobahn.

My wife was trying to convince me to sell the GTS and the Cayenne TT and buy a new Cayenne Turbo S and dedicated track car. I just looked at here and said the TT would go long before the GTS. The GTS is an amazing car. Combine the looks, power and refinement of its day along with unserpassed build quality that not even the newer Porsche's exhibit and it speaks for itself. Doesn't have to be the fastest to make it the best of what it is.

heinrich

Anthony, thank you for that excellent comparison. That's the sort of stuff I can understand.

macreel

BlazinBWF... still here? Did you ever find a 928 mechanic?
It's been about 7 months and no word 'til H
resurrected this thread.

I still stand by my (earlier) recommendations.

G'luck.

Jerome Craig

I bought my 86.5 shark in '92. Within the first 18 months I figured out who I could trust to do work on it. The dealer was the first to go after two encounters where lots of "extra" work was done. The second bit the dust - not because of the technician - but because the owner started leaning more toward the aftermarket / detailing business. The third.... well what can I say.... been with them for 12.5 years. It's a small family owned business focused primarily on Porsches and the occasional BMW. They do a lot of 928 work cause a lot of shops won't and the tech there knows them inside and out.

I have gotten good advice, discounts on parts, and on the rare occasion that something had to be re-done - I wasn't charged for it. They've even done small repairs for me for the cost of shop supplies - no other charge. We have an "understanding" and they have actually ordered parts for me from the big three to do repairs/upgrades - and that was when they had their own parts department. As to be expected, I have sent them a ton of customers - all of whom were pleased with the service the got. The big downside is that it is a family owned business and with only the owner and one tech I really have to be prepared to leave the car for a couple of days for most things.

BTW, they also brokered the deal for my 87 - saved me $2K off the PO's original asking price. As for TB/WP I don't recall paying over $1000 and the re-tension is about $50.

My $0.02

Royal Tiger

My RennList experience so far? I'm still looking, because of Mortgage America it will be about 2 years now, and I've had half a dozen offers for rides, meets and get togethers. This place is the best. I'm here everyday, just downloading info into my brain for when the time actually comes. I WANT to learn how to work on the car. Only rich guys send it out for wiper blades and oil changes. Macreel lives on the other coast and personally invited me to come for a ride. Heinrich is WAY outgoing with help or info. I can't think of a better group of guys. Take the plunge.

heinrich

I see you call him a Seattle "mech" ... maybe he gave up the Porsches and is secretly running a "mech lab" ...

Vancouver83LTD

lots of good mechanics up in vancouver too....

Gary Knox

BWF,
I echo what so many have said. I bought my first used 928 nearly 10 years ago. I've owned at least one ever since. Yes - labor is expensive, but it is for any "good" car. Find a shop that knows 928's (probably not a Porsche dealer, as those mechanics only really "know" 911's). Best of all, buy the workshop manual (~$250, or ~$25-50 on CD), and learn to do most of the stuff yourself, usually a buddy is nearby who also has one who can help as well (GREAT SUPPORTIVE 928 community). Join the 928 Owners Club For $28.
Buy a WELL MAINTAINED one, and you'll never want to have another 'toy' car. I've bought 7 of them including my first one, and find them to be very reliable if well maintained. LOTS of tips available from us "fanatics" that can save $ and time, and frustration. DON'T buy that bargain one at a downtown USED car lot unless a knowledgable 928 owner/mechanic has given it a thorough inspection!!!
Cheers and good luck,
Gary Knox
'88 S4 auto
'89 S4 manual
'94 GTS auto

p928

I know this is an old post, but several mechanics quoted me $1500 to $3000 to do the timing belt. I took the 928 over to goodyear and they did the job for $700. I bought the timing belt kit for $270. Not a bad price if you ask me.

heinrich

holy crap. GOOD LUCK!!!

Bill Ball

!!!!! I just swallowed my chewing gum.