KBlair

Looking for advice on 16v vs 32v engines in referance to self maintenance. My background is in electronics and communications systems, so the electrical side of things does not scare me. I do maintain my own vehicles currently, but I'm no mechanic shade-tree or otherwise. I would attempt to replace my own timing belt, but would stop short of an engine rebuild and any complex transmission work.

So, for a newbie like me, are there any quirks about either engine I should be aware of? I know (from reading this forum and other sites, thanks) that the FI systems went through a few changes over the years, and the early models were not computer controlled.

Not that it matters, but I like the appearance of the 16v intakes as opposed to the 32v. Not crazy about the 86 intake that is as wide at the hood opening.

Am I correct in thinking that both engines are throttlebody injection systems? Did the 928 ever have a MPI system?


TIA

John Veninger

The 16V engines in the US were lower on power than the EuroS version. So I would go for a 16V EuroS or an 87+ 32V. That's just my opinion.
Each year has its good and bad points when it comes to "quirks". The 32V can become a problem if you start experiencing electrical problems, but most can be fixed with a bit of troubleshooting. Shouldn't be a problem with your background. Rennlist is great for helping out no matter what year 928 it is.

[quote]Am I correct in thinking that both engines are throttle body injection systems? Did the 928 ever have a MPI system?<hr></blockquote>
No. All 928's had MPI. The early 78-79 US came with CIS (Euro's through 83) mechanical injection. All others had MPI electronic injection.

KBlair

Thanks, I misstyped my question about the FI types, got the types reversed.

I'm looking at an ad for a 82 928S. The ad states that the car has 300hp. Assuming no engine modifications, that's a Euro, right? Tried to contact the owner but got voicemail.

John Veninger

An 82 with 300HP is a EuroS
Make sure you check the engine # to make sure. Also ask if the cams were ever replaced. Sometimes the end of the cam brakes (over tensioned belt)and US cams are put since the euro cams are hard to find.
Check out <a href="http://www.928GT.com" target="_blank">www.928GT.com</a> in the tech spec. section for engine code and HP rating.
Also Phil Tong's site ( <a href="http://www.928s4vr.com" target="_blank">http://www.928s4vr.com</a> ) is ueful for differences in the US models.
Good luck

Paul D

KBlair - The best way to tell if the engine is a EURO S is from the engine type designation. It is stamped into the block just above the waterpump towards the passenger side. For model year '82 the EURO S is stamped with M28.11 (5 speed) or M28.12 (automatic) both rated at 300HP. Good luck!

John Krawczyk

I like the KISS philosophy. As I get more confident about working on my 16v car, i feel that i will be one step ahead when i get an S4 later down the road. Otherwise, maintaining an old bugger is relatively cheaper than an S4. Being a man of limited means and being married too, i feel comfortable with what i have. It wont put me in the poor house keeping it up. I see so much of that on Ebay, guys selling cause they cant afford to keep it up, it makes me wonder why some owners bothered.

Shane

John,

Where did you pick up the LSD for your car? I'd like to add that option to mine.

John Krawczyk

[quote]I'd like to add that option to mine<hr></blockquote>

So would I! Mine needs a rebuild. The clutches are a little worn. It was a factory option. Someone smarter than me would have to tell you if you could retro fit one. That being the case, I wouldnt exchanging mine for a rebuilt unit. I wonder how much that would cost. I'll just add that to the list of future projects. <img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

KBlair

I know that this has been debated to death, but I was wondering if any resolution ever came about.

I was reading the 928 Engine FAQ here on rennlist and it said:

"The 16 valve engines pre -1985 are non interference engines and will not damage the engine if the belt breaks."

I've also seen that only the 78-79 16v engines were non-interference types.

I'm looking at an 83 16v and would really like to know if it's interference or not.
thanks

John Krawczyk

Yes - only the 78-79 cars were non-interference. Something to do with lower compression ratio pistons if i recall correctly. Makes me wonder if stroking a 4.5l with the 8.5:1 pistons will change that. Would probably make a great motor to turbocharge due to the low compression ratio pistons. Would also be prohibitivly expensive to develop. Maybe in 5 years or so, we old bugger owners might find a way to salvage twin turbo setups off wrecked Cayannes.

KBlair

Thanks, guess it's best to play it safe. less expensive that way.