Hello all,
I am new to the forum and the 928 but wanted to get your advice on a 928 compatability issue. Right after I get to the bottom of the chocolate coolant in my 944S (cooler/seals good, head is next to look at) I plan to modify a 1979 928. I basically have a 1979 manual tranny rolling chassis and a 1986.5 5.0L engine. I have the 5.0L engine wiring harness but no computer/electronics. The 5.0L came out of a automatic. Are there any show stoppers in this conversion. What compatability issues will I need to address in order to install the 32v motor in the 1979 car? Will the 79 clutch assembly bolt to the 32v engine? I apologize in advance if this is a tired topic.

 

Just drop the engine I have for sale into the 79 and have more HP than the 86.5 motor

 

You'll need the following for this conversion:
'80-86 clutch package
'85-86 flywheel with ring gear
-85-86 computers
Engine complete with crank-trigger & engine wiring harness (2 computer connector leads)
-Front chassis wiring harness: runs along passenger's side of car, goes to both coils (one on either side of engine at front), & ignitior harness (also, the two ignitors).
-85-86 fuse panel (Pretty sure about this one as you need the ignitor leads out of it).
-coil wires to the distributor caps (about 11" long each)
-factory manuals to assist with the wiring.

I'm sure there's a little more, but the above at least.
Mark

 

Possibly the most "fun" aspect of this conversion is to make the fuel lines compatible with the electronic system. You are literally going to have to completely replum the fuel system from the tank to the front of the car.

 

Sounds to me like for the less ambitious DIY-selfer, most engine swaps should stay within the same model year?

Harvey

 

Well, Seatra, are you going to still go for it?

 

If I can scrape up the parts for a reasonable sum then I'll do it. I don't want to spend too much money but there is something about this 1979 car sitting in my driveway that intrigues me. Every morning when I walk past her on my way to work the 928 says, "Please get me running so I can once again enjoy the wind in my face and the freedom of the road" Anyway, I like the challenge of getting broke things fixed!

 

If you have a 928 Intl. Catalog...you can see that the computers alone for the 86.5 motor, are going to run you $1000-$1200 (depending on whether or not you buy rebuilt or used) MAF another $400, Clutch kit $600,engine mounts $400-500 harnesses ??...you can see that this isnt a "cheap" swap. In no time...in parts alone...your over what you could buy John's motor for, and your talking about a "drop-in" 360HP with his already built motor. Sell your 86.5 engine on ebay or put it in the classifieds here on the list, and your along way towards making your 79 into a runner, and a reality. Unless you are prepared to put out more than a few thousand dollars, it just makes sense to stay with the early engine for your car, and you can get there from here...good luck.

 

If your not in a great rush you probably could get all the parts much cheaper, by searching ebay or rennlist parts listings. There was someone here who went the opposite direction and put an earlier engine in an 85-86 and turbocharged it. I think he had a lot of the lh jet parts left over. I think he is in Fla. and recently posted about selling parts.

 

I will be installing my S4 stroker motor in my 86.5 soon. If you can wait a few months I'll make you a package deal on my computers, wiring harness, etc.
Hammer

 

Personally, I would totally go this route. I would've snapped up John's motor long ago if I had an early Shark project to put it in!


But here's a VERY intriguing offer. The 32 valve motors really are something and you already have one (condition known?), and a package deal from a running car is pretty rare...

I envy the choices you have laid out before you. Listen to the 928 - get her running!