ldrhawke

Just picked up my 88' S4 from the shop and drove it the long way home. I had new engine mounts and the Bilstein Eibach package sold by 928 International installed. What an improvement...should have done it a long time ago.

I highly recommend putting your 928 to the engine test...if the engine doesn't move around while idling...replace the motor mounts. It makes a world of difference as other have also noted. The major thing that was immediately obvious to me was the elimination of the engine working hard and racy feel was gone. Isolation from the frame makes the car feel like it isn't working hard. Also, the past slight roughness at idle is now completely gone..... <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

The Bilstein Eibach package is great. I was worried that it maight make the ride too harsh.....it hasn't. In fact it has solved a tire vibration problem I have been experiencing. When I had the new tires and wheels computer balance with the new super duper on the road simulation balancing system....two wheels wouldn't pass the OEM spec. They were slightly out of round. I bought the tires and wheels off the WEB and I didn't want to go back through the return hassle. They caused some vibration at certain speeds on the highway and I hoped they would get better as they wore in. With the new shocks and springs....that wheel vibration that now gone. All I can figure is that the original shocks must have been worn at the normal ride setting position and allowing the wheels more free movement. The new shocks are now absorbing the slight out of balance competely......

In addition, which was the main real reason for putting on the Bilstein Eibach package, the 88' 928 S4 handles much much better. It feels like a Porsche and not a 1955 Buick going down the road and into the corners.

Two fixes, that if you thought about doing and think you may need or want it, I wouldn't put it off. They make the 928 feel, ride, and handle great.

hawke <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Curt

JG, approximately how much did you spend on the shocks and springs. And how much did they charge you for installation. Just wondering cause I think that might be the next thing I do to my 79.

Aaron Rouse

I did those same shocks/springs on my 84 and paid I think $1k or $1.1k for them assembled from 928 Specialists. Later I found out when you put them on a earlier car you need some of the parts used on the S4 setup or the car will sit really low, do not know how much truth there is behind that but guess it means 928SP gave me those parts when they assembled them.

LDRHawke

Curt,

I paid 928 International $995 for the shocks and springs. They were not assemblied and required using some parts off my existing S4, which was explained by 928 International.
I had the motor mounts and some other work done at the same time. The labor for the shocks and motor mounts was about a $1000. A little cheaper to have both done at the same time. The car was then re-aligned. It took two days.

Your 79' may require some different parts as mentioned. If your motor mounts have not been done it would be a good time to do them.
They cost $540 just for the two of them...plus the labor to install.

hawke <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />

Joe R

Just to add my .928 cents
I put Bilstiens and 400lb Weltmiester specific rate springs on my 78 about 9 years ago. The stiffer suspension has nearly never let the lowered ride hieght rub the nose on a drive way ramp. With the bilstien you will need four adjustable collars, you can reuse the spring perches from your 79 Boge struts.
Turned my wallowing pig into a razor sharp corner carver. Plus I put poly sway bar bushings front and made some nylon pastic ones in the rear (both stock bars). Steel ball joints, S4 Wheels, and when I get off my Butt "S" brakes.

Joe R

Oh yea 79 My should have the same solid rubber engine mounts as my 78. 118,000 miles nearly no sag.

tdelarm

Hey,
Would it be cost effective in the long run to replace the motor mounts while you are replacing a leaky oil pan gasket on a 88 s4 w/ only 37k miles? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

2V4V

tdelarm,

If you are paying someone to do the oil pan gasket, it would be a darn good time to do the motor mounts. It will add about $350 to your bill, but very little of that in labor. If you wait, I think the motor mounts book out at about 3 hours of labor. Maybe more.

Keep in mind that age matters as much as mileage. Sometimes more. And a 15+ year old motor mount is going to completely fail sooner than later. I would wager that if you measured the motor mounts right now, they're already at least half-dead. They've been holding that motor up for a long time...

If you can at all spend the money, do it now. It will definately cost a bunch more as a stand-alone project, and you'll least want to do it when the time comes that they really must be done.

HTH,

Greg

tdelarm

Thanks Greg, that kind of backs up my line of thinking...but wanted to make sure. Calling the mechanic tomorrow. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

DougM

Ted,
Looks like you found one. What did you fianlly get? What color combo?

Chris W

tdelarm,

Do the motor mounts, oil pan gasket and GTS Oil Pan baffle to save big on labor for upgrades.

I had all three done for about $350 in labor.

Chris W

tdelarm

Gbyron & Chris, thanks for the tips. DougM, I'm sticking w/Brian Buxtons 928. I'll post an update on "looking for an 89-91" to keep this thread on track...
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />