Torn between two models 85-86, 87-89..Opinions?
#16
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Safe reasoning there, Brian, although the digital dash doesn't seem to be a problem area. However, it is more or less just another accessory for most people, no more useful than the analog gauges. I do use the average MPH and timer functions as a general guide to how I am doing during open road racing, so I have found it actually quite useful. Also, it is one of the better thought out parts of the car. The controls for accessing various functions are ingenious in their simplicity. Very advanced for 89.
George has a 90 S4 (therefore AT 2.54). So, I gather that calculates as 189 MPH at redline. Hence, we are planning to put an 88 AT he got into his car so he can have a shot at 200+ with his 437 RWHP. You know, this might be one of the first AT cars over 200, if not the first. None of the ORR people have any faith in AT. They talk about them breaking all the time, even at real slow speeds, but these are American AT primarily in old muscle cars, although rebuilt supposedly to handle high speed. I have never given a second thought to AT problems in my 89 even though I'm crusing at about 170. George should consider some extra cooling.
George has a 90 S4 (therefore AT 2.54). So, I gather that calculates as 189 MPH at redline. Hence, we are planning to put an 88 AT he got into his car so he can have a shot at 200+ with his 437 RWHP. You know, this might be one of the first AT cars over 200, if not the first. None of the ORR people have any faith in AT. They talk about them breaking all the time, even at real slow speeds, but these are American AT primarily in old muscle cars, although rebuilt supposedly to handle high speed. I have never given a second thought to AT problems in my 89 even though I'm crusing at about 170. George should consider some extra cooling.
Last edited by Bill Ball; 01-29-2006 at 04:53 PM.
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I chose an '88 because it didn't have the digital dash--figured it was fewer electrical things to go wrong.
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Originally Posted by fletch
86.5 hmmmmmmm, now my interest is peaked. How do you discerrn an 86.5 model. The front and rear calipers?
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#20
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I have owned an 85 (although AT) and now have an 87 5speed 2.20 with LSD. I like some of the exterior changes and increase in HP. I like that the 87 seats can't get stuck like the 85 did....
(manual controls in 87). I'm pleased with the color combination I was able to find in a 5sp.
Really though you can't go wrong with either, but you seem to have an decent budget to get a newer one and still have $$ left over to do some maintenance.
I'd say 87.
with whichever you find and chose to buy.
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Really though you can't go wrong with either, but you seem to have an decent budget to get a newer one and still have $$ left over to do some maintenance.
I'd say 87.
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#21
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I'm with you Alex...that is pretty. The 86.5 has the manual seat adjustment too though. What color carpet is that ? (Linen) ?? Looks great, but I bet its a bear to keep clean.
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#22
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I vote for the '86.5 for obvious reasons: I own one. I paid $6500 for mine. Then the fun began, and I started chasing deferred maintenance items. But I expected that. If I paint the car, I wil be upside down but I reason that an almost 20 year old car needs paint at least once in 20 years so I can justify the cost. I finally had to overhaul the transmission at 165,000 miles, and I think that is acceptable also, considering the leadfoot that drives the car.
I know you want a manual, but the transmission alone is one of the best traits about this car: it starts in first and gets off a line faster; I love this transmission. And I know someone who has driven my car for hours above 120 with no ill effects on the transmission. Did I say 120? Many of those hours have been significantly higher than that. So forget the worries of high speed and automatic 928 transmissions. My seats have a manual override adjustment ability that allows use of the sunroof crank to move them back and forth. And the brakes are great. I really need more tire than brake. I don't like the digital dash, and prefer to glance at an analog guage for instant reference rather than trying to decipher numbers. (I'm usually too busy trying to avoid birds hitting
the windshield anyway). I would search for a sport seat if I had it to do over, and plan to do that anyway soon.
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the windshield anyway). I would search for a sport seat if I had it to do over, and plan to do that anyway soon.
Last edited by Ron_H; 01-29-2006 at 05:48 PM.
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Manual controls are standard on sport seats. The comforts seat and sport seats are not exclusive to any one model year.
But if you want memory seats you'll want 87+
But if you want memory seats you'll want 87+
#24
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Yeah but you "meant the 86.5" didn't you Ron ??? Me too. $7K for mine...the best $7K I've ever spent... and , thats for sure. Every time I drive this car (which is every chance I get)....I am more pleased and gratified that I bought it. I read and re-read all the horror stories I could find, about the cost of the major services to this car, and that parts were hard to find, and very expensive if you did find them, ...you know what ??? If you have a good one, and care for it like you should, the 928 is a damned reliable, fun to drive, head turner. And theres not 1 car I'd rather have as my daily driver. I will have at least one from now on.. for sure. This forum, and the support of the Big 3 vendors (who are also owners and lovers of these cars), makes owning and maintaining this "supercar"...a very manageable, very rewarding experience. One of lifes pleasures...for sure.
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#25
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Oops! I should have proofread my post more carefully.
Yup, the '86.5 is what I meant, and what I have. I almost bought an unusually well maintained '84 but a customer at Devek spotted me looking at it and invited me to drive his 32 valve car. I never looked back and wish I could win the lottery to buy another '86.5 to keep as a spare.
Yup, the '86.5 is what I meant, and what I have. I almost bought an unusually well maintained '84 but a customer at Devek spotted me looking at it and invited me to drive his 32 valve car. I never looked back and wish I could win the lottery to buy another '86.5 to keep as a spare.
#26
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Originally Posted by FlyingDog
...and the often forgotten option of running dual exhaust split down each side.
Actually all early('85-'86) 32V 928 had dual exhausts, this includes the '86.5.
#27
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Originally Posted by Ron_H
I don't like the digital dash, and prefer to glance at an analog guage for instant reference rather than trying to decipher numbers. (I'm usually too busy trying to avoid birds hitting
the windshield anyway).
the windshield anyway).
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Originally Posted by Imo000
Actually all early('85-'86) 32V 928 had dual exhausts, this includes the '86.5.
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thanks Shane...thats what I thought, but wasn't sure of. I am so glad the car I bought for my first 928S...turned out to be the 86.5 model...not to mention, its a pretty good car !!!