928 Newbie
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
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Since I sold my track prepped SC, I've been looking for a replacement Porsche. I've thought of another 911, another 914, maybe a 944 series car. Now I wonder about the 928. help me!
My mom owned an '84 928S (USA) automatic. I thought the car sounded fantastic. Drove it once (on my permit) in a thinly snow coated parking lot, on 4 season tires, and looped it in my exuberance and never drove one since.
I would prefer a Manual transmission.
I've always been told "look for the newest you can afford" so I understand that point.
What are some of the weak points to the 928 (mechanically, acccessories, etc)?
What are the strenghts (mmm torque!) what else?
Are some years better than others? (The model that I really like would be an '86 32V with ABS 5spd. - I think the pre S4's look more aggressive and these would be the most "refined", although nearly 20years old)
What about "euro" cars. There seem to be plenty out there.. What benefits do they hold?
Looking forward to the feedback (and I hope it will be more than "this is what the search feature is for"
)
Tell me about these "sharks"!
My mom owned an '84 928S (USA) automatic. I thought the car sounded fantastic. Drove it once (on my permit) in a thinly snow coated parking lot, on 4 season tires, and looped it in my exuberance and never drove one since.
I would prefer a Manual transmission.
I've always been told "look for the newest you can afford" so I understand that point.
What are some of the weak points to the 928 (mechanically, acccessories, etc)?
What are the strenghts (mmm torque!) what else?
Are some years better than others? (The model that I really like would be an '86 32V with ABS 5spd. - I think the pre S4's look more aggressive and these would be the most "refined", although nearly 20years old)
What about "euro" cars. There seem to be plenty out there.. What benefits do they hold?
Looking forward to the feedback (and I hope it will be more than "this is what the search feature is for"
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Tell me about these "sharks"!
#2
Cottage Industry Sponsor
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Welcome to sharkaholics anonymous! Well, we're not THAT anonymous, and it's OK to be addicted...
Your best start might be to read the New Vistor...FAQ thread posted at the top of this forum - it already includes more than I could post here for you:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39427
Your best start might be to read the New Vistor...FAQ thread posted at the top of this forum - it already includes more than I could post here for you:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39427
Last edited by Randy V; 10-26-2006 at 06:45 PM.
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
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Originally Posted by Nicole
Welcome to sharkaholics anonymous! Well, we're not THAT anonymous, and it's OK to be addicted...
Your best start might be to read this thread - it already incudes more than I could post here for you:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39427
Your best start might be to read this thread - it already incudes more than I could post here for you:
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39427
I've read about a lot of 928s with Bad A/C; Read bad stories about Steering racks failing. Know all about the "belts" from 944 friends. Same with the clutch's. I realize the cars were expensive when new and that their upkeep can still be pricy depending on the failure.
The more feedback the better. Obviously despite the occasional problems people keep buying them. What is the draw for others?
I also must admit that this car will see both AX and DE useage. I have seen very few 928's over the years at these types of events, but maybe I can help change the stereotype!
#4
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HTML Code:
I would prefer a Manual transmission.
HTML Code:
What are some of the weak points to the 928 (mechanically, acccessories, etc)?
HTML Code:
What are the strenghts (mmm torque!) what else?
Completely stable at speeds which are 2 or 3 times the country max speed limit
Marton
#5
Three Wheelin'
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Racer,
The 928 is, for the most part, a very well built machine, and so there are few obviously crummy components that are prone to chronic and/or premature failure. There can of course, be niggling problems, particularly for cars that have been modified, tinkered with, or otherwise molested, but solid, well cared for cars abound. Avoid protracted troubles by shopping the mid to high price segments; bottom tier trolling will land you a cheap heap o' headaches.
As you have already heard, the single most disastrous element of the car is the timing belt. If you crash valves and pistons, you're in for a big, expensive, pull-the-engine type of experience. The good news is that it is easy to avoid provided you make sure that the replacement job is done properly. Overall, though, the engine is really durable (just don't ask Big Dave about this
)
Things like motor mount replacement will come up, but that's not a bad job, and you'll probably find yourself replacing a seat switch, a broken door handle, or maybe torn CV boots. Oh, and the heater valve will probably fail at some point, too! All small jobs, and they don't take but $100 bucks to fix for the home mechanic. Add another $500, on average, if you're going to a service tech.
I would say that less of your repair time/dollars will be spent keeping the car on the road than they will be spent improving and perfecting the car. Once you get the bug to make your 928 cherry, that's when things start going a little crazy!
On the brightest side, the 928 is a marvelous car to drive, and one that feels remarkably modern for its age. It doesn't jump up and scream "I'm fun to drive!" but it definitely woos and wins your heart with its supreme ability and competence. It's more of a gentleman's sport car than a racer's sports car (ah, but you are Racer, aren't you?), IMHO, and the styling reflects an understated elegance, too. They're never as young as onlookers think! It's a timeless design, for sure.
Perhaps the best thing, though, is the 928 community. It's well developed and the people are great. It seems that the car appeals to a more mature crowd, and many owners are very enthusiastic about maintaining and improving the car, so there are lots DIY writeups, creative solutions and tips, and a real sense of fraternity (sorry ladies!) amongst owners. The parts and accessory aftermarket is very vibrant, too, so you can get just about everything you need easily and not too expensively.
Finally, just thinking about the car will make you wax on, and on, and on, and on....
BTW, "SC" around this forum means "supercharged!"
The 928 is, for the most part, a very well built machine, and so there are few obviously crummy components that are prone to chronic and/or premature failure. There can of course, be niggling problems, particularly for cars that have been modified, tinkered with, or otherwise molested, but solid, well cared for cars abound. Avoid protracted troubles by shopping the mid to high price segments; bottom tier trolling will land you a cheap heap o' headaches.
As you have already heard, the single most disastrous element of the car is the timing belt. If you crash valves and pistons, you're in for a big, expensive, pull-the-engine type of experience. The good news is that it is easy to avoid provided you make sure that the replacement job is done properly. Overall, though, the engine is really durable (just don't ask Big Dave about this
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Things like motor mount replacement will come up, but that's not a bad job, and you'll probably find yourself replacing a seat switch, a broken door handle, or maybe torn CV boots. Oh, and the heater valve will probably fail at some point, too! All small jobs, and they don't take but $100 bucks to fix for the home mechanic. Add another $500, on average, if you're going to a service tech.
I would say that less of your repair time/dollars will be spent keeping the car on the road than they will be spent improving and perfecting the car. Once you get the bug to make your 928 cherry, that's when things start going a little crazy!
On the brightest side, the 928 is a marvelous car to drive, and one that feels remarkably modern for its age. It doesn't jump up and scream "I'm fun to drive!" but it definitely woos and wins your heart with its supreme ability and competence. It's more of a gentleman's sport car than a racer's sports car (ah, but you are Racer, aren't you?), IMHO, and the styling reflects an understated elegance, too. They're never as young as onlookers think! It's a timeless design, for sure.
Perhaps the best thing, though, is the 928 community. It's well developed and the people are great. It seems that the car appeals to a more mature crowd, and many owners are very enthusiastic about maintaining and improving the car, so there are lots DIY writeups, creative solutions and tips, and a real sense of fraternity (sorry ladies!) amongst owners. The parts and accessory aftermarket is very vibrant, too, so you can get just about everything you need easily and not too expensively.
Finally, just thinking about the car will make you wax on, and on, and on, and on....
BTW, "SC" around this forum means "supercharged!"
#6
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Originally Posted by chaadster
Racer,
The 928 is, for the most part, a very well built machine, and so there are few obviously crummy components that are prone to chronic and/or premature failure. There can of course, be niggling problems, particularly for cars that have been modified, tinkered with, or otherwise molested, but solid, well cared for cars abound. Avoid protracted troubles by shopping the mid to high price segments; bottom tier trolling will land you a cheap heap o' headaches.
As you have already heard, the single most disastrous element of the car is the timing belt. If you crash valves and pistons, you're in for a big, expensive, pull-the-engine type of experience. The good news is that it is easy to avoid provided you make sure that the replacement job is done properly. Overall, though, the engine is really durable (just don't ask Big Dave about this
)
Things like motor mount replacement will come up, but that's not a bad job, and you'll probably find yourself replacing a seat switch, a broken door handle, or maybe torn CV boots. Oh, and the heater valve will probably fail at some point, too! All small jobs, and they don't take but $100 bucks to fix for the home mechanic. Add another $500, on average, if you're going to a service tech.
I would say that less of your repair time/dollars will be spent keeping the car on the road than they will be spent improving and perfecting the car. Once you get the bug to make your 928 cherry, that's when things start going a little crazy!
On the brightest side, the 928 is a marvelous car to drive, and one that feels remarkably modern for its age. It doesn't jump up and scream "I'm fun to drive!" but it definitely woos and wins your heart with its supreme ability and competence. It's more of a gentleman's sport car than a racer's sports car (ah, but you are Racer, aren't you?), IMHO, and the styling reflects an understated elegance, too. They're never as young as onlookers think! It's a timeless design, for sure.
Perhaps the best thing, though, is the 928 community. It's well developed and the people are great. It seems that the car appeals to a more mature crowd, and many owners are very enthusiastic about maintaining and improving the car, so there are lots DIY writeups, creative solutions and tips, and a real sense of fraternity (sorry ladies!) amongst owners. The parts and accessory aftermarket is very vibrant, too, so you can get just about everything you need easily and not too expensively.
Finally, just thinking about the car will make you wax on, and on, and on, and on....
BTW, "SC" around this forum means "supercharged!"
The 928 is, for the most part, a very well built machine, and so there are few obviously crummy components that are prone to chronic and/or premature failure. There can of course, be niggling problems, particularly for cars that have been modified, tinkered with, or otherwise molested, but solid, well cared for cars abound. Avoid protracted troubles by shopping the mid to high price segments; bottom tier trolling will land you a cheap heap o' headaches.
As you have already heard, the single most disastrous element of the car is the timing belt. If you crash valves and pistons, you're in for a big, expensive, pull-the-engine type of experience. The good news is that it is easy to avoid provided you make sure that the replacement job is done properly. Overall, though, the engine is really durable (just don't ask Big Dave about this
![Wink](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Things like motor mount replacement will come up, but that's not a bad job, and you'll probably find yourself replacing a seat switch, a broken door handle, or maybe torn CV boots. Oh, and the heater valve will probably fail at some point, too! All small jobs, and they don't take but $100 bucks to fix for the home mechanic. Add another $500, on average, if you're going to a service tech.
I would say that less of your repair time/dollars will be spent keeping the car on the road than they will be spent improving and perfecting the car. Once you get the bug to make your 928 cherry, that's when things start going a little crazy!
On the brightest side, the 928 is a marvelous car to drive, and one that feels remarkably modern for its age. It doesn't jump up and scream "I'm fun to drive!" but it definitely woos and wins your heart with its supreme ability and competence. It's more of a gentleman's sport car than a racer's sports car (ah, but you are Racer, aren't you?), IMHO, and the styling reflects an understated elegance, too. They're never as young as onlookers think! It's a timeless design, for sure.
Perhaps the best thing, though, is the 928 community. It's well developed and the people are great. It seems that the car appeals to a more mature crowd, and many owners are very enthusiastic about maintaining and improving the car, so there are lots DIY writeups, creative solutions and tips, and a real sense of fraternity (sorry ladies!) amongst owners. The parts and accessory aftermarket is very vibrant, too, so you can get just about everything you need easily and not too expensively.
Finally, just thinking about the car will make you wax on, and on, and on, and on....
BTW, "SC" around this forum means "supercharged!"
don't forget to add the odd starting problems
the whacky hot air blowing...
the intriguing gauge flutters
the awesome gas spillages (engine fires !)
and the astounding radator hose leaks
but i loooove my 928