Larry Kohler

How do I tell if my 1986 928S is an 86.5 or not? Is the only difference that the 86.5 has larger front brake rotors? If so, why does everybody make such a big deal about it?

sweet928

86.5 has S4 brakes, S4 engine. Big difference.

SQLGuy

In which case, the most obvious check would be whether you can see the engine (more or less) or it's covered by the intake manifold.

Here's an S4 engine:

PorKen

VIN#...1000 and higher is a '86.5. The GT-S of OBs.

Engine is the the same as '85-'86.0

-Updated ABS system
-4 piston calipers F&R
-Updated front suspension
-Revised floorpan and battery box to fit true dual exhaust piping
-True dual exhaust with larger pipes (52 vs. 49mm ID)
-Removeable rear muffler (RMB-able)
-Cast aluminum rear toe arm mounts
-Smaller battery

GlenL

Wrong and wrong. Just wrong. Completely wrong. Wrong.

M. Requin

-right
-right
-right
-right
and oh just all right
envy is such a pain

GlenL

No envy at all. I'm content with my SOB.

Ken knows the topic.

Lizard928

The 86.5 did not get an S4 engine.
But they did get the S4 cam tensioner inside it.

goodspeed928

The big brakes is the big deal. i had a 86.0 and did NOT like the brakes.

blown 87

What did you not like about the older brakes?

Not enough stopping power? Fade?, pedal feel?

I have heard they are pretty good for a street car, when right.

Pcplod

My 86.5 has FANTASTIC brakes!! I think in a hard stop the fillings would probably fly right out of my mouth!

I did not know that I had a different cam tensioner though. What is different about it??

goodspeed928

Not enough stopping power!
My 97 ford ranger stopped better
(bigger brakes on the ford)

linderpat

Also, the 86.5 has the big intake too. Here's my former one:

GlenL

What pads? And did you try new, better pads?

jcorenman

I can't tell if you are slamming GTS's, or 86.5's

Just kidding!!! I love them all!

(And the '87-91's most of all!!)