DOBRO

Well, I have 1987 928 S4 with 59K miles - I bought this car with every intention of making it my daily driver. Paid 16.5k, looked great, with some minor interior needs - Well, after replacing the obligatory broken driver side door handle mechanism. I then replaced a broken AC controller slide, Re-installed my center console and nothing worked. Thinking it was just a fuse, I then had a new stereo, and alarm installed (professionally). Having a new stereo, and alarm that worked - and now, no interior lights, AC, clock, dash lights, or cigarette lighter ( I don't smoke ) - I took it to my local Porsche mechanic for evaluation. He then told me that I had "BAD" electrical problems and it would take some time. Finally, after 5 months, I am now told that I have oil leaks, a steering rack in need of replacement, and need new shocks( all of which I do not find surprising for a 14 year old sports car). In his opinion I should sell the car - and invest the money in a newer 928 GT/GTS, and get rid of this S4. Oh, by the way the electrical problems - well, they will all be fixed in 3-4 weeks! My feeling is to allow him to fix the electrical issues, and patch the other issues. I have not spent an awful lot at this point - since he has done little to fix my original problems. Now, I am stuck - should I sell this car and buy a GT/GTS or should I send it to a 928 restoration garage like 928 International, and have them fix it. Since I get the feeling, that this mechanic does not like working on 928's, and many Porsche dealerships are expensive, and some suspect on the level of quality of 928 repairs ( well, this is what I have heard ). Please comment, if anyone has any recommendations concerning who I could ship this car to for a thorough going over or restoration. Mind you, the car is striking, a head turner - the mechanic's first comments were - "the best S4 I have ever seen" "the car has been well maintained" "the engine is strong, transmission smooth - truly worth 16.5K" "You don't see many 928's of this quality left" But, after almost 6 months - No car, no improvements - with work still needing to be done, I have decided that either I ship the car to a specialist for restoration or ship it to Minnesota and convert it to a spyder! The boss, my wife, said "Do whatever you want....." Frustrated, I turn to my fellow 928 owners for advice - Dobro
PS - Here are some pictures of the wounded shark mentioned

DOBRO

Well - no pics - 2nd try - sorry!
web page

Jamey

Well I have seen this car and it is by far the cleanest 928 I have seen. I think it would have easily won the concours trophy at the 928 OC Convention. It's far too nice of a car to turn into a spyder!! With all due respect, I think the main problem isn't in the car, but rather in the "mechanic". After 5 1/2 months he hasn't fixed the electrical issues but has had time to crawl up under the car to find things wrong!! He should be working inside the car not under it. Also this is the same guy that wanted you to replace 4 almost new tires because they weren't Perilli P Zeroes. If it was me, I would get that beautiful shark back home asap. We can look at the electrical issues and I can tell you if you need a steering rack and shocks within a few minutes. I really doubt that you need a rack at 59K miles. Even if you decide to get a GT/GTS, you will need to have the electrical snafu's fixed before selling the S4. Drive it a little while, have some fun with it, then decide. Decisions!....Decisions!!.....Decisions!!!

DoubleNutz

How much do you really want the 928. If you truly have a passion for the 928, as I do, then restoration costs are not the issue. However, after a total restoration of my Predator I have opted to get into a GTS, although I am quite proud of my restoration of the Predator. But, the cost to restore your S4 will likely be no where near the cost is to get into a GTS. In my search 928 GTS's are (in their best condition needing no restoration) still raking in $$$ from the low 30's to the high 50's.

Now considering that, how much do you really want to spend? This S-4 looks pretty clean (both inside and out). Personally I would finish restoring your 928S4 and drive that baby she is a beauty and looks great inside and out. You may already know this but, I would be remiss if I did not say, there is a proud sense of accomplishment after taking on and completing the restoration of a car like the 928. Besides, no matter how clean the GTS you will likely still have some effort that you will need to put into it because, it too will still be, at least, 6-7 maybe even 8 years old.

928 Maniac

Dobro, I agree with Pat. Every Shark that dies or fall into the wrong hands is a loss to all of us. Like Pat's Predator, FAT BULLY was in a dismally hopeless condition when I aqcuired him and just look at him today!

You have a car with excellent looks and in almost mint condition, but with a few electrical problems and some (insert your own swearword here) mechanic with no auto electrical knowledge who is now fuelling your doubts in an otherwise wonderfull supercar. I assure you, as a base to start from, it seems to me you have a Shark with immense potential and you are by far better off than what most of us had to start off from.

The fact you've bought this car means you have an appreciation for it in the first place. Now don't allow some ***** mechanic to break your well-founded enthusiasm for a car YOU like. Get your Shark away from there ASAP and find a reputable mechanic to check it out for you. Hell, it may even be such a small glitch that you'll laugh about when your car runs sweet after being to a reputable mechanic. Very few 911 mechanics know what it takes to keep a 928 in top shape, so don't go to a `Porsche mechanic', go to a 928 one.

Stick with your Shark. It's worth it.

Jay Wellwood

Hey - don't sell it yet!!!

Trust me - I bought an '87 S4 last December. I thought I was gettin a creme puff - NOT!

Now, after a new interior, new exhaust (RMB included - yeah baby!), and numerous other items (GTS brake upgrades, roof mounted antenna, new speakers, new splash guards, etc...etc) I am finally happy (well, nearly) with the car.

Anyway, long story made short - get the car back home. (btw - your lights are probably a blown fuse - ask me how I know this).

Post some questions to the list if you are inclined to do the work yourself...more likely you can do better work on the car than the wrench you're keeping employed now will.

Just my $9.28 worth....

(btw - if you are interested inselling the car, let me know).

athenian

Having owned a project "shark" for less than two months now, I'm in no position to judge if your car is worth it or not (BTW I can't see your photos either). Without having seen it up close, I can only say that 16K sound like a bit much for an 87 928.

I bought my 83S for dirt cheap in need of major electrical work and some roof work. I had the exact same electrical problems you are describing - no dash lights, electric doors would not work, no sunroof motor, no AC and the list goes on...However during this time I have FIXED most of the electrical problems (no thanks to dealer's help!)

For the most part I took all the carpeting, seats and dash pod out of the car and traced the wiring with the help of a good electrical 928 diagram. Cleaned all the elect. contacts along the way, replaced all the fuses and cleaned/replaced all corroded parts....I had some prior experience on doing electrical work while restoring my 944 a few years back. That project took me a while to complete and involved an entire restoration of the interior. It was a fun and reswarding project.

My opinion is that most mechanics hate to work on electrical problems because:
a) have no training.
b) it's time consuming.
c) can't charge enough for parts.
c) their fingers are too greasy!


Thatever the case of your "trusted" mechanic is, I would take the car to a place which specializes in troubleshooting/repairing electrical car problems. I'm sure they should be able to help you...Hey, the wiring in Porsches is no different than in any other car (although some so called experts like to have us believe so).
As for the mechanical problems you may or may not be having with your car, if I were in your shoes, I would take it someplace else for a second opinion. Someplace reputable of course.

Best of luck...keep your car - after all you have already invested a lot of $$$ in it.

Keep us posted of your progress.

Vasilis

BillHapke

I have 87 928s4 Indeschrot and I knew when I bought it that there would be things needing replacement. I have had it for 4 years and just replaced the shocks and springs. I don't think the difference in price is worth the aditional few years newness. First, however, get rid of you "trusted mechanic" as he needs to get a life other than yours. The car is all you will need for a long time. Go for it!

Bill http://www.centralpaporsche.org