Issues with caring for a Euro car?
07-10-2002, 04:36 PM
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Issues with caring for a Euro car?
After looking through some local classifieds, I'm thinking about getting a Euro-spec 928, an '85 to be specific. To all you euro owners out there:
What (other than the extra HP) sets these cars apart form their US counterparts? Are there more issues finding parts, fuel requirements, any other little things you've run into, or is caring for one mostly the same as with a US car?
What (other than the extra HP) sets these cars apart form their US counterparts? Are there more issues finding parts, fuel requirements, any other little things you've run into, or is caring for one mostly the same as with a US car?
07-10-2002, 06:31 PM
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Jessa,
The EURO cars are a little harder to find certain mechanical parts for sometimes, but with the excellent service of the Big 3 I haven't had any problems so far. The 85-86 Euro engine is a fantastic engine. You might contact Dave Roberts at 928 Specialists, as one of his personal cars is an 85 Euro. Just be sure to get a thorough PPI from a 928-savvy mechanic! HTH
-Brian
1980 928S 5sp. Euro
Silbermetallic/blau
The EURO cars are a little harder to find certain mechanical parts for sometimes, but with the excellent service of the Big 3 I haven't had any problems so far. The 85-86 Euro engine is a fantastic engine. You might contact Dave Roberts at 928 Specialists, as one of his personal cars is an 85 Euro. Just be sure to get a thorough PPI from a 928-savvy mechanic! HTH
-Brian
1980 928S 5sp. Euro
Silbermetallic/blau
07-10-2002, 07:24 PM
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I also have a euro, and it has quirky differences,
but is no more or less reliable or troublesome than
a US car. I think the extra power is worth it.
You have to deal with some funky parts that are
not as common, and they might cost a little more.
You also have to deal with german warning
indicators in the pod. I think it's kind of
cool when you get a "kuwasser" warning...
Smog is an issue in CA...
My car did not have a standard EPA sticker,
so regular smog places would not even smog it.
They made me get the certification first.
Which meant going to a official government
test station, where they went over the car
with a fine toothed comb, and ran it from
a cold condition. The certification alone
was about $200. Then you have to retest if
there is *anything* missing from the smog
setup. And they actually check to see if
all the systems work. It was a big ordeal
to get the sticker. I had to spend a lot
of cash on getting smog components,
and making sure they worked. So be sure
your car is "legally" in the USA.
Be sure it has a EPA sticker,
and has been smogged regularly.
but is no more or less reliable or troublesome than
a US car. I think the extra power is worth it.
You have to deal with some funky parts that are
not as common, and they might cost a little more.
You also have to deal with german warning
indicators in the pod. I think it's kind of
cool when you get a "kuwasser" warning...
Smog is an issue in CA...
My car did not have a standard EPA sticker,
so regular smog places would not even smog it.
They made me get the certification first.
Which meant going to a official government
test station, where they went over the car
with a fine toothed comb, and ran it from
a cold condition. The certification alone
was about $200. Then you have to retest if
there is *anything* missing from the smog
setup. And they actually check to see if
all the systems work. It was a big ordeal
to get the sticker. I had to spend a lot
of cash on getting smog components,
and making sure they worked. So be sure
your car is "legally" in the USA.
Be sure it has a EPA sticker,
and has been smogged regularly.
07-10-2002, 09:10 PM
#4
Jessa, if you unload the Weissach at least let the future owner know a few are left out here.
The Blue, 1980 Euro, 5spd -weren't they all?- is still languishing in the Hot Texas Sun.
5K takes it, good condition and comes with a set of Porche Manuals.
John S.
Are you becoming a Power Tramp?
ME TOO! When I get the Bucks.
Going to keep Pattycakes though. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
The Blue, 1980 Euro, 5spd -weren't they all?- is still languishing in the Hot Texas Sun.
5K takes it, good condition and comes with a set of Porche Manuals.
John S.
Are you becoming a Power Tramp?
ME TOO! When I get the Bucks.
Going to keep Pattycakes though. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
07-10-2002, 11:27 PM
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Brian, bcdavis, thanks for the quick replys.
I just spoke with the owner of the '85, and so far it sounds like its in good shape. Its got duel exhaust, which was recently "tweeked to make it louder". Have to see how much - Loud is good, but driving my neighbors to kill me is not. It recently passed CA smog test, was repainted two years ago, has 130k kilometers on it, and the leather is described as good condition.
What laws are there about gauge markings using the imperial measuremnts? I've been told that cars are required to at least have miles marked on the speedo, etc. Is this that case? Did your cars have this modification done when they were imported?
I'll be talking with the owner again this weekend, and we're considering doing a trade. Yes, John, I'm an HP tramp, guilty as charged! Just don't tell my baby...
Its not a done deal, but lately I've been thinking that, much as I love that bright gold shine, a newer car would be nice. Faster, better condition, you know the drill. Don't worry, if - and that still an 'IF' - I let it go, I'll be making sure the new owner knows to come here.
I just spoke with the owner of the '85, and so far it sounds like its in good shape. Its got duel exhaust, which was recently "tweeked to make it louder". Have to see how much - Loud is good, but driving my neighbors to kill me is not. It recently passed CA smog test, was repainted two years ago, has 130k kilometers on it, and the leather is described as good condition.
What laws are there about gauge markings using the imperial measuremnts? I've been told that cars are required to at least have miles marked on the speedo, etc. Is this that case? Did your cars have this modification done when they were imported?
I'll be talking with the owner again this weekend, and we're considering doing a trade. Yes, John, I'm an HP tramp, guilty as charged! Just don't tell my baby...
Its not a done deal, but lately I've been thinking that, much as I love that bright gold shine, a newer car would be nice. Faster, better condition, you know the drill. Don't worry, if - and that still an 'IF' - I let it go, I'll be making sure the new owner knows to come here.
07-11-2002, 04:17 AM
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Hi Jessa:
It might be more feasable to get a car that either needs no restauration, or has much of it done already, rather than spending the big bucks on restoring yours. By the time you'd have your Weissach in original condition, you'd spend a lot more than a good example of '85 Euro would cost you.
The '85 Euros have 310 hp, and the automatic versions came with the 5-Speed automatic. Anti-Lock Brakes were available in Germany since 1984 - if the one you are looking at has them, it would be a nice additional safety factor.
If you can, take the Euro to DEVEK and have them do a thorough pre-purchase inspection. You already know about the service history requirements...
Are you planning to attend DEVEK days?
It might be more feasable to get a car that either needs no restauration, or has much of it done already, rather than spending the big bucks on restoring yours. By the time you'd have your Weissach in original condition, you'd spend a lot more than a good example of '85 Euro would cost you.
The '85 Euros have 310 hp, and the automatic versions came with the 5-Speed automatic. Anti-Lock Brakes were available in Germany since 1984 - if the one you are looking at has them, it would be a nice additional safety factor.
If you can, take the Euro to DEVEK and have them do a thorough pre-purchase inspection. You already know about the service history requirements...
Are you planning to attend DEVEK days?
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07-11-2002, 06:49 PM
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Jessa-
In showing my car [1985 Euro S2, 5 speed] to my friends...and letting a more than a few drive it around the block, I've had the inevitable question:
"If I was going to do this, how would I go about buying one?"
My usual advice is that knowledge is power. It is good that you found this place- there is more knowledge of 928's here than anywhere else in the planet, save Stuttgart- and I'm not even sure about that! As a "Euro" owner, I can tell you the basic differences:
-An instrument panel with German wording.
-Different lights.
-A 2-valve engine tuned for high rpm power.
When you distill it down to the raw essence, you come up with a car with a few different parts and a high-strung nature. If you just HAVE to be different...
[those of you who read this board regularly now know why I bought an S2...]
Then buy a Euro S or S2.
HOWEVER...the advice that I give in general, when it comes to these cars, is to buy the newest and lowest mileage 928 you can afford!
Porsche 928's are well designed cars. They were also designed for one purpose- fast and fun transportation. As such, Porsche spent the money do develop what is arguably the best suspension and engine on the planet...and then designed things like sunroofs, air conditioners, and door locks around them, almost as an afterthought. What this means is that [in my opinion] these items can be troublesome in older cars.
Frankly, I like to tinker with things on my days off...
Many don't. Just like with R/C model planes, some people come to the hobby with grand ideas...buy a bunch of stuff, crash a bunch of stuff, and grow discouraged and quit. If you are good with tools, and/or like to tinker...then one of the euro cars might be a fun thing to have. But if you are out to have a car that can be put 6 inches from a wall at 155 mph, and have such perfect tracking that you can take your hands off the wheel...and have the air conditioner work perfectly every time...I suppose that a later car is a better idea.
My thoughts....
Normy!
'85 S2 5 speed
In showing my car [1985 Euro S2, 5 speed] to my friends...and letting a more than a few drive it around the block, I've had the inevitable question:
"If I was going to do this, how would I go about buying one?"
My usual advice is that knowledge is power. It is good that you found this place- there is more knowledge of 928's here than anywhere else in the planet, save Stuttgart- and I'm not even sure about that! As a "Euro" owner, I can tell you the basic differences:
-An instrument panel with German wording.
-Different lights.
-A 2-valve engine tuned for high rpm power.
When you distill it down to the raw essence, you come up with a car with a few different parts and a high-strung nature. If you just HAVE to be different...
[those of you who read this board regularly now know why I bought an S2...]
Then buy a Euro S or S2.
HOWEVER...the advice that I give in general, when it comes to these cars, is to buy the newest and lowest mileage 928 you can afford!
Porsche 928's are well designed cars. They were also designed for one purpose- fast and fun transportation. As such, Porsche spent the money do develop what is arguably the best suspension and engine on the planet...and then designed things like sunroofs, air conditioners, and door locks around them, almost as an afterthought. What this means is that [in my opinion] these items can be troublesome in older cars.
Frankly, I like to tinker with things on my days off...
Many don't. Just like with R/C model planes, some people come to the hobby with grand ideas...buy a bunch of stuff, crash a bunch of stuff, and grow discouraged and quit. If you are good with tools, and/or like to tinker...then one of the euro cars might be a fun thing to have. But if you are out to have a car that can be put 6 inches from a wall at 155 mph, and have such perfect tracking that you can take your hands off the wheel...and have the air conditioner work perfectly every time...I suppose that a later car is a better idea.
My thoughts....
Normy!
'85 S2 5 speed
07-12-2002, 12:23 AM
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Jessa -
I can't speak to what CA requires for emissions. In upstate NY they only do a visual inspect for emission equipment. You may need to talk to the DMV or someone knowledgeable in those requirements. Other than that the Euro's are hugely entertaining. I've had mine since '96 and have been maintaining it myself since. I've used the 'big 3' and the wonderful people on this board exclusively for questions and answers and they have been very helpful. (new synchros, shocks, springs, ball joints, radiator, twin disk clutch, water pump, T-belt, rotors/brakes, belts, hoses, etc...) I've had the chance to get to Watkins Glen a couple times for driver education.... this is where you get to find out what a great car you really have. I've got 192,000Km on my rev happy engine and it gives me goose bumps listening to the exhaust note bouncing off those light blue guardrails with 4-6 grand on the tach. Good Luck!
I can't speak to what CA requires for emissions. In upstate NY they only do a visual inspect for emission equipment. You may need to talk to the DMV or someone knowledgeable in those requirements. Other than that the Euro's are hugely entertaining. I've had mine since '96 and have been maintaining it myself since. I've used the 'big 3' and the wonderful people on this board exclusively for questions and answers and they have been very helpful. (new synchros, shocks, springs, ball joints, radiator, twin disk clutch, water pump, T-belt, rotors/brakes, belts, hoses, etc...) I've had the chance to get to Watkins Glen a couple times for driver education.... this is where you get to find out what a great car you really have. I've got 192,000Km on my rev happy engine and it gives me goose bumps listening to the exhaust note bouncing off those light blue guardrails with 4-6 grand on the tach. Good Luck!
07-12-2002, 01:28 AM
#15
Norm,
Have you been hanging with those two lame brained, Ex-Pilots of recent renown? You know ..."finish your drink, we're flyin' in 40 minutes".
It's nice to know that your folks did your initial design work in Canada... . But inquiring minds want to know............ .
Did they do the 'wild thing' in a sHARk?
Have you been hanging with those two lame brained, Ex-Pilots of recent renown? You know ..."finish your drink, we're flyin' in 40 minutes".
It's nice to know that your folks did your initial design work in Canada... . But inquiring minds want to know............ .
Did they do the 'wild thing' in a sHARk?