Bill Ball

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.

Rick Carter

One reason I chose an 85 was because it didn't have airbags. I don't dislike airbags but didn't want to be surprised by an airbag at the end of its life. That said, I have never heard of a 928 airbag problem.

laneskelton

I prefer the looks of the 86 and earlier cars, but they are all nice cars. I just like the chiseled looks of the early cars and less weight is always a good thing.

jeff jackson

There is an interesting comparison of the 86.5 vs earlier cars over on G. Nichols 928 tips and maintenance procedures site. Kind of explains the differences, but primarily, you get the 288HP 32V engine, common to the 85-86 cars.. with S4 brakes...in the original 928 body style. I think the exhaust is the same as the S4 cars too. Could be wrong on that though.

alex70

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.

jeff jackson

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.

Ron_H

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.

Shane

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+

jeff jackson

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.

Ron_H

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.

Imo000

Actually all early('85-'86) 32V 928 had dual exhausts, this includes the '86.5.

BC

Yes, good point. The 89+ cars simply have both options. Analog and various digital functions, outside temp, etc.

Shane

Yes they are but there is a difference. A big one, the early ones are one piece from the cat back to the rear. The '86.5 is two pieces that are channeled seperatly to the rear muffler, and each side has its' own resonator, which is what allows them to be on the RMB mod list.

jeff jackson

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 !!!

heinrich

Actually early 85 has a single pipe all the way to the rear muffler.