Canyon Run - 928 does well
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From: San Rafael, CA
Canyon Run - 928 does well
I took my "new" 928 out for a late-night canyon blast and it did quite well. I've driven this same route dozens of times in my Boxster and C4S, both at night and during the day. It's actually more fun at night as there is less traffic and you can see other cars much more easily because of the head- and tail-lights.
Some quick notes:
- The 928 (an '88 S4 5-speed) is shod with 205/50ZR-17 and 255/40ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport SSX (what a mouthful) tires that originally came on my Boxster. These are a bit narrower in the front and a bit wider in the rear than the 225 and 245 16" that came on it. They worked well on the Boxster and work well on the 928, but fatter fronts are desirable.
- The 928 needs new brakes as the current set sqeal like a garbage truck. The GTS front brake kit and new pads, etc. should help out next week. It stops okay as is, in fact it's probably better than most cars on the road, but it doesn't stop as well as the other cars as-is.
- The handling on the 928 is outstanding, and it certainly feels as if it would have no trouble keeping up with the C4S or Boxster in the twisties. The feel is quite different, but it still has that on-rails sensation that I love. If a turn starts to tighten, just dial the wheel a bit more and the car will handle it (no pun intended). I hit a few curves at 70 MPH that I know the other cars could take no faster.
- This car doesn't feel like it weighs 3500+ lbs. It does feel a bit bigger than the Boxster and C4S, but that's due to the width, not the weight.
- The torque is incredible. In places where you would normally downshift the C4S or Boxster, just give it a bit more gas in the 928. Most of the way up and down I just left it in 3rd, with a short run in 2nd at higher revs near the bottom of the canyon.
- The sound isn't as good as the other two. The C4S has that "classic" 911 sound and makes some really nice noises at higher RPMs. The Boxster is a bit tamer, but over 4000 it has a near=musical intake and exhaust soundtrack. I'm putting on the muffler bypass next week and expect that to improve things a bit.
- The seats in the 928 are the best of all the Porsches that I own. They have a bit more padding, so at first I was thinking that they were too luxurious and "fru-fru". However, you really sit down in these seats and they grip quite nicely. The seating position is also the best of the three cars.
- The steering wheel on this thing stinks. It's not only ugly, but the seam for the stitching is on the back side and is quite pronounced. Very uncomfortable, but my 930S wheel just arrived and should help.
- As with the other two, it's really much more fun to have things exposed when driving. With the windows down, sunroof open, and a bit of heat toasting my toes and face, it's comfortable even on a cold night. A 928 Targa would be a hell of a car...
- The headlights are good, especially the high-beams! I noticed tonight that there are little sections at the tops of the lights that are "lit". I'm not sure what this is for, but it reminds me of the cornering lights on the front fenders of cars in the past.
In all, the 928 is a very nice car for canyon blasting!
Cheers,
Skip
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Some quick notes:
- The 928 (an '88 S4 5-speed) is shod with 205/50ZR-17 and 255/40ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Sport SSX (what a mouthful) tires that originally came on my Boxster. These are a bit narrower in the front and a bit wider in the rear than the 225 and 245 16" that came on it. They worked well on the Boxster and work well on the 928, but fatter fronts are desirable.
- The 928 needs new brakes as the current set sqeal like a garbage truck. The GTS front brake kit and new pads, etc. should help out next week. It stops okay as is, in fact it's probably better than most cars on the road, but it doesn't stop as well as the other cars as-is.
- The handling on the 928 is outstanding, and it certainly feels as if it would have no trouble keeping up with the C4S or Boxster in the twisties. The feel is quite different, but it still has that on-rails sensation that I love. If a turn starts to tighten, just dial the wheel a bit more and the car will handle it (no pun intended). I hit a few curves at 70 MPH that I know the other cars could take no faster.
- This car doesn't feel like it weighs 3500+ lbs. It does feel a bit bigger than the Boxster and C4S, but that's due to the width, not the weight.
- The torque is incredible. In places where you would normally downshift the C4S or Boxster, just give it a bit more gas in the 928. Most of the way up and down I just left it in 3rd, with a short run in 2nd at higher revs near the bottom of the canyon.
- The sound isn't as good as the other two. The C4S has that "classic" 911 sound and makes some really nice noises at higher RPMs. The Boxster is a bit tamer, but over 4000 it has a near=musical intake and exhaust soundtrack. I'm putting on the muffler bypass next week and expect that to improve things a bit.
- The seats in the 928 are the best of all the Porsches that I own. They have a bit more padding, so at first I was thinking that they were too luxurious and "fru-fru". However, you really sit down in these seats and they grip quite nicely. The seating position is also the best of the three cars.
- The steering wheel on this thing stinks. It's not only ugly, but the seam for the stitching is on the back side and is quite pronounced. Very uncomfortable, but my 930S wheel just arrived and should help.
- As with the other two, it's really much more fun to have things exposed when driving. With the windows down, sunroof open, and a bit of heat toasting my toes and face, it's comfortable even on a cold night. A 928 Targa would be a hell of a car...
- The headlights are good, especially the high-beams! I noticed tonight that there are little sections at the tops of the lights that are "lit". I'm not sure what this is for, but it reminds me of the cornering lights on the front fenders of cars in the past.
In all, the 928 is a very nice car for canyon blasting!
Cheers,
Skip
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Hi Skip:
It's good to hear you enjoy your new beast!
The little dots you see on top or the lights are supposed to make tight parking eaier at night.
The fact that your brakes squeak, could be caused by cheap aftermarket brake rotors. I am suffering from those at the rear of my car...
Please keep us updated!
It's good to hear you enjoy your new beast!
The little dots you see on top or the lights are supposed to make tight parking eaier at night.
The fact that your brakes squeak, could be caused by cheap aftermarket brake rotors. I am suffering from those at the rear of my car...
Please keep us updated!
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FLORIDA
Hey Skip!
-ONE near certain "truism" about 928's is that the faster you drive them, the smaller and lighter they seem to get.
My first week with my shark was a real eye-opener for me. I was used to a reasonably fast fwd VW Corrado VR6, which was a featherweight [2600 lb] compared to my new 928, and the first few times I drove the shark on the flat, grid-like streets of Orlando it just plain wore me out. And I run 5 miles per day typically! My first rwd car, it's 225 width rear tires almost put me in the ditch too. ::sound of heart thumping::
This car felt like it oozed down the road, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. I was amazed at how the car just pulled effortlessly away when I pushed the pedal down- enormous torque. Where my Corrado needed to be downshifted typically two gears, this thing seemed to have power everywhere, and the evil that existed above 4000 rpm scared the hell out of me.
But until recently, I really believed that straight cruising was this car's forte; it could handle well, but on twisties [which DO NOT exist in Orlando!] I suspected it would be ponderous. This week I have driven the car to Asheville, NC to visit my parents, and HOOEEE they live out in the country! OMG the roads around here! I cannot believe how well this thing tackles these curves. You are right- it is more fun at night [you can see the glow of another car's headlights before they come around the curve, so you can really hammer it and needn't necessarily heed the center-stripe] and with the windows and sunroof open.
Needless to say, I've spent some time away from their house just driving around! I even drove to Spruce Pine, home of 928 Specialists [didn't visit; their road looks like the surface of the moon and is about as steep....], down the Blue Ridge, out to Chimney Rock...etc.
I'm going home to Florida tomorrow; I think the car is going to be sad....
Normy!
'85 S2
-ONE near certain "truism" about 928's is that the faster you drive them, the smaller and lighter they seem to get.
My first week with my shark was a real eye-opener for me. I was used to a reasonably fast fwd VW Corrado VR6, which was a featherweight [2600 lb] compared to my new 928, and the first few times I drove the shark on the flat, grid-like streets of Orlando it just plain wore me out. And I run 5 miles per day typically! My first rwd car, it's 225 width rear tires almost put me in the ditch too. ::sound of heart thumping::
This car felt like it oozed down the road, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. I was amazed at how the car just pulled effortlessly away when I pushed the pedal down- enormous torque. Where my Corrado needed to be downshifted typically two gears, this thing seemed to have power everywhere, and the evil that existed above 4000 rpm scared the hell out of me.
But until recently, I really believed that straight cruising was this car's forte; it could handle well, but on twisties [which DO NOT exist in Orlando!] I suspected it would be ponderous. This week I have driven the car to Asheville, NC to visit my parents, and HOOEEE they live out in the country! OMG the roads around here! I cannot believe how well this thing tackles these curves. You are right- it is more fun at night [you can see the glow of another car's headlights before they come around the curve, so you can really hammer it and needn't necessarily heed the center-stripe] and with the windows and sunroof open.
Needless to say, I've spent some time away from their house just driving around! I even drove to Spruce Pine, home of 928 Specialists [didn't visit; their road looks like the surface of the moon and is about as steep....], down the Blue Ridge, out to Chimney Rock...etc.
I'm going home to Florida tomorrow; I think the car is going to be sad....
Normy!
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Skip,
Your post inspired me to do the canyon run myself this afternoon. Came up from Aurora and traffic wasn't too bad: found I couldn't help it, and just kept going to Blackhawk, back to Golden, and home through Cherry Creek. Nothing like a high alpine drive to make you appreciate where you live. Thanks again for the inspiration! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Your post inspired me to do the canyon run myself this afternoon. Came up from Aurora and traffic wasn't too bad: found I couldn't help it, and just kept going to Blackhawk, back to Golden, and home through Cherry Creek. Nothing like a high alpine drive to make you appreciate where you live. Thanks again for the inspiration! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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From: Los Angeles/Honolulu
Right on Skip. I always tell folks that the 928 flows like you think it can't. The weight can be intimidating but once you get used to it you realize the car is utterly predictable. I take mine into the Malibu Canyons.
You'll love the RMB. Keep in mind that the car will run funky and smell a little for about a day as the computer adjusts. Each time you start it, it'll get a bit smoother.
I agree with wheel assesment and went to a Momo myself.
GTS brakes speak for themselves. I've judged every car I've been in since on those brakes. You'll feel like the stock S4's came with ballbearings for pads.
I have the 17" Turbo Twist rims. They smoothed the ride out quite a bit not that it was bad with the 16"s.
The seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in. Three cross country trips, one of them nonstop and no aches or pain.
Enjoy!
K <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />
You'll love the RMB. Keep in mind that the car will run funky and smell a little for about a day as the computer adjusts. Each time you start it, it'll get a bit smoother.
I agree with wheel assesment and went to a Momo myself.
GTS brakes speak for themselves. I've judged every car I've been in since on those brakes. You'll feel like the stock S4's came with ballbearings for pads.
I have the 17" Turbo Twist rims. They smoothed the ride out quite a bit not that it was bad with the 16"s.
The seats are the most comfortable I've ever sat in. Three cross country trips, one of them nonstop and no aches or pain.
Enjoy!
K <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />
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From: Ft. Lauderdale FLORIDA
I'll definitely second your thoughts on the seats Kaz....
-The recent 1575 mile trip to North Carolina reminded me of how carfully Porsche designs things. They just seemed like seats to me- unusually comfortable, but seats nonetheless.
Let me tell you- the $10 million 727 that I drive on occasion has nothing on my 928's seats. If the boys in Renton had their act together, they'd contact Porsche.
Wait....OOps. Tony Lapine, the man who designed the 928 also designed the cockpit of the Airbus A320. Oh well....
Normy!
-The recent 1575 mile trip to North Carolina reminded me of how carfully Porsche designs things. They just seemed like seats to me- unusually comfortable, but seats nonetheless.
Let me tell you- the $10 million 727 that I drive on occasion has nothing on my 928's seats. If the boys in Renton had their act together, they'd contact Porsche.
Wait....OOps. Tony Lapine, the man who designed the 928 also designed the cockpit of the Airbus A320. Oh well....
Normy!
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Bob, if you're up for it we should get together for a drive some weekend. I've done this a few times with some friends in Porsches and other makes, and it's quite a bit of fun.
Kaz, thanks for the info on the RMB. It should be in soon, I hope. I just got the GTS brake kit today, along with new pads for the rears. I am probably going to let a local shop put the new discs and calipers on, as well as have them check some other things over. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on, but I'm not a mechanic and some things are confusing as hell! I can do the simple stuff, but for others I'm just not ready yet.
This board and the various 928 sites have been a great resource. Thanks to all who have contributed and who continue to contribute! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Kaz, thanks for the info on the RMB. It should be in soon, I hope. I just got the GTS brake kit today, along with new pads for the rears. I am probably going to let a local shop put the new discs and calipers on, as well as have them check some other things over. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on, but I'm not a mechanic and some things are confusing as hell! I can do the simple stuff, but for others I'm just not ready yet.
This board and the various 928 sites have been a great resource. Thanks to all who have contributed and who continue to contribute! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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Skip wrote: "I noticed tonight that there are little sections at the tops of the lights that are "lit". I'm not sure what this is for"
I don't know about making it easier to park (never heard that one before - what, you only need assistance in the dark?), but at a glance you know not only if your headlights are lit, but which bulbs are glowing. The dash light will only report a headlight failure... those little nibs at the top of the lens are an indicator that the bulb within is working (or not).
I don't know about making it easier to park (never heard that one before - what, you only need assistance in the dark?), but at a glance you know not only if your headlights are lit, but which bulbs are glowing. The dash light will only report a headlight failure... those little nibs at the top of the lens are an indicator that the bulb within is working (or not).
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Normy are you kidding? The man who designed the 928 designed the cockpit of the Airbus320? I did not know that. Very interesting.
By the way, when I said I judge all brakes against my GTS upgrades I didn't mean to imply that they're better than all other brakes. A recent stint in 2001 Lamborghini Diablo made my brakes feel pretty weak. I ride in a 360 Ferrari Cup Challenge car could only be described as controlled violence. Especially in the braking zones.
K
By the way, when I said I judge all brakes against my GTS upgrades I didn't mean to imply that they're better than all other brakes. A recent stint in 2001 Lamborghini Diablo made my brakes feel pretty weak. I ride in a 360 Ferrari Cup Challenge car could only be described as controlled violence. Especially in the braking zones.
K
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Yeah Kaz...technically, Dr. Ing H.C.Ferdinand Porsche AG is a design bureau...they design things for industrial corporations- the cars are a sidelight, despite the fact that they are probably 98% of the business!
The 928 was designed by an American from Michigan named Antonio [Tony] Lapine, but based upon a trophy shape presented to Ferry Porsche in 1970. He was spirited away from GM, where he had just designed the late '60's/early '70's Pontiac GTO/Lemans. Airbus later contracted with Porsche to design the cockpit of the A320, and Tony was assigned the job. His work was mostly aesthetic.
The 928 was designed by an American from Michigan named Antonio [Tony] Lapine, but based upon a trophy shape presented to Ferry Porsche in 1970. He was spirited away from GM, where he had just designed the late '60's/early '70's Pontiac GTO/Lemans. Airbus later contracted with Porsche to design the cockpit of the A320, and Tony was assigned the job. His work was mostly aesthetic.
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Skip,
Sorry to read about your power steering problems: hope it can be taken care of quickly. I like the idea of getting together for a drive sometime. Unfortunately, I'm usually working most weekends (tends to be when the local knife & gun club is most active for us trauma guys). My free time is more likely to be midweek, so let me know if this is possible when your ride is up and running again. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Sorry to read about your power steering problems: hope it can be taken care of quickly. I like the idea of getting together for a drive sometime. Unfortunately, I'm usually working most weekends (tends to be when the local knife & gun club is most active for us trauma guys). My free time is more likely to be midweek, so let me know if this is possible when your ride is up and running again. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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Hi Bob,
The 928 is in the shop and in good hands. The belts were for the power steering and AC, so the car actually runs really well without them. To get the car to the dealer I just cut the belts off as they're going to be replaced anyway. The steering is a bear, but I'm a big guy and won't let a 3,500 lb. lightweight like the 928 get the best of me!
I jacked the car up this morning to see if there was any way for me to put the belts back on, but no matter what I couldn't get them on without taking things apart, something I didn't care to start doing. I also noticed some sort of coiled fabric tube that was rotten/torn, and a wire that wasn't connected, so there's some other things for the shop to look at. I hope to have the car back sometime next week.
Mid-week would be fine for a drive, and with the days getting longer there is more time for one.
Cheers,
Skip
The 928 is in the shop and in good hands. The belts were for the power steering and AC, so the car actually runs really well without them. To get the car to the dealer I just cut the belts off as they're going to be replaced anyway. The steering is a bear, but I'm a big guy and won't let a 3,500 lb. lightweight like the 928 get the best of me!
I jacked the car up this morning to see if there was any way for me to put the belts back on, but no matter what I couldn't get them on without taking things apart, something I didn't care to start doing. I also noticed some sort of coiled fabric tube that was rotten/torn, and a wire that wasn't connected, so there's some other things for the shop to look at. I hope to have the car back sometime next week.
Mid-week would be fine for a drive, and with the days getting longer there is more time for one.
Cheers,
Skip